If you've been injured in a car accident you could be entitled to compensation. A skilled auto accident lawyer will help you establish an effective case to maximize the amount you are awarded.
When selecting an attorney, ensure that they have experience taking cases to trial if needed. Insurance companies will negotiate a fair settlement if they're confident that their lawyers have a good track record.
What to Do After a Crash
After an accident, you must first make sure that you and any passengers in the crash are safe. Then, call 911 to have the police arrive on the scene. This allows them to take notes from all parties involved in the incident and take pictures of the accident scene before any evidence is removed or destroyed.
If you can, move your car to the side of a road to avoid any further damage. Turn on your safety lights and set up flares or reflective emergency triangles to warn other drivers. It is possible to move your car if it is blocking traffic or is in the middle of an intersection.
If possible, collect names and addresses, as well as phone numbers and insurance information from other people involved in the collision. This includes drivers and the owners of any other vehicles or other items that were damaged during the collision. You should also collect the contact details of any witnesses, as their testimony could be vital.
You should be cautious when talking to anyone at the scene of an incident, even if you don't have a lawyer. It's because anything you say can be used against you in court later. Be cautious when speaking with the insurance company of the other driver prior to you hire an attorney. The insurance company might try to convince you that a lower sum is acceptable.
Gathering Information
Car accidents can be devastating for the victims. They may sustain serious injuries that require medical and rehabilitative treatments, and may result in the loss of income. They also incur costs for damage to their property, like their vehicles.
A good auto accident lawyer will help you gather all the evidence that can support your claim and losses. This will include police reports as well as medical records and other documentation that supports your claims. Your lawyer will also review any physical evidence like photographs and videos. This will help strengthen your case when it comes time to bring a claim, or go to trial.
Insurance companies don't wish to cover losses from accidents. They will therefore search for inconsistencies and try to confuse you when you discuss your injuries. This is the reason you should always consult with a lawyer before committing to an oral or written statement. Your lawyer for car accidents will handle all interactions with insurance companies on your behalf, so that you will not be misled or fooled into accepting a low price.
In addition to logging your losses, a skilled lawyer for car accidents will also consider how the accident has affected your life and your ability to work. This can include current and future medical treatment costs in addition to psychological and emotional effects like anxiety and post-traumatic stress. They will also investigate all possible sources of compensation including the driver responsible, the manufacturer of the defective product, and auto accident lawyer government entities such as the city of New York, or a state agency.
Seeking Medical Care
Even if the injuries don't appear to be serious, it's still important to go to an hospital or see a doctor as quickly as you can. Medical evaluations that are prompt can ensure that all injuries are properly identified and treated. They may also provide medical reports that are critical to your case.
Medical records are also crucial in proving non-economic damages such as suffering and pain. However, getting copies of these documents may be difficult as hospitals and doctors usually have limited resources and do not take the initiative to send medical records to patients or their attorneys.
It is also important to avoid speaking with insurance companies, unless providing basic information and making all communications to your attorney. Our lawyers are ready to answer your questions 24 hours a days, 7 days a week all year round.
How to Claim?
Whether you are seeking compensation from the insurance company of an at-fault driver or making a claim to make a negligent party responsible for your injuries, a NYC lawyer for car accidents can assist you through the claims process. They have experience dealing with insurance companies and are expert negotiators. They will fight to secure you the highest amount of compensation for your losses.
Your lawyer will draft all necessary documents and file them, which is crucial to the success of your claim. They will also ensure that you don't miss any crucial deadlines, such as the statute of limitations. An attorney can also help you avoid common mistakes that could harm your case, such as revealing information to the insurance company before hiring an attorney or putting too much blame on yourself with your statements.
A lawyer for car accidents with expertise can help you obtain damages for all your losses, including economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those that have an estimated value, such as medical bills or lost wages. Non-economic damages, like suffering and pain, are harder to quantify, yet they could be just as crucial to your recovery as more tangible losses. This type of injury compensates you for the negative impact of the auto accident claim on your life. It could be the impact of the accident on your family, hobbies, and your ability to work.
