Accidents happen and sometimes they can be really bad. If you get hurt in an accident and need money for it. Or if you caused the accident and want to ensure you’re treated fairly. Having a good accident lawyer can help a lot. They know how to handle these situations and make sure things are fair for everyone involved.
What Should You Do at the Scene of an Accident?
Documenting the Scene
The moments immediately following an accident are crucial for building a strong case. Start by documenting the scene thoroughly. Take pictures of the vehicles involved, the surrounding area, and any relevant road signs or signals. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved. Note down the names and contact information of any witnesses. This documentation will be invaluable in reconstructing the accident.
Getting Your Injuries Checked Out
Your health comes first even if you feel fine after an accident. Sometimes injuries don’t show up immediately. So it is important to see a doctor who can note any potential issue.
Taking Notes on the Accident
Keeping notes about what happened like the weather, road conditions, and what others said about the accident. This crucial information helps law enforcement, insurance companies, and your lawyer. Make sure to document any damage to your vehicle and other losses like medical bills or your missed work days.
This documentation is important when seeking compensation for your damages.
Calling an Auto Accident Attorney
Once you’ve taken the necessary steps at the scene, it’s time to involve a legal professional. An auto accident attorney, like specializes in navigating the complexities of auto accident cases. They can provide valuable guidance on the next steps and ensure that you’re taking the right actions to protect your rights and build a robust case.
What Your Auto Accident Attorney Do in the Days Following the Crash
The attorney will look into what happened to gather witness statements and might even work with specialists to reconstruct the accident. This thorough investigation helps build a strong case.
Insurance Claims
Your attorney will assist you in filing insurance claims with the at-fault party’s insurance company. They will handle communications with the insurance adjusters, ensuring that your rights are protected and you’re not taken advantage of during the claims process.
Negotiation
Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to get you a fair settlement. They are experts in negotiation and will work to get the best outcomes for you.
Representing You
If negotiations don’t lead to a fair settlement your attorney is ready to represent you in court. They’ll file a lawsuit for you. Present your case in court and fight for your rights during the legal process.
Damages and Compensation in Auto Accident Claims
How Much Is Your Case Worth?
Determining the value of your case involves assessing both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include tangible losses like medical expenses and property damage, while non-economic damages encompass intangible losses such as pain and suffering. Your attorney will work to maximize the compensation you receive for both types of damages.
What If You Share Some Blame for the Accident?
New York follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you share some responsibility for the accident, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. However, as long as you are less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages.
How Long Do You Have to File an Accident Claim?
A no-fault claim is a claim with the no-fault carrier advising them about the accident such as your injuries, how the accident happened, date of accident, time, location, and treatment. The deadline is that this must be filed within 30 days to avoid any issues with the medical benefits being denied by the no-fault carrier.
Is It Worth Hiring an Auto Accident Lawyer?
An accident lawyer knows the law and can help with your case. They understand how the legal process works. They know the intricacies of handling insurance companies. They’ll work hard to make sure you get the money you should get for what happened to you.
How an Auto Accident Lawyer Helps
An accident lawyer helps you through every part of the process. Right from collecting evidence to talking to insurance companies. They work to get the best results for you so you don’t have to worry about legal headaches and you just focus on moving forward.
Get a Free Case Evaluation From KDLM Auto Accident Attorneys Today
If you have been in a car accident in New York get legal help right away. KDLM offers a free meeting to talk about your case. Take this chance to talk about what happened and learn about your rights. It’s the first step to getting justice.