What should I do after a car accident?

1. Make sure everyone is safe

If the vehicles are drivable and it is safe to do so, move them out of the lane of traffic and onto the shoulder. Turn on your hazard lights. If anyone is hurt, dizzy, or in pain, call 911 immediately — even minor symptoms can be serious.

2. Call the police

In New Jersey you are required to report an accident that involves injury, death, or visible property damage. A police report makes the insurance claim faster and protects you if the other driver later changes their story.

3. Document the scene

Use your phone to take wide shots of both vehicles, close-ups of every dent and scrape, the license plates, the surrounding road and skid marks, and any traffic signs or signals at the intersection. More photos is always better than fewer.

4. Exchange information

• Driver's name, address, phone, and driver's license number
• Insurance company name and policy number
• Vehicle make, model, year, color, and license plate
• Names and phone numbers of any witnesses

Avoid discussing fault at the scene. Just collect information.

5. Call your insurance company

Open a claim and write down the claim number. You do not need your insurer's permission to choose a repair shop — under New Jersey law that decision is yours.

6. Choose your repair shop

Pick a licensed shop you trust. 1st Effect Auto bills your insurance company directly, handles supplements when hidden damage is found during teardown, uses OEM parts, and backs every repair with a lifetime workmanship warranty. Have the vehicle towed to 325 US-46, Rockaway, NJ or call us at (973) 406-6363 and we'll guide you through the next step.