After a car crash, it can be difficult to think clearly. You are shaken up, possibly injured, and trying to understand what happened—one of the most important steps you can take immediately after an accident is reporting it. In New Jersey, reporting an accident after it happens is not only a legal requirement in many cases, but it can also significantly affect the outcome of any insurance claim or legal action you may pursue.
At Petro Cohen, P.C., we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a crash can be. With more than 100 years of combined legal experience, our firm has helped countless New Jersey accident victims navigate the legal system and recover the compensation they deserve. Here is what you need to know about why timely accident reporting matters.
What Happens If You Don’t Report an Accident Within 24 Hours in NJ?
Reporting an accident after it happens may not seem urgent if you feel okay or see only minor damage. But delays can have serious consequences. Failing to notify law enforcement and your insurer can lead to complications that weaken your claim or even violate the law.
Failure to Follow the Law
In New Jersey, you are required to report an accident if it results in:
- Injury or death to any person, or
- Property damage of $500 or more.
You must report qualifying accidents to local law enforcement immediately. You must also file a written report with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) within 10 days unless a police officer files a report on your behalf.
Evidence Can Be Lost or Harder to Recover
The sooner you report a car accident, the better your chances of preserving critical evidence. Delays can weaken your case by making lost evidence more likely or witness recollections less reliable.
Here are examples of evidence that can quickly be lost:
- Physical evidence cleared from the scene,
- Surveillance or dashcam footage deleted or overwritten,
- Eyewitness’ memories,
- Eyewitness contact information, and
- Accident scene condition reconstruction without documentation.
Prompt accident reporting helps capture these details before they are lost.
Insurance Problems May Follow
Failing to report an accident promptly can lead to serious complications when filing a claim. Most New Jersey auto insurance policies require that policyholders notify their insurer “immediately” or “within a reasonable amount of time” after an accident.
If you delay, your insurer may question the validity of your claim or outright deny coverage. They may argue that the delay prevented them from conducting a timely investigation, leading to doubts about how the accident occurred or whether the crash directly caused your injuries.
Even if they don’t deny your claim entirely, late reporting can result in:
- Increased premiums,
- Policy breach allegations, and
- Payment delays.
Notifying your insurance carrier is a critical step that helps protect your ability to recover the compensation you need.
What Is One of the Benefits of Early Reporting?
Timely reporting protects you in more ways than one. Beyond meeting your legal responsibilities, early action lays a strong foundation for any insurance claim or legal case. When you report promptly, you are not just complying with rules but giving yourself the best possible chance at a fair outcome.
Preserve Evidence
The details at the scene matter. Fresh photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, or debris can help paint a clear picture of what happened. Physical evidence, like skid marks or a broken headlight, can be critical in proving fault. When you report the accident early, you preserve that evidence before it fades or is cleaned up.
Protect Your Health
Seeing a doctor immediately after a crash ensures that hidden injuries are diagnosed and treated early. It also links your medical condition directly to the accident, which is essential if you need to file a claim. Early medical attention safeguards your health and your legal rights.
Get Witness Statements
Witnesses are often more willing and accurate when asked to give a statement shortly after an accident. Delays can lead to faded memories or lost contact information. Reporting the crash promptly helps law enforcement and your attorney track down people who saw what happened and preserve their accounts.
Ensure a Police Report Is Filed
A police report is one of the most critical documents in a car accident case. It includes key facts, statements from involved parties, and the officer’s initial observations. When you report an accident immediately, you increase the likelihood of having an objective report of what happened.
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