Car Accident FAQ

New York City Car Accident FAQ

• What is the most important thing to do after a car accident?
• What type of compensation can I pursue with a car accident claim?
• Should I call the other driver’s insurance company?
• How do I seek justice against a drunk driver?
• What information / evidence do I need to file a claim?
• Will my car accident claim go to court?

Answers to Common Car Accident-Related Questions

What is the most important thing to do after a car accident?
The first and most important thing to do after a car accident is to assess the damage and the extent of your injuries, and then seek immediate medical attention. Regardless of whether you think that your accident is minor or not, you should always receive a medical checkup to identify all potential injuries. Some internal injuries, such as
brain injuries, do not appear until days, weeks or even months after an accident. As such, it is always wise to receive a physical checkup from a doctor after an accident so that your insurance company cannot question the validity of your injury claim.
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What type of compensation can I pursue with a car accident claim?
Accident victims are often caught off guard by the excessive costs of a serious accident. From property damage to lost wages, medical treatments, and rehabilitation, the various expenses can quickly add up and overwhelm a victim’s financial resources. By filing an injury claim, you may be able to recover your lost wages, medical expenses, emotional damages related to accident trauma and injury, and possibly punitive damages as well. If you have suffered long-term disability that makes it impossible for you to return to work, our firm may be able to seek permanent personal injury payments on your behalf. Call today to learn about which types of compensation you will qualify for. Return to questions.

Should I call the other driver’s insurance company?
It may surprise you to learn that some New Yorkers choose to drive without auto insurance despite the laws that require every driver with a New York driver’s license to purchase insurance. Even when drivers do purchase auto insurance, it is not always enough to provide for the high costs of a serious car accident. In order to protect yourself from these situations, you should always opt for the uninsured motorist coverage that is a part of nearly every automobile insurance policy. This additional coverage was created to provide compensation for drivers who are injured in a collision with a driver who is not adequately insured, and you may be able to “stack” various policies to recover the full amount of compensation that you need. Return to questions.

How do I seek justice against a drunk driver?
If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident where the other driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you should take action immediately to preserve the evidence you need to file a claim. Drivers who have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08% or greater must be held accountable for their irresponsible decisions, and our firm can help you seek justice and fair compensation. New York law states that drunk drivers can also be held accountable with criminal charges in addition to a personal injury claim, and our legal team is prepared to take action on your behalf today!
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What information / evidence do I need to file a claim?
After an accident, you should try to take as many pictures of the accident scene and damage as possible. If possible, try to document the positioning of each car and take pictures of the damage to your vehicle. You should also collect the contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident. Keep in mind that most of the evidence from an accident scene is gone in a few hours after the accident, and the more information you can gather, the better. Return to questions.

Will my car accident claim go to court?
Many car accident claims can be settled without going to court when a qualified attorney is involved. Settling an accident claim outside of the courtroom is not only less stressful for the accident victim, but can bring about a swifter resolution of your case as well. Our firm always strives to resolve our clients’ cases in the quickest and most efficient manner possible, but there are special circumstances where we may need to take your case to trial. You can have confidence that we will make a decision that is best for you and your family, whatever your circumstances may be. Return to questions.