People who’ve been involved in motor vehicle accidents are sometimes entitled to compensation. Generally, you can pursue damages after an accident if the accident wasn’t your fault and it caused you injuries and/or property damage. There are certain steps to take after the accident to make sure you’re compensated fully for your damages. Contacting a lawyer who specializes in car accidents in Queens, NY is one of those steps.
6 Steps to Take After Motor Vehicle Accidents in Queens, NY
1. Remain at the Scene
In New York, it’s illegal to leave the scene of an accident without exchanging information with the other driver. The information you must get from the other driver includes their insurance information, name, contact information, license plate number, and the make and model of the car. If the other driver doesn’t own the vehicle they were driving, then you should ask the driver for the car owner’s information, too.
2. Call for Help
Call for help as soon as possible. You’ll need to contact law enforcement, and you may need to call an ambulance if anyone is severely injured. When law enforcement arrives, they’ll ask you for your license, registration, and your insurance information. The police will also ask you questions about what caused the accident. Provide as many facts as you can recall, but avoid placing blame.
3. Document the Accident Scene
If you don’t have injuries that prevent you from moving around safely, then take photographs and video evidence of the accident scene. As possible, start taking pictures and videos before the first responders arrive.
Try to capture the damage to your vehicle and any debris and skid marks on the road. Also photograph the position of your car in relation to other vehicles, buildings, and the sidewalk. Get contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident, if possible.
4. Seek Medical Attention
Once law enforcement says that you can leave, you should seek medical attention for your injuries. Get checked out even if you don’t have any obvious injuries, as you could have internal injuries or injuries that won’t show symptoms straightaway.
5. Call Your Insurance Company and File a Report
Call your insurance company to inform them of the accident. You have to do this within 30 days of the incident. You must also file an accident report with the DMV if the accident caused $1,000 worth of damages or more. You have 10 days to file this report.
6. Call an Attorney
Contact an experienced personal injury attorney if you’ve been in a car accident. Have a free consultation and explain your situation to them. A personal injury lawyer who specializes in motor accidents can talk to you about whether you may pursue compensation. If you are entitled to compensation, then your attorney can take you through the next steps to help you recover it.
Contact Surdez & Perez in Astoria, Queens, New York for a free consultation if you’ve been injured in a car accident. We can help you take all the steps to begin pursuing compensation for your damages.
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