10 Steps to Take After Truck Accidents in New York
What Should You Do After a Truck Accident In New York?
There are several steps that you need to take to protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for any damages or injuries sustained in a truck accident. The following truck accident checklist will ensure you’ve covered all your bases to make your auto and personal injury claim process as seamless as possible.
- Check for Injuries
The most important step after a truck accident is to check yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries. If you or anyone else is injured, call for emergency medical assistance immediately. If you don’t feel injured or have any visible wounds, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not manifest immediately however it can have serious consequences if left untreated.
If someone else is injured, it is best that you do not attempt to move them as this could aggravate their injuries. Instead, focus on providing first aid such as slowing bleeding or performing CPR if necessary. If an uninvolved crowd of people begin to gather at the scene, ask if anyone has medical training or can help until emergency responders arrive.
- Contact the Police
When contacting the police, be sure to provide as much information as possible, including the location of the accident, the number of vehicles involved, and any injuries sustained. It’s important to cooperate with the police and answer their questions truthfully, as this can help them accurately document the details of the accident.
They will create an official and detailed police report that documents the accident. This report includes the time, date, and location of the accident, as well as the names and contact information of all parties involved. It will also include a description of the damage to the vehicles and any injuries sustained, as well as any witness statements.
Additionally, the police will assess the situation and begin the evidence collection process. This may include taking photographs or video of the vehicles and the surrounding area, measuring skid marks or other physical evidence, and collecting any debris or other materials that may be relevant to the investigation.
Witness Statements
The police will also gather witness statements from anyone who saw the accident happen or arrived at the scene shortly afterward. Witness statements are vital in determining what happened leading up to the accident and can provide important details that may not be captured by physical evidence or police observations. The police will typically ask witnesses to describe what they saw and heard in writing and ask follow-up questions to clarify any details. Witness statements can still be helpful in building a picture of what happened and can provide important leads for further investigation.
Overall, having an official police report is imperative when pursuing legal action, as it can provide evidence of the circumstances surrounding the accident. The police report can help determine who was at fault for the accident, which can be important in cases where there is dispute or conflicting accounts of the incident.
- Seek Medical Treatment
When seeking medical treatment after a truck accident, it’s important to provide your healthcare provider with as much information as possible about the accident and any injuries you may have sustained. Be sure to describe any symptoms you are experiencing as this can help your healthcare provider accurately diagnose and treat your injuries. Follow all of your healthcare provider’s instructions for treatment and attend all follow-up appointments as recommended. Seeking prompt medical treatment can help you recover more quickly and minimize the long-term impact of any injuries you may have sustained. Be aware that some injuries, such as head, neck, back injuries, may not show symptoms until several hours or days after the accident. Delaying treatment can lead to more serious injuries, longer recovery times, and higher medical bills.
No Fault Insurance
Under New York’s no-fault insurance system, you are entitled to receive up to $50,000 in benefits to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses related to the accident. These benefits are available regardless of who was at fault for the accident, and they can be used to cover medical expenses such as hospital bills, doctor’s visits, and physical therapy.
- Contact an Auto Accident Lawyer
If you have been involved in a truck accident in New York, chances are you are going to need a New York truck accident lawyer. First, you must schedule a consultation. KDLM offers free consultations where you can discuss the details of your case and learn more about our lawyers’ experience and approach to handling cases.
When choosing a truck accident lawyer, it’s important to find someone you feel comfortable working with and who you trust to represent your best interests. KDLM has a great record of being responsive, communicative, and a reputable firm that takes the time to explain the legal process to you in a way that you can understand. You can also count on KDLM to be honest and upfront about the strengths and weaknesses of your case and we will work with you to develop a strategy that is tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Your attorney can help you understand complex legal issues that may apply to your situation such as comparative negligence, the statute of limitations, and no-fault insurance.
- Notify Your Insurance Company
Auto accident insurance claims can be very stressful to set up with insurance companies, and rightfully so. However, it is a necessary part of the process of getting the compensation you deserve for your injuries and property damages. You must contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. Most insurance policies require you to report an accident within a certain time frame, usually within 24 hours or as soon as possible.
Be sure to keep copies of all correspondence with your insurance company, including emails, letters, and phone calls. This will help you keep track of the progress of your claim and ensure that your insurance company is acting in good faith.
If your insurance company denies your claim or offers an inadequate settlement, consult with your lawyer to determine your legal options. Your lawyer can help you file a lawsuit against the other party or negotiate with your insurance company to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your damages and injuries.
Be aware: In order to remain eligible for no-fault insurance benefits, you must file a claim with your insurance company within 30 days of the accident. You will also need to provide your insurance company with documentation of your medical expenses and lost wages, such as medical bills and pay stubs.
- Document Property Damage
Take photos and write down details about any property damage sustained in the accident, including damage to your vehicle or any other property.
- Keep Track of Expenses
Keep a detailed record of all expenses related to the accident, such as medical bills, rental car costs, and lost wages. This can help you accurately calculate the total amount of damages you are seeking.
- Follow up with Your Insurance Company and Lawyer
Regularly follow up with your insurance company and lawyer to ensure that your claim is moving forward and that you are receiving fair compensation. Ask for updates on the status of your claim and any next steps you need to take.
- Be Cautious on Social Media
Avoid posting anything about the accident on social media, as anything you say online could be used against you in court. Insurance adjusters and lawyers for the other party may monitor your social media accounts for any information that could be used to discredit your claim.
- Take Care of Your Mental Health
A truck accident can be a traumatic experience, and it’s important to take care of your mental health as well as your physical health. Consider seeking counseling or therapy to help you cope with any emotional or psychological trauma related to the accident.