When to Contact a Lawyer Following a Car Accident?
If you’ve been in a car accident and suffered serious injuries, you will need an experienced New York car accident lawyer to help you pursue compensation for your losses. Depending on the nature of your accident, you may need to file a lawsuit against an insurance company, or you might be eligible for damages from a third party.
When to Contact a Lawyer?
A good lawyer should be called as soon as possible after the accident since they can preserve evidence that will be important in your case. A delay in filing your claim can affect your ability to collect the full compensation you deserve.
Gather Evidence
After a car accident, it is essential that you collect any medical bills, written estimates for damage repair, and other documentation. These records can be used to show how your injuries have impacted your life and the amount of compensation you are entitled to receive.
Determine Who Was at Fault for the Crash
The first question a New York attorney will ask you is who was at fault in the accident. In the state of New York, liability is usually determined through a process known as comparative negligence. This means that the liable party is assessed based on how they behaved, whether they were negligent, and any other factors related to the crash.
This information can help the attorney prepare your case and present it to the jury. It can also give the jury an idea of what to expect in terms of settlement offers and how much they should expect to recover for you.
Make a Record of Witnesses and the Accident Scene
It is essential to make sure that the police are notified of the accident as soon as possible, so they can attend the scene to gather evidence and take witness statements. It is also a good idea to take photos of the scene and any other details that will help with your case.
Collect Contact Information from the Drivers and Eyewitnesses
It is crucial to get all the relevant information about the drivers involved in the accident, including names, addresses, phone numbers, license plates, and insurance information. It is also a good idea to make note of any other information that might be relevant, such as whether they are carrying medical insurance or have any criminal charges on their record.
Call Your Health Care Providers ASAP
You should also make sure that you visit the doctor as soon as possible after the accident. This will be necessary to determine your injuries and ensure that they are not getting worse. This is especially important if you are sustaining injuries that might not be visible until weeks or months after the accident.
Consider a Lawsuit against the Government for the Crash
If the accident was caused by a government agency, you can file a claim against that agency to seek damages. However, this is a complicated area of the law that takes a great deal of skill and experience to successfully pursue.