What to Do After a Car Accident That Wasn’t Your Fault

Even if you’re a good driver, you can’t predict the actions of others on the road. Every day, tailgating, swerving, drunk driving, and even simple inattention cause a slew of accidents on Buffalo, New York roads.

If you’ve been in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you’re probably wondering what to do next. A Buffalo car accident lawyer explains how to maximize your compensation below.

Steps to Take After a Car Crash

If you plan to sue the at-fault driver, you must tread carefully. Follow these steps to boost your chances of recovering all your damages.

Call Emergency Responders and Police

If the accident was serious, chances are good that someone has already called an ambulance and the police. But if no one has, do so immediately.

Your primary goal right after an accident should be to help the injured. If they can walk, have them move out of the road. If they can’t, don’t try to move them yourself (unless the area is extremely dangerous).

When the police arrive, explain what happened. Stick to the facts and refrain from apologizing for the crash, even if you think it’s your fault. Your Buffalo car wreck attorney will procure a copy of the police report later.

Capture Footage of the Scene

If it’s safe to do so, use your phone to take pictures and videos of the crash scene, or have someone else do this if you’re too injured to do so.

Again, as long as it’s safe, take photos of the damage to your car, the other driver’s car, and any debris in the road. If you spot tire skid marks, snap pictures of them as well. These marks could suggest that the other driver was driving too fast or braking aggressively.

If you’re unsure why the accident happened, look around for clues. Maybe a traffic light stopped working, or perhaps there’s a stop sign covered by bushes or tree branches. If you find anything suspicious, take pictures of it.

Gather Witness Statements

Witness statements can be strong pieces of evidence for your case. Without them, it may be tough to know which driver is telling the truth.

Try to find witnesses as soon as you can after a crash before they have the chance to leave the scene. If other drivers stopped to help, they could serve as excellent witnesses. Ask for contact information. 

See a Doctor

It’s difficult to document how badly hurt you are if you skip seeking medical attention. Additionally, seeing a doctor provides evidence of your injuries. Without a medical treatment record, the insurance company may deny your claim.

Hire a Buffalo Auto Accident Attorney

Your lawyer can identify liable parties, collect evidence, talk to the insurance company for you, and negotiate for a fair settlement.

Your attorney can also represent you if the case goes to trial. Although car accident cases usually settle out of court, they can proceed to trial if the insurance company won’t negotiate. Prepare yourself for this possibility by hiring an attorney today.

Talk to a Car Crash Lawyer in Buffalo Now

Cantor, Wolff, Nicastro & Hall LLC provides dependable representation for car accident victims in Buffalo. For a free consultation with a Buffalo car accident lawyer, contact us online or call (716) 848-8000.