No one expects to be in a car accident. Car accidents caused by careless or reckless drivers can occur at any time and are often unavoidable. Whether you are travelling on a quiet street or a busy highway, crashes can happen.
The process for recovering monetary damages can differ after accidents in Riverhead, NY. Depending on the circumstances of their crash, victims will either file a claim under their own insurance policy or file a lawsuit against another driver. An experienced car accident lawyer can help explain the proper route to compensation in your case.
If you were injured because of a car accident in Riverhead, NY, get help recovering the financial compensation available to you. Contact our experienced Riverhead car accident lawyers by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 for a free case review.
Steps to Take After a Car Crash in Riverhead, NY
There are steps that victims may take in the aftermath of a car accident that could help their ability to seek damages related to the crash. Keeping your composure after a car accident can be easier said than done. Still, you should adhere to the following process after experiencing a car accident in Riverhead, NY:
Stay at the Crash Site
You should not flee the scene of a car accident before the appropriate authorities arrive. Those who abandon the scene of a crash can prohibited from recovering compensation. Further, victims who leave the crash site can be charged with a hit and run. Accordingly, you should find a safe space to remain near the crash site after experiencing an accident.
Contact 911
Car accident victims should contact 911 as soon as possible after a crash. After calling 911, a police officer may visit the crash scene to create an official accident report. This report can include statements from drivers as well as observations from the police officer. Such observations can contain details about drivers’ mental states or the state of the crash scene.
Additionally, after calling 911, an ambulance can be sent for anyone who required immediate medical attention.
Collect Information from Other Parties
Next, crash victims should collect relevant information from other parties to an accident. This information should include contact information such as names, addresses, and phone numbers of all other parties. Furthermore, insurance information and license plate numbers should be gathered from other drivers involved in an accident.
Furthermore, contact information for any witnesses to a car accident should be recorded if possible. Witnesses can benefit our Riverhead car accident lawyers when proving fault in a future lawsuit.
Document the Scene of the Accident
Photo documentation of a crash scene can also help our Riverhead car accident lawyers when proving fault. Accordingly, victims should take photos and videos of the scene of their crash if possible. Photos can be used to document physical evidence too large to bring into court, such as damaged vehicles. Furthermore, photos can be used to prove or disprove conditions that may have contributed to a crash like weather.
Seek Medical Care
Next, car accident victims in Riverhead, NY should not wait to seek medical care for their injuries. A doctor must document a victim’s injuries in order for them to recover compensation. Therefore, you should not wait to let your injuries heal on their own.
Also, some injuries may not become painful until days or weeks after suffering a crash. For example, internal injuries can produce fatal symptoms but may not be easily noticeable right away. If you suspect you may have suffered internal injuries because of a car crash, you should seek immediate medical treatment. Our Riverhead car accident lawyers can help refer the appropriate doctors to treat your injuries.
Contact Our Riverhead, NY Car Accident Lawyers
Lastly, car accident victims should contact our Riverhead car accident lawyers for help with their case. Our team will be able to determine the right course of action in your case during a free case review.
Time Limit to File a Riverhead, NY Car Accident Lawsuit
Plaintiffs will usually have three years from the date of their accident to file a car accident lawsuit in Riverhead. However, victims should attempt to file their case as soon as possible. Crucial evidence can become harder to locate over time. For example, eyewitnesses become harder to track down and important records become lost.
Furthermore, plaintiffs should file their car accident lawsuits early to afford themselves time to re-file their cases if necessary. There are several requirements that plaintiffs must comply with when filing their claim. Failing to meet any of these requirements could force victims to re-file. Our experienced Riverhead car accident lawyers can provide support when filing your case.
Settling a Car Accident Lawsuit vs. Taking a Car Accident Lawsuit to Trial in Riverhead, NY
During the course of a car accident lawsuit, plaintiffs may be faced with the decision to settle their case or take their case to trial. Settling a case early has its benefits. By reaching a settlement agreement, a plaintiff will receive an agreed-upon sum from the defendant in exchange for a case being voluntarily dismissed. This allows both parties to save on the potentially high cost of going to trial. Also, settling early allows a victim to be compensated more quickly.
In some cases, settlement offers will be low and inadequate. Taking a case to trial allows a plaintiff the opportunity to pursue greater financial compensation. However, if a plaintiff is unsuccessful at trial, they may receive nothing. Accordingly, there are many potential risks and rewards associated with taking a case to trial. Our experienced Riverhead car accident lawyers can help explain the value of your claim, so you can understand if going to trial is the right decision for you.
If You Were Injured Because of a Car Accident in Riverhead, NY, Our Lawyers Can Help
If you were injured because of a car accident in Riverhead, NY, seek assistance from our experienced Riverhead car accident lawyers by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 for a free case review.