In the aftermath of a car accident in New York, it is in your best interest to retain a lawyer. You could be owed compensation for the financial and personal costs of the accident, and pursuing it is easier with the help of a seasoned professional. While you focus on resting and recovering, your car accident lawyer will investigate the accident, gather the necessary evidence to support your case, communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf, negotiate for a fair settlement, and file a lawsuit if one cannot be reached. And because most personal injury attorneys work on contingency and only get paid if they win, there’s no financial risk to you.
What to Do After a Car Accident
In the aftermath of an accident, you may be confused about what steps to take next. Doing the following can help you lay the groundwork for a successful accident claim:
- Gather evidence– If you are physically able to do so, take pictures at the accident scene to document the exact location. Try to photograph the general area, any debris from the wreck, and any visible injuries you suffered. You should also exchange insurance information with the driver and speak to any eyewitnesses about what they observed.
- Get medical care– Go to a doctor, emergency department, or urgent care facility if you are not transported from the scene. Do so even if you do not feel injured, as many serious injuries take hours or days to present symptoms. Tell the medical provider that you were in a car accident so that their treatment notes link any injuries you suffered to the accident.
- Call your insurance company – You should call your insurance company to report the collision. Be sure to cooperate with your insurance company and advise them that you are seeking legal representation.
- Create a file – Keep all your medical records and bills in a file alongside the photographs you took from the scene. Request a copy of the police accident report and add it to your file. Other useful documentary evidence includes pay stubs, communications with your employer, and past tax returns if you miss work, as well as the repair estimates for your damaged vehicle.
- Call a New York car accident attorney – Call an experienced attorney as soon as possible after the accident. Arrange an initial consultation (most personal injury attorneys offer them for free) and bring your file with you to the appointment. The sooner you take this step, the sooner a lawyer can start pursuing the compensation you deserve.
How a Lawyer Can Help with Your Car Accident Claim
Your own no-fault auto insurance will pay for your medical expenses, a portion of your lost wages, and incidental expenses related to the crash. Your attorney can file your claim on your behalf, then investigate further to determine if they can file a liability insurance claim or a lawsuit against the other driver to pursue additional compensation, such as for the damage to your vehicle, the full value of your lost wages, and “non-economic damages” like pain and suffering.
What’s more, they’ll do this at no upfront cost to you. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they secure compensation for their clients. Not only does this arrangement mean your lawyer assumes all the risk, but because their fee is a portion of your recovery, it also motivates them to secure every cent possible on your behalf.
Call a New York Car Accident Attorney Today
Hurt in a car accident in Western New York? Campbell & Associates has four convenient locations in Hamburg, Buffalo, Fredonia-Dunkirk, and Jamestown. Contact us today at (716) 992-2222 to learn about how we can help you pursue the money you need to rebuild your life.
