The days after you get into a car accident can feel like a blur, but if you have been seriously injured you need to start taking steps to build your case right away. Most of these tasks are actually quite simple, but they can make a big difference. You can let our Westchester County car accident attorneys handle most of the tough stuff.
What Should I Do Right After a Car Accident?
After a car accident, you need to document the scene and gather whatever evidence you can. This means:
- Taking pictures of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, and any other relevant details, like road hazards or skidmarks
- Call the police so that they can make a report
- Talk to any witnesses and get their contact details
Then it’s important to get medical care right away, even if you feel fine. This can be a stressful situation and sometimes a spike in adrenaline can hide pain. Get to a doctor as soon as possible and have your injuries evaluated.
What Can I Do In the Days After a Car Accident?
In the days following a car crash, you should consider contacting a lawyer. If you are seriously thinking about suing, you should also:
Gather all of your evidence: Keep a file going and add any medical bills, car repair estimates, and other evidence of costs incurred due to the crash. If you have to miss work, make sure that you have evidence of how much you have lost in wages, like a pay stub or correspondence from your employer.
Avoid social media: You shouldn’t be posting about the car accident. You should also avoid posting pictures of yourself. As silly as it sounds, the defendant could try to use pictures of you where you look “fine” as evidence that you aren’t badly injured.
Communicate through your lawyer: Do not admit fault and do not talk to the insurance company. Let your lawyer do the talking and advance this to the next stage.
How Long Do I Have to Sue For Damages?
If you do decide to sue for damages, you have three years to act. That seems like a generous amount of time, but we still recommend acting as quickly as possible. The sooner you act, the easier it can be for your lawyer to secure key evidence. Additionally, the sooner you act, the sooner you can win your case and receive the compensation that you deserve. We can help you fight for a fair offer that helps make up for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact Our Law Firm
If you have been hurt in an accident and someone else is to blame, contact Hausman & Pendzick. We can schedule a case consultation and tell you more about your legal options and what our lawyers can do to help you fight for compensation.