Car accidents, unfortunately, are a part of life. Accidents in the United States result in approximately 4.4 million injuries and incur $380 million in direct medical costs each year, according to the Association for Safe International Road Travel. New Rochelle, NY, is not immune from these accidents. After a major car accident, most people will seek the advice of experienced car accident lawyers. You might be wondering, “should I get a lawyer for a minor car accident?”
The answer is YES. Sattler Law Group is a five-star law firm that has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for clients. We have the experience and knowledge you need on your side. Do not attempt to negotiate with insurance companies on your own. Speak to a New Rochelle car accident attorney at Sattler Law Group.
Property Damage After a Minor Car Accident
Every accident is different, and damages to property vary. However, typical damage to your vehicle after a minor car accident will include some combination of the following:
- Broken windshield or windows
- Broken lights
- Flat tires
- Dents or scratches
- Fender damage
- Side-view mirror damage
If you notice more severe damages than those listed above, your accident is likely not minor.
Even a Minor Car Accident Can Cause Injuries
You may feel physically fine after a minor accident, but some injuries are not apparent in the immediate aftermath of a car accident. You may overlook injuries right after a minor accident due to your adrenaline masking the pain and the fact that some symptoms do not appear until considerably later. Common injuries that may occur subsequently include the following:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Neck, spine, and back injuries
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue injuries
- Chronic widespread pain
- Infection to open wounds and worsening bruising
Perhaps the most severe injury on the list, TBI, may only have mild initial symptoms, if any at all, and only truly appear weeks after the accident. According to the National Institute of Health, around 80% of all TBI cases result from mild head injuries. Additionally, car accidents are a known trigger for chronic widespread pain, which develops more slowly.
If you have a pre-existing condition, don’t assume that any pain after an accident results from that condition. In New York, you may recover for damages sustained during an accident, even if you had a pre-existing condition that made you more susceptible to injury. This is known as the “eggshell plaintiff” rule.
Seek medical attention after a car accident, even if it was a minor accident. Speak to an experienced car accident lawyer in New Rochelle, NY, who can answer common questions about car accidents.
Steps to Take After a Minor Car Accident
If you or a loved one is involved in a minor accident, you can take steps to protect your health and support any personal injury claims you file later. If you are seriously injured, the first step is to seek immediate medical care. Otherwise, begin gathering as much evidence as you can, including the following:
- Write down the name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, and license plate number of the other drivers involved
- Take photographs of the scene from all angles
- Call the police and file a police report
- Take statements from any available witnesses
- Do not make any statements acknowledging responsibility
- Do not make any statements indicating that you are not injured
- Seek medical care
- Talk to your insurance provider
- Talk to an experienced car accident attorney
Gathering evidence in the immediate aftermath of a car accident makes a difference.
Preserving this evidence at the time will prepare you in case you need to take action. For example, you may need to file a claim with your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company to seek just compensation for your damages. It will also help if you end up on the other end of a lawsuit filed by another driver.
It is also essential to know that New York laws may require you to act after certain accidents. For example, you must report any accident that involves over $1,000 in property damage to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles within ten days of the accident. Additionally, if an accident results in personal injury, you must call the police and remain on the scene.
Compensation After a Minor Accident
Determining compensation after any accident, including a minor car accident, depends on several factors unique to your situation. However, an experienced accident attorney can help explain the compensation you may qualify for and file the necessary documents while you focus on your recovery.
Generally, after a car accident, the injured party may be able to seek any or all of the following compensation for their damages:
- Medical bills
- Future medical bills, including rehabilitation costs
- Personal property
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
Insurance companies are businesses that look out for their interests, NOT yours, with a team of lawyers on their side. Therefore, you should not negotiate with them alone. A car accident law firm like Sattler Law Group knows how to deal with insurance companies and will fight to protect your interests.
An Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in New Rochelle Can Help
If you still wonder, “should I get a lawyer for a minor car accident?”, then understanding how an experienced car accident lawyer can help will clarify the answer. The accident lawyers at Sattler Law Group will take care of the following on your behalf.
- Investigate the accident
- Gather evidence, including police reports and medical bills
- Explain your options and damages
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Represent you in court
Sattler Law Group has a wealth of experience handling car accident cases, and we treat our clients like family. We will fight to protect your interests.
You no longer need to ask, “should I get a lawyer for a minor car accident?” Simply, YOU SHOULD.
Keep reading to learn about car accident statistics and how a lawyer on your side increases the chance of a successful personal injury claim.
If you or a loved one recently had a car accident, contact our team of experienced accident lawyers today for a free consultation. Call us now at 914-239-4900. We can explain the benefits, support you in your claim and provide the representation and advice that you need.
