What To Do After a Car Accident in New Jersey

Best practice guide for what you need to do in case you are in an auto accident in NJ

If you are involved in an accident or collision in New Jersey, you must be prepared to act responsibly and in accordance with State law. Following are some general guidelines and more specific requirements to follow in case of an accident.


FIRST AND FOREMOST

As a responsible driver, you must never leave the scene of an accident. Not only is it essential that you provide any necessary help immediately following an accident, but leaving an accident scene can result in having demerit points added to your driving record, your driving privileges revoked or your license suspended.

After stopping your vehicle, you should pull up as close to the accident as safely possible, without obstructing traffic. Take a moment to assess the situation, and do not panic. Be aware of the traffic situation, and any other potential dangers, such as fire.

You should do your best to provide immediate assistance to other motorists, passengers or pedestrians that may have been injured in the accident. Take extra care when attempting to move an injured person; if possible, wait for an ambulance to arrive.

Notify 911 to report any injuries and call for medical assistance. If the accident resulted in death, any injuries, or property damage, it is mandatory to inform the New Jersey police.

If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to stay calm. If possible, ensure that you are out of danger and not blocking any oncoming traffic. Call or wait for help, and do not attempt to move if you are unable to do so. See Auto Accident Injuries for more information.

EXCHANGE INFORMATION

If you are involved in an accident in New Jersey, you are required to provide certain information to the other parties involved.

Likewise, fellow motorists, passengers or pedestrians involved in the accident must share similar information with you. Also, it is often wise to ask for the information of witnesses to the accident just in case you need to have them testify at a later date.

The key information to exchange in the aftermath of an accident includes:

  1. Name, address and contact details.
  2. Driver license number.
  3. License plate number of the vehicles involved.
  4. Auto insurance information for the motorists involved.

It may also be useful to take photographs at the scene of the accident. If you hit an unattended vehicle, you must make an effort to find the owner or driver, and follow these same procedures.

If you are unable to locate the owner of an unattended vehicle, you are required to leave a note indicating your name and contact information, and a brief description of the accident.

REPORTING AN ACCIDENT TO THE NEW JERSEY MVC

  1. If a Police report was not filed and property damage was sustained, you must report an accident to the New Jersey Motor Vehicles Commission. You are not required to report an accident to the New Jersey MVC if a police report has been filed.
  2. New Jersey requires all drivers to carry three types of mandatory insurance – Liability insurance, personal injury protection and uninsured motorist coverage. Police officers investigating an accident have the right to ask you to show proof of insurance. If you cannot show proof of insurance, you may be subject to fines, community service, license suspension and insurance surcharges.
  3. If you did not have proper insurance when the accident occurred, your driving privileges may be suspended for up to three years. You will be required to file proof of future financial responsibility (SR-22) in order to have your driving privileges reinstated.
  4. A written accident report may be submitted to the nearest local New Jersey MVC office or mailed directly to: 
    Motor Vehicle Commission
Customer Advocacy Office
P.O. Box 403
Trenton, NJ 08666-0403

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Last updated on Thursday, October 15 2020.