No matter how careful you try to be in your daily routine, accidents remain an unfortunate reality of life. At any given moment, a driver or pedestrian on the road is seconds away from a potential disaster, one that could upend their life and leave them with lasting physical and emotional trauma, besides financial losses. The risk of such accidents is much higher in cities like New York, where there is a constant buzz on the road, and everyone is in a hurry to reach their respective destinations. If you get injured in a car crash, it is natural to wonder whether you can pursue compensation for your damages. Consulting a New York City car accident attorney from Douglas & London immediately after the incident and discussing your options in detail is a good way to secure your legal rights. A skilled lawyer can help you get your legal affairs in order and obtain compensation for your damages while you direct your efforts to a smooth medical recovery.
Reporting the Incident
The first step towards taking legal action against the negligent driver is to call and inform the police about the incident immediately. Once you report the car crash, you should get the names and badge numbers of the responding officers and a copy of the police report for future reference. It is also important to report the incident to the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) if the accident resulted in property damage worth $1,000 or more. If your incident meets this criterion and you fail to report it to the DMV, you could risk a suspension of your license. It’s best to keep track of all the details. You don’t want to do anything that makes you look like the guilty party.
Collecting Physical Evidence
One of the most important things you can do to ensure adequate protection of your legal rights is to collect as much physical evidence as possible from the accident location. You should try to obtain photos, videos, eyewitness statements, license plate information, and other forms of physical evidence that can be used later to build a sound legal strategy. You will also need this evidence to paint a clear picture of the events for your insurance provider when you file compensation for your damages. It is important to attach a copy of the official police report of the incident with this evidence when presenting your case to your insurance company. These details are crucial for your attorney to fight for you in court.
Hiring a Lawyer
Hiring a competent lawyer is the best way to ensure that no person or entity would violate your legal rights. Your lawyer will compile physical evidence and file all relevant documents in court on your behalf. Lawyers also handle all negotiations for their clients, including settlement negotiations with insurance providers and the opposing legal counsel if both parties decide to settle their case out of court. In case your claim is not resolved through these negotiations, it will likely proceed to a court trial, where your lawyer will provide you adequate representation and fight for your right to fair financial compensation. They understand how the system works and will make sure it’s in your best interest.
Conclusion
Although getting injured in a traffic accident can be highly traumatizing and seeking legal action against the negligent party might be confusing, having a lawyer on your side can significantly improve your chances of a favorable legal outcome. Reporting the incident on time, collecting sufficient physical evidence, and obtaining expert legal representation is crucial to obtaining the compensation you deserve for your losses. These types of accidents can be stressful to deal with on your own. If you have a trusted legal professional on your side, they will make sure that you get the justice you deserve.