Injured In A Car Accident? Need To File An Accident Report? Contact One Of Our New Jersey Car Accident Lawyers Today!Call Us 24/7 – (856) 354-5688 or Email Us Here |
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How Long Do You Have to File a Police Report After a Car Accident in NJ?
After a car accident occurs, a police report in NJ must be submitted within 10 days of an accident that results in death, injury, or over $500 of damage. If these criteria are met, the report will be completed by law enforcement officers at the scene of the accident. If the accident was minor and did not need an officer at the scene, then the driver can fill out a New Jersey Self-Reporting Crash form via the state’s website. In New Jersey, it’s mandatory to inform the nearest police force or State Police about any accident matching the criteria mentioned earlier using the “quickest means of communication.” All accidents must be reported, in writing, within 10 days. We recommend reporting the accident immediately or as soon as reasonably possible after it occurs.
See how to get free legal help filing a police report in NJ.
To mitigate potential complications, we recommend reporting any accident that meets the criteria set by New Jersey law to the police, even if they were not needed at the scene of the crash. This helps ensure that you have the necessary documentation for insurance purposes and to protect yourself legally in case of any future issues related to the accident.
Do I Have to File an Accident Report in NJ?
In New Jersey, a police report isn’t mandatory for every motor vehicle incident. Certain minor accidents may not require a report. However, it’s legally required to inform law enforcement of an accident under the following conditions:
- If the accident causes bodily injury or death.
- If the accident leads to $500 or more in property damage.
As a rule of thumb, it’s always a good idea to contact the police if there’s any visible damage to the other vehicle.
Want Free Help Filing a NJ Police Report?
If you were injured in an accident in New Jersey that wasn’t your fault and a police report wasn’t filed, remember that this document is crucial to get correct because it will be used for insurance matters and potential legal issues. It can be difficult to know what information to include and how to phrase things. If we take you on as a client, we’ll guide you through the process for free. Tell us about your situation.
Disclaimer: The only way you can create an attorney-client relationship with The Pearce Law Firm is by signing a written agreement. Visiting this website, completing a contact form, or sending an email do not establish an attorney-client relationship. We reserve the right to decline a request.
How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident To Your Insurance Company in New Jersey?
As with reporting an accident to the police, it’s recommended that you report a car accident to your insurance company as soon as possible after the incident occurs. While there might not be a strict legal deadline specified by the state, most insurance policies recommend reporting accidents as soon as reasonably possible. It is important to note that reporting an accident to your insurance company is not the same thing as filing a claim. You may also need a New Jersey insurance claims lawyer to assist you, and we can help!
Insurance companies often prefer immediate or timely reporting for several reasons:
- Policy Requirements: Auto insurance policies often contain clauses that stipulate prompt reporting of accidents. Failing to report within a reasonable timeframe might affect your coverage or complicate the claims process.
- Timely Investigation: Reporting the accident promptly allows the insurance company to conduct a timely investigation. This helps in determining fault, assessing damages, and expediting the claims process for you.
- Legal Protection: Timely reporting ensures that you comply with the terms of your insurance policy, providing legal protection and preventing potential issues with coverage denial due to delayed reporting.
While there might not be a specific legally mandated time frame, the sooner you report the accident, the better it is for initiating the claims process and ensuring that you fulfill your obligations under your insurance policy. Familiarizing yourself with your specific insurance policy’s requirements regarding reporting accidents can also help ensure you are complying with their guidelines.
Can You File a Police Report Days After an Accident in New Jersey?
How long do you have to report an accident in NJ? If the accident resulted in death, injury, or over $500 of damage, you’re required to report the accident within 10 days. If those specific elements are not applicable to your case, while there isn’t a strict time limit specified by law for filing a police report after a car accident in New Jersey if an officer did not come to the scene, it’s generally advised to fill out the online report and submit the state within 24 hours if law enforcement did not respond to the accident. Doing so ensures that details are documented accurately, including information about the parties involved, witnesses, location, time, and circumstances of the accident.
The longer you wait to file an accident report, the more compromised your potential claim may be. A crash report submitted immediately after an accident carries greater credibility than a report that is filed days or weeks later.
What about in neighboring PA? Here’s how long you have to file a police report after an accident in Pennsylvania.
Do I Need a Lawyer to File an Accident Report in NJ?
Whether you need a lawyer after a car accident in New Jersey can depend on a variety of factors. For minor accidents where there are no injuries and the property damage is minimal, you might not need a lawyer. In fact, insurance companies often recommend you handle these claims directly with them. Unfortunately, this is not always in your best interest. There are situations where involving a New Jersey car accident lawyer can be beneficial, including:
- Serious Injuries: If you or anyone involved sustained severe injuries, a lawyer will help navigate complex legal and insurance matters to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Disputed Liability: When fault for the accident is contested or unclear, a lawyer can gather evidence, assess the situation, and advocate on your behalf to ensure your rights are protected.
- Complexities in the Case: Accidents involving multiple parties, uninsured motorists, or when the insurance company tries to dispute your claim can benefit from legal representation.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: An injury lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you’re not taken advantage of in settlement offers so you can focus on recovery.
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The experts at Pearce Law Firm are here to answer all of your questions. Our personal injury lawyers in NJ provide free consultations to assess your case and are always happy to assist you in determining if you have a case. Contact us today or call our Cherry Hill office at (856) 354-5688! We can also help if you have questions about how to file a police report online in NJ.
What To Do After a New Jersey Car Accident
Car accidents are scary and overwhelming. No matter where you’ve been in an accident, it’s always a good idea to have an experienced advocate in your corner. Accident lawyer Edith Pearce explains what you need to do after being injured in a car accident.
Whether you need a Marlton car accident lawyer, an injury lawyer in Cherry Hill, a personal injury lawyer in Woodbury, NJ, or a Toms River car accident lawyer, The Pearce Law Firm is dedicated to serving residents throughout the Garden State. Learn more about obtaining an Ocean City, NJ accident report here.
