What You Need to Know if You Are Injured in an Automobile Accident

In New York, motor vehicle accidents occur every day. There are various causes of motor vehicle accidents, including distracted driving, drunk driving and falling asleep at the wheel. An accident can be especially devastating when someone is seriously injured or killed. It is especially important for someone injured in an accident to follow the law and take certain steps in order to obtain money for pain and suffering and other damages.

What Should Be Done After an Accident?

After a motor vehicle accident, the drivers involved in the accident must stop and exchange insurance, registration and driver’s license information. If someone is injured in a car accident, the police must also be notified. The drivers involved in the accident and the police must file an accident report with the Department of Motor Vehicles within ten days after the accident. It is also important to talk to witnesses and obtain contact information from them.

After an automobile accident, it is also very important for an injured person to notify his or her insurance company. Most insurance companies will want to receive a copy of any police reports that have been filed. They will also want to know specific details about the injuries and the damage to the vehicle. It can be useful to take pictures of the vehicle after an accident.

Individuals injured in a New York motor vehicle accident that is caused by someone else should promptly contact a New York accident attorney. It is very important for injured individuals to understand their rights and responsibilities after an accident. Although personal injury lawsuits must be filed within three years from the date of the injury, that does not mean that people injured in a motor vehicle accident should wait until the three years is almost up before contacting an attorney. It is very important for the attorney to begin gathering evidence as soon as possible in order to build the strongest personal injury case.

Recovering Damages

Damages in a personal injury case resulting from a motor vehicle accident can include lost wages, pain and suffering, repair or replacement of damaged property, medical expenses, and mental anguish. The court will evaluate fault in determining the amount of damages that should be awarded. New York is a comparative fault state, which means that the damages received by an injured person may be reduced if the injured person was partially at fault for an accident. For example, if the other driver was 90 percent at fault for the accident and the injured driver was 10 percent at fault, the damages awarded to the injured person may be reduced by 10 percent.

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, you should contact a New York attorney promptly in order to recover damages. A New York attorney can evaluate your case and make sure that you receive the highest possible dollar amount for your injury. Contact a law firm today for a free initial consultation.