Hurt In A New Year’s Eve Car Accident In New Jersey? What Should You Do First?

New Year’s Eve is supposed to be a time of celebration, new beginnings, and looking forward to the future. But in a split second on a New Jersey highway, whether you’re on Route 70 in Cherry Hill, the Atlantic City Expressway, or a local road in Moorestown, that celebration can turn into a nightmare. The chaos of a New Year’s Eve car accident is unique. Between the heavy holiday traffic, winter weather conditions, and the unfortunate reality of impaired drivers on the road, these collisions are often high-impact and high-stress.

If you’ve been hurt, you aren’t just dealing with physical pain; you’re dealing with a sudden threat to your reputation, your finances, and your family’s stability. At Gelman Law, we don’t believe in sitting back and waiting for the insurance companies to do the right thing. We believe in taking the fight to them.

Here is exactly what you need to do first to protect your rights and your future after a New Year’s Eve crash in New Jersey.

1. Prioritize Safety and Call 911 Immediately

The adrenaline after a crash can mask severe injuries. Your first move is to get to a safe spot, if possible, and call 911. In New Jersey, you are legally required to report any accident that involves injury or significant property damage.

• The Gelman Perspective: Never let the other driver talk you into settling this privately. On New Year’s Eve, there is a much higher statistical likelihood that the other driver may be under the influence. A formal police report is a critical piece of evidence that our team uses to uncover the truth. As a former prosecutor, David Gelman knows that the details recorded by responding officers in those first thirty minutes can make or break a case later in court.

2. Seek Medical Attention (Even if You Feel Fine)

Many car accident injuries, such as whiplash, internal bleeding, or concussions, don’t show symptoms until days later. Furthermore, New Jersey is a no-fault state, meaning your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance covers your medical bills regardless of who caused the accident.

If you wait too long to see a doctor, the insurance company will use that gap in treatment to argue that you weren’t actually hurt in the crash. Don’t give them that ammunition. Go to the ER or an urgent care center in Camden or Burlington County immediately.

Similar Post: Could One Missed Doctor’s Appointment Destroy Your Cherry Hill Car Accident Claim?

3. Document the Scene with Precision

While you wait for the police, and only if it is safe to do so, use your phone to gather evidence. The more information we have, the more aggressively we can battle for you.

• Photos/Video: Capture the position of the vehicles, the damage, skid marks, and road conditions (ice, snow, or poor lighting).
• Witness Information: If anyone stopped to help, get their names and phone numbers.
• The Other Driver: Take a photo of their license, insurance card, and license plate. Do not engage in an argument and do not apologize. In the eyes of the law, an apology can be twisted into an admission of fault.

Similar Post: What Is the Role of Surveillance Footage in Personal Injury Vehicle Claims?

4. Why New Year’s Eve Accidents Are Different: The DUI Factor

New Jersey has some of the strictest drunk driving laws in the country. If you were hit by a driver who was over the limit on New Year’s Eve, your case moves beyond simple negligence.

At Gelman Law, we have a tactical advantage here. Because founding attorney David Gelman spent years as a Burlington County Prosecutor, he understands exactly how the state builds criminal cases against impaired drivers. We use that insider knowledge to hold the at-fault party accountable in your civil personal injury claim. If the driver was intoxicated, we may even be able to pursue punitive damages, extra compensation designed to punish the driver for their gross recklessness.

5. Beware the “Friendly” Insurance Adjuster

Within 24 to 48 hours of your New Year’s Eve accident, you will likely receive a call from the other driver’s insurance company. They might sound concerned. They might offer you a quick settlement check to help with the holidays.

Do not be fooled. Their goal is to settle your case for as little as possible before you realize the true extent of your injuries. Once you sign that release, you can never ask for more money, even if you need surgery six months from now.

6. Understand the New Jersey Statute of Limitations

In New Jersey, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. While that may seem like a long time, evidence disappears quickly, especially on busy holiday weekends. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses may be deleted, and witness memories fade. Starting your claim immediately ensures we can conduct a comprehensive, independent investigation while the trail is still hot.

Why Choose Gelman Law for Your New Year’s Eve Car Accident Claim?

When you choose a lawyer, you are choosing the person who will stand between you and a multi-billion-dollar insurance company. You don’t need a settlement mill that churns through cases to maximize their own profits. You need a hard-hitting advocate who treats you like family.

The Gelman Advantage:

• Former Prosecutor Experience: We know the tactics the other side uses because we’ve seen them from the inside. We use those insights to build a defense-proof strategy for your recovery.
• Local Roots: David Gelman was born and raised in South Jersey. He knows these roads, these courts, and the people of this community.
• Aggressive Advocacy: We don’t just ask for a fair settlement; we demand it. If the insurance company refuses to play fair, we are fully prepared to go to trial.
• Client-Centered Approach: We keep your reputation, your freedom, and your future at the forefront of every decision.

Injured in a New Year’s Eve Car Accident? Contact Our South Jersey Personal Injury Lawyers Today

A New Year’s Eve accident can feel like a dark cloud hanging over the start of your year. It doesn’t have to stay that way. By taking the right steps now, you can protect your rights and ensure that one night of someone else’s negligence doesn’t define your entire future.

At Gelman Law, we offer a confidential consultation. We will provide you with an honest, straightforward opinion about your New Year’s Eve car accident case and show you how we can put our skills to work for you.

Don’t wait. Your future is worth fighting for.

Call us today at 856-861-4236 or contact us online to schedule your case evaluation. We serve clients in Cherry Hill, Camden County, Burlington County, and throughout New Jersey.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.