Car accidents are always jarring, and often, they can be devastating. Unfortunately, people are wrongfully injured in car accidents virtually every single day in New York City. As you may know, car accidents can sometimes leave a person in a state of shock, which, can result in them making certain critical mistakes that can, ultimately, hurt their chances of winning a personal injury claim in the future, even if they are rightfully entitled to compensation. Please continue reading and reach out to a seasoned NYC personal injury lawyer from The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny to learn more about some of the most important mistakes to avoid both after a car accident and throughout the personal injury claims process.
What are some of the most important mistakes to avoid when filing a car accident claim?
Just some of the most important mistakes you should avoid after sustaining an injury in a car accident are as follows:
- Failing to call the police. After a car accident, no matter how bad you think it is, you should always call the police. The police can formally report the accident and ensure you receive immediate medical treatment.
- Leaving the scene of the accident. Sometimes, people will panic and drive away, even if they didn’t cause the accident. This is a huge mistake. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime. The only scenario that may constitute leaving is if you feel your life is threatened by the other driver. In this case, if you do leave, you should call the police immediately and let them know that you left because you fear for your life.
- Speaking with insurance companies. Don’t talk with insurance companies about your accident or your injuries without an attorney present. They will work to minimize your injuries and, as an extension, the compensation they are willing to give you.
- Losing medical documentation or evidence. After an accident, you need to take pictures, get witness contact information, and get medical treatment. All of this documentation must be kept in a safe place so your attorney can review it at a later date. Losing this evidence can hurt your chances of winning a personal injury claim.
- Missing deadlines. In New York, you are required to file your personal injury claim within three years of the date your accident occurred (but in some cases, only a matter of months). Missing these deadlines will result in you losing your right to sue. The sooner you speak with a competent attorney, the better off you will be.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY FIRM
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call 212-421-0300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.
