Car accidents are prevalent in New York. According to the NYPD, these accidents are normally a result of distracted driving, speeding, tailgating, and DUI, among others. If you sustain an injury after a car accident, you may have a right to claim compensation according to state laws if you are in a fault state.
However, because New York is a no-fault state, you cannot sue or claim damages from the other insurance company. The policy you have with your car insurance company is what will compensate you for your losses, damages to your property, and your medical bills.
To know more about your legal options and rights, talk to an accident lawyer as soon as possible. Until then, what do you need to do to maximize your claim?
Report the Accident to the Police
NYC laws require every driver involved in an accident to stop at the scene and call the police. You can only move your vehicle or leave the scene if staying puts you in harm’s way.
Whether there are people injured in the accident or not, you should alert the police to record the accident and secure the scene. If you are unable to call the police immediately, be sure to file the accident report within ten days after the accident.
Exchange Information
You should ensure that you exchange information with the other driver after the accident. This includes their contact information, addresses, names, insurance information, and identification number.
You should also collect witness’ information, the name and badge number of the police at the scene, and their precinct. This information is very vital to your claim.
Call Your Insurance Company
If the accident involves damages to your property or injuries, you need to notify your insurer immediately. If you fail to notify your insurance company, they can deny your claim.
Remember, because NYC is a no-fault state, you can only get compensated by your insurer. However, most policies have limits, and you may not be able to recover the full cost of your damages.
Go to the Hospital
You will need a hospital report to prove that you were injured in the accident. It is crucial to go to the hospital even if you do not have any visible injuries. This is because some injuries take longer to manifest, and you can also have some internal injuries that require immediate medical attention.
Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer
Though New York is a no-fault state, you will still need to get legal help from a car accident lawyer. A lawyer will help ensure that your insurer values your claim well and compensates you fairly as per your policy.
If the circumstances following the accidents are not clear, your lawyer can gather evidence or use experts to get more details about your case and prove your claim.
Do Make a Statement
You are not obligated to engage in any argument or explain the accident to the other driver. While arguing, you might say something that can be used against you. Once you have exchanged information with the other driver or the police, you do not have to give any other statement. The statement you give the police or the other driver can harm your case and cost you your claim because your insurer will use the report to justify your claim.
Maximize Your Car Accident Claim
If you have been in a car accident in New York, you need to talk to an experienced car accident lawyer to know about your state laws, how much you can claim, and more about your case and your legal options. Your attorney will help you handle the claim with your insurer and maximize your compensation.