Car accidents are terrifying, and most of them are avoidable. Unfortunately, just because they’re avoidable doesn’t mean that people take the necessary steps to keep everyone safe. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, call a New York City auto accident attorney to get the guidance you need.
What are my next steps following a car accident?
Car accidents are frightening experiences that can leave you in shock and wondering what to do next. Whether you’ve been in a car accident or simply want to be prepared in case you get into one, there are some steps that you should know to take. The general steps following a car accident include:
- Call 911
- Stay on the scene
- Exchange both insurance and contact information with the other driver
- Take pictures of the damage to both cars
- Never say sorry
Of course, the number one priority following a car accident is to care for your health, and depending on the circumstances it may be difficult for you to follow some of these steps. Fortunately, the police will arrive at the scene and make a report of the damages which can be used for insurance reasons and for filing a personal injury claim. If nothing else, tend to your injuries and remember never to say sorry. Saying sorry can imply guilt and may be used against you.
What types of negligent driving will lead to a car accident in New York?
Car accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but in most instances, car accidents occur because of a negligent driver. Negligent driving can look like many different behaviors, including:
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Failure to adhere to traffic lights
- Dangerous merging
What should I know before seeking compensation?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and you believe that it was due to the other driver’s negligence, then you may be entitled to compensation. While financial compensation won’t relieve you of the emotional and physical burden of your injuries, it can help ease some of your stress. Compensation can cover your medical bills, loss of wages, and other expenses that resulted from the car accident. However, before filing a personal injury claim you should understand that New Jersey’s statute of limitations for filing a claim is generally two years. Additionally, New Jersey follows the “modified comparative fault” rule, which allows both drivers to take fault for the accident. This can reduce the amount of damages you receive, and if you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault, you won’t receive any compensation. Contact a New York City personal injury attorney today so that we can guide you through this difficult time.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY FIRM
At Mark L. Bodner, P.C., we are committed to guiding clients through each step of the medical malpractice and personal injury claims process. Contact us today.