10 things to remember before suing after a car accident
1. Record the names and telephone numbers of witnesses at the scene of the accident. This will make it easy for you to contact these individuals just in case you need to persuade them to testify at your trial. Also, this will help you avoid picking up the bill for a car accident that wasn't your fault.
2. Record the name and badge number of the police officer who arrives at the scene of the accident. Also, be sure to write down the accident report number.
3. Don't make any statements regarding fault at the scene of the accident. Admitting partial or full responsibility may have an adverse effect on your ability to receive a favorable settlement or winning at trial. Make sure you talk only to an attorney.
4. There are times when the city is at fault for your accident, if so, contact the municipal agency that is responsible and they may foot the entire bill. For instance, if a pothole is to blame, contact the New York City Department of Transportation.
5. Check the New York state laws to see if your case falls within the laws of NY no-fault insurance. No-fault coverage provides a party who is injured in an automobile accident the ability to recover damages up to a specific amount against his own insurance company regardless of who is responsible for the accident. The amount of litigation resulting from minor accidents is reduced by no fault insurance.
6. Beware of the time limit to file a car insurance claim. Don't miss your time limit or your claim will be invalidated. In New York, to file a no-fault insurance claim, an injured person must provide the no fault insurer a written notice within 30 days of the accident. The notice must identify the injured person, the time, place, and circumstances of the accident to the no-fault insurer.
7. Refrain from signing a waiver or depositing a check from the insurance company without reading it carefully or having a NY car accident lawyer review it.
8. Insurance company will often times try to low-ball you by persuading you to accept a low offer that does not accurately reflect the damages incurred. Therefore, you should be very skeptical of their initial offer. Seek the assistance of a Brooklyn car accident lawyer.
9. Occasionally insurance companies will review your credit history. If your credit history is bad the insurance company will lower the estimate that they intend to pay out.Therefore, it is important to provide them with an accurate assessment of your credit.
10. The insurance agent will provide you with advice regarding how to proceed with your claim but remember to perform your own research, seek the counsel of others (preferably a qualified car accident attorney) and make sure you make all the right decisions in the end.
2. Record the name and badge number of the police officer who arrives at the scene of the accident. Also, be sure to write down the accident report number.
3. Don't make any statements regarding fault at the scene of the accident. Admitting partial or full responsibility may have an adverse effect on your ability to receive a favorable settlement or winning at trial. Make sure you talk only to an attorney.
4. There are times when the city is at fault for your accident, if so, contact the municipal agency that is responsible and they may foot the entire bill. For instance, if a pothole is to blame, contact the New York City Department of Transportation.
5. Check the New York state laws to see if your case falls within the laws of NY no-fault insurance. No-fault coverage provides a party who is injured in an automobile accident the ability to recover damages up to a specific amount against his own insurance company regardless of who is responsible for the accident. The amount of litigation resulting from minor accidents is reduced by no fault insurance.
6. Beware of the time limit to file a car insurance claim. Don't miss your time limit or your claim will be invalidated. In New York, to file a no-fault insurance claim, an injured person must provide the no fault insurer a written notice within 30 days of the accident. The notice must identify the injured person, the time, place, and circumstances of the accident to the no-fault insurer.
7. Refrain from signing a waiver or depositing a check from the insurance company without reading it carefully or having a NY car accident lawyer review it.
8. Insurance company will often times try to low-ball you by persuading you to accept a low offer that does not accurately reflect the damages incurred. Therefore, you should be very skeptical of their initial offer. Seek the assistance of a Brooklyn car accident lawyer.
9. Occasionally insurance companies will review your credit history. If your credit history is bad the insurance company will lower the estimate that they intend to pay out.Therefore, it is important to provide them with an accurate assessment of your credit.
10. The insurance agent will provide you with advice regarding how to proceed with your claim but remember to perform your own research, seek the counsel of others (preferably a qualified car accident attorney) and make sure you make all the right decisions in the end.
