Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident That Wasn't My Fault?
If you were involved in a minor car accident, you might think you don’t need a car wreck lawyer. But, there are many reasons why consulting a Binghamton car accident attorney after an accident can help protect your legal rights and interests, even if the crash wasn’t your fault.
If you sustained a serious injury in an accident a negligent driver caused, if fault for the accident is undetermined or being disputed, or if the insurance company is declining to fairly compensate you, then you may wish to retain legal counsel. A car crash lawyer can independently investigate the accident, gather evidence to support your claim, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Does a Police Report Say Who Was at Fault?
When an accident occurs, law enforcement is typically called to the scene. Law enforcement officers may make a detailed report containing information about the accident, often including an initial determination of fault.
However, it’s always possible that the police officer’s determination of fault was incorrect or premature. A car crash attorney can launch an independent investigation into the accident to prove the other driver was at fault.
What to Do After a Car Accident That Was Not Your Fault
Some quick steps to take after a car accident that wasn’t your fault include:
- Report the accident.
- Take photos or videos of the accident, including damage to vehicles and other property, the crossroads where the crash occurred, and any other relevant information.
- Follow your doctor’s orders regarding follow-up care and activity restrictions.
- Keep records of how the accident has affected your life, such as property repair records, medical bills, pay stubs that show lost wages, and pain journal entries.
- Do not post anything on social media pertaining to your accident or your injuries.
- Do not discuss the facts of the accident or your injuries with a representative from the other vehicle’s insurance company.
What a Lawyer Can Do for Your Case
There are many reasons to hire a lawyer if you’ve been involved in a car accident, even if you were not at fault. A car accident lawyer will have the knowledge and resources necessary to build a strong case for compensation on your behalf by gathering photo and video evidence, speaking to bystanders who may have witnessed the accident, hiring experts to perform crash reconstruction, and much more.
An attorney can help you determine fault and can fight for your right to compensation. Dealing with an insurance company can be tough, as they tend to use all kinds of tricks to minimize or even deny legitimate claims. Your attorney will know how to handle those tactics and seek the compensation you deserve.
What Can You Be Compensated For?
New York is a no-fault state, which means that when you are involved in a crash, you typically turn to your own insurance policy for coverage, regardless of who caused the accident. However, you may qualify to step outside the no-fault system and file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party if you sustain a serious injury in the collision or your medical bills and lost income exceed the amount of no-fault insurance coverage of your own auto insurance policy.
Through a personal injury lawsuit, you could be compensated for damages including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost earnings
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
How Our Car Accident Attorney Can Help You
If you have been involved in a car accident in or near Binghamton, New York, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Scott C. Gottlieb, Injury Law Attorney. Scott has established a long and distinguished track record of getting results for his clients. He helps clients in every way he can when he takes on their claim, including coordinating with doctors, evaluating all potential claims, and fighting for maximum compensation. Contact Scott today for a free consultation.
