What to Do After a New Jersey Car Accident – Your Step-by-Step Guide

A car accident can leave you shaken, injured, and uncertain about what comes next. If you’ve been involved in a crash in New Jersey—whether in South Orange, Essex County, or elsewhere in the state—understanding your steps is critical. At the Law Offices of Clarence Barry-Austin , with decades of trial experience, we help clients navigate what to do after a car accident claim in NJ.

Step 1: Ensure Safety & Seek Medical Treatment

Immediately after a crash, your first priority is health and safety: move to a safe location if possible, call 911, and get medical attention. Even if you feel “okay,” symptoms of internal injury or whiplash can emerge later — documenting treatment early can strengthen your case.

Step 2: Report the Accident & Gather Information

In New Jersey, you must report certain motor vehicle accidents to law enforcement (for example, if someone is injured or there is substantial property damage). While on-scene, gather information: names and contact of other drivers and witnesses, insurance information, license plate numbers, photos of the vehicles and scene, and notes of what happened (time, weather, location). Such evidence helps if you pursue an auto accident claim in NJ.

Step 3: Notify Your Insurance Company

You’ll need to inform your insurance company. But be careful: the insurance companies often want statements and may attempt to minimize payouts. Having a seasoned auto accident lawyer in NJ on your side helps protect your rights.

Step 4: Consult an Experienced NJ Car Accident Lawyer

When injuries are serious — broken bones, traumatic brain injury, spinal injury, long rehabilitation, or time off work — you’ll want a lawyer experienced in NJ auto accident claims. At our firm, we emphasize clear advice, real support, and a trial-ready approach built on over 45 years of experience.

Step 5: Understand How Compensation Works

Compensation may include medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and other losses. In New Jersey, comparative fault rules apply: if you were partially at fault, your recovery may be reduced. A lawyer who understands the law and can investigate liability (driver behavior, road conditions, vehicle defects) gives you an advantage.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Clarence Barry-Austin?

With over 4 decades of courtroom experience, hundreds of jury trials, and a reputation for integrity and client-centered service, our firm stands out in the tri-state area. We limit our caseload so each client gets individual attention and a strategy designed around their recovery, not a volume business.

Final Thoughts: If you or someone you care about has been in a car crash in New Jersey, don’t wait. Early steps matter. Contact the Law Offices of Clarence Barry-Austin for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights, evaluate your claim, and guide you forward with confidence.