October 14, 2024 | Fromen Injury Law
What to Do After a Buffalo Car Accident
Knowing what to do after a Buffalo car accident could make the difference between being short-changed by the insurance company and obtaining the maximum compensation you deserve. Unfortunately, many people receive far less than they deserve because they don’t know what steps to take after a crash.
Fromen Injury Law has helped clients in Buffalo for more than 60 years. Our experienced attorneys have built a reputation for excellence in a wide range of auto accident and injury cases. We have the knowledge, skills, and resources you need to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. When you choose Fromen Injury Law, you’re more than just a client; you’re family—and we’ll fight for you like family.
Steps to Take Immediately Following a Car Accident
If you have been seriously injured in a car accident, it is important that you take action to protect yourself. Here are the steps to consider that will give you the best chance of recovering the financial compensation you deserve:
1. Check for Injuries
Your safety—and the safety of your passengers—should be your top priority after a car accident. Check everyone in the vehicle for signs of injury. If anyone involved in the wreck is hurt, call 911 immediately.
Help where you can, but do not give assistance that is beyond your training. Wait for emergency responders to care for the injured parties.
2. Call the Police
Even in a minor accident, a police report is essential for establishing liability and securing compensation for your losses. When officers arrive on the scene, cooperate fully, but do not admit fault; the police report will be a key factor in your case.
If the accident resulted in injury or property damage exceeding $1,000, you are required to file a crash (accident) report with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days of the crash.
3. Exchange Information with the Other Driver(s)
If you and the other driver are able to do so, exchange the following information:
- Name
- Driver’s license number
- Phone number
- Address
- License plate number
- Vehicle make and model
- Owner of vehicle (if not the driver)
- Insurance and policy number
Depending on the circumstances and the severity of the crash, it may be difficult to obtain the other driver’s information—or the other driver may be unwilling to provide the information. This is another benefit of having police come to the scene; the other driver may refuse to share information with you, but they are obligated to provide it to the police for the accident report.
4. Document the Scene
Capturing the details of the accident scene is important. If possible, take photos of the damage to your car, the other vehicle, and any public property. Include shots of the intersection, traffic lights, skid marks, and any other elements that could strengthen your case.
You should also write down any details you recall from the accident, including:
- How the accident occurred
- The location of the accident
- Events leading up to the accident
- What happened immediately after the accident
- What the other driver said
5. Seek Medical Attention
If you are seriously hurt in the crash, you may be transported to the hospital immediately. However, even if your injuries do not seem severe at the scene, you should go to the emergency room for a thorough examination.
Not all injuries are immediately apparent. Some injuries, like brain and spinal cord injuries, may take days, weeks, or longer to fully manifest. Delaying medical treatment could put your health at serious risk. It also gives insurance companies the opportunity to devalue or deny your claim.
6. Contact Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. They may refuse coverage if you do not contact them promptly after the crash. Be honest, but be mindful about what you discuss. Offer general information but do not accept fault and politely refrain from giving a statement until you speak with a lawyer.
7. Contact a Buffalo Car Accident Lawyer
Speaking with an attorney is the most effective way to overcome the challenges you may be facing after a serious car accident. At Fromen Injury Law, we offer FREE case evaluations and provide honest assessments based on years of proven experience.
Attempting to handle a car accident claim on your own could result in recovering far less than you deserve. An experienced attorney greatly increases your chances of a successful outcome. Fromen Injury Law has secured more than $300 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients and we are committed to achieving the best possible result for you.
The immediate aftermath of a serious crash can be overwhelming. We highly encourage you to add Fromen Injury Law to your phone’s contact list now.
What Not to Do After a Car Accident
Knowing what not to do after a car accident can be just as important as knowing what you should do. Here are some tips to ensure your rights are protected after a crash.
Do Not Flee the Scene of the Accident
No matter how minor the accident may seem, never leave the scene. Fleeing the scene of an accident, even a fender-bender, can result in serious legal consequences. New York law requires you to stop and exchange information with the other driver, as well as report the accident to the police if there are any injuries or significant property damage. Leaving the scene could lead to criminal charges, including hit-and-run penalties, and severely impact your ability to file a claim later.
Do Not Apologize or Admit Fault
For many, it’s only natural to want to apologize after a car accident, even if you’re not at fault. However, apologizing or accepting any level of blame at the scene can be used against you later when determining liability. Remain calm and cooperative without making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Stick to the facts when speaking with the other driver, witnesses, and police officers.
Do Not Talk to Other Insurance Companies
After the accident, the other driver’s insurance company may reach out to you for a statement or offer you a settlement. Avoid speaking with them without first consulting with an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and anything you say could be used to devalue or deny your claim. Always direct any communication from the other party’s insurance company to your attorney.
Do Not Accept a Settlement Without an Attorney
You may be tempted to accept a quick settlement offer, especially if you’re facing mounting medical bills or repair costs. However, accepting a settlement without consulting with an attorney may result in receiving far less than you deserve. Once you accept a settlement, you typically waive your right to pursue any further compensation, even if your injuries worsen or you discover additional damages. An experienced attorney can help you evaluate the true value of your claim and negotiate a fair settlement.
Talk to a Buffalo Car Accident Lawyer for FREE
Were you injured in a car accident in Buffalo? If so, we encourage you to contact Fromen Injury Law right away. The clock may already be ticking on your case. If you do not take action in time, you may lose your opportunity to recover compensation for physical, financial, and emotional losses. Our firm has recovered more than $300 million in verdicts and settlements and we may be able to help you.
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Contact a Buffalo car accident lawyer at Fromen Injury Law today online or at 716-855-1222 for a FREE case evaluation. We serve clients from Buffalo and throughout New York.