Mar 18, 2024

Tips to Building A Strong Auto Accident Case

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Car accidents happen daily, and some of them result in serious injuries. Hopefully, you won’t experience even a minor accident in your driving career. Chances are, though, that at some point you will have to deal with a car accident.

What Should You Do After An Accident?

When you have an accident it’s important to determine if anyone is hurt. Even minor injuries are important to notice. Regardless of the extent of the injuries of the people involved, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible following the accident.

An accident needs to be reported to the proper authorities. Having the police investigate the accident can help you to build an accident case later. Law enforcement will take pictures of the scene and the cars involved as well as conduct interviews of all the victims and any witnesses to the mishap. This documentation will be helpful should you require the services of a New York car accident attorney.

Life Can Change Instantaneously

A car accident can happen in seconds, but the impact of the crash can affect you for months or years. You’re hurt, your car is wrecked, and now you have medical expenses and other bills to pay. Who is going to pay those bills? The answer is that it depends on your situation. That’s why it’s important to know where you stand. (1)

If you live in a no-fault state such as New York, it can sometimes be difficult to know exactly what you can expect following an accident, especially if the other party was the one who caused the incident. If all you have is a basic personal insurance plan, you will find it difficult to cover all of the costs incurred by medical bills and lost wages following an accident. This may be when you need to consult a New York City car accident attorney to determine if you meet the criteria for a personal injury case.

If you have just suffered an injury or injuries, make sure you get prompt medical attention. Also, in order to build a strong case in court, you should take detailed notes about the incident, take pictures, and get the contact information of potential witnesses. (2) Don’t simply rely on the documentation provided by law enforcement. If you are able, you should document everything yourself while your memory is fresh.

Some states require that injury claims be documented as severe injuries to qualify for a personal injury claim. There are documented examples of the kinds of injuries that are considered severe enough to merit awards of retribution following a car accident. You should keep this in mind before attempting to file an accident claim.

Building A Car Accident Claim

Regulations regarding car accident claims are variable depending on the state. Some states have no-fault insurance regulations which can make it harder to recoup losses after an accident. In a no-fault state, you are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) in addition to any other minimum car insurance the state requires.

Some states are more difficult than others to file personal injury claims after an accident. There are regulations about how severe injuries must be before they qualify for an accident claim. That regulation makes it even more important to make thorough notes regarding your accident and the subsequent injuries.

Some tips for building a strong automobile accident case include:

  • Report the accident to the appropriate authorities. A police report helps to provide proof of the accident when it’s needed.

  • Find and hire a New York car accident attorney. An attorney can help you navigate the intricacies of car accident law and determine if you have a case or not.

  • Create documents regarding the accident scene. Take pictures. Take detailed notes about the scene as well as about the events leading up to the accident.

  • Get medical attention. Even if you feel fine or think you might only have minor injuries. Prompt medical attention will help strengthen any claim you may have. If you don’t get prompt medical attention, some insurance companies and attorneys might think you are making false claims regarding injuries.

  • Have evidence of your claims. Your evidence includes the documents you created as well as police reports, medical bills, medical diagnoses, and witness statements. The more substantial proof you have of the circumstances surrounding your accident the better your chance of having a successful claim becomes.

In a no-fault state, it’s difficult to have a successful claim even with the documentation we’ve mentioned. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to file a personal injury claim. Speaking with a New York City car accident attorney will help you know if you have a claim or not.

Conclusion

Filing a successful car accident claim can be difficult in a no-fault state like New York. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible. You need proof of your claims in the form of documentation like pictures, notes about the accident, and witness statements.

A New York car accident attorney can help you navigate through the regulations. They understand the laws and the reasons for them. They can guide you with advice regarding potential settlements.

FAQs

What does a no-fault state mean?

A no-fault state means that each person must file insurance claims with their own company rather than with the insurance company of the other person involved in the accident. People must typically have a personal injury protection (PIP) policy as well as minimum insurance coverages for the automobile. It is often more difficult to have a successful accident claim suit in a no-fault state.

Can you have a successful car accident lawsuit in a no-fault state?

It is possible to have a successful car accident case, but it’s more difficult. Speak with a qualified attorney, like a New York City car accident attorney, to learn your chances of successfully pursuing your case.