Although some rear-end collisions can appear insignificant initially, it’s unwise to underestimate the damage one can cause. To ultimately get the compensation they deserve against negligent drivers, New York victims should learn what to do after a rear-end accident.
Immediately following a rear-end collision in New York, there are a few steps victims should take. First, call the police. New York law enforcement officers can create a police report detailing an accident’s events and a negligent driver’s actions. Next, take photos to document the accident scene and damage to your property or person. Then, speak to eyewitnesses and get their contact information for the future. Next, get medical attention to document your injuries further, even if you appear uninjured. Finally, hire an attorney who can use all of the evidence you’ve gathered to prove a negligent driver’s fault.
Our attorneys are here to help New York rear-end accident victims get the justice they deserve. For a free case evaluation with the Yonkers car accident lawyers at The Martello Law Firm, call today at (914) 685-6950.
Steps to Take After a Rear-End Car Accident in New York
Rear-end collisions can sometimes appear insignificant, leading New York victims to believe that there’s nothing to be done afterward. In reality, rear-end accidents can result in serious property damage and injuries like whiplash, which can take some time to appear. Even if you seem uninjured and cannot identify any property damage, you should still take certain steps after a rear-end collision. Gathering the necessary evidence by calling the police, taking photos, speaking to eyewitnesses, and seeking medical attention can ultimately help your Westchester car accident lawyer hold a negligent driver accountable.
Call the Police
After any car accident in New York, you should call the police. In New York, reporting a collision is only mandatory if it results in death, injury, or upwards of $1,000 in property damage. If a rear-end collision meets that criteria, you must call the police and report the incident.
That said, many rear-enders don’t appear particularly severe at first. Suppose you don’t think your accident meets the police reporting criteria and don’t call law enforcement officials. In that case, it can be harder to recover the compensatory damages you deserve down the road. Estimating property damage and identifying injuries after a crash can be difficult. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and call the police after a rear-end accident so that officers can create a police report that documents your collision.
Take Photos
If you were rear-ended in New York, take pictures of your vehicle. Rear-end collisions often result in expensive damage to a victim’s vehicle, like frame and alignment issues, that often require compensation. In addition to taking photos of your vehicle, take pictures of a negligent driver’s car. Because rear-end accidents involve specific impact points, like the front of a negligent driver’s car and the back of a victim’s car, taking photos of the damage done to both vehicles can connect an at-fault to the collision.
If you have any apparent injuries after a rear-end collision, photograph them to the best of your ability. When in doubt, photograph every inch of the accident scene. The more photographs you have of the aftermath of a rear-end accident, the better. If you cannot take pictures because of your injuries, first responders can do so for you.
Speak to Eyewitnesses
While you may think that rear-end collisions are clear-cut, that’s not always the case. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, several parties may have been involved, resulting in a chain-reaction rear-end collision. If your accident happened at a high speed, you might have sustained expensive damages that require compensation. Because of this, gathering any evidence that indicates fault can be crucial. That is why speaking to eyewitnesses after a crash is wise.
Try to get eyewitnesses’ contact information after an accident. Once you do, pass that information on to your Mount Vernon car accident lawyer, who can use their statements to prove a negligent driver’s fault in a lawsuit. If you cannot get eyewitnesses’ contact information because of your injuries, New York police officers can retrieve those details for you.
Seek Medical Attention
As mentioned, injuries from rear-end accidents are not always immediately apparent. One of the most common rear-end accident injuries, whiplash, can take days to show signs. Other soft tissue injuries to the neck and spine can also happen from rear-end accidents. Bone fractures in the hands, arms, wrists, and face are also common. Depending on a collision’s severity, New York victims can sustain head injuries and traumatic brain injuries due to a rear-end car accident.
Regardless of your injuries, seek medical attention immediately after a rear-end accident in New York. Not only is this crucial for your health, but also for your future compensation claim against a negligent driver. When you go to the hospital right away, doctors can document your injuries and their likely cause. Your medical records can be invaluable evidence against a negligent driver, so seeking immediate and continuous medical care is necessary.
Hire an Attorney
Some New York rear-end accident victims may think there’s no need to hire an attorney after a crash. Once property damage and injuries become clear, that can quickly change. Although victims may think that fault is obvious after a rear-end collision, that’s not always the case. Having an experienced New Rochelle car accident lawyer by your side is crucial to identify a negligent party and hold them accountable.
Your attorney can pool together all of the evidence and documents you created after a crash by calling the police, taking photos, speaking with eyewitnesses, and seeking medical attention, to create a strong case against a negligent party. Remember, rear-end accidents can be serious, causing victims financial and emotional strain. Don’t underestimate the severity of your New York rear-end collision, and speak to an attorney about your options for compensation as soon as possible.
Call Our New York Attorneys After Your Rear-End Accident
If you’ve recently been injured in a rear-end accident and require compensation, our attorneys can help. For a free case evaluation with the White Plains car accident lawyers at The Martello Law Firm, PLLC, call today at (914) 685-6950.
