What information do you exchange after a car accident, and why is it essential to get the correct information? New Jersey law says you must exchange information after a car accident, and if you don’t get all the info, you might have trouble with your car accident claim.
For help figuring out what to do after a car accident, call our Edison car accident attorneys at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. With more than 40 years of experience, we’ve secured over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients. Our winning track record of success says all you need to know about our firm.
If you have questions about what to do after your car accident, you’ve come to the right place.
What Information Do I Need to Exchange After a Car Accident?
According to New Jersey law 39:4-129, you must give your name and address to the other driver. You must also display your license and registration certificate. In addition to these legal requirements, it’s a good idea to photograph the following information from the other driver:
- Phone number
- Driver’s license
- License plate numbers and car tag numbers
- Make, model, and descriptions of vehicles
- Insurance policy information
- Accident scene photos
If you can, also get nearby witnesses’ names and contact information.
If you hit a car and no driver is present, you should secure a written notice with your name and address to the vehicle that was hit. If your car was damaged and no driver was present, you should file a police report and report it to your insurance company to make an uninsured motorist property damage claim.
Why Is It Important to Exchange Information After an Auto Accident?
Not only is exchanging information required by law, but it’s a crucial step toward recovering compensation for your losses.
In New Jersey, you can file a claim with your own insurance provider (first-party claim) or, if the other driver is at fault, the other driver’s insurance (third-party claim). If the other party is at fault, you will need their information to pursue compensation from them. If you don’t have their information, proceeding with a legal claim will be much more complicated.
What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
This partially depends on the type of insurance you have. If you have a standard insurance policy, your own insurance company might be able to cover your damages and loss. However, if you only have a basic policy, accidents with uninsured or underinsured drivers may not be covered.
In any case, you should still exchange information with them and consult with an attorney. An experienced New Jersey car accident lawyer who knows the local system can help you thoroughly explore all possible avenues of compensation.
Contact an Experienced New Jersey Auto Accident Attorney Today
Knowing what information to exchange after a car accident in New Jersey is vital to recovering the compensation you deserve.
Remember that the insurance companies want to save money. If they’re not abiding by the terms of their policy towards you, you need an aggressive and experienced personal injury attorney who’s ready to fight for what you’re owed.
Contact our firm today to learn about your options. Even if you didn’t get all the driver’s information or the other driver doesn’t have insurance, it doesn’t hurt to learn more about what you should do next. The consultation is free, and we don’t charge fees unless we win.
We’re happy to meet with you at one of our offices or virtually via Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype. We speak Spanish and have translators for many other languages if needed.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Since 1981, the compassionate personal injury lawyers at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon have been delivering results for our deserving clients. We are solely committed to helping injured individuals, never representing corporations. No matter how large or small your personal injury case is, you can trust that it is important to us.