Getting into a car accident turns your day upside down in seconds. Between dealing with vehicle damage, potential personal injury, and insurance paperwork, the aftermath quickly becomes a confusing pressure-cooker. Taking control starts with filing your claim properly: This is one of the most important steps toward receiving fair compensation after a collision in Brooklyn.
What Should I Do Right After a Car Accident?
Safety comes first. Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone needs medical attention. Move to a safe location if possible and contact the police to file an official report. Exchange information with the other driver, including names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance details, and license plate numbers. Remember to take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, any visible injuries, and road conditions; also, gather contact information from witnesses before leaving the scene.
Do I Need a Copy of the Police Report?
Yes. Ask a responding law enforcement officer about how you can obtain a copy of this report; it will require processing before it becomes available. The report should contain useful information that you can use as evidence, such as the other driver’s insurance information, witness statements, and the officer’s assessment of fault.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Brooklyn?
New York gives you three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in court. However, you must notify your insurance company much sooner. Check your policy to see if there is a deadline, and do not miss it. Reporting your accident within the first few days also keeps the evidence fresher, and witnesses are more likely to recall what happened. The sooner you start the claims process, the stronger your position when seeking compensation.
What Other Information Will I Need for My Car Accident Claim?
In addition to evidence gathered at the scene, you will need repair estimates for your vehicle, medical documentation of your injuries, proof of lost wages if you missed work, and receipts for all of your accident-related expenses. Keep detailed records of every conversation with insurance companies, noting dates, times, and the names of representatives.
Should I Accept the First Car Accident Settlement Offer?
Insurance companies frequently make low initial offers that do not cover a claimant’s full damages. Remember that once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you cannot seek additional money later, even if new problems develop. Taking time to properly evaluate what your claim is truly worth almost always leads to better outcomes. We strongly recommend contacting our Brooklyn car accident lawyers for a settlement evaluation before you sign anything.
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover After a Car Accident?
You may receive compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, property damage, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. New York also allows recovery for pain and suffering when injuries meet the state’s serious injury threshold. This includes permanent limitations, significant disfigurement, and fractures. If the accident made a pre-existing condition worse, you can still seek damages for that aggravation. Document every expense and impact the accident has caused, no matter how small it may seem.
What if the Other Driver Was Uninsured?
New York requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage as part of their auto insurance policies. This coverage protects you when an at-fault driver lacks insurance or flees the scene. Check your policy to know your coverage limits and what protection you have in these situations. You may be eligible to file a claim with your own insurance company under this coverage, and they should respond as if you were filing against the other driver. You may also have the option to sue the uninsured driver directly for your damages, though collecting on a judgment will be difficult if they lack assets.
Brooklyn Car Accident Lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki Provide the Help Drivers Deserve
If you were involved in a motor vehicle crash in our area and need legal help, contact the Brooklyn car accident lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki. We will fight to protect your rights. Call us at 718-522-1020 or complete our online form today for a free consultation. We have offices in Brooklyn, NY, and serve clients in the surrounding area.
