Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions

First, remember that leaving the scene of an accident is a crime. Make sure the scene is safe, and stay where you are to exchange information with the other driver. Remember not to say anything regarding fault or liability for the accident – just stick to the facts. If possible, take pictures of the accident scene and get contact information for any witnesses.

See a doctor as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you were hurt. Often, car accidents cause internal injuries that can take days or weeks to become readily apparent. Being seen early not only protects your health, but also will strengthen your case for personal injury compensation later.

Notify your insurance company as soon as possible, but again, don’t say anything regarding fault for the accident. Report the facts of what happened, and that’s it. Speak with one of our attorneys before giving any liability-related information, even to your own insurance company.

If the other driver’s insurance company tries to contact you, don’t speak with them at all. Again, call us, then tell the insurance company to direct any questions to your attorney.

The key to collecting personal injury compensation after an accident is to show that the other driver was negligent. By looking at all the evidence surrounding your accident, our attorneys can build that case. For instance, a lack of skid marks, showing that the other driver didn’t hit the brakes before impact, may help prove that he or she was asleep at the wheel. Likewise, eyewitness reports and the driver’s own comments may point to distracted or drunk driving. We may also find evidence showing that the driver was speeding, passing illegally or otherwise not obeying traffic laws.

Car accident claims can cover almost any expense that results directly from the accident. That includes:

• Past medical expenses
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost earning potential
• Property damage
• Towing and storage

If you suffer a permanent injury or disfigurement, you may be entitled to compensation for lost quality of life or loss of consortium. Compensation for pain and suffering can also be substantial, especially if an injury leaves you with chronic pain. If the other driver’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious, you might even be awarded punitive damages – that is, payments intended to punish the responsible party.

Insurance companies are adept at settling claims for less than they’re worth. They will often try to pay you a relatively small sum early on, before the full cost of the accident becomes apparent. An experienced lawyer from our firm will examine all of the circumstances of your accident and fight for a settlement or judgment that includes all of the compensation you deserve.

Accidents involving uninsured motorists are relatively rare in New York, but they can be nightmares when they do happen. In principle, an uninsured driver who causes an accident should have to pay damages out of his or her own assets. In practice, it’s often impossible to recover those damages because the driver has no significant assets to pursue.

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is mandatory in New York, so you should be able to collect from your own insurance company. However, cases involving uninsured motorists can be difficult to settle, especially in hit-and-run accidents where the other driver can’t be found. Multiple insurance companies may get involved and accepting a settlement from one can affect another’s liability. Our attorneys will help you work through those legal complexities and get you the compensation you need, so you won’t have to suffer due to another driver’s negligence.