Having a car accident in the Bronx is traumatic. In addition to coping with the vehicle damage and injuries, you will likely need to work with insurance companies, who are prone to downplaying payments. To avoid being cheated, take the steps listed below seriously and consider consulting a Bronx car accident lawyer to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
1. Call 911 and Get a Police Report
No matter how minor the accident is, always call 911 and request the police to attend. The police report is necessary because it documents the facts of the accident, identifies the parties, and generally determines fault. Insurance companies place much reliance on this report when processing claims.
Without a police report, insurers may deny or delay your claim, questioning the facts. A skilled Bronx car accident lawyer will use the police report to support your case and hold the responsible party accountable.
2. Take Photos and Videos Immediately
Before moving your vehicle or leaving the scene, take plenty of photos and videos from various angles. Capture:
- Damage to all vehicles
- License plates
- Road signs and traffic signals
- The accident scene and the surroundings
- Any visible injuries
These images and footage serve as excellent proof if fault or damages are contested by the opposing side. Your auto accident lawyer in the Bronx will find it extremely helpful to have this record when negotiating with insurance companies.
3. Seek Medical Treatment Right Away
There are injuries that don’t reveal themselves immediately. Whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue injuries only seem to worsen as time goes on. Even if you are not injured, get medical attention sooner rather than later. This way, your injuries are documented and blamed on the wreck.
Insurance companies will employ delays in treatment to deny claims in most instances. Medical history confirms your injuries are genuine and are a direct outcome of the wreck, and your claim becomes more robust.
4. Don’t Talk to the Insurance Company by Yourself
Insurance adjusters are friendly, but they work for one purpose: to pay out as little as they can. Never sign a settlement agreement or provide a recorded statement without discussing it with a Bronx car accident lawyer. One careless response or signing can sabotage your claim.
A lawyer will handle insurance companies on your behalf and protect you from lowball offers or underhanded questioning.
5. Know Your No-Fault Limits of Coverage
New York is a no-fault state in terms of insurance, meaning your own insurance company covers your basic medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault. However, no-fault is limited.
If your injuries are serious, you can pursue further compensation by suing the negligent driver. For crashes in other boroughs, consult with a Queens car accident attorney or a Brooklyn car accident attorney familiar with the laws and courts of those boroughs.
6. Be On Your Guard Against Lowball Settlement Offers
Insurance companies like to make quick payments to close your claim out in a rush, before you even have time to estimate the extent of your damages and medical treatment. The lowball settlements are often far less than you deserve.
It’s best to have a professional Bronx car accident lawyer evaluate your actual damages, which include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical bills. Don’t accept anything without talking with an attorney.
7. Discuss With a Local Attorney — Promptly
Time matters in car accident cases. Local attorneys understand the specific laws, judges, and insurance companies operating in their boroughs. If your accident happened in the Bronx, Queens, or Brooklyn, work with a Bronx car accident lawyer, Queens car accident lawyer, or Brooklyn car accident lawyer, respectively.
A local lawyer will:
- Handle all insurer communications.
- Collect evidence and medical records.
- File claims and lawsuits if necessary.
- Fight to maximize your compensation.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with a car accident is tough enough. Don’t make things harder for yourself by allowing insurers to try to cheat you out of what’s yours. Look after yourself by seeking assistance from a reputable Bronx car accident lawyer in good time. If your car crash happened in Queens or Brooklyn, seek the services of a Queens car accident attorney or a Brooklyn car accident attorney well-versed in the area.
Getting the right legal help may be what makes all the difference between a meager settlement and the justice pay that’s rightfully yours.
