New York, being famous for its hustle and bustle, is crowded and congested. Despite traveling in a city that is unfortunately known for frequent car crashes, not many people are aware of the steps to take immediately after a car accident in New York. Knowing what to do right after a car accident in Queens or wherever it happens is not something that even the most perfect person in New York can accomplish the second it happens.
Queens is a borough of New York where car crashes occur regularly. Therefore, if you work in Queens and use the streets on a daily basis, legal tips offered by car accident lawyers in Queens on how to proceed after a car accident could end up being helpful to you or someone you know.
If you are currently dealing with the difficulties of being a car accident victim, immediately get in touch with one the best car accident lawyer Queens you can find as a first step after a car crash.
For those of you who are keen to learn how to proceed after a car accident in Queens, explore this detailed guide on how the legal support from a Queens car accident lawyer can make a difference in your recovery.
Check for Injuries
As a first step, you need to assess whether everyone involved in the auto accident is safe by checking for injuries. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 immediately to get medical assistance. Even if injuries seem minor, it's wise to seek medical attention, as some symptoms may take time to appear, such as whiplash or concussions. Personal injury lawyers Queens advise victims to document their injuries if possible until they arrive at the accident scene.
Move to a Safe Area
If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid further accidents that can happen due to roadblocks. However, if the car crash has caused severe property damage or if someone is seriously injured, don’t move the vehicle until the police and auto accident legal services Queens investigate.
Call the Police
In New York, you’re required to report any accident that involves injury, death, or significant property damage. Even if the accident seems minor, calling the police is crucial. The police report will serve as an essential document when filing your insurance claim. According to top auto accident lawyers in Queens, having a police report is essential for building a strong legal case against the at-fault party.
Exchange Information
During this moment of panic, you might feel that exchanging contact information with the involved driver and witnesses is not that important. However, try to stay alert and gather contact details calmly and politely from the other drivers involved along with witnesses. You also need to take note of the vehicle models and license plate numbers.
Document the Scene
Take pictures and videos of the accident scene. Document anything that could strengthen your case such as vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, weather, and any visible injuries. Such evidence can be crucial if you need to build a case against the at-fault party, especially if the insurance company fails to offer fair compensation. In these instances, experienced car accident attorneys in Queens can assist you in presenting the strongest possible case.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you think you are not seriously injured, it is necessary to seek medical attention after an auto accident. For one, car crash attorneys Queens state that a medical report is required to negotiate with insurance companies as they tend to lowball your compensation for medical expenses. Another critical reason to seek medical attention even if you feel like you are doing alright is due to the fact that certain injuries of a severe nature such as internal bleeding, whiplash, and concussions may not become apparent immediately. For your own health and safety, a medical checkup is necessary after a car accident in Queens.
Notify Your Insurance Company
The next step is to contact your insurance company to report the Queens car accident as soon as possible. While it’s alright to provide them with the necessary details to file the insurance claim, Queens car accident claim attorneys advise against giving recorded statements until a legal evaluation of the case has been conducted. This is because insurers most often try to settle claims quickly at a lower value than you deserve. Therefore, having a Queens car accident lawyer guide you through the claims process is critical to ensure that your rights are protected.
Why Consult the Best Car Accident Lawyer Queens
After following the above steps during a car accident in Queens, it’s essential to reach out to one of the best car accident lawyer Queens. Navigating the complexities of New York’s insurance laws and personal injury laws is not something that a lawyer without local expertise can accomplish.
While you are on your path to recovery, your car accident lawyer in Queens can handle your case so that you can recover without unnecessary stress. At Alex Yadgarov & Associates, you can engage in a free initial consultation with the best car accident lawyer Queens to explore the best legal options for your situation