A car accident at a Jersey City intersection can leave you shaken and unsure of your next move. Traffic is backing up. Police may be on the way. You might be in pain or still trying to process what just happened.
In those first few minutes, it is hard to think clearly about what to do after a car accident, especially when multiple vehicles, pedestrians, and traffic signals are involved.
You may already be wondering how this will affect your health, your job, and your finances. At Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., our Jersey City car accident lawyers guide injured drivers through situations like this every day.
We have over three decades of combined legal experience and have recovered over $100 million for our clients.
If you were hurt in an intersection crash in Jersey City, here is what you need to know next.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident at a Jersey City Intersection?
Intersection accidents are often chaotic. Multiple vehicles, pedestrians, traffic signals, and witnesses may all be involved. Here are the most important steps to take after a car accident.
Call 911
Your first move should always be to call 911. Even if the crash seems minor, you want police and emergency responders at the scene. A police report creates an official record of the collision, including the location, time, weather conditions, and statements from drivers and witnesses.
New Jersey law requires drivers to report an accident by the quickest means of communication when it results in:
- Injury to any person,
- The death of any person, or
- Property damage to any one person in excess of $500.
Notifying the local police department, county police, or state police ensures you comply with the law and creates critical documentation that may later support your insurance claim or personal injury case.
Seek Medical Attention
Adrenaline can mask pain. It is common to feel “fine” immediately after a crash, only to wake up the next day with neck stiffness, headaches, or back pain.
Getting prompt medical care protects both your health and your legal claim. Medical records connect your injuries directly to the accident. If you delay treatment, insurance companies may argue that your injuries were not serious or were caused by something else.
Follow all treatment recommendations. Attend follow-up appointments. Keep records of every visit, prescription, and diagnosis. Your recovery should be your priority.
Collect Evidence
If you are physically able and it is safe to do so, begin documenting the scene. Intersection crashes can become “he said, she said” situations. Evidence helps clarify what actually happened.
Take photos of:
- All vehicles involved,
- License plates,
- Damage to vehicles and the surrounding area,
- Traffic lights and signage,
- Skid marks or debris, and
- Road and weather conditions.
If there are nearby businesses or traffic cameras, make note of them. Surveillance footage can be critical, but it is often deleted quickly. Preserving evidence early can strengthen your case later.
Get Contact Information
Exchange information with the other driver. You will need:
- Full name,
- Address,
- Phone number,
- Driver’s license number, and
- Insurance company and policy number.
If there were witnesses, politely ask for their contact information as well. Independent witness statements can make a significant difference in intersection accidents, especially when the parties dispute fault.
Be respectful and calm. Avoid arguments. Focus only on gathering accurate information.
Be Careful What You Say to Insurance Companies
After the crash, you will likely receive calls from insurance adjusters. They may seem friendly and concerned. Remember that their goal is to protect the insurance company’s bottom line.
Stick to the basic facts. Do not speculate about fault. Do not downplay your injuries. Avoid giving recorded statements without speaking to a lawyer first.
Speak to an Accident Attorney
One of the most important steps in knowing what to do after a car accident is understanding when to call a Jersey City accident attorney. The sooner you involve legal counsel, the sooner your rights are protected.
At Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., we begin preparing for litigation from day one. We are known for aggressively pursuing claims and taking cases to court when necessary. That preparation can make a difference when negotiating with insurance companies.
Why Do I Need a Jersey City Car Accident Lawyer?
After an intersection crash, liability is not always clear. Drivers may blame each other, and insurance companies often move quickly to limit their payouts.
A lawyer helps level the playing field and ensures your side of the story is supported by evidence and not assumptions. They can:
- Conduct an independent investigation into how the crash occurred;
- Secure traffic camera or nearby surveillance footage before it is lost;
- Identify all responsible parties, including commercial drivers or third parties;
- Handle negotiations so you are not pressured into a quick settlement; and
- Prepare and file all required court paperwork accurately and on time.
Your lawyer will also file your claim before the legal deadline expires. In New Jersey, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If that deadline passes, you generally won’t be able to recover compensation, regardless of how strong your evidence may be.
Contact Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C. After a Jersey City Intersection Crash
An intersection accident can turn your life upside down in seconds. You may be facing mounting medical bills, time away from work, and constant calls from insurance adjusters.
At Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., we are licensed in both New Jersey and New York and regularly litigate serious personal injury cases. We do not treat your case like a number. We treat you like family.
We handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no upfront attorney fees, and we are paid only if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.
If you suffered injuries in a collision, contact us to speak with a Jersey City car accident lawyer. Let us review your case, explain your options, and help you move forward with confidence.
David Pierguidi and Jared Glugeth understand how hard it may be for you and your family following an accident resulting from someone’s negligent actions. Get the medical treatment you need right away and then call our law firm at any time of day for answers to your questions.
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