What to Do After a Car Accident That’s Not Your Fault
When you drive, it is important to follow the rules of the road – not only for your own safety, but also for the safety of those who share the road with you. Still, despite your best efforts, accidents can happen – due to someone else’s fault. If and when it happens, you need to know what to do so that you can hold the at-fault motorist accountable for their actions and recover damages.
Given below are seven steps you need to take after a car accident that is not your fault.
1. Check for Injuries
Check yourself and other passengers (if any) for injuries. If you can drive, move your vehicle to the side of the road. Otherwise, turn on the hazard lights and get to the side of the road.
2. Notify the Police
Call 911 and notify the authorities that you have been involved in an accident.
3. Exchange Information with the Other Driver
Talk to the at-fault driver and get their contact information, driver’s license number, and auto insurance policy number. Provide your contact information and insurance details to the at-fault driver.
4. Get Contact Information of Witnesses
Talk to potential witnesses who might have seen what happened and get their contact information. Their testimony can be extremely helpful in corroborating your side of the story.
5. Document the Accident Scene
Take pictures and videos of the accident scene with a camera (if you have one) or with your cell phone. You should take pictures of your vehicle, the at-fault driver’s vehicle, your injuries, damaged personal belongings, skid marks, damage caused to public property like lamp posts, utility poles, and trash cans.
Also, make a note of when the accident happened, where it happened, how it happened, what kind of injuries you sustained, and more – while the details are still fresh in your memory.
6. Get Medical Assistance
Go to the doctor as soon as you can for a proper evaluation. Even if you are not visibly injured and even if you do not feel any pain or discomfort, make sure you get yourself checked thoroughly. This is very important for two reasons.
Firstly, certain types of injuries (traumatic brain injuries being a good example) might not be visible to the naked eye and the symptoms might appear days or even weeks after the accident. So, the sooner you go to the doctor, the sooner you can get the treatment and care you need.
Secondly, if you wait until you start exhibiting symptoms to go to the doctor, the defendant’s side can easily make the argument that your injuries are not as extensive or serious as you claim, since you did not bother to get treated right away.
7. Contact a New York Personal Injury Lawyer
This is by far the most important step you need to take after a car accident. Hiring a lawyer right at the outset puts you at an advantage, as they can take care of all the paperwork, calculate the value of your claim, negotiate with the insurance company, and take legal action if needed to recover the compensation you deserve.
Trustworthy Car Accident Lawyers in New York
If you have been injured in a car accident, the experienced car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff can handle your claim and help you get the restitution you deserve.
Nicknamed ‘The Bull’ for his calculated aggression, resilience, and the willingness to fight relentlessly until he gets the results he wants, Michael S. Lamonsoff is one of the most successful civil litigators in the state today. Under his leadership, our legal team has a track record of winning cases that many other firms might be hesitant to take up.
For a free evaluation of your car accident claim, call us today at 212-962-1020 or contact us online and schedule a consultation with an experienced New York car accident lawyer from our firm.