What should I do if I’m in a car accident?
If you are involved in a car accident, you should seek necessary medical treatment immediately. Even if you are not injured, it is important that you call the police and file a formal police report which can later assist with insurance claims and any lawsuits which may follow.
During this time, you will be required to show your driver’s license and documentation of your insurance coverage. It is important that you obtain this information from the other driver as well. If you have a camera and are able to do so, you should take a photo of the scene or soon after to show any damage to your vehicle. You should also contact your auto insurance carrier or broker as soon as possible so they can instruct you on the necessary steps to file your claim.
To ensure that you receive the greatest settlement possible, contact a personal injury attorney who can initiate an investigation before witnesses forget their testimonials and evidence is lost.
I was in a minor accident and the other driver and I just exchanged insurance information without calling the police. My insurance company is now giving me a hard time for not having a report. Is a police report necessary for all car accidents?
It is always a good idea to call the police at the time of an automobile accident. Although all insurance carriers have different policies regarding the necessity of a police report when filing a claim, many will accept an auto insurance claim without one. Nonetheless, police reports are helpful in determining the involved parties and documenting who was at fault. This information will assist your insurance company in their investigation and may expedite the resolution of the claim.
I was in a car accident and the other motorist's insurance company just called me for a statement. Am I required to provide one?
No! More often than not, the other driver’s insurance company is calling to obtain information which may be used against you as you seek to recover losses. Respectfully decline their request and inform them that if they would like a copy of your statement, they may contact your attorney or auto insurance carrier directly.
Who is responsible for my medical treatment and expenses?
In most cases, the party at-fault (or his respective auto insurance company) is responsible for paying for medical treatment and other related expenses such as lost work and compensation for vehicle damage. However, in New York, almost all auto insurance policies carry No-Fault Insurance after an accident, which is at no extra cost to you and covers your treatment regardless of who is at fault. It is vital to tell each medical provider you see that you sustained these injuries in an automobile accident so that the treatment can be properly billed through No-Fault insurance. The extent of liability for an injury resulting from a car accident can vary based on jurisdiction. As a result, it is crucial that you hire a personal injury attorney who can help determine fault and recover any financial losses you’ve incurred.