Car accidents are usually sudden and unpredictable. Even if a crash does not result in significant property damage, the aftermath is often rife with nervous emotions.
Many drivers - especially inexperienced ones - are unsure how to react after an accident. Understanding proper accident response not only can save people’s lives but also may improve your ability to recover compensation from the at-fault party. One of the most important steps in accident response, particularly if you were injured due to another driver’s negligence, is contacting a personal-injury attorney. An accident lawyer can structure your claim, handle settlement negotiations and, if necessary, litigate your case in court. An attorney can also help you avoid mistakes that could compromise your ability to recover compensation. If your accident happened in New York, then Jaroslawicz & Jaros PLLC may be able to help. If you would like to schedule a consultation with a New York City personal-injury attorney, call us today at 212.227.2780. In the meantime, read on to learn the answers to three car accident FAQs:
- Do I Have to File an Accident Report?
As outlined by the New York Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, you are legally required to file an accident report if the total amount of damage exceeds $1,000. If the collision was minor, then you do not need to file a report, but you must stop your vehicle and exchange information with the other driver.
- Do I Have to Contact Emergency Services - Police, EMS, etc.?
If no one was injured in the accident, then you are not obligated to contact the police or other emergency services. However, you may still want to call law enforcement if the other driver is behaving aggressively. Also, a police record can help establish the facts of the collision, which can be particularly important if the other driver is at fault.
- What Information Should I Exchange with the Other Driver?
You should keep in mind that leaving the scene of an accident - even if it was just a fender-bender that the other driver clearly caused - can lead to serious repercussions. Not only is leaving the scene illegal, but it can also prevent you from gathering critical information. All drivers involved in the accident should exchange insurance and contact info. You should also record notes about the vehicles, such as the license plate numbers, as well as the makes, models, years and colors. In addition to exchanging info with other drivers, it may be wise to gather the contact details of eyewitnesses. If you suffered an injury, then witness testimonies may be able to support your claim. There are several mistakes that people make after accidents that compromise their ability to recover financially. Unfortunately, expensive health-care bills and an inability to return to work can put victims in insurmountable debt. If you were injured due to another person’s negligence and would like to know if you may have valid grounds for a lawsuit, contact Jaroslawicz & Jaros PLLC. To schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal-injury lawyer, call 212.227.2780.
