Following a car accident in New York, several factors can jeopardize your legal rights. It’s vital to take the necessary steps to protect those rights, especially if another party caused your accident. One of the most important things you can for after a collision is to gather as much information as possible from the other driver. Exchanging information is not only crucial for filing a claim, but it’s also the law. If you fail to fulfill this legal obligation, you can face serious consequences. Please continue reading as we explore the information you must exchange with the other parties involved in a car accident, the additional steps you should take to protect your rights, and how a seasoned Bronx Car Accident Lawyer can assist you.
What Information Must I Exchange Following a Car Accident?
When you are involved in a car accident, exchanging information with the other driver is crucial for filing an insurance claim and safeguarding your legal rights. This exchange of information ensures that all parties have the necessary details to pursue compensation for your damages. Essential details to collect at the accident scene include:
- Get the full name of each party involved in the accident
- Obtain contact information like the driver’s phone number and home address
- Record the driver’s license number and state of issuance
- Collect the other driver’s insurance company name and policy number
- Note the make, model, year, color, and license plate number of the other vehicles involved in the accident
It’s important to remain calm and polite when exchanging information with the other driver. You should avoid discussing fault or admitting blame, as this could impact your ability to recover compensation for your damages. If the other driver is uncooperative or aggressive, you should avoid interacting with them until the police arrive at the scene. In the unfortunate event that you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, in which the driver responsible for the crash flees the scene before you can obtain their information, you should refrain from pursuing them. You should leave that up to the police. To aid them in their search, you should provide them with as much information as possible about the fleeing driver.
What Else Can I Do to Protect My Rights After a Collision?
After you have exchanged information with the other parties involved, you should seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, it’s imperative to be assessed by a medical professional to ensure you receive proper diagnosis and treatment. It’s important to note that adrenaline can mask pain and certain injuries may have delayed onset symptoms. If you refuse or delay medical care, the insurance company may use this to dispute the severity of your injuries, potentially leading to a claim denial or a significantly reduced settlement amount.
If you are physically capable, you should collect statements from bystanders who witnessed the accident. They can provide an objective account of what happened, which can help establish fault. Furthermore, you should enlist the help of a qualified attorney who can help you navigate this complex process and fight for the justice you deserve.
At James Newman, P.C. we are prepared to help you fight for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled. Connect with our firm today to learn more about what we can do for you during these difficult times.
