After a car accident in Queens, check yourself and others in your vehicle for injuries. Get medical care without delay. Call 911 to report the accident to local law enforcement. Notify your car insurance company within 24 to 48 hours, and file an application for no-fault benefits within 30 days. Before accepting a settlement, contact a local Queens car accident lawyer.
Check for Injuries – Your Safety Is Priority
The first thing you should do after a car accident in Queens is check for injuries. Start by checking yourself for any signs of pain or injury, keeping in mind that your adrenaline may initially mask pain. Then, check others in your vehicle before exiting your car (when it’s safe) to find out if anyone else has been hurt. Get professional treatment right away and keep copies of your medical records.
Report the Car Accident to NYPD
Call 911 from the scene of the accident to notify the New York Police Department that there has been a crash. You are legally required to report any motor vehicle accident resulting in injury, death or at least $1,000 in property damage. The report must be made within at least 10 days, but should be done as soon as you are physically able. It is in your best interest to report even a minor car accident so that you can get a police report.
Don’t Admit Fault
When you are at the scene of your car accident in Queens, talking to the other driver, telling your story to a police officer or speaking with an insurance company, it is important that you don’t admit fault. Do not admit fault or apologize for the crash, as this could make you eligible for less financial compensation – or none at all.
Collect Evidence and Exchange Information
Before you leave the scene, do your best to gather evidence and information. This includes taking pictures of damage to either vehicle, exchanging information with the other driver, writing down eyewitness names and phone numbers, and looking around for nearby camera footage.
Contact Your Car Insurance Company
You should contact your insurance company to report the accident within one to two days of the crash. Do not discuss your injuries until you’ve seen a doctor. Under New York’s no-fault car accident law, most drivers seek financial coverage from their own automobile insurance policies regardless of who is at fault.
To maintain eligibility for no-fault benefits, you must file an application within 30 days of the crash. You need to fill out and submit the NF-2 Application for Motor Vehicle No-Fault Benefits within 30 days to access up to $50,000 in medical payment and lost wage reimbursement.
Consult With a Car Accident Attorney in Queens
If you or someone you love suffered serious injuries, such as broken bones or permanent damage, you may have the right to file a claim or lawsuit against the other driver outside of New York’s no-fault system. In this scenario, you should wait before accepting a quick settlement from a car insurance company.
Before accepting a settlement, contact a Queens personal injury attorney within three years for a free consultation about your rights. A lawyer can review your case and let you know whether you have grounds to seek damages from another source to maximize your financial recovery. A lawyer may offer to represent you during settlement negotiations or a personal injury lawsuit in Queens.