No one ever predicts when they’ll get into a car accident. It can be a harrowing experience that leaves victims mentally and physically scarred. It’s in your best interest to understand how to protect your rights during this time. There are specific laws and procedures that govern car accident cases, and New York is no different. There are certain steps that must be followed to ensure that you are protected from car accidents due to reckless driving. A trusted attorney, such as one from Douglas & London, will make sure that you are taken care of during this process.
Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention
After an accident, your safety is your main priority. Make sure you don’t have any severe injuries and you’re able to exit the vehicle safely. If you’re able to, get everyone to move to a safer location away from the accident and leave your hazards on to warn other drivers. Call for medical assistance immediately and stay put where you are. Leaving the scene of the accident may be considered a hit and run, which you don’t want on your record. Even if you don’t have any obvious injuries, it’s highly recommended that you get checked out after your accident in case there isn’t anything internal.
Exchange Information
Once everyone has been marked as safe, exchange information with everyone involved with the accident. It’s important to write down their names and their insurance information. If there are any witnesses, make sure you collect their contact details. Their point of view is essential to creating a credible case. Especially if this accident continues farther with legal proceedings.
Document the Accident Scene
If you’re in the right headspace, document everything from the accident. You can either take pictures of the damage or keep your recording at the scene. This is crucial as it helps your lawyer understand how dire the situation was. Don’t miss any important details such as the location, skid marks, and where the other cars were. Having these visual records helps legal personnel understand who was liable. You want to make sure you’re able to capture the time of day, what the weather looked like, or if the road was in stable condition.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Reach out to your insurance company after your car accident. It’s required with most insurance policies that they hear about your accident right after it happened. They can only help you when you reach out while the accident is still current. Give them the whole story and don’t leave out any important details, especially if it can help you. After you’ve done that, your insurance company will handle their own investigation.
Preserve Evidence
Keep track of all evidence that’s related to your accident. That includes any type of documentation such as police or medical reports. Bills that come out of your pocket are also great for your car accident case. This provides accurate information pertaining to injuries you received or funds that you lost. Make sure to record conversations that you’ve had with insurance adjusters, witnesses, or the other people involved. Make sure to not say anything that could make it sound like you had any fault. Keeping track of these details ensures you have the items necessary to pursue a personal injury claim.
Consult with an Attorney
Once you have everything together, consider reaching out to an experienced car accident attorney in the New York area. Attorneys understand how the legal system works and will make sure it works in your favor. They also negotiate with insurance companies to get you the compensation you are rightfully owed. Your attorney will keep track of the details and let you know what you can or can’t say online. That means no posting on social media until everything is finalized. If other parties see that you’re still out and about on your social media, they can claim that the accident wasn’t as dire as you’re claiming. Try to lie low and follow everything your attorney tells you to do.
Also Read: Who Is Liable for Slip and Fall Accidents in New York City?
Conclusion
The aftermath of a car accident can take a serious toll on your daily activities. But knowing how to protect your rights in the aftermath can alleviate future stress. It’s important to take prompt actions that keep your rights and safety secured, especially in New York. By discussing the details with a trusted legal team in your area, you can ensure that any money that you lost will be coming back. You don’t want to miss out on anything that you deserve. It’s in your best interest to do the ample amount of research to make sure you are covered during this time.
