June 21, 2020

5 Mistakes to Avoid After a Motor Vehicle Accident

Posted in Auto Accidents

Car accidents happen, and you should be prepared. Whether you are a new driver, teaching your teen to drive, or looking to refresh your knowledge, we hope this information helps.

Never hesitate to call a NYC car accident lawyer after a crash, either. Whether you think you did everything right or made a mistake, we can pick up the reins. We’ll talk with you about what happened, gather evidence, and pursue an auto insurance settlement for you. Our partners at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. have decades of experience and have seen all types of mistakes, from small to significant. We have strategies for overcoming all of these issues and pursuing the best possible results.

To talk with one of our car accident attorneys, call (212) 490-5700 or use our online form.

5 Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident

We recommend you work with an experienced NYC car accident lawyer to avoid these common mistakes.

1. Not Calling the Police

One of the first mistakes a person can make after being in a crash is failing to call the police. If you are involved in a crash that causes someone injuries or death, or causes over $1,000 in property damage, New York law requires you to report the accident to the police. It’s also best to call the police to have someone come and conduct an initial investigation of the crash and write an objective report. If you fail to call the police, make sure you file an accident report right away.

2. Not Taking Pictures

If you’re not hurt too badly, and your phone survived, then take photos. Take pictures from different angles and distances. Try to document the damage to your car thoroughly. These photos could be important if you need to hire an accident reconstruction expert.

3. Not Going to a Doctor

You might think you’re OK and can go one without a doctor. But if your crash was anything more than a fender bender, we recommend a thorough check-up. If there are any obvious injuries, go to the emergency room. Without any obvious injuries, you might prefer seeing your general practitioner or family doctor for an exam. If you start noticing more symptoms in the days following the crash, don’t hesitate to go to the ER.

4. Not Telling Your Insurer Right Away

When you’re dealing with a damaged vehicle and injuries, you should inform your insurance company as soon as possible. You have to do this if you want to use any benefits from your auto insurance policies. Insurers require notification within a reasonable amount of time after an accident. You also want to tell your insurer so it will communicate with the other driver’s insurance company.

5. Answering the Other Insurer’s Questions

Don’t be surprised to get a call from the other driver’s insurance company. They’ll want to ask you some questions. The person on the phone might make it seem like no big deal, but it’s important that you decline to answer any questions at that time and call a lawyer. That insurance company is looking for reasons to deny your claim or limit your financial recovery. By hiring an attorney, you have an advocate who makes sure the insurance company gets the info it needs and prepares you to answer any necessary questions.

Were You Recently Hurt in an Accident?

If you’re scouring the internet about what to do after a car crash, you’ve come to the right place. At Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., we have decades of experience handling all sorts of motor vehicle accidents, including those involving catastrophic injuries, and are tenacious in fighting for results. Contact us online or call (212) 490-5700 to schedule your free consultation.