More than 200,000 auto accidents are reported in New York City alone, according to NYPD. Getting involved in a car crash in Queens can be a traumatic experience for anyone, and because the shock and impact are huge, people don’t understand what to do next. You can click here if you want more information on legal help following an auto accident. This post discusses the six steps you must follow in an on-road mishap.
- Get immediate medical assistance. Regardless of how the crash happened, you should call 911 if someone is injured. Keep in mind that if you brush off your injuries as something minor, you may not be able to get compensation for your claim.
- Stay at the scene. Unless the accident has rendered you unconscious, don’t leave the scene. Also, this is a good time to talk to the other drivers involved in the crash. While you don’t have to blame or argue, you should collect information like the insurance company, driver’s license number, and contact details. Anything that you say could be used against you, and therefore, it is best to tread with caution.
- File a police report. You need to file a police report at the earliest after the crash. If you called the police from the scene and an officer arrived to investigate, you do not need to do this separately. When you decide to file your claim, the police report will come in handy.
- Collect as much evidence as possible. If you are okay, consider taking evidence from the scene in the form of photos or videos. Also, capture your injuries in photos. Ensure that you have all the details with you before you meet an attorney.
- Report the accident. If an accident resulted in property damage worth $1,000 or more, you must report it to the DMV using the MV-104 form. You are required to do so within ten days from the date of the accident, or your driving license could be suspended. If the assumed damages are less than $1,000, you don’t need to inform the DMV but should call the insurance company at the earliest.
- Call an attorney. A personal injury lawyer can help evaluate if you have a valid lawsuit against the other party. In New York, you can only sue the other driver in certain circumstances.
Lawyers don’t charge an upfront fee for case evaluation, which is a big advantage.