If you are involved in an auto accident in New Jersey, it is crucial that you understand your responsibilities, including the information that you have to exchange with the other drivers and individuals involved. For more information on your legal rights and options, set up a consultation with a skilled Sussex County auto accident lawyer today.
What Information Do I Have to Exchange After an Accident in NJ?
When you are involved in a motor vehicle accident in New Jersey, there are several expectations and requirements that you must abide by, one of the most important being stopping at the scene of the accident and exchanging information with the other driver or drivers involved.
According to N.J.R.S. 39:4-129, “The driver of any vehicle knowingly involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to any person or damage to any vehicle or property shall give his name and address and exhibit his operator’s license and registration certificate of his vehicle to the person injured or whose vehicle or property was damaged and to any police officer or witness of the accident, and to the driver or occupants of the vehicle collided with…”
As established by this law, you are legally required to exchange with the other individuals involved in your accident the following.
- Full name
- Address
- Driver’s license information
- Vehicle registration
While not explicitly outlined in this statute, you should also exchange contact information and information about your insurance provider, like the company, policy number, and more.
What if I Do Not Exchange Information?
If you violate this statute by failing to stop at the scene of the accident or provide any of the required information, you could face significant legal penalties, including fines of $5,000 to $10,000 (as amended from $2,500 to $5,000) as well as being imprisoned for up to 180 days.
Besides being in violation of a state traffic law, you will also make the aftermath of the accident more complicated for yourself. Exchanging information like your name, phone number, and vehicle information makes it easier to locate the other individuals involved after you go your separate ways. New Jersey is a no-fault accident state, meaning that all drivers file a claim through PIP (Personal Injury Protection) for physical injury-related expenses first, but you may still need to deal with the other party’s insurance. PIP does not cover non-injury expenses like property damage, psychological injuries, pain and suffering, etc.
Making sure that you have all relevant information, especially the other party’s vehicle and insurance information, is crucial to ensure that the situation is resolved fairly and that you can recover compensation for your damages.
To learn more about your legal rights and options after being involved in an auto accident in New Jersey, reach out to an experienced attorney at Laddey Clark & Ryan, LLP today.
