A car accident can happen in an instant — and when it does, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, shaken, and unsure of what to do next. In those first moments, the decisions you make can have a major impact on your safety, your recovery, and your ability to get fair compensation. Hence, it’s important to get the right person for the task — a car accident lawyer.
At The Law Office of Portnoi & Reed P.C., we’ve spent more than 30 years helping Union County residents navigate the aftermath of serious car accidents. We know the confusion you may be feeling — and we’re here to guide you through the exact steps you should take to protect yourself and your legal rights.
Step 1: Ensure Safety and Call 911
Your first priority after a crash is safety. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt — even if the injury seems minor — call 911 immediately. In Union County, local police and emergency responders can arrive quickly, but only if you make that call right away.
Even if no one appears seriously injured, it’s still a good idea to have law enforcement come to the scene. Their official report will become an important piece of evidence if you need to file an insurance claim or lawsuit with the help of a car accident lawyer later.
Step 2: Exchange Information with the Other Driver
Once it’s safe to do so, collect the other driver’s:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
If there are passengers or witnesses, get their names and contact information as well. This information will help your Union County car accident lawyer gather evidence and build your case.
Step 3: Document the Scene Thoroughly
Photos are your best friend after an accident. Use your phone to capture:
- Vehicle damage (all sides)
- The positions of the cars before they are moved
- Skid marks or debris
- Traffic signals, stop signs, or road conditions
- Visible injuries to yourself or passengers
The more you can document in the moment, the stronger your case will be, and the more your car accident lawyer can help you get the best compensation later.
Step 4: Avoid Admitting Fault
It’s natural to want to apologize, but anything you say could be used against you later. Stick to the facts when speaking to police, other drivers, or witnesses. Determining fault is a legal process — let the evidence speak for itself.
Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Company and a Car Accident Lawyer
Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible, but be careful about giving recorded statements before speaking to an attorney, specifically a car accident lawyer who knows the ins and outs of this situation. Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you — and they may try to minimize your claim.
This is where The Law Office of Portnoi & Reed P.C. and their team of experienced car accident lawyers can make all the difference. We’ve helped countless Union County accident victims recover the compensation they need for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We’ll handle the legal process while you focus on healing.
📞 Call us now at (908) 228-8800 for a free consultation.
Step 6: Seek Medical Attention, Even if You Feel Fine
Many car accident injuries — like whiplash or concussions — don’t show symptoms right away. Seeing a doctor not only protects your health, but also creates a medical record that links your injuries to the accident. This documentation can be crucial in proving your case.
Why Hiring a Lawyer After a Union County Car Accident Is So Important
After a crash, you may be facing steep medical bills, car repair costs, and missed time from work. If the insurance company refuses to pay what you’re owed, you could be left with serious financial strain.
An experienced Union County car accident lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies
- Represent you in court if necessary
- Maximize your settlement or verdict
At Portnoi & Reed, we work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
Your Next Step Starts Now
The moments after a car accident are stressful, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. If you’ve been injured in Union County — whether in a car accident, truck accident, or rideshare accident — our legal team is here to help you get the compensation you deserve.📞 Call The Law Office of Portnoi & Reed P.C. at (908) 228-8800 or contact us online for your free consultation today.
