If you are involved in a car accident, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and uncertain of what to do next. However, it is important to stay calm and take some specific steps in order to protect your rights and interests. Failure to take the right steps after a car accident can result in serious consequences, including the loss of your ability to recover damages for your injuries.
From a point of view of a car accident lawyer in NYC, this article provides an overview of the key things you should do if you are involved in a car accident to protect yourself legally.
1. Check for injuries and call 911 if necessary.
The first priority after a car accident is to make sure that everyone involved is okay. Check for injuries and, if necessary, call 911 to request medical assistance. Even if you don’t think you are injured, it is important to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. Some types of injuries may not be immediately obvious.
2. Do not admit fault.
After making sure that everyone is safe, the next thing to do is to exchange insurance information with the other driver or drivers involved in the accident. However, it is important not to say anything that could be construed as admitting fault for the accident. Anything you say can and will be used against you by the other driver’s insurance company.
3. Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible.
If your vehicle is blocking traffic or is in a dangerous area, it is important to move it to a safe location if possible. If you are unable to move your vehicle, turn on the hazard lights and wait for help to arrive.
4. Exchange information with the other driver.
It is important to exchange information with the other driver, including names, contact information, insurance information, and license plate numbers. If there are witnesses to the accident, you should also get their name and contact information.
5. Take photos of the accident scene.
If you have a camera or a smartphone, it can be helpful to take photos of the accident scene, including the damage to both vehicles and any injuries that you or the other people involved have sustained. Nolo recommends documenting all traffic signs and even road conditions that may make it clear why the accident occurred.
6. Call your insurance company.
After you have exchanged information with the other driver and taken care of any immediate medical needs, you should call your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident.
7. Secure your police report.
If the police come to the accident scene, be sure to get a copy of the police report. This can be helpful in documenting what happened and may be useful if you need to file a claim with your insurance company or take legal action, according to Forbes Advisor.
8. Hire an experienced car accident attorney.
An experienced car accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. If you have been seriously injured, an attorney can also help you recover damages for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
More Tips When Looking For a Car Accident Attorney
When you are looking for a car accident attorney, it is important to find someone who has experience handling cases like yours. You should also look for an attorney who is willing to take your case on a contingency basis, which means that you will only have to pay if the attorney is able to recover damages for you. Finally, make sure to choose an attorney who you feel comfortable communicating with and who you can trust to represent your best interests.
The cost of hiring one is also something you should factor in. Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. If they do win, they will take a portion of the settlement or jury award as their fee.
It is also important to know that you don’t have to hire a lawyer to represent you after a car accident. However, an experienced attorney can be extremely helpful in dealing with insurance companies and getting the compensation you deserve. If you have been seriously injured, an attorney can also help you recover damages for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you have been in a car accident, contact an experienced attorney today to discuss your case and find out what options are available to you.
