According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 32,000 deaths and 2 million injuries occur each year as a result of motor vehicle crashes in the United States. In 2013, the crash death rate in the US was more than double the average of other high-income countries across the globe. 1 in 3 crashes in the country involved drunk driving, while nearly 1 in 3 was caused by speeding. It was also found that front seat belt in the country was lower than in most other nations.
Things You should Not do after a Car Accident
It is important for all drivers in New York, and other places, to understand how to conduct themselves if they are ever in a car crash. If they do or say the wrong thing, it can have a negative impact on their personal injury case, and also many aspects of their life. For instance, if they automatically admit fault, when it clearly was not theirs, their admissions can lead to a settlement that is dramatically reduced. They need to think how this affects their family’s finances. Mistakes like this can have drastic and long-lasting consequences. Here is a list of things you should not say and do after being in a car accident:
- Do not admit fault: Remember that even if you think the crash was your fault, it does mean that it was. You need to resist the urge to apologize and say that it was your fault. If you admit fault, even if you are not at fault, your statement will be used by the insurance company to try and reduce the responsibility of the other driver, or policy holder, and in effect, your settlement.
- Do not flee from the scene: When you are involved in a crash, your first instincts may be to flee the scene – you must resist this. If you speed away from the accident scene, you could face criminal hit-and-run charges, even if you are not at fault. Remember that you are legally required by law to stop and check to see if there are injured people, and if necessary, call an ambulance. You are also required to stay and exchange information with other drivers involved in the crash.
- Do not forget to call the police: it is important to get police reports, so do not forget to call the police after exchanging information with the other driver. If the fault clearly lies with the other driver, the police may give them a ticket for “failing to yield the right of way”, “speeding” or “running a red light”. If they are issued with a ticket for violating a traffic law by the police, it will help your case and also speed up the claims process. So, remember to always call the police when you are in a car accident so that they can write a report.
Get Legal Assistance for Car Crashes in New York
If you or a loved one in New York has been injured in a car wreck, make sure that you immediately seek the help of the experienced personal injury attorneys at Rosenberg, Minc, Falloff, & Wolff of RMFW Law at 212-344-1000. Do not sign anything with the opposing insurance company until you have called us at RMFW Law. Who cares if they dislike the same basketball team as you do or like some of the movies you like, they are trying to undercut your case. If they say your case is worth $33,000 and they can cut you a check for that amount right then and there, do not do it! Your case could be worth $75,000 for instance! You need to call up RMFW Law now. If your case is viable, we will beat the other side at their own game and get you your money’s worth. You pay us nothing up front, nothing!
