FAQ: New York Auto Accident Injury Cases

What information should I record immediately after an automobile accident?

Auto accident injury lawyers suggest victims to take note of the following right after an accident:

• the exact location, date, and time of the accident
• names of parties involved, including witnesses to the accident
• detailed description of the vehicles involved, including type and model of each vehicle
• the injuries you have suffered, including any minor injuries (make sure to disclose previous injuries no matter how dissimilar they are to current injuries)
• insurance information from the other driver(s)

If you can manage, take as many pictures of the scene from different angles. Make sure to include pictures of the vehicles involved, the damaged items and the injuries sustained.

It pays to record all these types of information. Not only will they allow you to recall any specific details of your accident during trial, they can also help build your case while working with your personal injury attorney.

Should I consult an attorney immediately after an accident?

Yes, definitely. Auto accident injury lawyers are qualified to answer any questions you may have regarding your case. Don’t hesitate to ask even the most basic questions. Many of them are usually proven useful when you decide to file a case against the other party. Answers to your preliminary questions may also shape your decision as to what actions you should take against the negligent party. If you’re willing to work with an attorney immediately after your accident, he or she can help you investigate the facts and determine the law surrounding your case.

Are auto accident injury lawyers essential to winning the case?

Yes. There are experts who have, time and again, proven themselves indispensable to victims of auto accidents. Once you have the decided to file a claim against the negligent party, your next best course of action is to choose the most capable auto accident injury lawyers around. For one, they can help you get fair compensation for your emotional and physical pain, and even lost income. The compensation you get can help cover medical bills and other consequential costs.

Even if you’re partly at fault in the accident, you are still entitled to receive fair financial compensation. Without the help of auto accident injury lawyers, your claims will most likely be settled immediately yet less favorably. That’s because insurance companies often look for ways to expedite your claim, based on their terms.

What type and amount of compensation am I entitled to get?

This usually depends on the nature of the accident and the extent of damages sustained. Whether the accident is due entirely to the other party’s negligence or partly your negligence, you may be entitled to the following compensation:

• medical bills including basic hospital costs, surgical procedures and emergency room fees
• lost income as a result of your injury
• rehabilitation and physical therapy expenses
• disability or disfigurement
• physical and emotional pain and suffering
• wrongful death especially in cases of loss of financial support and loss of companionship
• other out-of-pocket costs directly resulting from the accident

What constitutes negligence?

In terms of driver behavior, negligent activities that usually cause auto accidents include:

• exceeding the speed limit
• inattention while driving
• driving out of the proper lane or running off the road
• inability to properly signal when making a turn or switching lanes
• failure to maintain vehicle properly and check for defective vehicle equipment
• driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

If you or someone you know who was involved in an automobile accident, contact the New York City automobile accident lawyers at The Law Offices of Mark E. Weinberger P.C. today for a free consultation, and get the compensation you deserve. Call us at 516-441-0282 or fill out a contact form.