Personal Injury Tips

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Most drivers, at one point or another, will have to endure the unfortunate experience of a car accident. At the moment of impact, the chilling feeling of "now what do I do?" takes over. There are important safety steps that you should take at an accident scene and crucial information you should gather. This guide is designed to prepare you for such a situation.

If You Are In An Auto Accident, Immediately:

• Secure the area and the people in it
• Call 911 for police and ambulance assistance
• Direct uninjured people safely from the vehicle(s) and traffic
• Under general circumstances, you should not move an injured person
• Use emergency flashers, flares or reflectors to warn approaching vehicles

Gather The Following Information:

• Name, address and phone number of all drivers, passengers and witnesses
• Drivers' license numbers of all drivers
• License plate number, year, make and model of all vehicles involved
• Name of insurance companies, policy numbers and agents
• Responding Police Officer's name, police department and phone number
• Request a copy of the police report
• Take photographs if possible

Be Aware Of No-Fault Insurance Deadlines:

Regardless of who caused the motor vehicle accident, the insurance company for the vehicle in which the injured person is a driver or passenger pays what is commonly known as "no-fault" benefits. There are strict deadlines and guidelines you must comply with to ensure you receive full benefits. An attorney can properly guide you through this process.

Contact An Attorney To:

• Help ensure that evidence is gathered and preserved
• Assist you when insurance companies start calling
• Explain your rights to no-fault benefits under New York State law
• Explain whether you have a right to sue for injuries you have suffered
• Make sure all claims or lawsuits are filed within the time required by law
• Help you recover for your pain, suffering, lost wages and any other damages