If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be confused about what you need to do next. Whom do you call in such a situation? What steps should you take to protect your rights? At what point do you get medical attention? These may just be some of the questions you may have in the aftermath of a car accident where you have sustained injuries and losses. There are a few people and entities you should talk to after your accident and some others that you should absolutely avoid.
Whom to Call After a Car Accident
Here are some of those crucial calls you may have to make right after a car accident:
Law enforcement: If you have been injured in a car accident, New York law requires motorists to stop right away and stay at the scene of the crash until the authorities arrive. Drivers are required to exchange information with other parties in the collision including driver’s license, insurance information, contacts, etc. It is important that you call the local police agency and file a report that bears the details of the crash.
Police officers might conduct their own investigation and prepare a report with details including who caused the crash. This information can be extremely valuable. It is also important that you get a copy of this police report for your records. If you are unable to do so, your personal injury lawyer will be able to get that for you. Police reports are typically available within a few days at the police department.
Personal injury lawyer: If you have suffered injuries and/or had to go to the hospital to get treatment, take days off work etc., then you need an experienced car accident lawyer on your side who can help you seek maximum compensation for your losses. The more severe your injuries, the greater the value or worth of your claim. Don’t leave the outcome of your personal injury claim to chance.
Immediately contact a lawyer who has a reputation of going the extra mile for their clients. Listen to what their former clients have to say on the attorney’s website. What was their experience like? Contacting an experienced lawyer soon after the accident is vital because your attorney will guide you through the process including filing the paperwork and dealing with insurance companies, which may be extremely tricky.
The hospital or your doctor: Getting prompt medical attention, treatment and care is one of the most important steps you should take after a car accident. Even if you don’t feel pain or discomfort and don’t think that you’ve been seriously injured, it may be important to schedule an appointment with your physician to make sure you have not suffered internal injury or trauma. Many car accident injuries such as whiplash don’t manifest for days or even weeks after the car accident. You may need X-rays, MRIs or other tests to accurately determine the extent of your injuries.
The insurance company: Do not call any insurance company, even your own insurance company. While it would be in your best interest not to talk to insurers or attorneys for other parties involved in an accident, it is crucial that you have your lawyer file a claim after the accident with your own auto insurance company. This will get a claim process started. It is important you first talk to your injury lawyer before you make statements to any insurance companies, even your own insurance company.
Contacting an Experienced Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, or if you have lost a loved one in an auto accident caused by a negligent driver, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options, and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you.
For over 46 years, our skilled accident attorneys have established a proven track record of helping injured victims get fair compensation for their losses. Our law firm recently recovered $5,600,000 for a bicyclist who was hit by a van, and $2,550,000 for another victim of a truck accident, and $3,000,000 for a pedestrian who was hit by a car, and the full $1,000,000 insurance policy for a pedestrian who was hit by a truck, and $4,625,000 for a driver who was in a car and was hit by a van, and $2,500,000 for a man who fell through an improperly secured hole.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury and medical malpractice cases in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
Other TOLL FREE phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit us at: www.WORK4YOULAW.com