What to Do After a Car Accident in Union County, NJ
A car accident is disorienting, even a minor one. The moments right after a crash are when clear steps matter most, both for your safety and for what comes next. If you drive in Garwood or anywhere across Union County, here is a simple guide to follow so you are not trying to remember it in the middle of a stressful situation.
1. Get to a safe spot
Before anything else, check that you are out of the flow of traffic. If the vehicles are drivable and the accident is minor, move them to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. If they are not drivable, leave them where they are, turn on your hazard lights, and get yourself and any passengers to a safe area away from the road. On a busy Union County road, standing between or behind vehicles is one of the most dangerous things you can do.
2. Check for injuries and call 911
Check yourself and everyone else for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away. Even for what looks like a minor accident, calling the police is worth it. A police report creates an official record of what happened, which protects you later with insurance. Adrenaline can hide an injury in the moment, so do not wave off medical help too quickly.
3. Document the scene
Once everyone is safe, use your phone to document what happened. Helpful things to capture:
- Photos of all vehicles, including damage and license plates
- The wider scene, showing the road, signals, and positions of the cars
- Any visible injuries
- The other driver’s insurance card and driver’s license
More photos are better than fewer. You can delete extras later, but you cannot go back and re-photograph the scene once the cars are moved.
4. Exchange information
Trade names, phone numbers, insurance companies, and policy numbers with the other driver. Stay calm and polite, and avoid admitting fault or arguing about who caused the accident. Let the police report and the insurance companies sort out fault. Your job at the scene is to stay safe and gather the facts.
5. Call a towing company you trust
If your vehicle cannot be driven safely, you will need a tow. This is where it helps to call a local company directly rather than waiting on a dispatch line that routes your job somewhere else. A damaged vehicle needs careful, damage-conscious handling so a rough tow does not add to the repair bill.
At Ariel’s Towing & Recovery, we respond throughout Union County 24 hours a day, including nights, weekends, and holidays. We handle everything from a simple tow to full accident recovery, and we can take your vehicle to the shop of your choice. You can read more about our towing and recovery service or our roadside assistance if the problem turns out to be smaller than you feared.
A few things to know for Union County roads
Winter weather and heavy traffic through towns like Garwood, Cranford, Union, Elizabeth, and Linden make fender benders more common than people expect. Keep a small kit in your car with a phone charger, a flashlight, and a pen and paper. Save a local towing number in your phone now, before you ever need it, so you are not searching for one on the side of the road.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to call the police for a minor accident?
In most cases, yes. A police report gives you an official record that helps with insurance, even when the damage looks small. When in doubt, call.
Who decides where my car gets towed?
You do. You have the right to choose where your vehicle is taken. We will tow it to the repair shop or location you prefer.
How fast can you get to an accident scene?
We dispatch immediately, 24/7. Call us with your location and we will give you a realistic time right then, based on where you are.
Stuck after an accident right now?
Do not wait on a form. Call Ariel’s Towing & Recovery at (908) 398-1705 and we will tell you exactly how long until a truck reaches you.