In the state of New York, accident victims typically have a few options for pursuing compensation following a collision. In most cases, they start by filing a claim under their own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which includes:
- Compensation for accident-related healthcare expenses;
- 80% of lost income or up to $2,000 per month for up to three years;
- Up to $25 per day for up to one year to cover expenses like transportation and household help; and
- An additional $2,000 death benefit payable to the estate of eligible victims who die from injuries sustained in the crash.
There are certain steps you must take for your claim to be successful. Unfortunately, making even a minor mistake while still at the scene could jeopardize your entire case and may prevent you from recovering the compensation you deserve. Whether you are filing a claim against your own insurance company or against the at-fault driver’s insurer, you should expect the opposing party to look for any possible reason to dispute your claim.
A New York City car accident attorney from The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny can handle all correspondence with the insurance adjuster on your behalf and help you fight for the maximum settlement. Call (646) 808-3785 to arrange a free case evaluation.
Let’s examine a few common mistakes you should avoid after a collision:
- Failing to Gather Essential Information
Unless you require emergency medical care, do not leave the scene without exchanging information with the other motorists and passengers involved. You should also get the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses, as well as the names and badge numbers of the responding officers.
- Failing to Photograph the Wreck
Photographs of the scene can serve as valuable evidence when proving both liability and damages. Document the crash from all angles, and make sure to capture elements like skid marks, debris, traffic signals, weather conditions, and broken glass.
- Postponing Medical Treatment
It’s okay to refuse care from first responders if you did not sustain life-threatening injuries; however, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible to protect your health and to ensure any injuries you did sustain are documented.
- Talking to the Insurance Adjuster Before Seeking Legal Counsel
You may want to settle your claim as quickly as possible, but it is wise to discuss your case with an injury lawyer before talking to the insurance adjuster. An attorney will stop you from giving a recorded statement or accepting a low settlement that will not cover your future medical bills, loss of earning capacity, and non-economic damages.
Discuss Your Case with a Car Accident Lawyer in New York City Today!
If you were seriously hurt in a motor-vehicle collision, contact the strategic injury attorneys at The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny. Our legal team has more than 100 combined years of experience representing clients just like you. Fill out our Contact Form or call (646) 808-3785 to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in New York City.
