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What To Do If You’ve Been Injured In An Accident

Car accidents often occur in the blink of an eye. The scene of the accident can be confusing. Most victims do not know what steps to take at the scene or in the days after a crash. Emotions can run high. It is critical for you to remain safe, as other drivers are often distracted by the accident. However, there are some steps you can take in the immediate aftermath of the crash and in the days following the wreck that may make a difference in your recovery.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident anywhere in New York, we invite you to arrange a free consultation to discuss your legal options. The following general information may be useful for you if you are involved in an auto accident.

Nine Things You Can Do Following a Motor Vehicle Accident

Stay at the scene of the accident and call 911: Leaving the scene of an accident is never a good idea. You should call the police as soon as possible. If anyone is injured in the accident, tell the dispatcher that medical attention may be necessary.

Check for injuries: If you are able, check to see if any other drivers or passengers have been injured. Do not move an unconscious person or someone who may have a head or neck injury, unless a hazard, such as a burning vehicle requires their movement to safety.

Exchange information: Get the names, driver’s license numbers, contact information, license plate numbers and insurance information from all drivers involved. Avoid discussing the accident. You may inadvertently make a statement that can work against you in the future. Remain calm and be cordial with the other drivers during the encounter.

Use caution in discussing the accident: You should cooperate with the police, but do not admit fault in the accident. If insurance adjusters from the other driver’s insurance provider contact you for information, you need to understand that they are trained to gather evidence against you to minimize their costs or deny your claim. You should remain polite, but tell the representative from the other insurance company to work with your insurance provider or attorney.

Take photographs of the scene: If you have a cellphone, you can take pictures of your injuries, the accident scene, the damage to the vehicles and the license plates of each vehicle involved.

Gather information from witnesses: Witness testimony can be valuable in a personal injury claim. Witnesses often leave before police arrive. Getting names, addresses and statements from witnesses can be important for your claim. You can ask local witnesses if they have seen similar accidents in the past at the same location.

Seek medical attention: Symptoms of serious injury do not always show up in the immediate aftermath of a crash. Accident victims often notice the first signs of injury days, or sometimes weeks, after an accident. If you do not go to the emergency room on the day of the accident with obvious injuries, you should get a medical evaluation as soon as possible to protect your well-being.

Notify your insurance company: You need to let your own insurance company know that you were in an accident. When you call your agent, do not admit fault.

Speak with a personal injury lawyer: Calling an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible can help you to protect your rights. When you work with the lawyers at Kimelman Law PLLC, we will communicate with the insurance companies and remain by your side every step of the way to help you obtain the full and fair financial compensation you deserve.

Contact Kimelman Law PLLC

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to the negligence of another person or entity, we invite you to arrange a no-obligation consultation to discuss the accident. Send us an email or call 212-227-8140. We serve clients throughout New York City (Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island), and the surrounding communities of Long Island and Westchester.