February 16, 2023

How to Help an Injured Loved One After a Car Accident

By Jonathan Damashek

Posted in Auto Accidents

Go to the main Auto Accidents page

Car accidents and other types of motor vehicle collisions can be some of the most traumatizing experiences a person can go through. It is not uncommon for car accident victims to have difficulty coping emotionally, struggle to make ends meet financially, and be stuck dealing with debilitating physical injuries.

However, there are many ways you may be able to help your loved one recover after a collision and obtain maximum compensation for their suffering.

What Should You Do After a Car Accident in New York?

You can take certain steps to help your loved ones after they have been involved in a car accident in New York. These steps include:

Get to The Accident Scene

First, you need to get to the accident scene. Your loved one may still be at the location while they wait for emergency responders to arrive. However, it is vital that you take steps to get there safely as possible. The last thing you need is to get yourself involved in a car accident as you attempt to reach your loved one.

Find Out What Happened

Once you arrive safely at the accident scene, do what you can to find out what happened. You may be able to speak with your loved one and find out from them how the car accident happened.

They may describe who was driving, how the accident occurred, and include other seemingly minute details that could go on to provide valuable evidence in the future.

You might also be able to review any dash cam footage from your loved one’s vehicle and make notes of any homes or nearby businesses that could have caught the car accident on camera.

Take Photos and Videos Of the Accident Scene

While you wait for your loved one to be transported to the hospital, now would be a good time to take photos and videos of the accident scene. You might want to take a standard video that details all property damage, take photos of your loved one’s injuries, and be sure to document any skid marks or other potential damage so the jury can clearly see the extent of the accident.

You might also want to take photos of the intersection, which could include traffic lights, signs, and areas where there should have been such traffic signals.

Find Out More About Your Loved One’s Status

If you arrive at the scene of the accident and your family member has already been taken to the hospital, you may need to speak with police or emergency responders to find out what happened to your loved one.

If they were already taken to the hospital, you need to find out where they were taken for treatment. When you arrive at the hospital, it would be a good time to take photos of their injuries and speak with their healthcare providers about the severity of their condition, potential treatment options, and prognosis.

Find Witnesses and Collect Statements

You might also take steps to collect statements from any witnesses who may have seen the accident occur. When you arrive at the accident scene, there may also be homes and businesses that caught the accident on camera.

You can reach out to potential witnesses to review this footage and obtain first-hand accounts of how the accident occurred. Your loved one’s car accident attorney will be able to reach out to expert witnesses who can also testify on your family member’s behalf.

How Can I Help a Loved One Recover?

You can also take steps to help your loved one get through this challenging time in their life. Here’s how:

Keep Track of Injuries

One of the most essential pieces of evidence that can be used to prove your loved one’s right to compensation is their medical records. However, in addition to the medical records compiled by your loved one’s healthcare provider, you can also help your family member keep a journal of their recovery.

You may be able to help them write down some of these seemingly innocuous details, keep track of the ways their life has been affected by their injuries, and detail their emotional status as they recuperate.

Deal With the Insurance Company

While your loved one recuperates from their injuries, you may be able to speak with the insurance company on their behalf. If you share an insurance policy, you may be able to talk with the insurance company without any restrictions or limitations.

However, whether you have the authority to make decisions regarding the insurance policy or not, it may be in your best interests to direct the insurance company to your loved one’s car accident lawyer instead. This way, you do not have to worry about you or your loved one being taken advantage of during their greatest time of need.

Learn Which State Laws Could Impact Your Loved One’s Case

Multiple state laws could impact your loved one’s car accident claim. Some of the most notable New York State personal injury laws include:

Call HKD to Get Assistance for Your Loved One

When you want to take action to help your loved one get through some of the most difficult times in their lives, but you are not sure where to turn for help, reach out to our experienced New York personal injury lawyers at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C.

Hiring our personal injury law firm to take on your case gives you access to experience with legal professionals who understand the trauma of what your family member has been through. When you are ready to get started on your case, complete our quick contact form or call us at (212) 490-5700 for a no-cost, risk-free consultation.