Route 17 is one of the busiest roads in Bergen County. Heavy retail traffic, frequent merges, jughandle turns and stop-and-go congestion through Paramus, Hackensack and the surrounding towns make crashes common. If you have been hurt in a car accident on Route 17, what you do in the first hours and days can affect both your health and your legal claim.
1. Get to safety and call 911
If you can, move your vehicle out of traffic. If the car cannot be moved, turn on your hazard lights and stay inside with your seat belt on until help arrives, unless you are in immediate danger. Call 911 and report any injuries, even if they seem minor.
2. Make sure a police report is filed
Ask the responding officer for the report number and the officer's name and badge number. A police report is an important record of what happened, where it happened and who was involved.
3. Collect information at the scene
If you are able, gather the following:
The other driver's name, phone number, license plate, and insurance information
Names and phone numbers of any witnesses
Photos and video of the vehicles, the road, traffic signs and signals, skid marks and your injuries
The exact location, such as the nearest cross street, mile marker or business
4. Get medical attention right away
Some injuries, including whiplash, concussions and back injuries, may not show symptoms for hours or days. See a doctor or go to the emergency room as soon as possible and follow the treatment plan. Medical records also document your injuries and help connect them to the crash.
5. Be careful what you say
Do not admit fault or guess about what happened, even to be polite. Stick to the facts. The other driver's insurance company may call you quickly and ask for a recorded statement. You are not required to give one, and it is wise to speak with an attorney first.
6. Understand how New Jersey's no-fault system works
New Jersey is a no-fault state. In most cases, your own auto insurance Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for your medical treatment after a crash, regardless of who caused it. Your policy may also include a limitation on lawsuit option, which can affect your ability to seek compensation for pain and suffering unless your injuries meet certain legal requirements. Which option you chose when you bought your policy matters, so keep a copy of your insurance documents.
7. Do not wait too long to talk to a lawyer
Most New Jersey personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident, and evidence such as video footage and vehicle data can disappear quickly. An attorney can protect that evidence, deal with the insurance companies and explain your options.
Hurt in a crash on Route 17?
The Law Office of Todd I. Siegel has represented injured New Jersey clients for more than 30 years from its Hackensack office. Call 201-678-0678 for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win your case.
This article is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.