Steps to Take After a Car Accident
In New York, there are certain legal steps that need to be taken after a car accident like staying at the scene of the accident, calling the police, and exchanging insurance information with the other driver. There are also steps that can be taken with your insurance company that can help you obtain the compensation you need to cover all your expenses. Contact a Central New York Automobile Accidents Attorney if you feel like something went wrong and you did not receive enough compensation.
What to Do at the Accident Scene
The first thing you should do is to make sure everyone is okay. Call 911 regardless of whether injuries are present because some injuries are not apparent at first and you will need a police report. While waiting for emergency services to arrive, exchange insurance information with the other driver. This includes your name, driver’s license number, and your insurance company address and policy number.
You may want to collect other car accident evidence, like evidence of injuries and vehicle damages because you will need these if you end up filing a personal injury lawsuit. Take pictures of your injuries and the wreckage. Do not leave out close-up pictures of certain parts of your car, especially on the inside. It is also a good idea to collect information from any witnesses who are still present. Witness reports may make the difference between you obtaining or not obtaining the compensation you need.
Legal Steps After the Accident
In New York, you are obligated to report the accident and your personal injuries to your insurance company to receive no-fault benefits. Your claims adjuster may call you directly for more details about the accident. This is done to back up your claims about what happened. They may ask for information regarding the police report, witness statements, photos of the accident, or your injuries. Expect to be asked to sign a form that grants access to your medical records.
Not all insurance companies will offer you the compensation you need to recover financially. If this happens to you, you can either file an appeal or talk to a lawyer about filing a lawsuit. People in New York usually sue when their medical expenses reach significant levels, they have endured pain and suffering from life-changing injuries, or endured the loss of a loved one from the accident.
New York Car Accident Lawyer
If you find yourself struggling financially and mentally after an unexpected car accident, do not settle for less when it comes to compensation. You may be entitled to further compensation for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, lost wages, and psychological damage. An experienced Syracuse Car Accidents Attorney can help you figure out what your options are and will know what steps to take to obtain further compensation.
At Gattuso & Ciotoli we have years of experience with car accident cases. Call us today at (315) 314-8000 for a free consultation. Our offices can be found in Central New York, Syracuse, Watertown, Binghamton, Syracuse, North Syracuse, Camillus, Liverpool, Cortland, and Auburn.