Queens in New York is a very populated borough with over 2,256,731 residents. With such a large population, it is no surprise that the number of accidents is also pretty high in the borough.
If you are ever in a road accident, you must remember to stay calm and assess the situation. Then, once you visit a hospital to get yourself examined by a doctor and feel safe, you must consider hiring a reputed Queens car accident lawyer to deal with the insurance claim on your behalf.
However, you must follow the below steps, in order to ensure you’re able to handle the aftermath and the trauma of the accident as smoothly as possible.
1. Check for Injuries to Yourself and Any Passengers
Primary care physicians in Queens County, NY, see an average of 1,529 patients per year. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. You must not move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger. Even if that’s the case, remember to do so very carefully, and only if you can move them without worsening the injury.
If you are not injured, see if any others are. If no one is injured, check on your car and any other vehicles involved in the accident. If no one is injured, check on your car and any other vehicles involved in the accident.
If you can, try to move all vehicles to the side of the road. However, if it is not possible to maneuver the vehicles, leave them there until help arrives.
2. Exchange Information with The Other Driver(s) Involved
It is crucial to get the name, address and phone number of each driver involved in the accident. Remember to also write down their insurance information; you will need this when you file a claim.
If the driver is not present, or is unable or unwilling to divulge the necessary details, write down their license plate number and a description of their vehicle. If you spot any witnesses nearby, remember to note down their name and contact information as well.
You can also use your phone to take pictures of the vehicles involved in the accident, along with any damage done to the vehicles.
3. Notify the Police
If there are injuries, call 911 immediately. If there is only property damage, you can still call the police and file a report. This report will be critical when you file an insurance claim.
The police will create a report that includes the date, time, and location of the accident, the names of the drivers involved, and a description of the accident. In order to file your insurance claim, you will need the police report. If the accident happened on a highway, you would need to contact the New York State Police.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company
As soon as possible, notify your insurance company about the accident. Provide them with the police report, information from the other drivers, and pictures of the damage.
If the other person is at fault, your insurance firm will work with their insurance company to repair or replace your car. If the other driver is not insured, you may have to file a claim with your own insurance company.
5. Contact A Reputable Queens Car Accident Lawyer
If you are injured, the other driver is not insured, or the accident is more complicated than just property damage, you must contact a Queens car accident lawyer.
Here are the benefits of hiring a car accident attorney.
-They will handle all the paperwork for you.
-They will contact the insurance companies and ensure you get the best settlement possible.
-If you have to go to court, they will represent you.
Final Thoughts
Car accidents can be scary, but if you follow these simple steps after an accident happens, the process will be much smoother.
