Young drivers often do not consider what would happen if they were involved in a car accident. However, it is extremely important that you have a plan for when the time comes because statistically, most people get in at least one car accident in their lifetime. According to auto insurance experts, most motorists will be involved in 4 car crashes in their lifetime. If you would like to learn more about what to do in a car crash, please read on.

What are the most frequent causes of car accidents?

Car accidents, though unfortunate, are a rather common occurrence. When people take these large machines on the road, any number of things could happen. For example, if there happens to be even one patch of black ice, it could cause an accident if a motorist does not see it coming. Poor road conditions, such as potholes, or negligent road design also sometimes cause car accidents. However, the most common cause of car accidents is driver negligence. Some examples of negligent driving behavior are as follows:

  • Eating or smoking while driving
  • Texting while driving
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Failing to yield
  • Driving while fatigued
  • Unsafely changing lanes
  • Ignoring traffic signs, lights, and other rules of the road

What should I do after an accident that was not my fault?

The most important thing you can do is stay calm after an accident. Do not yell at the other motorist, no matter how angry you are. This will only make the situation worse. The first thing you should do is call the police and ask the other motorist for his or her name and insurance information. You can ask to take a picture of said info. From here, you will call your insurance company and report the accident. If you are injured, you should seek medical attention immediately. A physician will treat your injuries and provide you with medical documents that you may use to prove your claim if you choose to file one.

How do I recover compensation if I was injured in a car accident?

The key to winning any personal injury lawsuit is proving you were injured due to another party’s negligence. Your attorney can help you recover security camera footage of your accident, police reports, witness statements verifying your claim, pictures of your accident or its aftermath, medical documents, and more to prove your claim.

What is the statute of limitations in New York?

The statute of limitations in New York is three years. This means you have three years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit against a negligent party. Failing to do so will result in you losing out on your right to pursue a lawsuit. Do not wait.

Contact our experienced New York City firm

The Law Offices of George Poulos is an experienced Workers’ Compensation, personal injury, and Social Security Disability law firm with offices in Queens and the Bronx. If you require strong legal representation, contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation.