How To Maximize Your Settlement After a Car Accident in New York
After suffering injuries in a New York car accident, you may be eligible to recover compensation through a car accident claim. However, how much you recover from your car accident claim depends on the actions you take immediately after the accident and throughout the claims process. Insurers are often focused on minimizing payouts, not maximizing compensation. Therefore, it is vital that you take steps to strengthen your case. Below, we look at some steps you can take to maximize our settlement after a car accident in New York.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention
After a car accident, seek prompt medical attention, even if you think you are okay or uninjured. Some injuries might appear minor initially, only for them to worsen later if left untreated. Also, some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately, such as traumatic brain injuries and organ damage.
By seeking immediate medical attention, you ensure all injuries are identified, treated, and officially documented. This documentation can help you establish a link between your injuries and the accident and the severity of your injuries. Insurers often question claims without timely medical records.
- Report the Accident
In New York, if you are in a car accident, you are required to report it to the police or DMV if there were any injuries, death, or property damage of at least $1,000. Not reporting your accident can result in legal penalties, including license suspension. On top of that, it can hurt your ability to recover compensation. A police report contains crucial details such as the date, time, location of the accident, statements from witnesses and involved parties, and the officer’s observations, all of which can be crucial in supporting your version of events and establishing liability.
- Gather and Preserve Evidence
The foundation of a strong car accident claim is evidence. Gather and preserve from the accident scene. This includes taking pictures and videos of the vehicles involved, road and weather conditions, visible injuries, traffic signs, and other relevant factors. It also includes talking to anyone who saw what happened and asking for their names and contact information. Additionally, save any medical records, receipts for accident-related expenses, pay stubs, and any communication with insurers.
- Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
After a car accident, contacting a skilled attorney can be the single most determining factor in maximizing your compensation. A knowledgeable lawyer can investigate your case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and take your case to court if necessary. Research has found that claimants with legal representation usually receive more compensation than those who handle their cases alone.
- Avoid Talking to Insurance Adjusters Alone
Be cautious when speaking to insurance adjusters. They might seem friendly, but remember that they work for the insurance company. Do not give recorded statements or accept a settlement offer without first talking to an attorney. It might be tempting to accept a quick offer, but first, settlement offers are often far below a claim’s actual value.
- Avoid Social Media
After a car accident, it’s best to keep any details about your accident and injuries off the internet. Insurance companies are always looking for information they can use against plaintiffs. Even a seemingly innocent picture, post, or comment can be misinterpreted and used to undermine your claim.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you have been involved in a car accident in New York, contact an experienced Long Island car accident attorney at Jacobson Law for help recovering the compensation you deserve.
