If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, it’s generally in your best interests to contact a New York personal injury attorney. Doing so may minimize the risk that you’ll do anything to undermine your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome in your case. An attorney might also be able to minimize the damage caused by any actions that you’ve already taken that might jeopardize your ability to obtain compensation.
An accident attorney can manage the flow of information
In the immediate aftermath of a car crash, your auto insurance company will likely want you to make a statement. The auto insurance company representing the other driver might also want you to submit a written statement. Your attorney can help to ensure that you provide accurate information without going into too much detail. Your lawyer may also be able to submit documents to your medical insurance company, file paperwork with the court or talk to the media on your behalf.
An attorney might be able to investigate further
There is a chance that the other driver in your motor vehicle accident case won’t talk to you, your attorney or your insurance company. However, that doesn’t mean that this person won’t talk about the case on social media. An attorney may be able to take screenshots of content that could be seen by any other member of the public.
In some cases, friends, family members or others who communicate with the driver who caused the crash might send information to your attorney of their own free will. This information could be used to obtain a larger settlement or to finally convince a defendant to negotiate in good faith.
If you have been injured in a car crash, you might be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages. An attorney may be able to help protect your rights throughout the legal process, which could maximize your chances of obtaining a timely settlement or favorable jury award.