In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, you may be shocked, upset, and concerned about the damage to your car. A car wreck in New York can make it difficult for the most logical of minds to think clearly. Many car accident victims make costly mistakes that could harm their claim.
An experienced New York car accident lawyer can help you navigate the intricate legal process, negotiate a just settlement on your behalf, and avoid common mistakes that car accident victims make. The four common legal pitfalls you should avoid after a car accident include:
Not Reporting the Accident
New York law requires reporting of accidents to the police or the New York Department of Motor Vehicles. New York laws require you to report the accident within ten days if the accident results in injuries, death, or $1000 or more in property damage. The requirement of law should not be the only reason to report an accident promptly. The police report plays a crucial role in recovering compensation for medical expenses, vehicle damage, and other losses, whether through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Not Seeking Medical Attention
It is challenging to receive compensation after a car accident in New York if you fail to seek prompt medical attention and do not have extensive medical documentation to prove and support your injuries and bills.Failure or delay in seeking treatment after an accident can have dire implications on your health and your personal injury claim.
An accurate diagnosis of your injuries after the accident ensures fast, effective treatment. Minor medical conditions can quickly deteriorate and persist for months or years.One of the first things insurance companies try to determine is whether or not you sought immediate medical treatment after your car accident. Failure to seek immediate medical treatment allows the insurance company to raise doubts about the severity of your injuries and the validity of your claim.
Accepting Responsibility
It’s common for people overcome with emotions after an accident to make statements such as, “I’m so sorry!” or, “Maybe that was all my fault!”, whether or not they are at fault. Such statements can come back to haunt you in negotiations with the insurance company or at trial.
Sharing Details of The Accident On Social Media Platforms
After the accident, it is critical to be careful about your social media use. Avoid posting accident-related images or disclosing details of the incident. The at-fault party or your insurers can use these posts to prove you didn’t suffer much from the accident. They might claim that you were healthy enough to post details of the accident. Even your auto insurance provider may argue that instead of seeking medical attention, you chose to get on social media platforms to break the news of the accident. The wrong post can significantly harm the validity, credibility, and value of your case.
Contact A New York Car Accident Lawyer
If you have suffered injuries in a car collision at the hands of a negligent driver in New York, a competent New York car accident lawyer can fight for your rights and help recover fair and just compensation. Contact a local auto accident lawyer today to schedule a free case evaluation.
