What Are the Common Mistakes People Make After a Car Accident in NYC?

A car accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. In a city as busy as New York, the stress of dealing with the aftermath can feel overwhelming.

From property damage to medical bills and dealing with insurance companies, the process is rarely straightforward.

Many people unknowingly make mistakes after an accident that can affect their ability to recover fair compensation. It’s essential to avoid these mistakes to protect your legal rights.

Whether it’s failing to document the scene or speaking too freely to insurance adjusters, every action you take matters. Learning about these common mistakes can help you handle challenges more smoothly.

Leaving the Scene Without Reporting the Accident

One of the most significant mistakes people make is leaving the scene of the accident too quickly. In New York, the law requires you to report any accident that involves an injury, a death, or major property damage.

Failing to report the incident could cause problems, like getting fined or facing legal issues. Even if the damage seems minor, it’s important to stay at the scene and cooperate with law enforcement.

By filing a police report, you create an official record that can serve as valuable evidence later. Many people assume they don’t need to involve the police, but this can hurt their case.

A thorough police report often provides details that can strengthen your claim. Always err on the side of caution and ensure the incident is properly documented.

Failing to Seek Medical Attention Promptly

People sitting on the road after car crash — People sitting on the road after car accident

Another common mistake is not seeking medical attention right away. Even if you feel fine after an accident, injuries like whiplash or internal bleeding may not show immediate symptoms.

Waiting too long to see a doctor can not only worsen your condition but also jeopardize your ability to file a claim. Insurance companies often argue that delayed treatment means your injuries weren’t serious or were unrelated to the accident.

By visiting a doctor immediately, you create a medical record that ties your injuries to the incident. Always prioritize your health and ensure you get checked out as soon as possible. It’s also essential to follow all recommended treatments to show you are actively working toward recovery.

Admitting Fault or Making Statements Without Legal Guidance

After a car accident, emotions can run high, and people often feel the urge to apologize or admit fault. This can severely impact your case.

In New York, where the comparative negligence rule applies, even partial fault on your part can reduce your compensation.

Be cautious about what you say to the other driver, witnesses, or insurance representatives. Stick to factual statements and avoid assigning blame.

Speaking to insurance adjusters without consulting a lawyer is another frequent error. Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and any statement you make could be used against you. Always consult a qualified attorney before making formal statements about the accident.

Neglecting to Gather Evidence at the Scene

Failing to collect evidence at the scene of the accident can significantly weaken your case. Photos, videos, and witness information are invaluable in proving liability.

Many people assume that filing a police report is enough, but additional evidence can strengthen your claim.

Make sure to photograph the damage to all vehicles, any visible injuries, and the surrounding environment.

Documenting road conditions, traffic signs, and any hazards can also be helpful. Without this evidence, it would have been harder to show that the other driver was at fault.

Acting promptly to gather this information ensures you have the tools needed to support your case.

Missing Deadlines for Legal Action

New York has strict deadlines for filing a car accident lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. For personal injury cases, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim.

However, if a government vehicle was involved, the timeline is much shorter, often requiring action within 90 days. Missing these deadlines can bar you from pursuing compensation entirely.

Many accident victims are unaware of these time limits and lose their right to file a lawsuit. Working with an experienced attorney ensures that all paperwork is filed correctly and on time.

Accepting a Low Settlement Offer

Another mistake people often make is accepting the first settlement offer from the insurance company. These initial offers are usually far lower than what you may be entitled to receive.

Insurance companies aim to settle claims quickly and for the least amount possible. Accepting a low offer may leave you struggling to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Before agreeing to any settlement, it’s crucial to consult a legal professional who can evaluate your case. A lawyer can help you determine if the offer reflects the full extent of your losses.

Recovering from a car accident in New York City involves more than just physical healing. What you do after the incident can significantly impact your case.

Avoiding common mistakes, such as leaving the scene too quickly or neglecting medical care, helps preserve your rights.

Being cautious about your statements and actions ensures that you don’t unintentionally harm your case.

Gathering strong evidence and working with a trusted attorney puts you in the best position to secure fair compensation.

Handling the aftermath correctly can alleviate some of the stress and allow you to focus on moving forward. What you do after the incident can significantly impact your case.