A crash shocks your body and mind. In those first minutes you feel fear, anger, and confusion. You also face fast choices that can protect your health, your safety, and your rights in New Jersey. This guide walks you through those first steps. You will learn what to say, what not to say, and what to write down. You will see how to deal with police, other drivers, and insurance. You will also see when to call a doctor and when to call a lawyer. One option is to speak with Sattiraju & Tharney LLP if you think someone broke the law or your rights at work were involved. These steps may feel hard while you shake and worry. Yet you can follow them one by one. You can stay calm. You can protect yourself and your family from more harm after the crash.
1. Check for danger and move to a safe place
First, look around. Traffic may still move. Gas may leak. Glass may break.
- Turn on hazard lights.
- If you can, move your car to the side of the road.
- If the car will not move, stay inside with your seat belt on until it is safe to step out.
- Keep children in the car unless there is fire or smoke.
Then, once you are in a safe spot, take one long breath. You do not need to fix everything at once. You only need to take the next step.
2. Call 911 and report the crash
New Jersey law expects you to report crashes that cause injury or death or high damage. When in doubt, call. You will not regret asking for help.
When you speak to 911, give:
- The road name and nearest mile marker or exit.
- How many cars and people are involved.
- Any clear injuries you see.
Stay on the phone until the operator says you can hang up. Police and EMS will form the base of the record that insurance and courts may use later.
3. Check for injuries and get medical care
Crash injuries hide. Your body pumps stress hormones. You may feel fine even with real harm.
- Look for bleeding, swelling, or twisted limbs.
- Ask each person in your car where it hurts.
- Do not move anyone with neck or back pain unless there is fire or more danger.
Next, get checked by a doctor as soon as you can, even if you think you are okay. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that some head and neck injuries show up hours or days later. You can read more about crash injury symptoms at the CDC’s page on motor vehicle safety.
4. Stay careful about what you say
Your words after a crash can affect your rights. You may feel pressure to talk fast or to ease tension. That is human. Still, you need to protect yourself.
With the other driver:
- Exchange names, phone numbers, and addresses.
- Exchange license plate numbers and insurance details.
- Stay calm and polite.
Yet do not:
- Say “I am sorry” or “It was my fault.”
- Guess about what happened.
- Argue about blame at the scene.
You can say, “I want to wait for the police before we discuss what happened.” That one line can protect you.
5. Talk with the police clearly and honestly
When officers arrive, they will ask for your license, registration, and proof of insurance. Hand these over without comment.
When they ask what happened:
- Share facts, not guesses.
- If you do not know, say “I am not sure” instead of filling in the gaps.
- Mention any pain, even if it feels small.
Ask how to get a copy of the crash report. In New Jersey, many reports are later available online. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission explains reporting duties and license rules at its official MVC website.
6. Collect evidence at the scene
Memory fades. Photos do not. If you can move and it is safe, use your phone to record what you see.
- Take wide photos of all cars and the road.
- Take close photos of damage, skid marks, and broken parts.
- Photograph traffic lights, signs, and weather.
- Write down the time, location, and road conditions.
If anyone saw the crash, ask for their names and contact details. Witnesses can support your version when insurance or courts review the case.
7. New Jersey no‑fault insurance and your options
New Jersey uses a no fault system for many car crashes. This means your own policy often pays your medical bills first, even if the other driver caused the crash. Yet serious injury cases may still allow lawsuits.
New Jersey Crash Response Steps and Timeframe
| Step | What you do | When you do it
|
|---|---|---|
| Safety check | Move to safe place and turn on hazards | First 1 to 3 minutes |
| Call 911 | Report crash and request police and EMS | First 5 minutes |
| Medical check | Check for injuries and accept EMS care | First 15 to 30 minutes |
| Exchange info | Share IDs and insurance with other drivers | At the scene after safety is secure |
| Evidence | Take photos and gather witness contacts | Before leaving the scene |
| Doctor visit | Get full exam even for mild symptoms | Same day or within 24 hours if possible |
| Insurance notice | Report crash to your insurer | Within 24 to 48 hours |
| Legal review | Talk with a lawyer about your rights | Within days, before giving any recorded statement |
8. Contact your insurance company
Once you are safe and have seen a doctor, call your insurer. Many policies require quick notice.
When you call:
- Give basic facts about the crash.
- Do not guess about injuries or fault.
- Ask about medical coverage and rental coverage.
If they ask for a recorded statement, you can say you want to speak with a lawyer first. That is a fair and common step.
9. When to speak with a lawyer
You may think you only need a lawyer for large lawsuits. That belief can cost you. You should at least consider a legal review when:
- You have neck, back, head, or joint pain.
- Someone in your car was a child, older adult, or pregnant person.
- The crash involved a work vehicle, delivery van, or company car.
- You feel pressure to accept money or to sign forms.
If your job, boss, or work hours link in any way to the crash, you may also face work law issues. In that situation, you can reach out to a firm such as Sattiraju & Tharney LLP to discuss your rights at work and how the crash connects to your job.
10. Care for your mind and your family
A crash can haunt sleep and mood. Children may cling or act out. You may feel rage at odd times. You are not weak. You are human.
- Talk with your doctor about stress, fear, or nightmares.
- Tell your children simple facts about what happened and how you are keeping them safe.
- Lean on trusted family or community supports.
You cannot erase the crash. Yet you can take clear steps that protect your body, your rights, and your peace. One step at a time is enough.
