If you are a young or fairly new driver, you may not have thought about what to do if you are involved in a car accident. Car accidents, though frightening and unfortunate, are not at all uncommon. However, they almost always catch motorists off-guard, causing them to freeze up as a result. You cannot let this happen, because if you do, you may be denied the legal justice and financial compensation you potentially deserve. If you have been injured in a car accident, here are some of the questions you may have:
What are some of the most frequent contributors to car accidents?
Several factors come into play when considering the causes of car accidents. Some of which are as follows:
- Poor road conditions, such as potholes
- Negligent road design
- Inclement weather conditions, such as ice or snow
- Faulty or defective car parts
Unfortunately, however, the most common cause of car accidents is driver negligence.
What do I do after I was involved in a car accident?
Many people think they know what to do when an accident happens, however, in the heat of the moment, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and forget or realize you do not have a plan. Fortunately, you can learn about what you should do now, from the safety of your home. First, when you are in an accident, you must contact your local authorities immediately. The police will document the accident and provide a clear description of how it took place, which helps clarify the order of events should the insurance companies dispute your claim.
Additionally, you must ask the other party for their insurance information, as well as their name, and ask any other witnesses for their contact information, as they may help verify your claim if need be. Never say you’re sorry following an accident, even if it’s simply out of politeness, as this can be seen as an admittance of fault. Lastly, though perhaps most importantly, you should always seek medical assistance immediately following your accident. A medical professional will treat your injuries accordingly, as well as provide medical documentation detailing their extent, which may be used to help prove your claim, should you choose to file one.
How can I recover financial compensation following a New York City car accident?
To recover financial compensation following a car accident, you must first prove that you were injured due to another party’s negligence. However, this is not always easy, so you must hire an experienced attorney who knows the ins and outs of the personal injury claims process and who is willing and ready to fight for your rights.
Contact our experienced New York City firm
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call 212-421-0300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.