If you are lucky, you will never be involved in a car accident. Unfortunately, 91% of all Americans are involved in at least one motor vehicle accident during their lifetime. A staggering 78% are involved in more than three accidents.
If the unfortunate does occur, it is necessary to be prepared so that you can handle the matter in a clear and calm manner. First, if there are any passengers in your vehicle, please make sure that they are alright before doing anything else. Second, under no circumstances should you move your vehicle. Preserving the accident scene is of paramount importance. When the police arrive, they will view the locations of the vehicles and the damage to each vehicle. If the vehicles have been moved, the accident report may not accurately reflect how the accident occurred. Third, call the police and ask them to come to the scene. Fourth, while waiting for the police to arrive, be sure to exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver(s). Fifth, at no point in time should you admit to causing or contributing to the accident. Any statement made by you may be included in the accident report and can be used against you. Sixth, if you are able to take photographs of the accident scene, do so. Seventh, after all information is exchanged, go to the hospital or your primary care doctor for an examination.
Some of the most common injuries from a car accident are back, neck and knee injuries. Whiplash, is a term used to describe the abnormal snapping movement of one's neck, either forward or backwards. This motion frequently results in disc, nerve or vertebra injury. Whiplash is common in motor vehicle accidents which occur at speeds of less than 10 mph. Unfortunately, because there is usually minimal damage to the cars involved, insurance companies often overlook whiplash injuries as improbable. This is especially true since many neck and back injuries do not manifest for several days following an accident. For information on common back and neck injuries and how whiplash impacts these injuries, click here.
Often, the insurance company for the at-fault driver will attempt to have you sign a waiver of liability before you retain an attorney. Do not sign any insurance documents before having your attorney review them.
No-Fault. As you may be aware, victims of car accidents in New York State are entitled to No-Fault benefits. What are No-fault benefits? Click here for a brief description of No-Fault benefits.