When you get into a car accident in New York, you might need a lawyer. If so, the law firm of Falk & Klebanoff is there for you! We can help you handle you claim and make sure you get the money you are owed. Get trusted legal advice and counsel when you turn to our law office to help with claims following a car accident.
For more information about our legal services, please reach out to us today. We will happily answer any questions you may have and work to resolve your claim. The number for our office is 516-564-4200. When you call, we can provide you with a free initial consultation and go over all the necessary details. We are proud to be a trusted choice for a lawyer in New York following a car accident!
When you get into a car accident in New York, there are certain things you can do to protect yourself and your interests and help your lawyer handle your case. Here are some simple guidelines to follow after you have been involved in an accident.
Do not ever drive away from the scene of an accident. Ever. Period. Even if it is just a minor accident you need to stay. You can get into actual trouble if you leave the scene. And when you stay, you prevent any further accidents from potentially happening. Set up flares if you have them, or keep your flashers on to warn nearby vehicles. If it is dark and your car lights aren't an option, then use a flashlight. You want to do anything possible be seen if you are on the side of the road.
Even if there are no major injuries, it is always a smart to call the authorities to check it out. You may need them there so they can file a police report, which you use as a claim with your insurance company. And having this done after a car accident in New York will also help us, your potential lawyer.
Unless the cars interfere with the traffic, all vehicles involved in the accident must remain where they are. Make sure you tell any investigating officer exactly what happened. To the best of your ability of course. If there certain facts you do not know, make the officer aware of them. It is important to not speculate, guess or misstate any of the facts about the car accident. For example, if you are unsure if you are hurt or not, simply say so. It can take a few hours for the pain and injuries to surface after an accident anyway. Also, make sure the statements made by others are accurate as well. Listen in and hear what they are saying.
Also, taking pictures of the scene of the car accident is useful. Take pictures if there is visible damage to the car or even yourself. However, do not interfere with any police investigation. If you are unable to take pictures at the scene, then take them as soon as possible after the accident. Your New York lawyer can review the images of the car accident and asses them. See if anything of note stands out. And simply having them for the record is important for any accident.
In a majority of cases, the investigating police officer will obtain this information. However, if the police do not respond to the accident, it is on you to obtain the name, address, and telephone number of all persons involved in the accident. Also, ask to see the insurance card for all vehicles involved in the accident. And try to get some information from witnesses too. Your lawyer can reach out to them in case they need further information about the incident.
If the police do respond to the scene, all drivers will be provided with a police report number. You can use that number to check the police report, which also helps with gathering information.
We recommend that you notify your insurance company as soon after the accident as possible. Many policies require immediate reporting and full cooperation. Find out if you have medical benefits as part of your insurance coverage, too. You typically have to pay extra for that type of coverage, known as “medpay,” so you should use it. And reporting the accident simply makes sure all of your ducks are in a row when it comes to the claim.
When it comes to car accident injuries, it may take a while for any symptoms to rear their head. It can be two or three days before you feel any pain. However, unless you are 100% positive you are not injured, we recommend that you seek out medical attention. At the very least, this checkup will determine if anything happened and it can be placed onto the file. Because if the claim goes through AND THEN you wind up needing medical attention you are likely out of luck. So it is important to get this done as soon as possible. Don't leave anything to chance. Even a minor accident can result in serious damage. Perhaps you injured your spinal cord, or you were dazed and suffered a concussion.
It is good practice to keep all of your accident-related documents and information in one spot. This information should include a claim number, the claim’s adjuster who is handling the claim, names and phone numbers of all contacts from the accident, receipts if you got a rental car, and any other expenses that were a result of the accident. And not for nothing, having easy access to this information will help any potential car accident lawyer (like us!) in New York.
If you need representation, please do not hesitate to contact our law firm today. We have an ability to handle many different traffic violations, not just injuries and accidents. When you reach out, we can provide you with a no-obligation consultation. Learn more about needing a lawyer for an auto accident claim and all that entails. As well as how different moving violations may require our attention.
