It’s normal to feel confused after your first car crash. All the phone calls to make, people to see, and information to consider can feel overwhelming. Whether you were involved in a minor fender bender or a severe car crash, our car accident FAQ can help you identify the first steps on your road to recovery.
Q: What Information Do I Need to Trade After a Crash?
Most drivers know you’re supposed to trade insurance information after a car crash, but many aren’t sure what information they need to collect or what to do with it. Here’s a simple explanation:
You should get the other driver’s:
License Plate Number
Driver’s License Number (or a picture of their license)
Insurance Company and Policy Number
Phone Number
Most insurance policies require prompt reporting of your motor vehicle accident. However, if you have been injured, you should speak to an experienced accident attorney as soon as possible. You can even consult with an attorney before you contact your insurance company.
Many attorneys prefer if you do not give recorded statements to anyone, and your attorney can report the accident on your behalf.
Q: What’s the First Thing I Should Do After a Crash?
Regardless of the severity of the accident, if you are hurt, you should seek medical attention promptly after the accident. Going to a doctor as soon as possible gives you the best chance of identifying injuries (including invisible “latent injuries”), and making a full recovery.
If you wait too long to see a doctor, the insurance company may argue that your injuries weren’t as serious as you claim, even if you experience latent injuries that didn’t exhibit immediately.
Under the laws of New York, “No Fault” coverage will likely be the primary coverage for your medical treatment so that you do not have out of pocket medical expenses. any medical providers will not accept “No Fault” coverage and you attorney can help you locate medical facilities who will accept this coverage.
Q: Why Does My Attorney Want a Police Report?
A police report is one of the first things most attorneys ask for and with good reason. A police report is an official document proving that a crash occurred while providing an unbiased account of the circumstances. It’s also helpful for verifying the other driver’s information and, in some circumstances, can prevent your case from becoming an uninsured driver claim.
Q: What is a Contingency Fee?
Personal injury attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis. This means they agree to wait for payment until you’ve received compensation from the insurance company. A contingency fee is usually a percentage amount of the settlement, rather than any specific amount.
Q: Why Talk to a Car Accident Attorney?
Many people injured in a car accident want to get back to normal as quickly as possible and try to handle a car accident case on their own. Unfortunately, this usually means getting a lower offer from the insurance companies or even inadvertently redistributing your fault, resulting in a garnished settlement.
A personal injury attorney knows the ins and outs of a car accident case and can help you avoid the insurance company’s traps while helping you obtain the full amount of compensation you’re entitled to.
If you or someone you love suffered severe injuries in a car crash, you need affordable representation from a team you can trust. If you’d like an experienced New York City car accident attorney from Koenigsberg & Associates Law Offices to evaluate your case, don’t hesitate to call us at (718) 690-3132 or send us an email!