What to Tell Your Driving-Age Children To Do After a Crash

First, Plan Before an Accident

Equip the car with warning triangles, flares or road lights. Here are some good road triangles: https://www.jjkeller.com/shop/Product/Emergency-Warning-Triangle-3-Pack-Kit

Make sure there is a real first aid kit in the car. An example of this is: https://meditackits.com

Make sure all of the insurance and registration information is up to date and in the glove box.

After An Accident

Do your best to stay calm, make sure you are ok and make sure everyone else in your car is ok. Call 911. If anyone feels neck, back, stomach pain, or headaches, it could be a sign of something insidiously serious. Make sure this is conveyed to first responders.

Check for smoke, as it could indicate a potential fire. If so, safely leave the vehicle immediately and make sure your passengers can get out safely.

Unless there is a fire risk, however, do not attempt to get out of your vehicle unless it is safe to do so. Advise your passengers of the same thing.

If it is safe to exit your vehicle, and you feel uninjured enough to do so, immediately check on any other person involved in the crash. If they need aid, do everything you can to assist them – even if you are angry they ran a red light, etc. Be a good Samaritan.

Do not move your vehicle, unless it is in a position that is unsafe.

Call your parents once you are in a safe place.

Cooperate with police and move your vehicle if they ask you.

Cooperating with police does not mean admitting fault. If you are feeling well enough to speak to the police, tell them your side of the story period. However, don’t say things like, “I guess maybe I was partially at fault.” Keep your version short and to the point. A car accident can be very scary and traumatizing. Do your best to be polite and be pleasant to police.

If you are feeling well enough, take photographs and video with your cell phone. Document the position of the cars before they are moved after the accident. Document the damage to all of the vehicles, even if minor (or none). Take photographs and video of any injuries. If you cannot do this, ask others to do so.

Look around at where the accident occurred. There is often video recording everywhere. Look at the intersection to see if there are cameras, and look at all houses and stores nearby. Take a video of the area with all the nearby houses and businesses so you can remember. If you believe there may be a dispute about how this accident occurred, and you are well enough, ask these homeowners and businesses if they happened to capture the accident on video. If you or someone on your behalf does this, most are willing to help. Be advised, much of this video can be lost (written over) in only a few days, so consider doing this quickly.

If the accident is serious, perhaps call a lawyer to learn how medical bills get paid, the insurance issues involved and explore whether an injury claim would make sense. Most lawyers handling injury cases will talk to you about these issues free of charge.

Thanks,

Jim Lynch

Jim Lynch has been a lawyer for 30 years representing those injured in serious accidents. He is the immediate past President of the New Jersey Association for Justice, which is New Jersey’s 2,700 Trial Lawyer Organization. Jim has had some of the largest verdicts in NJ and often teaches other lawyers insurance issues, trial practice and other aspects of litigation.

Excellent service each time I’ve used this very professional staff Alexis and Mike are the best ever I’d highly recommend lynch firm and associates

James Austin

My experience was longer than anticipated at no fault of the firms, but overall calm, the staff was responsive and my attorney Mike Buonocour was informative and direct which i was very appreciative.. also would like to mention that the paralegal Thomas Bane was very responsive attentive to my concerns,
The end result was pleasant and painless (emotionally speaking)

David James

I was involved in a motor vehicle accident which caused me significant pain in my back. I reached out to Lynch Law Firm, PC and met with Brian Held and Michael Buonocore. I have to say, the entire staff at Lynch Law Firm, PC were extremely courteous, knowledgeable and resourceful. They handled my case quickly and with care. Would highly recommend Lynch Law Firm, PC!

Janet Nuss

Our time with this firm was a pleasant experience. They handled our case very well and even though the pandemic was a tough time for everyone, they were very attentive and helpful to my wife and I. Thanks to Arthur Lynch, Disnaida Ramírez, and Julia Marut, we are extremely happy with our result. A special thanks to Julia who was on top of everything during this time. I highly recommend working with this team.

Camilo Sanchez

Mike Rosenberg is compassionate and handled everything professionally with extreme attention to detail . If you want someone who’s dedicated to helping you and your family out you’ve found the right place. Can’t thank Mike enough!

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