Call Now For A Free Consultation About Your Personal Injury Claim! (716) 916-2046
Call Now For A Free Consultation About Your Personal Injury Claim! (716) 916-2046
Call Now For A Free Consultation About Your Personal Injury Claim! (716) 916-2046
Call Now For A Free Consultation About Your Personal Injury Claim! (716) 916-2046
After an automotive accident, knowing the right steps to take can protect both your health and your legal rights. From seeking medical attention to documenting the accident, each step plays a crucial role in ensuring you’re properly compensated. This guide will walk you through exactly what to do in the moments and days following an accident, helping you feel more prepared and confident in handling the road ahead.
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The first priority after an accident is to ensure your safety and notify your loved ones that you're okay. Next, seek medical attention immediately, whether by taking an ambulance or visiting your doctor soon after the accident.
It’s critical to see a doctor within 48 hours, even if you don’t feel seriously hurt. Doing so will allow you to receive necessary treatment, document your injuries, and establish a clear link between the accident and any medical conditions that arise.
Simply call the police and inform them that the other driver has fled. If you can recall the make and model of the vehicle, a description of the driver, or any other information, convey that to an officer.
As frustrating and infuriating as it can be to watch the other driver flee, you’re safer and far less liable if you stay put and allow law enforcement to handle the situation and locate them. Never try to pursue the other driver or take the law into your own hands.
Exchange basic information with the other driver, including their name, phone number, address, and insurance details (including the insurance company's name and policy number). If possible, get their email as well.
And remember: you should avoid discussing the specifics of the accident or admitting any fault at the scene, as these statements could be used against you later.
Yes, you should always seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel injured at the scene. The shock and adrenaline from the accident can mask injuries, and symptoms may not show up until days later. Seeing a doctor promptly ensures that any hidden injuries are detected early and treated properly, while also providing medical documentation to support your claim.
If you can safely do so, take photos and video footage of the accident scene. Be sure to capture the location of the vehicles involved, any damage to the vehicles, nearby traffic lights or signs, and road conditions.
Next, open your maps app. Screenshot the map app’s aerial satellite view of your exact location, capturing the road’s width and surrounding streets. This will be helpful to your attorney, the insurance company, the police, and to you when seeking to describe what happened and the exact location of the accident.
If you don’t have a cellphone on you or if your phone was damaged in the accident, you may be able to sketch the accident scene with a pen and paper. A simple hand-drawn diagram showing the street layout and vehicle positions can also be useful for your attorney, insurance company, and law enforcement.
In New York, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, it’s best to act as soon as possible. Contacting a personal injury lawyer soon after the accident allows for better collection of evidence, timely interviews with witnesses, and a stronger case overall.
For more information on Auto Accidents In Buffalo, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (716) 916-2046 today.
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