The Essential Steps to Take after a Car Accident In Brooklyn
Although most people are coping with a bit of shock and fear after a Brooklyn vehicle accident, they often remember to check their own bodies to see if they’ve suffered serious harm. They also know they must ask every passenger to see if anyone has suffered life-threatening injuries. If anyone reports great pain or physical harm, you must immediately call 9-1-1 or the police so an ambulance can be sent to the accident scene.
All vehicle accident survivors (including pedestrians or those riding on motorcycles (or other types of transportation) should get checked out at the nearest emergency room. When you fail to do this, you could be allowing severe internal organ injuries to worsen. Likewise, whiplash pain often doesn’t start the same day as a collision. By going to the ER, you’ll be documenting the seriousness of what you’ve endured and there will be records to back up your complaints. The existence of powerful, “accident day” medical records can play a role in determining who is most likely to secure a generous settlement award or jury verdict.
The following information reviews further key steps that can help you strengthen your case, especially if you’re alleging catastrophic injuries — or extensive pain and suffering.
Other essential steps you should take after your New York City vehicle accident
- Take accident scene photos and videos with your phone. This should normally be possible if your injuries do not require immediate transportation to a hospital. Being able to later document where each vehicle landed after the collision can help prove liability, negligence, and the severity of the crash. Be sure to try and take these quickly, before you must move your car or truck to a safer location, out of the flow of traffic.
- Move your vehicle, assuming any police or law enforcement officials are not ordering you to leave it where it is. Sometimes, accident survivors will be so eager to locate witnesses or talk to others who may have been injured that they forget that their vehicle may now be blocking traffic or the arrival of emergency responders.
- Exchange vehicle and driver’s license information. Even if no one had life-threatening injuries, it’s still important to stop, stay at the scene for a while, and exchange this type of information about yourself with the other drivers or injured parties. (If for some reason you have not already tried to report the incident to the police, go ahead and do that now so the authorities will know you were not a hit-and-run driver).
Keep in mind that police reports often prove to be very critical documents during Brooklyn car accident settlement talks or jury trials. If you were simply the pedestrian survivor (or party riding on a motorcycle or other vehicle/object — like a skateboard), you must provide the party who harmed you with contact information.
- Obtain all witness information possible. While waiting to get medical care, look around and see if anyone is still standing nearby on a sidewalk or sitting at an outdoor restaurant table who likely saw your accident unfold. These types of witnesses, especially if they tell you that they saw everything – and are certain that you did not cause the collision, can prove very important to winning your Bronx car accident lawsuit.
- Immediately seek out the medical care you need. Never fail to go for at least some basic ER X-rays and other diagnostic tests. When you fail to go and instead head home, you have accidentally made a statement to the defendant’s insurance adjustor that while you may have been hurt, your pain and suffering was limited. Always keep in mind that very serious whiplash injuries – as well as severe internal organ damage – may have occurred. Many of these types of physical harm may not even start causing serious pain for one or more days. Also, obtaining timely diagnostic care and treatment clearly tells everyone that you really did suffer a significant amount.
- Contact your insurance agent. When you do so, try to avoid discussing any liability issues, especially if you may have played a small role in causing the accident. This is honest advice since most of us are in a state of shock and may provide faulty evidence against ourselves when pressured for more details. You should also be prepared to give the agent some idea about the condition of your vehicle after the collision.
If possible, you might try to schedule a time to later meet and review the photos you’ve taken with your agent – if you’re heading to the nearest emergency room. Of course, some people wait and call the agent from the ER, clearly documenting that they must waist a brief time before looking at the vehicle together with their agent. Remember, always take photos at the accident scene.
- Placing a damaged vehicle in affordable storage. While severely injured accident victims may not have the chance to make such arrangements, it’s a good idea to check soon on which city storage lot your vehicle was towed to after you were taken away by ambulance. If you have a spouse or trusted sibling or friend, you may ask this person to check on the daily storage fees to see if the vehicle should be taken to a less expensive facility. Also, a spouse could meet with your insurance agent if that needs to happen before you’re released from the hospital – and for a property damage claim to be fully processed.
- Make sure to keep whatever clothing or shoes you were wearing. While someone at the hospital might be inclined to dispose of your badly torn or burned clothing or shoes, be sure to ask that those items be placed in a bag with your name on it — and kept in your hospital room closet. Should we later need to take your case to trial, this type of evidence can speak volumes about all that you had to suffer while waiting to see an ER doctor.
