What To Do After A Car Accident That Wasn’t Your Fault

By seriousl March 4, 2024

Imagine the sound of screeching tires, the feeling of impact, and the realization of what just happened. It’s all extremely overwhelming.

The victim or victims might be in pain and need to be rushed to the hospital. The cars involved in the accident are severely damaged and need to be towed away. The accident itself causes major traffic delays and disruptions.

After an accident, the people involved are shaken, and their daily lives are completely disrupted. Add to all of this the need to exchange insurance information and contact the authorities to file a report, plus the need to contact their own insurance company to start the process of getting their car repaired or replaced.

As you can see, car accidents can be a traumatic and stressful experience, especially if the crash wasn’t your fault. The attorneys at Poissant, Nichols, Grue, Vanier & Babbie, P.C. have extensive experience handling car accident cases in New York and can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.

In the aftermath of an accident, it can be difficult to know what steps to take to protect your rights and seek fair compensation for any damages or injuries you may have sustained.

In this article, we’ll go over what you should do immediately in the aftermath of the accident, as well as in the long term, in order to safeguard yourself as well as your rights.

What To Do After a Car Accident Not Your Fault

Seek Medical Attention

The first step you should take after a car accident that wasn’t your fault is to seek medical attention. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor to rule out any hidden injuries. This will also provide you with a medical record of your injuries, which can be used as evidence in any legal proceedings.

Gather Information

Next, you’ll want to gather as much information about the accident as possible. This includes exchanging contact and insurance information with the other driver, taking photos of the scene and damage to your vehicle, and getting the contact information of any witnesses.

It’s also a good idea to make a written record of the accident, including the date, time, location, and any other details that you can remember.

Contact an attorney

Once you’ve taken care of your immediate medical needs and gathered the necessary information, it’s time to contact a car accident attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options and guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your damages and injuries.

One of the first things a New York car accident attorney will do is investigate the accident to determine who was at fault. This may involve interviewing witnesses, reviewing police reports, and examining the evidence from the scene.

Once liability has been established, your attorney can help you negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement. If a settlement can’t be reached, your attorney can take your case to court to seek the compensation you deserve.

It’s also important to note that if the accident wasn’t your fault, the other driver’s insurance company would be responsible for covering your damages and injuries. However, insurance companies are often more interested in protecting their bottom line than paying fair settlements. A car accident attorney can help you navigate the claims process and ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.

Other Car Accident-Related Issues

In addition to seeking compensation for your damages and injuries, a car accident attorney can also help you with other issues related to the accident. For example, if you’re unable to work due to your injuries, your attorney can help you seek compensation for lost wages. They can also help you with any legal proceedings that may be necessary, such as filing a lawsuit against the other driver.

In conclusion, if you find yourself in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, it’s important to understand the role that a car accident attorney can play in helping you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. The attorneys at Poissant, Nichols, Grue, Vanie & Babbie, P.C. are experienced in handling car accident cases in New York and can help you seek fair compensation for your damages and injuries. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need any assistance.