When you are injured in a car accident in New York, there are some important calls you need to make. Making these calls is a must to protect your rights and chances of claiming compensation. Between the police, insurance, and your car accident lawyer in Manhattan, who should you call first? In this post, the team at Gabriel Law will be offering you our advice on the order you should call and how this order can impact your rights and compensation.
When should you call the police on a car accident in NYC?
In New York, you are legally required to inform the police about a motor vehicle accident when the accident has caused the death or injury of a person or pet, or when the property damage caused by the accident exceeds $1000. On the other hand, you are not legally required to report a minor accident (fender-bender), where the property damage is less than $1000.
However, as your car accident lawyer in NYC, our advice is to report any and all accidents, no matter how minor they may be. This is because the police report of the incident can make claiming compensation easier. You can present it as evidence to determine who is at fault for the accident and justify your compensation amount.
Why should you contact a car accident attorney in NYC?
When you have met with a car accident in New York, you need to gain a good understanding about your rights and liabilities connected to the accident to set realistic expectations and plan ahead. That is why getting in touch with an experienced car accident lawyer in Brooklyn is a must. Your lawyer will:
- Listen to your story and explain your legal position.
- Help set realistic expectations about compensation and the likelihood of success.
- Gather the necessary evidence and work with experts to build your case.
- Negotiate with insurance companies to get you a full and fair settlement for the damages suffered.
- Represent you in court and fight for your rights if your case goes to trial.
When should you contact your insurance company?
You should contact your insurance company within 24-72 hours after the accident. But we recommend that you make this call once you’ve gotten in touch with your lawyer and understood your legal rights and responsibilities. Having this understanding will help you know what to say and, most importantly, what not to say.
When it comes to insurance claims, they must be filed within 30 days from the date of the accident. The sooner you file the claim, the better. This is because there will be a lot of back and forth between you and the insurance company, where they will try to reduce, delay, and deny your claim. If the insurance claim doesn’t work out, then you have more time to pursue other options for compensation.
What is the order you should call and inform about the accident?
If you’re injured in a car accident, here’s the order we recommend you call to inform about the accident:
- 1st – Police and first responders,
- 2nd – Your car accident lawyer in Manhattan, and
- 3rd—Your insurance company.
By following this order, you greatly increase your chances of achieving a full and fair settlement that accounts for all the damages you have suffered due to the accident.
Conclusion
When you’re injured in an accident, you must get in touch with the police, your lawyer, and your insurance company. But keep in mind that when and where you call these entities can have a major impact on your accident settlement. That being the case, if you’re looking for a skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced car accident lawyer in New York to help you with your case, then Gabriel Law is the law firm for you.
As a personal injury law firm in NYC, we handle all manner of personal injury cases, including car accidents. We’ve had the honor and privilege of helping thousands of New Yorkers get the compensation that they deserve, and we would love to help you do the same. Get in touch with us today and schedule your free and confidential consultation.
