What should be my immediate plan of action if I am involved in a car accident in New York or Florida?

When involved in a car accident in either of the states, your first step should be to seek medical attention in case you are injured. After this, you must try to obtain the names of driver/s involved in the accident as well as their licenses numbers and addresses. Notify the police or emergency professionals if any of the drivers seem to be drunk or under the influence of drugs. It is also recommended that you obtain the names and addresses of other passengers (if involved) and pedestrians who can serve as witnesses for the auto accident.

Should I notify the police?

It is important to call up the police in the event of a car accident. By doing so, you can ensure having the complete proof of the accident recorded without making any special effort in that direction. Additionally, calling the police will lead to immediate investigation of the accident. The police will obtain the witnesses’ statements, examine possible abuse of drug or alcohol by drivers and get an admittance of fault from the driver whose negligent driving caused the accident. Furthermore, the police will serve as valuable witnesses for your personal injury claim.

What if I was not wearing the seat belt at the time of accident? Will I be able to recover the damages?

In NY and certain other states of the US, you can reduce or even negate your chances of getting compensation for the damages if you were found not wearing the seat belt. According to the New York Seat Belt law, “No person shall operate a motor vehicle unless…restrained by a safety belt approved by the commissioner. No person sixteen years of age or over shall be a passenger in the front seat of a motor vehicle unless…restrained by a safety belt….” This law is enforced on the basis that people tend to suffer more serious injuries when they do not wear their seat belts.

However, there are several other states in the US which does not follow this law. Consult an attorney from a reputed law firm whenever you are involved in a car accident in New York or Florida. The lawyers from Litvin Law Firm will be able to guide you in the right direction in case of an auto accident and help you recover the damage compensation.

Do I have to go to the court of law for a personal injury claim?

Here again, you should consul an attorney. Firstly, determine the compensation amount with your attorney. Secondly, find out whether the negligent driver’s insurance company is ready to pay the amount that your attorney believes will suffice the case. If you and your lawyer feel that the compensation amount is sufficient, you need not take your case to the court. Most people prefer an out-of-the-court settlement. However, some cases are taken to the court for formal trial. In either case, hiring a lawyer from a reputed firm is recommended.

What happens if my memory of the car accident conflicts with whatever I said at the time of accident?

This is a very common thing. In certain cases, statements by witnesses may also differ from that of yours. Explaining the discrepancy of statements may be difficult. However, you can rid yourself of this dilemma by employing the services of an experienced lawyer. An attorney will know the proper way of justifying your case.

The professionals at Litvin Law Firm have several years of experience of handling personal injury cases. With law offices in both New York and Florida, Litvin is one of the best known firms that boast of high number of successes.