Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident

With over 8 million people living in New York City it’s inevitable that many will be involved in car accidents and injured. Whether in car or truck accident, motorcycle or bicycle accident, or as a pedestrian, the statistics are telling. Over 15,000 people are yearly taken to the hospital because of a car accident in New York City, equating to generally 80 out of every 100,000 residents. Regardless of whether you were in a minor car accident or a major one, you need to seek the help of a car accident attorney in New York City to make sure your rights and interest are properly preserved and protected.  Michael Manoussos & Co PLLC, a top and superb rated New York City personal injury law firm, advocates the rights and interests of accident victims.  Michael Manoussos is a Life Member of the Million and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, the top trial lawyers in America. 

Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Being Induced into Settling Prematurely

After being in an accident, it makes sense that you would like to settle the claim with the insurance company quickly. The insurance company before you retain a lawyer may contact you directly and attempt to induce you into a settlement, which very most likely will not be in your best interests!  Do not take this bait; be patient and maximize your recovery.  An experienced personal injury attorney can soundly advise you and represent you to maximize your compensation. 

Not Claiming all of Your Expenses

You might not realize it, but things like prescriptions, lost wages, equipment and devices, hospital and medical bills, transportation for your medical visits, and all related expenses are covered or reimbursed by your No-Fault (first-party benefits) insurance company. This is an automatic benefit, without regard to fault.  It is separate and different from your claim for compensation (which is a third-party claim).  If you have any questions about what you can claim or what is covered, contact a personal injury attorney experienced in insurance claims for sound advice. 

Failing to Document the Accident

It is too important to document the accident.  This is commonly done with a police accident report.  The police are called and respond to the accident scene, where they take the information of the vehicle drivers, observe and note the accident location and make any relevant notations, interview the drivers and any witnesses, and summon an ambulance for the injured.  You should also take your own notes (if possible) and any photos (especially today with smartphones) of the vehicles and accident scene.  Memories fade and versions differ, so document the accident.

Failing to Seek Prompt or Proper Medical Attention

Being involved in a car accident is trauma enough. You may have been banged-up, with say back or neck pain, bruises, etc., but brush it aside. It’s understandable that victims just want to put this traumatic experience behind them but neglect immediate medical evaluation. The problem with this is that so-called soft tissue injuries manifest a couple or few days after the accident. This is true with sprains and strains and injuries to connective tissue and with disc injuries in the back and neck, such as a pinched-nerve and herniation or joint injuries to the shoulder, knee, etc. The failure to seek prompt medical evaluation and or treatment, will result negate your claim as the insurance company will harp on this gap and skew against your interests.