Steps to Take After Being Involved in a New York Accident

Many people involved in accidents find themselves trying to figure out where they went wrong when they are told that they don't have an injury case or that they will have to collect a lower settlement amount than what they expected only to find out that there was a way to avoid the circumstance they are being told they are in. 

Far to many injured people that we have spoke to find out that they are unable to collect the highest amount they are entitled to or that they are unable to start a lawsuit at all because of something that they did after the accident they were involved in.

We want to help you whether you were recently injured or whether you are just looking to protect yourself in case you are ever involved in an accident in the future.  Here are some quick tips to help you know what you should do if you are involved in a car accident, truck accident or motorcycle accident.

• Seek medical attention immediately after the accident occurs - Whether you are injured and take an ambulance to the hospital or even if you prefer to see your family doctor (if the injury isn't life threatening) make sure you get to medical treatment that is documented from somewhere.  One of the worst mistakes you can make after being injured in an accident is to not get medical help.  Getting medical help from a hospital or family doctor will document that you were indeed injured and will note the severity of your injuries at the time of the accident.
  
• Do not take a settlement offer from an insurance adjuster or agent - Do not take take a settlement offer, sign any papers from or for that matter even speak with the insurance adjuster or agent about anything that could be held against you.  The truth about insurance adjusters is they work for the insurance company and are there to help the insurance company and their client not to help you.  Signing papers that the insurance adjuster provides you will may actually waive your rights to starting a lawsuit and can not be reversed. Speaking to an insurance adjuster or agent may actually cause you to lose money on your settlement and possibly may cause you to be ineligible to collect any money period. Always review your accident case with an injury attorney before giving any information to the adjuster.
  
• Do not sign medical record authorization forms -Signing medical authorization forms can allow your information to be released to the insurance adjusters.  Do not sign them. Let your injury attorney handle your medical records.
  
• Document everything -  Make sure you document everything about the event of the accident, injuries, medical records, and how you feel each day.
  
• Be honest - Never lie about your injuries or the accident - If you decide to start a lawsuit nothing will wreck your case faster than lying.  Don't forget there is another attorney representing the party you are suing and their attorney and car insurance company is just waiting to catch you in a lie and will be looking for any signs of a lie.  When dealing with your injury case honesty is definitely the best policy.
  
• Find the best lawyer for your accident case, tell them everything and hire them - Once you find the best lawyer for your accident case you will want to tell them everything about your case - do not hide anything from them because they will need to know every detail about your accident and your injuries. 
  

For more information on what to do if you are involved in a car accident request a free copy of our accident book that offers useful information for you if you were recently injured in an accident or if you would like to protect yourself in case you ever are involved in an accident.