Although Mamaroneck is often called the Friendly Village of New York, it does not make it immune to car accidents. In the seconds and minutes after a car crash, it is common to be shocked, confused, and hurt by what just happened. Over the long term, you may become overwhelmed and unsure how to deal with your injuries and mounting expenses. A Mamaroneck car accident lawyer can help you with these stresses and get the compensation you need to move on with life.

Advice from a Mamaroneck Car Accident Lawyer About What to Do After a Crash

There are two sets of guidelines or steps to take after a car accident: one for those moments immediately following the accident and another for the following weeks and months. 

4 Steps to Take Immediately After the Wreck

While every situation is unique, you should follow these steps:

• Call 911. If you or anyone else involved in the crash needs emergency medical assistance, the first thing you should do is call 911. This will elicit emergency medical services (EMS), police, and fire response to the scene.
• Ensure safety. If possible, you should ensure everyone’s safety, including moving your car to a safe location on the shoulder and out of traffic. Do what you can to stabilize your injuries and wait in a secure spot for police and EMS.
• Exchange information with the other drivers. If you are physically able, exchange names, contact information, and insurance cards with the other driver or drivers involved in the crash. If it is unsafe or possible, you will find this information in the police and accident report. 
• Gather evidence. Take photos and videos with your cellphone of any injuries, vehicle damage, location and placement, and anything else you think might be significant. This is also an excellent time to obtain eyewitness contact information should you need them to testify later. 

Depending on the nature and severity of the accident, you may have fewer or more steps to take.

3 Post-Accident Steps to Take

After those initial moments and hours after a car accident, when the reality of what transpired sets in, it can feel overwhelming to figure out what to do next. Three steps to take after the urgency and shock wear off include:

• Continue with medical treatment. You must seek and continue with appropriate and necessary medical care should you require specialized attention, such as orthopedic doctors, physical therapists, or neurologists. Receiving the essential treatment is vital to avoiding worsening the injury and getting you on your road to recovery.
• Notify the insurance company. Anytime you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, you must notify your insurance company immediately to initiate the claims process. Your insurance company and the other driver’s carrier will likely ask you for a recorded statement of your version of events.
• Contact a Mamaroneck car accident attorney. We recommend contacting a Mamaroneck auto accident lawyer to discuss your options. Our Mamaroneck accident lawyer is well-versed in the law and the Mamaroneck area, including the courts, adversaries, and insurance companies. 

While navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be complex, starting with these basic steps will set you on the right path to recovery.

Damages Available in a Car Accident Lawsuit

We are often asked if it is worth filing a car accident lawsuit or what an accident victim can reasonably expect to recover. While the precise amount will vary drastically from case to case, a successful plaintiff can generally expect to recover economic and noneconomic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages represent a plaintiff’s actual financial losses. These include:

• Medical expenses to date,
• Future costs for medical care,
• Lost wages, and
• Vehicle repair or replacement.

You can better understand your economic losses by tallying receipts, estimates, pay stubs, tax returns, and any other financial document that may indicate your past and anticipated financial losses. Your Mamaroneck accident attorney can help.

Noneconomic Damages

Noneconomic damages are not as straightforward because they are based on a person’s subjective personal loss due to their injuries, including:

• Pain and suffering, 
• Loss of consortium, 
• Mental anguish, and
• Loss of enjoyment of life. 

Often, noneconomic damages can even exceed a person’s economic losses. Having a Mamaroneck car wreck lawyer who will compassionately yet aggressively advocate for adequate compensation for the harm you endured can mean the difference in obtaining significant damages. 

How to Prove Your Car Accident Lawsuit

It is not enough to say a defendant caused your injuries in an accident. As the plaintiff, you must prove your case; to do that, you will rely on evidence. 

The more credible your evidence, the stronger your case will likely be. Your Mamaroneck accident lawyer will assist you with the investigative process and gathering reliable proof. Common examples of evidence used in car accident cases include:

• Copies of your medical bills and records,
• Police and accident report,
• Eyewitness statements,
• Video surveillance, 
• Photos of the accident scene and damages,
• Accident recreation technology, and
• Expert reports and testimony.

It is possible to have a successful case even if you do not have a laundry list of evidence. Sometimes, a handful of robust and credible evidence is all you need to succeed. Our attorneys have the resources and skills necessary to prove your case.

New York Statute of Limitations

In New York, accident victims typically have three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit with the court. However, many exceptions may apply. You should consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you meet the applicable deadline.

Pure Comparative Negligence

In New York, plaintiffs can recover damages for a car accident even if they are partially at fault. Under New York’s pure comparative negligence law, you may still recover damages even if you are more at fault than the defendant. However, your damages will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if the jury finds you are 10% at fault for the accident and awards you $100,000, you will only receive $90,000. It is essential to have a skilled attorney to argue you were not responsible for the accident to receive the maximum compensation possible. 

Mamaroneck Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney

At Greenspan & Greenspan, we have over 30 years of experience representing car crash victims in the Mamaroneck area. We believe in building lasting relationships with our clients. Our lawyers understand how much a car accident can instantly change your life, which is why you need a trusted team by your side. Let us advocate for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.