In the city of New York alone, thousands of motor vehicle collisions occur every month. When someone else is not practicing safe driving and they crash into your vehicle, they are directly causing harm to you, your passengers, and your property. Victims of this behavior deserve to be compensated, but instead, many find themselves being haggled by insurance companies.
This is undoubtedly an unpleasant potential scenario for any driver who frequents New York. This is why it is extremely important to know how to protect your rights after an auto accident, even before you find yourself in one.
What To Do Immediately After An Auto Accident
The most important thing you can do after an accident is to not flee the scene. You should remain in the general area of the accident and call 911 as soon as possible. The proper authorities can create an official report of the auto accident, which can be valuable to you shortly.
While you wait for the authorities, it is equally important to start collecting evidence after an auto accident. Use your cell phone to take pictures of the damage done to your vehicle from multiple different angles. Look for any other potential evidence to take pictures of, like skid marks on the road.
If you or anyone else who was in your vehicle at the time of the wreck have any visible injuries, you should photograph this as well.
When the authorities begin to take statements from your party, you should be cooperative without placing the blame on any particular driver. Do not apologize to anyone! This is an admission of fault, and you want to avoid this at all costs!
Be sure to exchange insurance and contact information with every other driver involved before you leave! Be sure to ask yourself the following: Were there any witnesses? If anyone saw the accident firsthand be sure to get their information too!
Be Sure To Take Notes
It is also important that you create a personal recollection of what happened when you finally get to a notepad. You should be documenting all of the tangible details like the place, date, and time because mistakes happen! If a police report is wrong, you can work to correct it!
To protect your rights to the fullest extent after an auto accident, you should also note how you are feeling emotionally. Your emotional distress matters in personal injury cases. So, if you are experiencing any type of emotional distress, acknowledge it by writing it down because it can be useful to your personal injury case.
Seek Medical Attention
An auto accident can leave you with a multitude of different injuries. By having a medical professional assess your injuries as soon as possible, you are creating documentation that will be beneficial to your legal case!
If there is an ambulance at the scene, you should get checked out by the EMTs even if you do not immediately think you need medical attention! There is a good chance that you will not feel the brunt of your injuries until the next day. Accepting medical care at the scene of the accident is a sure way to protect your rights after an auto accident.
You should also promptly visit your primary care physician. Have your doctor give you a copy of their findings! Make sure you save copies of any bills associated with the visit as well!
A good auto accident attorney will file a lawsuit and collect additional money for immediate and future medical expenses. For example, if you sustained a long-term injury or chronic pain because of the accident, you can use this lawsuit to secure the money that you need for treatments, medications, and specialists. This is why these steps are important when you are protecting your legal rights.
Additionally, your doctor’s detailed notes and overall opinion can be utilized by a medical expert if your case goes to court. Medical experts can attest to the severity of the auto injuries and help you get compensated!
Speak To A Qualified Auto Injury Attorney
Auto accident lawsuits allow victims to seek compensation for the damages they sustained during the wreck. This compensation can go toward costs like medical bills, vehicle repair and replacements, whiplash, and even the emotional distress you might be going through due to the accident. This is why you need to seek out an attorney.
When looking for a car accident attorney, you should find a firm that has been practicing personal injury law for a long time. They will have the experience needed to get you the money you deserve, even when the insurance companies are trying to take advantage of your situation.
When vetting a firm, be sure to look for long lists of past cases that have ended in successful verdicts and settlements as well. You can also look into how attorneys are ranked by outside sources and previous client reviews.
It is also important that you choose an attorney that respects you and is interested in your case. A lawyer who is genuinely devoted to helping you after an auto accident is more likely to be able to add your case to their list of successful cases.
When you pick an attorney, be sure to show them all the evidence you collected after the accident. This includes pictures of the damage, personal notes, doctors’ notes, and copies of any bills related to the accident!
Key Takeaways
- Contact an experienced auto injury attorney immediately after an accident to protect your rights and maximize compensation before insurance companies minimize your claim.
- Document everything at the accident scene including photos, witness information, and personal notes, while avoiding admissions of fault or apologies.
- Seek medical attention promptly even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent, as this creates crucial documentation for your legal case.
Get the Legal Support You Deserve
Auto accidents can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face insurance companies and legal complexities by yourself. As experienced New York car accident attorneys, we understand how to protect your rights and secure the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
How quickly should I contact an auto injury attorney after my accident?
You should contact an auto injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident, ideally within days. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather evidence and build a strong case.
What should I avoid saying at the accident scene to protect my legal rights?
Never apologize or admit fault at the accident scene, as these statements can be used against you later. Simply exchange information and cooperate with authorities without placing blame on any driver.
Do I need to see a doctor even if I don't feel injured immediately after the accident?
Yes, you should seek medical attention promptly even if you feel fine, as many auto accident injuries like whiplash don’t appear until days later. Early medical documentation is crucial for your legal case.
