Traffic accidents remain a problem in busy cities in the country, like New York. During the first quarter of 2022 alone, 59 people died in traffic crashes in the state. The number is 44 percent higher than last year.
The figure not only highlights the importance of safe driving but also outlines the importance of being prepared if you are hurt on the road. Preparedness can help protect your ability to make a claim against an at-fault driver. Moreover, it can help if another driver falsely blames you for the crash. Here are the critical things you need to do after a car accident.
1. Stop and Call the Police
After a crash, you should never drive away from the scene. If you have no serious injuries, you should call the authorities.
You must file a police report if you consider taking legal action. The prescriptive period or statute of limitations for car accidents in New York is three years.
2. Wait for Help
After calling for help, turn your hazard lights on and light up road flares to warn other motorists to slow down when they pass the crash scene. Doing so can help prevent further accidents.
If it is dark and your hazard lights do not work, use a flashlight to keep you safe and get inside your disabled car to wait. If your vehicle is in bad shape, stay by the side of the road.
3. Record the Incident
Making an accurate record of the scene is crucial to increasing your chances of getting compensation for the accident.
When the cops arrive, inform the investigating officer what happened to the best of your ability.
If you do not know the answer to specific questions, inform the officer. You should not speculate or guess any of the facts. When asked if you are injured and unsure about the severity of an injury, say so. Be careful of answering in absolutes. Often, the wounds from vehicle accidents become apparent hours after the crash.
You should also take clear pictures of the crash. Use your phone camera to take a photo of your damaged car. If you have visible wounds, you should also take pictures of them.
4. Seek Medical Help
Taking stock of the severity of your injuries may be challenging right after the accident. If you do not feel well, you should drop by a hospital or a clinic for a checkup.
Take note that even in accidents involving minor crashes, you can still sustain a severe and permanent injury. If you were dazed or passed out or for even a short time following the collision, you may have a closed head injury or a concussion. If left untreated, these conditions may cause cognitive and behavioural changes.
5. Call Your Insurance Provider
If you want to file a claim for the accident, you may want to call your insurance provider. They can tell you specifics about your case and what they will require from you to process your claim. They can also inform you what to expect during the process.
If you are injured, you may also want to reach out to a local accident lawyer from Brooklyn who can help you get the proper compensation you deserve.
An accident on the road can leave even the most seasoned driver frazzled. Thus, keeping these pointers in mind can help protect you from more worries.
