Car accidents are sudden.
But the stress and confusion that comes after is unimaginable. And being unsure of what steps to take, it’s easy to make mistakes that could lower your compensation. That’s why it helps to know the exact steps to protect your rights even before an accident happens. Handling the legal process and insurance claims after an accident isn’t a good idea. The law is complex, and the insurance can arm-twist you into accepting an unfair deal or even deny you the compensation.
So, how can you avoid that?
This guide walks you through your rights and how to pursue compensation for injuries and damage suffered. With this information, you can confidently navigate all the challenges.
Here are the key steps to take when you get involved in an accident in Long Island:
1. Stay Ahead: Know Your Rights
When an accident happens, the injury could be fatal to the point that you might be unable to do anything. Knowing your rights ensures that your rights are not violated. You should:
- Understand No-Fault Insurance: In Long Island, NY, you qualify for compensation to cover basic lost wagesand medical expenses, no matter who caused the accident. However, the claim must be filed within 30 days of the accident.
- Get Medical Help: You have a right to seek immediate medical attention. Call for an emergency if you or anyone is hurt after a crush. Even if the injuries seem minor, a full diagnosis by a doctor might reveal hidden injuries. The medical report is also an important document for the insurance claim.
- Know Your Right to Fair Compensation:Knowing your rights beforehand puts you in the right place to defend yourself. Familiarize yourself with New York’s claims settlement practices to know how insurers are required to handle claims by law to protect your rights. It helps you recognize low offers and avoid being pushed into taking unfair deals.
- Get Legal representation:You have a right to hire a car accident lawyer. Find the best Long Island car accident lawyers who can offer guidance, handle the negotiations with the insurer, and even represent you in court if it gets to that.
2. Call the Police
Immediately after the accident, turn on hazard lights to alert fellow road users. If it’s legal, move the car to a safe place to avoid endangering other drivers or causing traffic. Next, step out carefully and help anyone involved to get to a secure place.
Call 911 to report the accident. The police will ask for details to file a report. Provide your insurance info, license and take the details of the other driver as well. Also, ask for the officer’s name, badge number, and how to get a copy of the police report— you need it when filing an insurance claim.
3. Inform Your Insurance Provider
Even if you are not at fault for the accident, consistently report it to your car insurance provider as soon as possible. Usually, all they’ll ask is basic information about where, when, and how it happened.
When communicating with the insurance company, only give basic information. Don’t say anything that can be used against you or provide a detailed statement without legal advice. Understand that you don’t need to answer anything you feel uncomfortable with. If the insurers ask you to record a statement or sign a document, speak to your lawyer first.
4. Document Everything
After an accident, gather as much information as you can:
- Take multiple clear pics of the vehicles, damage, and road signs.
- Record videos from various angles to vividly capture the scene.
- Get the other driver’s details: name, number plate, car model, address, phone number, and insurance info.
- Talk to witnesses and get their contact details.
- Write down every detail you can remember: road condition, time, weather & visibility, traffic flow, and what happened.
If the police don’t show up, you can still file a report at the nearest police station.
5. Seek Medical Help
You have a right to medical attention. Assuming you are mildly injured, seeking medical attention should come first. Ensure that everyone in your car or involved in the accident is okay. If there’s an emergency, call for emergency service immediately.
Even if you feel fine, always get checked by a doctor for thorough examinations. It’s not just a protocol for filing an insurance claim, but some injuries could be hidden, only to surface later in life. The medical report is also important evidence that shows the extent of the injuries, which strengthens your insurance claim.
6. Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents are distressing. The worst mistake you can make is going through it alone. Instead, relax and let an expert handle it. A reliable local accident lawyer guides you, protects your rights, handles all the paperwork, and talks with the insurance for you. They understand the laws and have even dealt with similar cases, which allows them to advocate for your best interests.
The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better. It allows them to collect crucial evidence from the scene, file the reports, handle negotiations, and represent you in court if necessary, as you focus on your recovery. The good thing is that most lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if you win the case.
Don’t wait for too long before contacting a lawyer because time matters. Although you have 3 years to file a personal injury claim in New York, some insurance deadlines are shorter. This is why contacting an experienced attorney immediately is the best way to protect your rights.
Conclusion
While you can handle a car accident claim alone, it’s not a good idea. On the other side of the negotiating table is a team of experienced lawyers from the insurer’s side. Without the proper legal knowledge and car insurance claims experience, you risk settling for less than you deserve.
So, don’t risk it. Get a trusted lawyer to work on your case and increase your chances of getting fair compensation. Following the steps in this guide and working with a reputable Long Island lawyer gives you the best chance of getting justice. It also means less stress from massive medical bills and financial struggles due to lost wages. The right support gives you peace of mind as you recover and progress.
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