After a car accident, make sure you and anyone else involved are OK, move your vehicle to a safe place away from traffic if possible, and call 911. From here, get medical care, discuss your accident with the police, and report the incident to your insurer. Finally, consult with a personal injury lawyer, and they can provide additional tips about what to do after a car accident.
Levine And Wiss, PLLC has over 100 years of combined legal experience on staff. Connect with a Long Island car accident lawyer from our team, and we can review your case and discuss your legal options with you. Contact us today to get started.
Step-by-Step Guide of What to Do After a Car Accident
Take a deep breath and try to remain calm in the initial moments after your car accident. You may feel angry and frustrated, and these and other emotions can get the best of you and lead you to do something that compromises your case against the liable motorist.
Here are the steps to take to avoid putting yourself and others at the accident scene in further danger.
1. Check Yourself and Others for Injuries
If you suffer a serious injury, do not move. Alternatively, if you can move, check others to make sure they are OK. If the other driver, a passenger, or someone else is seriously hurt, encourage them not to move.
2. Move Away from Traffic
If possible, move your car out of traffic. Conversely, your car may not run, and you cannot move it. In this scenario, get out of your car and move to a safe spot if you can.
3. Dial 911
Tell the 911 operator about your accident, where you are located, and other relevant information. Within minutes, medical personnel and police officers will arrive. Medical professionals will evaluate and treat you, and police officers will discuss your accident with you.
4. Get the Other Driver’s Information
Ask the other driver for their contact, insurance, and driver’s license information. You will need this information if you want to request damages from the motorist. When you speak to the other driver, do not accept any responsibility for your accident since doing so could hurt your chances of getting damages from them.
5. Gather Evidence
Take photos and videos of your injuries, damage to your car, and other proof from the accident scene. This gives you evidence to use to support your claim against a liable driver. You can work with broken bones and fractures lawyers who can evaluate your evidence and help you pursue maximum damages from this motorist and any other at-fault parties.
6. Contact Your Insurance Company
Notify your auto insurance company about your accident. There are New York State insurance requirements that apply to all drivers. Your insurance is considered no-fault coverage, and your insurer could cover some of your accident-related losses even if the other driver is responsible for your accident.
7. Continue to Receive Medical Care
Attend follow-up doctor’s appointments and follow your doctor’s instructions to care for your injuries. Keep track of your medical bills, too. You can use these bills to show how badly you were injured, and parties liable for your injuries should be required to pay for them.
8. Meet with a Car Accident Attorney
Hire an auto accident lawyer who has received many positive client reviews. This attorney will learn about your case and help you evaluate your legal options. They can work with those involved in your accident case, putting you in a great position to secure the damages you deserve.
The legal team at Levine And Wiss, PLLC has helped many auto accident victims get outstanding case results. Our team is available to examine your case and help you decide if now is the right time to file a car accident claim. Get in touch with us today.
For a free legal consultation, call 888-468-4878
What Not to Do After a Car Accident
Much in the way that there are many things you should do after a car accident, there are things you should avoid as well. If you are not careful, you risk making a mistake that will prevent you from collecting damages. Here are three things you should not do after an auto accident.
1. Wait to File Your Claim
In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally three years and sometimes less. If you are seeking damages as part of a wrongful death lawsuit, the statute of limitations is two years. If you or a family member are involved in an auto accident and do not submit your claim promptly, you may not be able to get damages from any liable parties.
2. Speak with an Insurance Company About Your Accident
You believe your insurance company puts your best interests front and center, but the business is likely more focused on its bottom line. Thus, the company could offer a settlement that is far less than what your case is actually worth. Rather than risk approving a lowball settlement, let your attorney handle negotiations with your insurer on your behalf.
3. Publish Content About Your Accident on Social Media
Photos and videos you publish on Facebook, X, and other social media platforms may be publicly accessible. If you post content about your car accident, an insurance company or the party liable for the incident could use it against you. In one of the worst-case scenarios, they may claim your content proves your injuries are not as bad as you first claimed.
If you are worried about what to do after a car accident, ask for legal help. An auto accident attorney will address your legal concerns and questions. They will help you make informed decisions at each stage of your litigation.
Partner with a Car Accident Lawyer Who Will Help You Secure the Compensation that Your Case Truly Warrants
Levine And Wiss, PLLC makes it easy to connect with an experienced car accident attorney who will give your case the attention it deserves. We will guide you through the steps of what to do after an auto crash and provide comprehensive legal services and support. Schedule a free case consultation with our legal team.
Call 888-468-4878 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
