3 Actions to Take Following a Car Wreck

Written by
Abraham Jaros
|
Updated on Wednesday, Aug 23, 2023

Nobody enjoys thinking about car accidents and possible injuries, but knowing what to do in such a situation could help you recover compensation if you decide to file a lawsuit following a wreck. According to the United States Census Bureau, nearly 11 million accidents occur on American roads each year. At least one-third of these collisions result in injuries.

Injuries are expensive-even more so if you cannot return to work during rehabilitation. There is also the trauma to consider, which can affect your mental and emotional well-being. If you are in this situation because of another person’s negligent driving, call Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC at 212.227.2780. A personal-injury attorney in New York City can assess your case and offer valuable legal guidance. In the meantime, read on to find out what to do immediately following an accident:

  1. Gather Evidence

If your injuries allow it, document the scene for later use as evidence. Take pictures of your vehicle, your injuries, the other car’s damage and the position of all vehicles involved. Take notes of your injuries, and talk to witnesses at the scene. Do not forget to gather their contact details. Most people have cellphones with cameras nowadays, which you can use to photograph evidence, and you can add witnesses to your contact list. As a backup, you should always have a pencil, paper and disposable camera stashed in the glove box.

  1. Avoid Admitting Fault

Regardless of whether you are injured or not, it is always wise to avoid implicating yourself at the scene of the accident. Do not apologize because others may construe it as admitting fault. Be polite and help others with their injuries, but refrain from saying anything that people can use against you later in court. Instead, wait for investigators to make their own conclusions without your encouragement. You may make a statement to law enforcement officials, but do not stray from the facts, and be mindful of inadvertently implying fault. If you do not know what to say, ask if you can first treat your injuries. This will give you time to construct your statement and call a lawyer.

  1. Accept Medical Treatment

Even if you consider your injuries minor, get medical care. A doctor will check for injuries you may be unaware of, and many injuries only become evident a few days later, after the adrenaline from the accident stops hiding your symptoms. Report every slight injury, including the following examples:

  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Ear discharge
  • Nausea
  • Amnesia
  • Anything odd about your physical or mental state

There are two major downsides of declining medical treatment. First, the other party can argue that your injuries occurred at another time and are unrelated to the accident. Second, insurance companies may attempt to diminish the severity of your injuries, claiming that they did not even require medical attention. You should consider hiring an attorney to fight for compensation for your injuries on your behalf. A personal-injury lawyer can protect your interests, deal with the paperwork and handle law enforcement officers, as well as the insurance company representatives. Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC can develop your case while you recuperate from the accident. Call 212.227.2780 for a free legal consultation.

Get the advice and guidance you and your family need

You do not have to go through this alone.

At Jaroslawicz & Jaros, we have over 40 years of experience helping accident victims in New York recover compensation. The clients we represent benefit from the personal attention of our knowledgeable and experienced attorneys.

We Have Recovered Over $2 Billion for Our Clients.

The attorneys at Jaroslawicz & Jaros have obtained verdicts and settlements of over $1 Million for hundreds of our individual clients. Since all New York personal injury law firms generally charge the same legal fee why not hire an experienced law firm with a proven track record?

When you retain the New York City accident lawyers at Jaroslawicz & Jaros, you will always work directly with your lawyer, and not with a paralegal or secretary. We will always be available to you! Our hundreds of positive client reviews and testimonials speak for themselves.

Experience and a track record of results

Contact the attorneys at Jaroslawicz & Jaros for a free legal consultation regarding your rights and your legal options. If we agree to handle your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis so that you don’t have to worry about any upfront costs.

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Picture of Abraham Jaros

You can reach partner Abraham Jaros directly, either call his cell 917-842-9544, or email him at ajaros@lawjaros.com. Or call Jaroslawicz & Jaros at 212 227 2780 in New York, or toll free 800-269-2780, or submit an online questionnaire.