With the number of road accidents occurring in New York, it is prudent to be aware of the procedures to take if you’re ever involved in this type of accident. Do not speak to anyone from the other road users’ side, like their insurer or lawyer as what you say could be later used against you, no matter how friendly they appear to be.
If you live in New York, regardless of whether you are a driver or pedestrian, you will know how bad traffic can get on the main streets, especially during peak hours. But were you aware of the number of accidents that occur on New York streets every year? In 2020, alone, there were 304,804 collisions in the State, with 52,621 of them happening in New York City. These collisions caused 1,188 deaths and 169,177 non-fatal injuries. If you’re ever unfortunately involved in a car crash in New York, here’s information about who you need to contact.
The police
One of the first calls you should make is to the police, especially if anyone is injured or killed as a result of the collision. The police need to be notified so they can investigate what happened and prepare a report, accordingly. This report can prove to be invaluable in cases where liability is disputed.
Furthermore, it is an offense to move from the scene of a road traffic accident. You are involved in one, do not flee as you could be charged with hit and run, which could possibly lead to being severely penalized. This could involve losing your license or spending time in jail. Instead, stay at the scene, offering assistance to any injured parties and/or exchanging relevant contact information.
Your lawyer
If you’re unsure about what to do after contacting the police, the next call you should make is to your lawyer. If you do not have one, then a New York car accident lawyer should be whom you contact for advice and/or representation. This is because they are trained specialists who will know how to navigate you through this type of situation. Many lawyers accept cases on a contingency fee, meaning they will only charge a fee should you win the case.
Another thing worthy of consideration is the limited period of time you have to file a claim. Currently, in New York, the time frame is usually three years from the date of the accident in which to do so. Although, the sooner you file the claim, the better it is. If you do not file a claim within the time frame, you may not receive any compensation which could help towards your recovery.
Your insurer
With New York being one of twelve no-fault car insurance states, if you live in New York, you will have to have this type of insurance, therefore, your insurer should be the next person to contact. This will enable you to receive compensation coverage for medical bills and any financial losses that may have been incurred as a result of being involved in a car crash.
Remember you have 30 days in which to file a claim under no-fault. Upon doing so, your insurer will conduct an investigation prior to any monies being issued by them as compensation. During this process they will request a copy of the police report, access to any of your medical records, take photographs of your car, contact the other driver, and request that you obtain estimates for any repairs to your vehicle.
After their investigation, your insurance carrier may attempt to reach a settlement with you. Their offer will take into consideration the damages which form the basis of your claim, which could include damage to yourself or your property. You are not required to accept this offer. If you do not feel the amount offered is acceptable in relation to the damages either to yourself or your property, you can file a lawsuit against your insurer if you do not want to take your appeal to your adjuster’s supervisor.
Photo by Thiébaud Faix on Unsplash
Obviously, you should always seek medical assistance after you have been involved in an accident, including a road traffic collision. You do not know what damage has potentially been done to you. It is always best to err on the side of caution in the event of anything unexpected that could result in serious complications. In addition, a medical report could also be beneficial to your claim, especially if you have sustained serious injuries that prevent you from your normal daily routine.
With the number of road accidents occurring in New York, it is prudent to be aware of the procedures to take if you’re ever involved in this type of accident. Do not speak to anyone from the other road users’ side, like their insurer or lawyer as what you say could be later used against you, no matter how friendly they appear to be. Always seek legal representation if in doubt.
Main photo by Pierre Blaché from Pexels
