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FAQs about Auto Accident Lawsuits — Our Car Accident Attorneys in New York City Provide Answers
An auto accident can be a life-changing event. In a split second, a small mental lapse or the negligence of another driver can have devastating consequences. Our car accident attorneys in New York City have answered frequently asked questions (FAQ) concerning what to do immediately after and in the period that follows an auto accident. When you are the victim of another's negligence, knowledge of what to do after an accident can help protect your rights and preserve evidence for future auto accident lawsuits. Our car accident attorneys in New York City provide expert representation to car accident victims throughout the United States. The experienced attorneys of Proner & Proner will seek full compensation for your injuries, and complete restitution for damage to your vehicle.
- What Should I Do When I'm Involved in a Car Accident?
- How Is Fault Determined in a Car Accident?
- Should I Admit Fault If I Think I'm Partly to Blame for the Accident?
- Do I Have to Sue to Get Compensation for Injuries and Damages to My Car?
- Should I See a Doctor after an Accident Even If I Don’t Have Apparent Injuries?
- Can I Handle Negotiations with Insurance Companies Myself?
What Should I Do When I'm Involved in a Car Accident?
Before anything, find out if anyone needs medical assistance, and if necessary, call or have someone call an ambulance. When you are sure that the situation has stabilized and medical needs have been addressed, begin to collect information about the accident. Our car accident attorneys in New York City recommend that you:
- Get as much information as possible about the driver and passengers of each vehicle, including names, addresses, telephone numbers, driver's license numbers and expiration dates, and insurance information.
- Write down the make, model, and license plate number of each car involved. If possible, get the car's vehicle identification number (VIN).
- Contact any witnesses and get their names and phone numbers. The outcome of auto accident lawsuits in New York City and anywhere in the country often hinges on witness statements.
- Get the names and badge numbers of any police officers on the scene. Ask how you can get a copy of the police report.
- Draw a diagram of how the accident happened and the final accident scene. It's important to do this while details are still fresh in your mind.
- Carry a camera in your car at all times so that you can photograph the accident scene. Take as many photographs from as many angles as you feel is necessary to thoroughly document the accident scene.
How Is Fault Determined in a Car Accident?
Often the cause of a car accident is not readily apparent, and a thorough automobile accident investigation is necessary to determine fault. The ultimate factor that decides responsibility for an auto accident is the law. The driver who violated one or more traffic laws will be held liable for the accident. For this reason, witness statements can be very important in determining fault in an accident. A simple voice recorder carried in the glove compartment for taking witness statements could be invaluable in the event of an accident. In any case, it is critical that you get at least contact information from witnesses when you are involved in an accident.
Our car accident attorneys in New York City provide state-of-the-art accident investigation services to car accident victims nationwide. If you have been involved in an accident, contact the law offices of Proner & Proner for expert representation and a full investigation of your accident.
Should I Admit Fault If I Think I'm Partly to Blame for the Accident?
No. Until a full investigation of the accident has been completed, there is no way to say for certain who or what specifically has responsibility for causing the accident. Events you may not have seen, defective automotive equipment, and a host of other factors may have had a role in the accident. If you admit fault to other drivers, your words can be used against you in car accident lawsuits. Our New York City attorneys emphatically advise clients never to admit fault in an accident until all the facts have been collected.
Do I Have to Sue to Get Compensation for Injuries and Damages to My Car?
If the other driver's insurance company offers what you and your attorney feel is just compensation for your injuries and any damages to your vehicle, a lawsuit will be unnecessary. Insurance companies, however, often offer lowball payments to protect their interests. Having an attorney to represent you in negotiations with insurance companies is always highly advisable.
Should I See a Doctor after an Accident Even If I Don’t Have Apparent Injuries?
Our car accident attorneys in New York City always recommend that accident victims see a doctor before settling claims with insurance companies. The doctor may find problems caused by the accident that could significantly affect you in the future. Seeing a doctor ensures that future problems, if they occur, will be justly compensated.
Can I Handle Negotiations with Insurance Companies Myself?
Nothing prevents you from negotiating with insurance companies on your own. However, we have seen car accident lawsuits in New York City and across the country that could have been avoided if the accident victims had an attorney during negotiations with insurance companies. We recommend that you consult an experienced attorney to represent you in any auto accident claim. Remember, insurance companies rarely make a move without consulting their lawyers. You deserve professional legal representation as well. Our car accident attorneys provide expertise in the law and extensive experience in auto accident litigation to help you achieve just compensation when you are a car accident victim.
The best way to achieve justice in car accident lawsuits is to contact our car accident attorneys in New York City. Our attorneys provide experienced, knowledgeable representation to clients throughout the United States.
