What Steps Do I Take After A Car Accident?
Car accidents are a common occurrence in the U.S. At some point in your life, you may be involved in a car or truck accident. If the accident is severe enough, it may turn your life upside down. Knowing what to do after a car accident can help protect your legal rights.
At Arye, Lustig & Sassower, P.C., we represent people who have been seriously injured in car, truck, and other motor vehicle accidents in New York City. If you or a loved one has been involved in a severe car accident caused by the negligence of another, our Manhattan-based attorneys can help.
Six Steps To Take After An Accident
By taking these steps, you can immediately protect your legal rights in the days and weeks following a motor vehicle accident.
- Report the accident to the police. You may think you can handle the matter alone, but making an accident report is better. A police report can be significant for uninsured motorist claims and hit-and-run accidents. If you cannot report the accident, someone at the scene should make the call.
- Do not admit fault. Even if you believe you are at fault in the accident, do not admit fault to the police or other parties. You may not be at fault, but insurance companies will use your statement against you.
- Collect evidence. Take photos of your vehicle and the damage. Be sure to get the name and address of the other driver and the license plate number for each vehicle involved in your accident. Obtain contact information for any eyewitnesses. If your accident leads to legal action, you will be in a better position if you have photographic evidence of the accident scene and the witnesses' names and contact information.
- Contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Contacting an attorney before you get your insurance company is usually better. A lawyer can advise you on how to make the report best. Your choice of words can make all the difference. An insurance adjuster may seem helpful, but they work to protect the insurance company's bottom line.
- Notify your vehicle's insurance company and the other vehicle's insurance company. You may be entitled to many insurance benefits, including no-fault insurance, uninsured driver benefits, and underinsurance benefits. These benefits can be lost if you fail to notify the insurance company promptly.
- Seek appropriate medical treatment. You should seek treatment even if you do not believe you have serious injuries. Some injuries may not be immediately noticeable or may worsen with time. It would help if you took notes on your diagnosis, treatment, and any concerns about your condition. In addition, you should follow through on your doctor's recommended treatment plan.
Contact Us For Help Today
Our law firm can advise you immediately after an accident. We can assess your case for potential liability and represent you in dealings with insurance companies. Call 800-574-4LAW or contact us online for a free consultation.