Hurt in a Car Accident in Gloucester County? Here's What to Do.
After a crash on Route 45, I-295, or Route 322, the decisions you make in the first few days can shape the value of your entire claim. I've been helping injured drivers and passengers in Woodbury and across Gloucester County navigate those decisions for over 45 years — and I can tell you what needs to be done.
What to Do in the Days After a Car Accident in New Jersey
The steps you take right after a crash matter as much as the crash itself. Evidence disappears, injuries surface later, and insurance adjusters move fast. Here's what I tell every client who calls me in those first critical days.
Get Medical Attention — Even If You Think Your Pain Will Go Away
Some injuries, including soft tissue damage and concussions, don't announce themselves immediately. Seeing a doctor creates a medical record that connects your injuries to the accident.
Document Everything You Can
Photograph the vehicles and any visible injuries. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Call me right away.
Don't Give a Recorded Statement Without Counsel
Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions in ways that minimize your claim. A recorded statement made before you fully understand your injuries — or before you've spoken with an attorney — can be used against you. You are not required to provide one to the other driver's insurer.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Before You Sign Anything
Early settlement offers are common, and they're almost always made before your treatment is complete. Once you sign a release, that's the end of it — no matter what medical costs come later. Before you put pen to paper, call me!
Why the Police Report Is a Starting Point, Not the Whole Story
The police report documents the basics — time, location, vehicles involved, and the officer's initial read of fault. But it doesn't capture everything that matters to your claim. Witness accounts, traffic camera footage, medical records, and accident reconstruction can all paint a fuller picture of what happened and who bears responsibility. I've worked car crash injury claims in NJ long enough to know that the strongest cases are built on evidence gathered well beyond page one of a police report.
What Your Car Accident Claim May Be Worth
Insurance companies calculate settlement offers based on what they think you'll accept, not on what your injuries actually cost you. A thorough auto accident claim in Gloucester County accounts for:
- Current and future medical expenses related to the crash
- Lost wages if your injuries kept you out of work
- Reduced earning capacity if you can no longer do the same job
- Pain and suffering, including the impact on your daily life
- Property damage to your vehicle
Many people settle for less than they're owed simply because they didn't know what to include. I'll make sure nothing gets left off the table.
Working Directly With Me — Not a Case Manager
Large personal injury firms handle volume. That means your case often gets assigned to a paralegal or a rotating team of case managers who don't know your file the way you do. When you work with me, you work with me. I handle your case personally, I know the local courts in Gloucester County, and when you call with a question, I'm the one who answers it. That kind of direct access moves things forward faster and keeps you informed at every stage.
Common Coverage Questions
Answers Designed To Keep You Protected
What should I do after a car accident in Woodbury, NJ?
Seek medical attention right away, even if you don't feel seriously hurt. Document the scene, exchange information with the other driver, and report the accident to your insurance company. Before giving any recorded statements or accepting any settlement offers, speak with a car accident lawyer who can help you understand what your claim is worth.How long do I have to file a car accident claim in New Jersey?
In most cases, New Jersey's statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long can permanently bar your claim, so it's worth speaking with an attorney as soon as possible — especially while evidence is still available.What if the other driver's insurance company contacts me first?
You are not obligated to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer, and doing so before you know the full extent of your injuries can hurt your claim. Let me handle that communication on your behalf.Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault for the accident?
New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you were not more than 50% responsible for the crash, you can still recover damages — though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. An attorney can help you understand how fault is likely to be allocated in your case.How much does it cost to hire a car accident attorney?
I handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless I recover compensation for you. There's no upfront cost and no fee if there's no recovery. Your free consultation costs you nothing either way.
Serving Car Accident Clients Across South Jersey
Law office of WIlliam A. Sheehan
My office is based in Woodbury, and I represent car accident clients throughout Gloucester County — including Deptford, Washington Township, West Deptford, Glassboro, and Monroe Township — as well as in Camden County and the broader South Jersey region. If you were injured in a crash anywhere in this area, I'm ready to talk.
