A car accident can be a traumatic experience. It can also cause significant injuries and personal property losses. If you have been involved in a Queens, NY, accident, it is important to know what steps to take to make sure any losses are covered. Learn tips from a vehicle accident lawyer for effectively dealing with insurance companies.
1. Document the Accident
You should document your accident immediately after it occurs. This includes collecting information from other drivers and any witnesses and taking pictures of the scene and cars involved. You also want to report the accident to the proper authorities. New York law requires you to notify police immediately if an accident causes any injuries. If there are no injuries but property damage exceeds $1,000, then you must file a Report of Motor Vehicle Accident within 10 days.
2. Speak With a Vehicle Accident Lawyer
The next step you want to take is to speak with an accident attorney about your situation. During an initial consultation, you can discuss options for recovering the most beneficial settlement from your insurance company. You will also learn how an attorney can help you by handling all communication with insurance companies during your claim process.
3. Avoid Recorded Statements
Many times, an insurance company will try to get you to provide a written or recorded statement about the accident. We strongly advise against doing this. The emotional toll of a car crash can leave you confused and overwhelmed, and the insurance company representatives may exploit this to get you to question your actions or admit a perceived wrongdoing.
4. Never Admit Fault
This aligns with our next piece of advice: do not admit fault in any accident. No matter what the police report says or what you feel happened at the scene, you want to stay neutral in any conversations with insurance companies or other involved parties.
5. Get a Realistic Assessment of Losses
The cost of damages can skyrocket after an accident. In addition to repairs to or replacement of your vehicle, you may also have expenses related to injuries. These can include costs such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of use of a body part
- Emotional trauma
An experienced accident attorney can help you assign a dollar value to losses to ensure any insurance settlements cover the full costs of your accident.
6. Don’t Accept a Quick Settlement
Insurance companies often push for fast settlements immediately after an accident. However, at that time, you may not even have a full accounting of your losses. It is not usually advisable to accept the first offer presented to you. Instead, it is a better idea to carefully evaluate the entire offer, including monetary damages and any restrictions it places on you. If there are any unfavorable components to an offer, you have the right to negotiate for better terms.
If you or a loved one were involved in a car accident, contact Simon & Gilman, LLP in Queens, NY, to schedule a consultation. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who can help you secure a favorable settlement from insurance companies.
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