A car accident lawyer can help recover financial compensation after suffering injuries because of a car crash. There are several types of monetary damages available to plaintiffs in Utica car accident lawsuits. The damages awarded will depend on the type of injuries incurred.
The process of pursuing a car accident case can be difficult to navigate. Defendants and their insurance companies may do anything they can to avoid paying your claim. An experienced car accident lawyer can help recover the compensation you deserve.
If you were injured because of a car accident, seek assistance from our experienced Utica car accident lawyers by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 for a free case review.
Elements of Car Accident Cases in Utica
Victims that suffered serious injuries can bring lawsuits against at-fault drivers after car accidents in Utica. Furthermore, claims for property damages may be made against negligent drivers. The process for recovering compensation related to a car crash can differ from case to case. However, in each car accident lawsuit, four general elements must be established:
- The other driver owed you a duty of care.
- The other driver breached their duty of care.
- You suffered injuries because of the other driver’s breach of duty.
- You suffered damages as a result of your injuries.
While these elements may seem simple, an extensive amount of evidence may be necessary to establish each one. Our Utica car accident lawyers can help gather evidence to prove the elements required to win your case.
“Serious” Injuries Caused by Utica Car Accidents
Under New York’s no-fault insurance rules, car accident victims in Utica may only bring injury claims against at-fault drivers if they suffered “serious” injuries. The following are the four categories of injuries considered to be serious in Utica:
- Substantial disfigurement
- Broken and fractured bones
- Permanent restriction of use of a body part or organ
- Substantial restriction of use of a body part or organ
- Significantly full disability that lasts at least 90 days
There are several types of injuries that may fit into one of the aforementioned categories. Our experienced Utica car accident lawyers can help determine if your injuries qualify as serious under New York law.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Utica
The aftermath of a car accident can be stressful and disorienting. However, there are certain steps you should take after a crash to protect your ability to recover compensation. Each of the following steps can benefit you when pursuing damages related to a car crash:
Stay at the Scene
Accident victims should remain at the scene of a crash. Those who flee the scene may be charged with hit and run, potentially affecting their ability to recover compensation. You should find a safe area to wait after an accident where you are not at risk of being hit by another car. Any directing of traffic around an accident scene should also be left to the appropriate authorities.
Call 911
The first step to take after a car accident is to call 911. After calling 911, an ambulance may be sent to tend to anyone requiring emergency medical treatment.
Furthermore, a dispatcher will send a police officer to visit the scene of a crash. After visiting the scene, a police officer will draft an accident report detailing the circumstances surrounding a crash. Such reports can be very valuable to our Utica car accident lawyers when proving fault in a car accident lawsuit.
Avoid Admitting Fault
It may feel natural to apologize after experiencing a car accident, even if it was not your fault. However, such statements may be interpreted as admissions of fault at a later trial. Accordingly, you should avoid making any statements to authorities, other drivers, or witnesses that could be construed as an admission of fault.
Exchange Information
Next, you should exchange information with all other parties to an accident after a crash. First, you should collect contact information, insurance information, and license plate numbers from other drivers. Contact information should include names, addresses, and phone numbers.
Furthermore, crash victims should exchange contact information with any potential witnesses to their accident. Eyewitness testimony can be very helpful to our Utica car accident lawyers when proving that a particular driver caused a crash.
Document the Scene of the Accident
It may also benefit you to take photos and videos of the accident scene. Such evidence can be used to prove or disprove claims regarding conditions that contributed to a crash such as weather or poorly maintained roads. Furthermore, photo documentation can be used to help establish property damage that was caused by a crash.
Seek Medical Attention
You should not wait to seek medical treatment after suffering a car crash. First, a physician must document your injuries in order for you to recover compensation related to those injuries.
Second, some injuries may not present themselves until after an accident. For instance, internal injuries can produce serious symptoms but may not become painful for days after a crash. You should not wait to seek medical treatment if you suspect you may have incurred internal injuries such as organ damage or internal bleeding.
Third, insurance companies may attempt to use a delay in treatment to avoid paying a claim. Victims should not leave injuries to heal on their own. Our Utica car accident lawyers can help refer the right doctors for you.
Contact Our Utica Car Accident Lawyers
Lastly, crash victims should contact our Utica car accident lawyers to evaluate the legal options available to them during a free case review. In some cases, you will have to file a claim with your own insurance company for damages related to an accident. Our team can provide guidance when filing an insurance claim with your insurer. Our lawyers can also help recover benefits that have been unjustly denied.
In other case, victims may bring claims against at-fault motorists. No matter the circumstances of your crash, our Utica car accident lawyers can provide support if you have been injured because of a car accident.
If You Were Injured in a Car Accident in Utica, Our Lawyers Can Help
If you were injured in a car accident in Utica, get help recovering the compensation available to you. Contact our experienced Utica car accident lawyers by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 for a free case review.