In New Jersey, drivers are legally required to call the police and file a report if the accident involves injuries, death, or property damage totaling more than $500. Even if it is not required, filing a police report following an accident is strongly recommended to protect your legal rights, as it may contain beneficial information that can help your case in the event you wish to pursue legal action against the negligent party. If you were involved in a collision, it is crucial that you understand your rights and obtain skilled representation. Work with a Middlesex County, NJ car accident attorney during your claim or lawsuit.
Do I Have to Call the Police After a Car Accident in NJ?
Not every single car crash must be reported to the police. Under New Jersey state law, drivers are only required to call the police and report the accident if it resulted in any injuries, death, or over $500 in vehicle or property damage.
It can be difficult to determine exactly how much property damage was done, even in a minor accident. Additionally, injuries may not present physical symptoms right away, so it can be impossible to tell the true state of any injuries. It is recommended to call the police at the scene of an accident, but it is not legally required unless the above conditions are true.
Under N.J.S.A. § 39:4-130, drivers must file a written report with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission within 10 days of the collision if the accident meets the reporting threshold.
When You are Legally Required to Call the Police
- Injury or death to an involved party
- Property or vehicle damage appears to exceed $500
- The driver leaves the scene of the collision
- The accident involves a commercial vehicle or damage to public property
- You believe the other driver is under the influence
In New Jersey, you must call the police if the accident involves death, injuries, or over $500 in damage to property. If none of these conditions apply, you are not legally required to file a report, but it is generally in your best interest to call the police after any collision.
Situations Where Calling the Police Is Still Strongly Recommended
- You are unsure of the extent of the damages
- The other driver disputes fault or stops cooperating
- Weather, traffic, or road conditions contributed to the collision
- You plan to file a claim through insurance or pursue legal action
Why Calling the Police After Any Accident Is Beneficial
In general, it is in your best interest to call the police following an accident in Edison, Perth Amboy, Sayerville, or anywhere in Middlesex County and throughout New Jersey. Doing so can significantly strengthen your claim and protect your rights, as the police can help collect the information of each party, gather evidence, and provide a preliminary fault determination.
Key Benefits of Having Police at the Scene
- Officers create an official accident report, which insurers rely on
- They can formally document injuries, damage to vehicles, and road conditions
- They can take witness statements while memories of the incident are fresh
- Law enforcement can help mitigate disputes between drivers at the scene
- They can help identify traffic violations and negligent behavior
What Happens if I Don’t Call the Police?
If you don’t call the police or file a report about the accident when someone was injured, killed, or there was property damage exceeding $500, there can be legal repercussions. Any driver involved who fails to report an eligible accident could be subject to fines of up to $100. They may also have their driving privileges suspended or even face criminal charges like a hit-and-run offense.
By not reporting the accident to the local police in Middlesex County, you also risk certain rights and opportunities. If you do not file a report but are later found to have hidden injuries or delayed symptoms, you may lose your opportunity to pursue legal action and collect compensation. Insurance companies may argue that the injuries are unrelated to the accident. Additionally, if the other driver is uninsured, you may not realize until it is too late.
Without an official police report, it can be difficult to determine liability and file a successful claim with either your insurance provider or another driver’s insurance provider. Regardless of the severity of the accident, it is recommended to call the police and file an official report to protect yourself during the aftermath of an accident.
Legal and Financial Consequences of Not Reporting
- Fines and potential license suspension
- Risk of criminal charges in serious cases
- Difficulty proving fault in insurance disputes
- Increased likelihood of a denied claim
- Lost evidence necessary to fight for compensation
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you were involved in a car accident in Middlesex County or the surrounding communities, you may be able to pursue legal action against the liable party for compensation for your medical expenses, property damage, loss of income, pain and suffering, and more. That is why working with an experienced attorney with Stathis & Leonardis, LLC, is in your best interest. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer with our firm to discuss your rights and options.
