What Information Should I Exchange After a Car Accident?

It is essential to keep as calm as possible at the scene of a car accident. You need to exchange information with the other driver if you have the physical ability to do so. The information you obtain would help you start the insurance claims process when the other driver was at fault for your injuries. You should always contact the police to come to the accident scene. In addition, you should seek medical help if you feel like you are injured.

When you file an insurance claim, the company will need certain information even before they try to get to the bottom of the car accident. Here is some information you would need to exchange with the other driver at the accident scene.

The Names of the People Involved

You should obtain the full name of the other drivers involved in the accident. In addition, you should get the names of passengers riding in their car at the time of the accident. Finally, ensure you get the names of witnesses who saw the crash because their statements and testimony could be crucial in any claim or lawsuit.

Contact Information

You may need to reach people in the future. For the other driver, you may need to serve them with court papers. If a witness is involved, your lawyer may need to speak with them to get a statement or to have them testify in court. You should obtain a cell phone number, home address, and email address.

Preferred Contact Method

Some people prefer to be contacted by email, or they may want to be contacted at a particular time. For example, they may not want to be called during the work day while on the job.

Driver’s License Number

The drivers are obligated to exchange driver’s license numbers with the other party. You should ask to see the other driver’s license to ensure you have the correct spelling of their name and address. They do not have to show you their license, but it does not hurt to ask.

Vehicle Information

You should get all the information you can about the vehicle involved. First, you should start with the license tag number. Then, you should write down the car’s make, model, and year. You would need this to file a claim.

Vehicle Identification Number

You would have to determine the lawful ownership of the car. Using the Vehicle Identification Number is the best way to track the ownership of the vehicle.

Insurance Information

You have to know where to file an insurance claim. The other driver’s insurance company could quickly locate the other driver’s policy when they have all the necessary information. The other driver would show you their insurance card or provide you with their carrier’s name and policy number.

The Name of the Insured

The person driving the car may not be the one who owns the vehicle. The owner of the vehicle would have an insurance policy on the car. You would need the owner’s name and contact information if the owner was not the driver.

Contact Our New Jersey Car Accident Lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC Today

If you have been injured in a crash, our New Jersey car accident lawyers at Kitrick, McWeeney & Wells, LLC can represent you in the legal process. You can speak with one of our attorneys during a free initial consultation. Call us today at 732-920-8383 or contact us online. We have offices in Manasquan and Brick, New Jersey, and we serve clients in Middlesex County, Atlantic County, Mercer County, Monmouth County, and Ocean County.