Protect yourself legally when involved in a car accident
When you’re in a car accident, it’s vital to know about critical mistakes to avoid. We’re talking about mistakes that could jeopardize your case in a legal claim—mistakes that could prevent you from recovering fair compensation for damages.
More than 300,000 car accidents occur in New York every year. Car accidents create confusion and emotional distress, especially if you suffer injury. By following our guidelines below, you can avoid making crucial legal mistakes.
Call the police
When damages appear minor, you might believe you don’t need to call the police. However, you may not be able to judge how serious the accident is. Police can help preserve vital evidence. Also, in some situations, not calling the police could make you subject to criminal charges.
Do not admit fault
Even if you think the accident was your fault. Even if you do, do not say this out loud to the other driver or voice. Even saying to the other driver “I didn’t see you” can be damaging. Let your attorney evaluate the accident. Lawyers have extensive experience to determine negligence and fault.
Get medical treatment as soon as possible
When you seek immediate treatment, it creates a record of what injuries the accident caused. This improves the likelihood of full, maximum recovery for damages. It can also help prevent the other driver’s counsel from attempting to prove your injuries did not result from the accident.
Gather evidence from the accident scene
Today, with cell phones you can take pictures of the cars, the witnesses, the road, your injuries, and anything else to do with the accident. You should get information from the drivers and people involved: their names, insurance companies, license plates and contact information. Also, take down the names and contact information of witnesses to the accident. In fact, it’s a good idea to write down everything you remember about the accident as soon as possible.
Do not talk to your insurance company
Instead of talking to your insurance company yourself, have your attorney call them. This way you protect yourself against inadvertently saying something that could harm your case.
Recover compensation for your injuries
When another driver is responsible for causing an accident and you suffer injuries, you have the legal right to recover compensation. The types of compensation that lawyers can recover often include the following:
- Hospital costs and medical bills
- Lost wages and future earning capacity losses due to injuries
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
Get legal help with your car accident case
If you are seriously injured through a car accident, find out how we can help. Our legal skills can help you win or settle New York personal injury claims. We can deal with your legal issues and negotiate with or sue insurance companies to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. To arrange a free consultation, contact the Law Office of John Fazzini. Call us at (631) 547-8989 or reach out to us through our contact form.