When paralysis is involved, delays can hurt. If you can, focus on these immediate steps:
- Get and keep all medical documentation: ER records, imaging reports, discharge papers, specialist notes, rehab evaluations, and prescriptions.
- Write down what you remember while it’s fresh: time of day, weather/road conditions, what you saw, and what witnesses said.
- Preserve incident details: photos of the scene (if possible), vehicle damage, footwear/visible hazards (for falls), and any safety issues.
- Track every cost and functional change: missed work, mobility limitations, home assistance needs, transportation barriers, and follow-up appointments.
New Jersey law has deadlines that can affect your ability to file. Even if you’re unsure whether your claim will be negotiated or litigated, it’s smart to treat early evidence as part of your protection.


