The moments after a car accident can be overwhelming and chaotic. Many victims unknowingly make errors in these crucial moments.
The actions you take following a car accident can have a significant impact on subsequent legal actions or insurance claims.
For those navigating the aftermath of a car accident, professional legal advice from a New York Auto Accident Lawyer can make all the difference. Avoiding the following five common pitfalls can be the difference between a smooth claim resolution and long-term legal hassles:
Failure To Seek Medical Attention
Your priority after an accident should be getting medical treatment. Even if there are no injuries, it is always a good idea to visit a hospital to seek treatment. The adrenaline rush during and after a crash can camouflage pain. Car accident injuries can manifest days or even weeks later.
Leaving The Accident Scene
Even after a minor accident, leaving the scene of the accident is not an option. Leaving the scene of a collision before exchanging your information with other motorists is illegal under the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. In New York, you are required to remain on the scene and contact the police immediately after a vehicle collision when:
- Any person is injured or killed;
- A domestic animal is injured or killed; or,
- A parked vehicle or any other property is damaged, and the owner cannot be located.
Failure To Notify The Police
Failure to report the accident to the Police can be a grave mistake. A police report provides an official record of the incident. Most insurance companies will only process a claim if you file a police report. Police reports are also crucial as evidence. If you have reasons to believe that someone else was liable for the accident and you sustained bodily injuries or significant property damage to your vehicle, you should call the police to request an investigation and to make a report to document who or what you believe contributed to your accident.
Failure To Document The Accident
If possible, take photos of the accident scene and the damage to the vehicles involved. Images can help your lawyer and insurers understand your version of what happened.
Note down everything you can recall about the accident, including where the accident occurred, weather and traffic conditions, the direction of travel and estimated speed of both cars, what you were doing at the time of the accident, and any other facts that might help your lawyer and insurance company to understand the accident.
Failure To Inform Your No-fault Insurer
In New York, you should file a written notice of claim with the No-Fault insurer. This notice identifies the injured person(s), along with reasonably obtainable information regarding the time, place, and circumstances of the accident within thirty calendar days of the incident.
Remember, insurance companies are looking out for themselves and will try to reduce or deny your claim. Don’t disclose details of your accident until you’ve spoken with your Personal Injury Attorney.
Gregory Spektor And Associates: Personal Injury Lawyers Having Command Over New York Car Accident Laws
If you or a loved one are involved in a car accident in New York, you should get in touch with a lawyer right away. An experienced car accident lawyer will know what your injuries and mental distress are worth.
At Gregory Spektor And Associates: our car accident lawyers have a thorough understanding of New York accident laws and how the local court system will interpret them.
The lawyers at our New York personal injury law firm have the experience to know when offers are too low and can negotiate for fair and just compensation.
Contact a car accident lawyer at our firm for a free case evaluation immediately