If another driver recently hit your vehicle, you may be wondering what to do when you’re in a car accident.
The weeks and months after an accident are undoubtedly an incredibly stressful times.
However, it is important that you take several steps to protect not only your health but also your ability to pursue a personal injury case in the future.
Report the Accident
Immediately reporting a car accident is extremely important.
Not only does New York law require you to report an accident, but it triggers an emergency response team.
Emergency medical responders will determine if anyone needs potentially lifesaving treatment.
By reporting the accident, you also create official documentation of the collision, which can make recovering for your accident-related expenses much easier.
Conduct a Mini-Investigation
After an accident, you should obtain some basic information from any other drivers involved in the collision, including the following:
- Name,
- Address,
- Insurance information, and
- Driver’s license number.
If any other motorists or bystanders witnessed the accident, collect their contact information as well. Be sure to provide your own information to the other driver.
If possible, you should also take pictures of the scene, focusing on the position of the vehicles and any road signs or traffic markings.
Collectively, this information will help an attorney prepare a claim on your behalf should you decide to pursue one.
Be Careful Who You Talk To
After an accident, it’s natural to want to engage with the other drivers involved. However, to the extent possible, limit your conversations to the exchange of information.
You don’t want to escalate the situation or make a statement in the heat of the moment that you later regret.
Similarly, when you speak with an insurance company representative, it is important that you do not admit fault, minimize your injuries, or make any statements that it could later use against you.
Remember, insurance companies are self-interested and will use whatever information they obtain to reduce the value of your claim.
Obtain Prompt Medical Treatment
As soon as possible, visit the emergency room, an urgent care facility, or your primary care provider. Tell the doctor that you were involved in an accident, and let them know about any pain you are experiencing, even if you think it’s something minor.
Sometimes, car accidents can cause severe injuries that may not immediately appear to be serious. A doctor can determine the full extent of your injuries, ensuring you get the proper medical care.
Contact a New York Car Accident Lawyer
When you are ready, reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your case. A lawyer can explain what to do if you are in an accident so that you can maximize your chances of a full and fair recovery.
Have You Been Injured in a New York Auto Accident?
Not knowing what to do when you’re in a car accident is completely normal.
If you have questions about a recent car accident or want to learn more about the recovery process, contact the Law Offices of Theodore “Ted” A. Naima for immediate assistance.
Ted has more than 25 years of experience helping accident victims obtain the compensation they need and deserve after suffering serious injuries.
We handle personal injury and wrongful death cases stemming from auto accidents, slip and falls, construction injuries, dog bites, and more.
To schedule a free consultation with the Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima, call 516-280-7311 today. You can also connect with us through our online form.
Theodore A. Naima
Theodore A. Naima is the founding partner of the Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima, a Personal Injury & Medical Malpractice Law Firm based in New York. In 2015, Ted was awarded the prestigious AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, the company that has long been recognized as setting the gold standard for lawyer ratings, signifying the highest degree of peer recognition and professional excellence.
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