
In This Article
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- Steps to Take If You're At Fault in a Car Accident
- The New York No-Fault Laws
- You Were Deemed Liable
- When Are Insurance Premiums Likely to Increase
- Injured in a Car Accident? Call an Attorney Today
Steps to Take If You're At Fault in a Car Accident
If you are found to be at fault in a car accident, it is important to take certain steps to protect yourself legally. First, make sure everyone involved is safe and seek medical attention if needed. Next, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. It is crucial to avoid admitting fault or making any statements that could be used against you later. Contact the police to file a report and document the details of the accident. Notify your insurance company as soon as possible and follow their guidelines for reporting the incident. Lastly, consider seeking legal counsel to help navigate the claims process and protect your rights. By following these steps, you can better handle the aftermath of being at fault in a car accident.For a free legal consultation, call (516) 932-0400
The New York No-Fault Laws
New York operates under no-fault laws for car insurance, which means that if you are injured in a car accident you have to file a claim against your own policy in order to receive payment for lost wages and medical expenses. While claims for pain and suffering and other damages can be made against the at-fault party or parties, the lost wage and medical treatment costs must be processed through the no-fault insurance system with the insurance company of your “host” vehicle, meaning the vehicle you occupied at the time of the accident. (Pedestrians and bicyclists are covered under the no-fault coverage of the car they were in an accident with.)You Were Deemed Liable
While every person injured in a car accident would be well-advised to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer, this is especially true for those injured in car accidents where it may be claimed that their own conduct caused the accident and their injuries. Our car accident lawyers have successfully handled many cases of disputed liability. As just one of many examples, an intersection accident where both drivers insist they had the green light in their favor, but one driver did pass through a red light. We know exactly how to investigate such cases, what evidence to gather, how to build the strongest possible arguments on your behalf, how to negotiate and how to litigate such cases, and we do all this with winning the best outcome for you as our goal. If another person was injured in the accident and claims that you were at-fault it is quite possible this other injured person will file a claim against you and your insurance company. Your insurance company will insure and defend the claim against you. They will try to settle the case within your policy limits or hire a lawyer to defend you if a lawsuit is commenced against you. Such a case is separate from the claim you bring to recover compensation for your injuries. (However, if the cases do not settle and both sides commence lawsuits against each other, it is likely these cases would be “consolidated,” i.e., essentially, made into one case for “judicial economy.” That is, it is more efficient for one judge and jury to hear the two cases arising out of the same facts, with the same parties and the same witnesses, rather than have two entirely separate cases.)Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
When Are Insurance Premiums Likely to Increase
When your carrier deems you to have been at fault your insurance premiums will likely increase. Factors that determine the amount that your premium may increase include the following:- Your driving record (were you arrested or charged with any violations as a result of the accident?)
- The damage caused to the other vehicle involved
- The factors that led to the accident
- How much the carrier had to ultimately pay out on the claim against you
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Injured in a Car Accident? Call an Attorney Today
Were you involved in a New York car accident? If so, it’s best that you speak with an experienced attorney about your case as soon as possible. Protecting your rights is so very important. An attorney will be able to review the evidence from the crash, the police report, witness statements, any available photos, and video surveillance, and other evidence to prepare your case in the strongest possible way. Call the office of Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. at (516) 932-0400 to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team today.Call or text (516) 932-0400 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form