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