Steps to Take After a Car Accident
The costs of injuries after a car accident can be substantial. However, you may not have to pay the medical bills if you can prove fault in the accident. Proving negligence requires collecting evidence, and there are steps you can take to ensure that you have enough evidence to support your personal injury claim.
You can submit your claim to the insurance company, but they may not always offer fair compensation. Talk to a Central New York Personal Injury Attorney about what steps you can take in order to obtain a better deal.
First Steps After a Car Accident
The first and most important action you should take after a car accident is to study your surroundings. Make sure you and anyone else involved is not in the middle of the road where traffic is passing. Assess your body for injuries and call 911 for police and emergency services. Do this regardless of whether you or the other driver only have minor injuries. You never know when someone may have internal injuries. Calling 911 shows that you acted responsibly by requesting medical assistance.
Do not leave until police arrive because they will need to collect information from you for the police report. Never admit fault because this can be used against you by the other driver, passengers, or the insurance company. This could hurt your chances of obtaining fair compensation and you may be in danger of a lawsuit.
The Importance of Documentation
Documentation means collecting as much evidence as you can about the car accident. No one will believe your word that the other driver caused the wreck if you have no evidence to back up your story. Take pictures if your phone is still working and write down what happened while your memory is still fresh. Also, be sure to obtain a copy of the police report because most insurance claims require this on-file.
Witnesses can also be of great help to you if there are any. All you need to do is write down their name, phone number, and what they saw during the accident. Be aware that some witness reports may not hold up in court if their reports are shown to be false during cross-examinations.
Your insurance company and lawyer will both need medical records for any injuries related to the accident. These show that you were injured and how much your injuries ended up costing you.
Car Accident Lawyer in New York
Car accidents can lead to a variety of mild to severe injuries, some of which can cripple a person for life. These types of injuries can lead to lost wages on top of expensive medical bills, both of which can place people in financial trouble. If you are stuck in a similar situation, try getting in contact with a Cortland Car Accidents Lawyer to figure out what you can do to increase your chances of fair compensation.
At Gattuso & Ciotoli, we provide clients with four types of legal services. You can find our legal assistance in Central New York, Syracuse, Watertown, Binghamton, Syracuse, North Syracuse, Camillus, Liverpool, Cortland, and Auburn. Contact us at (315) 314-8000 for a free consultation today. We will investigate your claim and collect evidence to prove your need for compensation in court if necessary.