Car accident injuries can be extensive, preventing you from performing daily tasks and returning to work. Although you may have a straightforward claim, protecting your rights is key to recovering maximum compensation. Thankfully, our Buffalo car accident lawyers at Campbell & Associates know that insurance claims involve more than submitting paperwork. By educating motorists, we hope to help you feel empowered in the event of a crash.
Call 911
If you, any of your passengers, or anyone in the other vehicle is injured, call 911. Even if you feel fine, call for emergency help anyway. With adrenaline pumping through your veins, you may not realize that you are injured. By receiving prompt medical attention, you prevent further deterioration of your condition while also preserving your claim.
Contact the Police
New York Vehicle & Traffic Law §605 requires motorists to report an accident if there are any injuries, fatalities, or more than $1,000 in property damage. If the police are called from the scene due to injuries, the officer who responds to the scene will take down the names of all drivers, injuries sustained, and a brief description of the crash.
If an officer does not arrive at the scene, you are legally obligated to file a Report of Motor Vehicle Accident with the DMV within 10 days of the incident. Additionally, your insurance company will ask for this report as part of your claims package.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
Immediately following the crash, exchange the following information with any other drivers involved:
- Your name
- Address
- Vehicle information: Make/model/year, VIN, and license plate number
- Driver’s license: Date of birth, state of issuance, date of issuance, and date of expiration (taking a picture is often easier than writing this information down)
- Insurance information: Name of insurer, policy number, the name of your agent, and claims phone number
Gather Evidence
A successful car accident claim involves collecting evidence to establish liability. Proving the other driver’s fault requires showing how they used less than reasonable care, causing you injury. Evidence in a car accident can be physical, demonstrative, or testimonial. Physical evidence would include a shredded tire, broken fender, or blood-stained clothing.
Most vehicles are now equipped with event data recorders (EDRs), known as a vehicle’s “black box,” that is mounted inside your car. Another type of physical evidence, EDRs record vehicle speed, braking, and airbag deployment in the seconds before, during, and after a crash.
Demonstrative evidence is visual evidence that illustrates what happened. In a car accident case, this may include video or photographic footage. Camera surveillance or other video footage can show what initiated the crash. If your accident occurred near any businesses, check to see if they have surveillance cameras. When video evidence does not exist, take photos of vehicle debris, skid marks, and the final resting positions of vehicles. This information can be used in lieu of video evidence to piece together what occurred.
When physical evidence is scarce, testimonial evidence can help you secure the compensation you deserve. If you saw any eyewitnesses, take down their names, contact numbers, and ask if they will provide a brief statement. If the police are responding to the scene, ask the eyewitnesses to stay to provide a statement. Unlike a passenger who can corroborate your story, an eyewitness provides an impartial perspective.
Never Wait to Get Legal Help
Nobody can expect to remember everything that they should follow after a crash. Thankfully, our Buffalo car accident attorneys will assess your case, collect the necessary information, and calculate your damages (losses). At Campbell & Associates, we are happy to handle your case from start to finish. Our legal team will handle speaking with the claims adjuster to ensure that nothing is said that weakens your case. We understand that the claims process can be overwhelming, but we are happy to provide legal guidance each step of the way.
Buffalo Car Accident Attorneys Providing Aggressive Representation
At Campbell & Associates, we are committed to helping you recover for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses incurred by your crash. You should not have to spend your hard-earned money due to another’s negligence. If you want to discuss your legal options, our legal team is here to assist you. To arrange your free consultation with one of our Buffalo car accident lawyers, contact us online or by calling (716) 992-2222 today.
