(201)488-1161
If you were hurt in a car or truck crash in New Jersey, the police report is one of the first things your personal injury law attorney will want to see. It records what the drivers say happened, who was involved, who owns the cars, and what insurance company will cover the damage — all while the details are still fresh. Getting a copy as soon as possible and reviewing it with an experienced personal injury law attorney is one of the most important steps you can take after a crash. Here is what you need to know about this document and how it can work for you.
In New Jersey, law enforcement must complete a Motor Vehicle Crash Report any time a crash causes injury, death, or property damage over $500. Local police handle most crashes on residential and municipal roads. The New Jersey State Police typically respond to accidents on highways and state routes.
The report is filled out at or near the scene and usually includes:
The Personal Injury Department at O’Cathain Law Group is led by Donny O’Cathain, Esq., a certified civil trial attorney by the New Jersey Supreme Court. He has recovered tens of millions of dollars for crash victims across New Jersey. Recent results include a jury verdict in a pedestrian knockdown case where the defense wouldn’t make a fair offer, a settlement during jury deliberation when the insurance offered $0 up to that day, and a $170,000 settlement for a rideshare crash.
For a more in-depth look at Donny’s results, please visit our Verdicts & Settlements page.
The insurance company looks at the police report right away. It is usually one of the first documents the adjuster reviews, and it shapes how the insurer sees the accident from the start.
If the report has errors or leaves out important details, tell your lawyer.
Remember— it’s crucial you don’t sign any documents or accept any money from the insurance company without consulting with your personal injury lawyer first. The insurance company is not on your side.
When a commercial truck is involved, the police report does more than give the drivers’ versions of the crash. It identifies the truck driver, the trucking company, the DOT number, and the insurance carrier — details that are critical when multiple parties may share responsibility for what happened.
If the officer noted signs of driver fatigue, hours-of-service violations, or mechanical problems with the truck, those observations could point to additional claims. Federal motor carrier regulations set strict requirements for commercial drivers and trucking companies, and violations of those rules can be powerful evidence of negligence. Domhnall and his team know what to look for and what questions those details should prompt. With the most serious of injuries possible from truck crashes, you don’t want to mess around.
If you can’t get your crash report, don’t worry— your new dedicated personal injury law team at O’Cathain Law Group will obtain it for you.
Getting the report is just the first step. At O’Cathain Law Group Personal Injury Law Department, we review it carefully for any errors and request corrections if needed. We compare the officer’s account with photos, videos, and witness statements to check for inconsistencies. We use any citations in the report to help establish who was at fault, and we work to put the responsible party and insurance carrier on notice.
Don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly after a crash — surveillance video gets deleted, skid marks fade, and memories get fuzzy. The sooner you contact your new personal injury law attorney, the better protected you are.
Domhnall is admitted to practice in both New Jersey and New York. He has worked with investigators, medical experts, and accident reconstruction specialists to build the strongest possible case for each client. Plus, he’s assisted by a team of dedicated personal injury law paralegals who are bilingual in English and Spanish.
When an insurance company will not pay fair value based on its coverage, we take it to trial. As we say at our firm: Move Forward.
Hurt in a car or truck crash in New Jersey? Call us at (848) 306-0699 for a free consultation.