Car accidents are a part of life. It is not an exaggeration to say that car accidents can cause a lot of stress. They happen to you, your friends and family members, and even your neighbors. It’s important that it’s not the only thing on your mind after a car accident – the aftermath is just as critical. Not only do you have the physical and mental injuries from the accident, but there are also legal matters to consider. Here are six simple things to remember from Long Island car accident lawyers so you can be sure to take care of yourself in the days following an auto collision.
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Contact your Attorney Immediately
If you have been injured in a car accident, one of the first things you should do is contact a personal injury attorney who specializes in Long Island Auto Collision. There are a few ways to go about this. But make sure to call their offices immediately if an accident happens.
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Document Everything
Take pictures of the accident scene and injuries – this includes any damage to your property. Get written statements from any witnesses, and save receipts for medical care or property damages that you incur due to the collision. These simple steps — take right after the accident — will help you in the long run when it comes to receiving a settlement from the other driver’s insurance company.
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Find Out If You Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Not all states have mandatory automobile insurance laws in place, and if you live in one of these places, it’s important that you know what your uninsured motorist coverage is. This type of coverage helps pay for the damages and injuries you incur when the other driver is at fault in an accident but does not have insurance. Be sure to talk with your agent about uninsured motorist coverage if you live in a state where it isn’t mandatory because it could help save you from financial ruin in the future.
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Do Not Sign Anything At The Accident Scene
Do not sign any forms at the accident scene – that includes releases. The insurance adjuster may try to pressure you into signing a document that will release them of liability for your injuries and property damage. If this happens, do not sign anything until you have talked with an attorney about it first. At the very least, you should call an attorney to come to the scene so they can witness you signing any documents.
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Don’t Share Your Side of the Story until You Have an Attorney
The insurance company will try to get you to fill out an Incident Report but do not share your side of the story with them until you have consulted with Long Island Car Accident Lawyers. Insurance companies use this form for their own purposes, and it needs to contain your full side of the story. If you leave anything out, it could come back to hurt you later on in court if necessary.
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Do Not Make Deals with the Other Party
If the other driver tries to make a deal for their insurance company, so they don’t have to pay you anything, do not accept it. It’s easy to feel the pressure of getting back on the road as soon as possible, but taking little financial compensation for your future medical bills is never the right call.
Conclusion
When it comes to Auto Collisions, safety should always be your number one priority. The six steps listed above are important safety rules to keep in mind following an auto collision. Remember that the stress of dealing with legal issues can be difficult to handle alone. Make sure you have a competent car accident lawyer on your side to help fight for you and your family.