Likewise, if you were hit by the defendant and were carrying an important computer, cell phone, or other business equipment with you, you’ll want to keep those items at home (or have them taken there for you), so you can later file a claim for their replacement as one of your property damage losses. (Whenever possible, photos should also be taken of such damaged goods at the accident scene).
- It’s wise to immediately consider contacting our experienced Brooklyn personal injury law firm. Early contact with a new client makes it possible for us to make a thorough investigation of the accident scene. While there, we’ll hunt for evidence that can help us win your case and prove liability.
Also, recent accident victims often need our advice about the various ways we can quickly protect all their legal rights. Once hired, we can then obtain your signature on forms so we can seek copies of all recent medical reports, employee records, and other data pertinent to your case. We take pride in anticipating new client needs and make sure you always have ready access to a trustworthy paralegal and other office staff.
- Consider contacting a trusted neighbor who has a key to your apartment – if you’re alone and cannot reach a close family member. This person might be able to help you with minor tasks while you’re in the hospital — such as feeding your pets while you’re away and bringing you critical clothing or other items from your apartment.
Be thorough when requesting and exchanging information with other drivers
Since you may often find yourself interacting with someone who has an out-of-state driver’s license, take down all the information you can get grom their card. For example, jot down the person’s full name, address, and license expiration date. Ask if the address on the card is still current – and if not, ask the person to please give you their current home address.
Always, always – write down the full license plate number and the issuing state. If the person has provided you with other false information, this may be the key to your locating this person in the future. If a person driving a large truck hit you, be sure to jot down the company’s phone number if it’s painted on the truck. Of course, in many circumstances, you may just be interacting with an independent trucker. If the vehicle that hit you was leased, ask for the exact location of the dealership that leased it to the driver you’re talking with about the accident.
Ask if the driver is the owner of the vehicle. Look very carefully at the person’s vehicle insurance information – making sure the policy has not expired. If it has expired, ask if the driver has another policy that’s currently covering them. It’s also wise to ask for a business card with the person’s phone number on it. Too many bad drivers – or those driving on suspended licenses – are fully capable of disappearing after a new collision. Go ahead and take a photo of their license plate. If they’ll let you, take a photo of their driver’s license and insurance card, too.
Finally, be sure you have written down the other person’s driver’s license number and the insurance policy number – and the company that issued it.
While all this may sound like a bother, it can make or break your chances of holding the negligent party (or his or her employer) liable. Only then can you try and recover for all your medical bills and property losses. Always be pleasant – and calmly ask for time to jot down all this information. Keeping an empty spiral in your glove compartment can come in very handy for times like this.
If you have suffered serious injuries after an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you need to contact our Brooklyn car accident law firm. We will carefully investigate all the facts of your case, review all your medical records, and then fight hard to win the maximum compensation available to you. We want every client to fully recover for all lost wages, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and other losses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a Brooklyn vehicle accident?
After a Brooklyn vehicle accident, check for injuries, call 911 if necessary, and seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Take photos of the accident scene, exchange information with other parties involved, and gather witness contact details[1].
How soon should I seek medical attention after an accident?
You should seek medical attention as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours of the accident. Even if you don't feel injured, some injuries may not be immediately apparent[1].
What information should I exchange with the other driver?
Exchange full names, addresses, phone numbers, driver's license numbers, license plate numbers, insurance company names, and policy numbers. Also, note the make, model, and year of all vehicles involved[1].
Should I move my vehicle after an accident?
If it's safe to do so and not blocking traffic, move your vehicle to a safer location. However, if police or law enforcement officials instruct you to leave it where it is, follow their directions[1].
How important are witness statements in a vehicle accident case?
Witness statements can be crucial in determining liability and strengthening your case. Try to obtain contact information from any bystanders who saw the accident occur[1].
What should I do with my damaged clothing or personal items after an accident?
Keep all damaged clothing, shoes, and personal items as evidence. If you're taken to the hospital, ask that these items be stored in a bag with your name on it[1].
How can I protect my legal rights after a vehicle accident?
To protect your legal rights, avoid discussing liability at the scene, don't provide recorded statements to insurance companies without legal advice, and consider contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer promptly[1].
What role does a police report play in a vehicle accident case?
A police report can be a critical document during settlement negotiations or trials. It provides an official account of the accident and can help establish liability[1].
Should I notify my insurance company about the accident?
Yes, you should notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. However, be cautious about discussing liability issues, especially if you're unsure about the details of the accident[1].
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a vehicle accident in New York?
In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases, including vehicle accidents, is three years from the date of the accident. However, it's best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected[1].