Perhaps one of the most common accidents that people experience is a car accident. Some are unlucky enough to be involved in several accidents throughout their lives. Whether the accident is severe or relatively minor, an attorney can help you claim fair compensation.
After an accident, get immediate medical attention and contact the police to report the collision. Exchange information with the other driver and any others at the scene. When you can, contact a lawyer to start exploring your legal options. In New York, you may have to navigate no-fault insurance claims, which require filing with your own insurance policy rather than the other driver’s. If insurance does not work out for you, we can begin preparing a lawsuit.
Start with a confidential case review at no cost by calling The Martello Law Firm at (914) 685-6950 and talking to our car accident attorneys.
What Do I Do After a Car Accident in the Bronx?
Immediately following a vehicle accident in the Bronx, you should call for help. After a doctor has evaluated you, contact a lawyer to discuss how to get fair compensation.
Get Help Immediately
You may be injured, possibly seriously, and you should get medical attention as soon as possible. You may need to call 911 and ask for an ambulance. If you can get yourself to the hospital without an ambulance, do so as soon as possible.
You should also contact the police and report the accident. Depending on the situation, they may investigate and uncover evidence we might not find on our own.
Preserve Information and Evidence
While waiting for help to arrive, try to preserve as much information about the accident as you can. This may involve taking pictures with your cell phone, recording videos, and jotting down notes about what you see.
Contact a Lawyer
After getting to a hospital and getting medical care, call a lawyer to discuss the accident and how you can get fair compensation. The sooner you call a lawyer, the more effectively they can help you.
How Can I Get Financial Compensation for a Car Accident in the Bronx?
Car accidents are not cheap. You may need help paying for all the costs that come with a car crash, and your attorney can help you.
No-Fault Insurance
Drivers in the Bronx or elsewhere in New York may be required to carry no-fault auto insurance, also known as personal injury protection (PIP). You may have to file a claim with your PIP insurance to get coverage. The good news is that you do not have to prove fault to get coverage this way. The bad news is that your PIP coverage might be insufficient if your damages are especially high.
The Other Driver’s Insurance
Like all other states, New York requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. If your PIP insurance does not completely cover your damages, you may file a third-party claim with the other driver’s liability coverage. Keep in mind, you will be required to prove fault in this kind of claim.
Personal Injury Lawsuit
If insurance is still not enough to cover all your damages, or some or all of your insurance claims are denied, you can file a lawsuit against the other driver. Before doing so, you must show the court that you have a “serious injury” because of the accident.
By law, a serious injury includes dismemberment, serious disfigurement, loss of a fetus, death, loss or permanent limitations of bodily functions, or any non-permanent, medically determined injury that stops you from substantially performing normal daily tasks.
FAQs About Car Accident Claims in the Bronx
What Should I Do Following a Car Crash in the Bronx?
Following a vehicle accident, call 911 and request emergency assistance. If you feel you do not need an ambulance, drive yourself or have someone else drive you to the hospital as soon as possible. Also, try to exchange contact and insurance information with others at the scene.
Should I Call the Police After a Vehicle Accident?
Yes. Severe car accidents must likely be reported to the police as a matter of law. Even if your accident is less serious, you should still call the police. They may investigate, uncover valuable evidence, and issue a detailed formal report we can use.
How Do I Pay for My Injuries and Damages After an Auto Accident?
Car accidents tend to be expensive. You may be dealing with high medical bills, property damage, and various other costs. You may use your insurance to cover some of these damages, but you can also sue the other driver to make them and their insurance cover your costs.
How Does Auto Insurance Affect My Car Accident Claims?
In New York, drivers must carry no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, which may cover them regardless of who caused the accident. Often, drivers must file claims under their own PIP coverage, at least as an initial course of legal action.
Am I Allowed to File a Claim with the Other Driver’s Insurance in the Bronx?
Yes. If you find your PIP insurance does not cover all your damages, you may file a claim with the other driver’s liability coverage. However, this is not a no-fault claim, and you must be prepared to demonstrate to the insurance company that the other driver is responsible for the accident.
Can I Sue the Other Driver After a Car Accident in the Bronx?
Possibly, yes. Before you are permitted to sue for a car accident, you and your lawyer must show the court that you have experienced a “serious injury” as a direct result of the accident. A serious injury is defined by law and includes various permanent or long-term injuries, such as death, dismemberment, fractures, and more.
When Should I Start a Lawsuit for a Car Accident?
You should talk to an experienced lawyer about your car accident and possibly filing a lawsuit as soon as possible. The statute of limitations in New York gives you only 3 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If the case is not filed within this time, you may be barred from suing.
Is a Lawyer Necessary for My Car Accident Lawsuit?
Yes. Lawsuits are known for being complicated, time-consuming, and challenging. Simply starting a lawsuit is a complex legal process that you may not be prepared for on your own.
How Long Will a Car Accident Lawsuit Take to Complete?
It is fairly common for car accident lawsuits to take a few months to complete. However, if your case is particularly complicated or the defendant disputes more of your claims and assertions, your case could take longer. Some especially challenging cases can take a year or longer to complete.
What Kind of Evidence Do I Need to Prove My Car Accident Case?
Evidence varies based on how your car accident occurred and what you must prove to get fair compensation. In many cases, evidence may include, but is not limited to, video footage, photos, witness testimony, and medical records.
Speak to Our Bronx Car Accident Attorneys to Get Legal Support Today
Start with a no-cost private case assessment by calling The Martello Law Firm at (914) 685-6950 and speaking with our car accident lawyers.
