I was in an Accident - What do I do?
When you are injured in an accident and are in pain, it is hard to think clearly about what you should do. You will probably be scared, shaken and confused. If you’ve been in an accident that was caused by someone else’s recklessness or carelessness, contact a Bronx Accident Lawyer who can dispense advice specific to your situation.
When you have been injured, health comes first. Call “911” for an ambulance and police. It is better to be safe than sorry.
No one wants to be hurt. We all hope that we will be better soon. No one wants to go to the hospital or to a doctor. We worry what will happen to our car or our jobs or our families. The body’s natural response to injury is release endorphins and adrenaline, so frequently we do not realize the severity of our injuries. Many of do not want to make a “big deal” out of an accident or we are embarrassed or ashamed. Do NOT let your wishful thinking and hopes for good health get in the way of the reality of your injuries. Remember, the best way to get healthy faster is to get treated as soon as possible.
In order to get your medical bills paid, you may need proof of being injured in an accident, so let the police fill out an accident report at the scene. If you are in a place of business, such as store, they will also fill out an accident report. Ask to see it and get a copy of it. If there is a video of your accident in the store, ask for a copy of it.
Be careful what you say: your words can be used against you, so think before you speak. Anger, pain, or even humor do not help. Many people feel guilty even when they did nothing wrong, so be careful not express these feelings.
Basic Information You’ll Need to Compile
Take pictures of what caused your injuries; the broken step, pothole, wet floor, missing handrail etc. Take pictures of the damage to your car and the position of the cars, the location of the accident or crash, skid marks on the road, license plates of the cars involved, and of your injuries. Most people have a cell phone with a camera, and even if the quality is not great, it can be helpful.
If there are witnesses, get their names, addresses and telephone numbers.
Get the insurance information of the car or place where you got injured; you may want them to pay your bills later.
When you talk to the EMS ambulance personnel or to the hospital healthcare providers, they are not just making pleasant conversation with you when they ask “how are you?” If you have pain, dizziness, nausea – anything abnormal at all, TELL THEM!
The Emergency Room may not be the end of the line. The doctors and nurses there want to make sure that you are not suffering from an imminently life threatening injury or need some other urgent and emergent care. That you may not need such care does not mean that you have not been seriously injured. If the hospital suggests you go for follow up, if your condition warrants it, seek medical attention.
If you feel that your doctor is not a specialist in the field that you need or is not helping, get a second opinion.
Many insurance companies prey upon injured people and send insurance company investigators to the scenes of crashes or to hospitals or to your home later. These investigators have one goal: protect the money of the insurance company, not you! Sometimes they send unscrupulous and unethical investigators to obtain statement from you or others. They may even tell you that if you talk to them, they will help you or pay your bills or even get you money. They may suggest answers or put words in your mouth and then record your statement or they will write out a statement and have you sign it. Do NOT talk to them in person or on the telephone, and do NOT sign anything! They are trying to take advantage of you! Your insurance company may also contact you – talk to a lawyer first.
You are in pain, disoriented, worried and in no condition to make important decisions. Insurance companies do not make profits by giving away money; they make money by shortchanging and taking advantage of you.
Sometimes you have a very short period of time, as little as 30 days, to submit insurance claim forms to get your medical bills paid.
Speak to an expert Bronx Personal Injury Attorney
Talk to a qualified and competent lawyer as soon as possible. Only a skilled and experienced lawyer knows what your rights and remedies are, and how to protect you.
At Sonin & Genis, we are experienced, skilled and knowledgeable lawyers that have dedicated our professional lives to helping injured people. We do not collect a fee unless we’re successful. Contact Sonin & Genis, Personal Injury & Medical Malpractice Attorneys at (718) 561-4444. Let us help you.