Our Auto Accident Attorneys in New York City Explain What to Do in a Motor Vehicle Accident
Even a minor auto accident can leave you panicked and shaken. Unfortunately, in the confusion of a motor vehicle accident, many people sabotage their legal entitlements or, even worse, commit a crime by leaving the scene of an accident. Our auto accident attorneys in New York City have prepared this list of things to do in an auto accident so you can protect your rights, successfully collect insurance, and bring a claim against liable parties.
What to Do After an Auto Accident
After an auto accident, the attorneys of Proner & Proner advise you to…
- Preserve Your Rights - First and foremost, do not leave the scene of an accident. Doing so is a crime in many states.
- Collect Information - It is required that you exchange your name, address, drivers’ license, and insurance information with all other drivers involved in the accident.Also, be sure to collect the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all people involved in the car accident, including witnesses. If you have a camera handy, it is helpful to take photographs to document the scene. Skid marks, road obstructions, and vehicle damage are all useful to document. Lastly, make note of any statements made by other parties involved in the auto accident - these may be useful to you later.
- Call the Police and Paramedics - If someone has been injured in the accident, call the paramedics. Be prepared to give them the location of the accident and the approximate number of people injured.You may not be required to call the police, but it is recommended because the police will prepare a report that contains important information about the accident. These car accident reports can aid you later.
- Stay Safe - Avoid further accidents by moving your car out of the way of other motorists, if possible. Make your car visible to oncoming traffic by setting out flares, turning on your hazard lights, and lifting the hood and trunk of your car.
- Do Not Admit Liability - While you can convey facts about how the accident occurred, refrain from commenting on your responsibility or liability for the accident. Do not admit responsibility to anyone, including passengers, other drivers, and the police. At the scene of an accident, it’s not always clear who was at fault. Fault in the accident is a sometimes a confusing legal matter that’s best left up to our auto accident attorneys in New York City who represent accident victims all over the United States.
- Promptly Notify Your Insurance Company - Give your insurance company prompt notice of the accident, otherwise your coverage may be denied. Notify them by telephone, and also using a method that provides documentation that you did so, such as certified mail or fax. Provide your insurance company with all information they request. If you get in touch with our auto accident attorneys in New York City immediately following your accident, we can help you notify your insurance company. Wherever in the country you are, we can help.
- Get Checked for Injuries - Injuries you have sustained in a car accident can take time to show up. Therefore, you should consult a doctor or go to a hospital to be checked for injuries after any accident, even if you just feel a little sore or shaken. The cost of consulting a doctor may be covered by insurance, so ask your insurance agent. Lastly, do not settle your injury claim until a doctor has ascertained the full extent of your injuries.
- Seek Assistance from Our Attorneys - Contact our auto accident attorneys immediately following an accident. The lawyers at Proner & Proner in New York City have successfully represented car accident victims nationwide. We can guide you through the hectic aftermath of an auto accident, inform you of your legal rights, and greatly improve your chances of obtaining compensation. Car accidents are best investigated in a timely manner; as time goes on, witness statements can change, and physical evidence can be lost. Therefore, it’s best to contact our auto accident attorneys as soon as possible after an auto accident so we can start investigating your claim right away.
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Contact the Auto Accident Lawyers of Proner & Proner
The auto accident attorneys at Proner & Proner in New York City provide high-quality legal representation to clients from all over the country. We welcome your questions and encourage you to ask us about what our firm can do to represent your interests, so contact Proner & Proner today.