Motor Vehicle Accidents
Being involved in a car accident can sometimes ruin your life. It can result in potentially permanent disabilities, multiple doctors’ visits, extended hospital stays, surgeries and rehabilitation therapy. This may also include lost income, lost pension benefits, and physical pain and mental suffering. Above all, you have to battle with insurance companies that often wrongfully deny claims or delay payment compounding your loss of wages, putting you in a compromising position financially. The insurance companies may even completely deny payment.
In the unfortunate event of a motor vehicle accident where you have a limited amount of time to take legal action, it is important to get help immediately. Acting quickly helps preserve valuable evidence and will maximize any potential recovery. In the event you or someone you know has been seriously hurt in a car accident where someone else was at fault, you may be entitled to money damages, including payment for lost wages, mental and physical pain and suffering, medical costs, loss of annuity or pension, loss of household help and noneconomic damages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motor Vehicle Accidents
Even a relatively minor car accident can cause serious injuries, leave victims unable to work and cause significant property damage. Here are the answers to some key concerns:
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
If you have been in a car accident, take the following steps as soon as possible:
- Call 911 and request assistance. The responding officer will document the scene, make a preliminary determination of fault and facilitate the exchange of information with the other parties.
- Take photos. If you can, take photos of the vehicles involved, the road conditions, any debris in the road and any obvious injuries you may have.
- Seek medical care. This is the best way to protect your health and tie your injuries to the accident.
Finally, reach out to the Law Office of Victoria Wickman and speak to an experienced attorney after your accident to learn about your compensation options.
What is the statute of limitations for motor vehicle accident claims in New York?
The deadline to file a car accident claim in New York is typically three years from the date of the accident. However, there are a few exceptions, such as when a government entity or a minor was involved in the accident. Our attorneys can help you understand exactly what needs to be done to protect your interests.
What evidence should I collect at the scene of a car accident?
Useful evidence in a car accident claim can include:
- The police report
- Your medical records
- Traffic camera or dash camera recordings
- Pictures of the vehicle damage
- Photos of your injuries
- Witness statements
Our attorneys at the Law Office of Victoria Wickman can help gather the evidence necessary to support your claim.
What are the common mistakes to avoid when filing a car accident claim?
There are two main mistakes that people make after a car accident: talking to the other party’s insurance company and not talking to an attorney right away.
Insurance adjusters are skilled at finding ways to twist people’s words so that they can devalue or outright deny claims. An attorney can provide an important buffer between you and the insurance company, which protects your claim.