Most people don’t imagine they will get into a car accident on their way to work or school in the morning. But, according to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, in 2014 alone, there were nearly 125,000 non-lethal car accidents. Anyone can be involved in a car accident, and just because it isn’t fatal doesn’t mean it won’t cause serious impairment.
Also, just because the other driver appears amicable, doesn’t mean he will be cooperative down the line or that his insurance carrier will be cooperative if you are injured and need to make a claim. In fact, all too often, the other driver’s insurance carrier will seek to prove that you were the one who was negligent. And that other driver who you thought was so apologetic suddenly will change his story. He won’t remember, or he will suddenly remember that you did something wrong, even though he hit you from behind while you were stopped at a light. Anything can happen.
What To Do
As I have said time and again, if you ever are involved in any kind of accident due to someone else’s negligence and you are physically able, be aware of your surroundings. If you can, write things down, and try to write down the names and contacts of any eye witnesses – you never know if and when you might need their testimonies.
Make sure you tell paramedics and later doctors exactly what happened and where you hurt. Don’t embellish, but don’t leave anything out either. If it comes down to a lawsuit, you will need to document the facts as they actually happened.
Sadly, even when you are truly a victim of someone else’s negligence, obtaining the compensation you might need can be grueling. Even though the opposing insurance carrier may call you constantly and act as if they are on your side, don’t be fooled. Insurance carriers only are on the side of their shareholders. Say nothing to them.
Although you may be severely and obviously injured, you will be in the position of having to prove that the other driver was in the wrong. You can’t do this on your own. You will need an experienced, knowledgeable personal injury attorney to handle the insurance carrier and represent your interests.
Don’t try to handle this by yourself. It takes a
professional to cull all the details and wade through the legal process. Seek the advise of a personal injury attorney whose only goal is to get you the compensation you need and deserve.
