Car accidents in New York can be chaotic and terrifying for victims. While it’s understandable to be overwhelmed, it’s important to take a deep breath and exchange the necessary information with a negligent driver after an accident.
Generally, there are three bases to cover regarding pertinent information to exchange after a car accident in New York. The first is general personal details, like your driver’s license information. Next, get a negligent driver’s insurance information and car registration. If a responsible party refuses to give you their information, call the police. Law enforcement officials and experienced attorneys can help you identify a negligent driver, even if they flee. Exchanging information at an accident site is crucial, as failing to do so can make it more difficult for victims to get the compensatory damages they deserve.
Our skilled lawyers are here to help victims throughout New York hold negligent drivers accountable. For a free case evaluation with the Westchester car accident attorneys at The Martello Law Firm, PLLC, call today at (914) 685-6950.
What Information Should New York Drivers Exchange After a Car Accident?
After a car accident in New York, drivers should exchange certain pieces of information. In fact, in New York it’s against the law not to exchange the necessary information. Generally, exchanging your driver’s license information, insurance information, and registration information with a negligent driver is crucial after a car accident in New York.
Driver’s License
The first thing to hand over after a New York car accident is your driver’s license information. A negligent driver should give you their driver’s license information as well. By getting a responsible party’s driver’s license information, you can easily record their first and last name and contact information, like their mailing address. Victims should also ask for a negligent driver’s phone number at this time, so that a Yonkers car accident attorney can easily get in touch with them in the future, if necessary.
Insurance
Exchanging insurance information after a car crash in New York is of the utmost importance. While New York is a no-fault state for car accidents, meaning that victims often resort to filing a claim with their own personal injury protection insurance rather than a negligent driver’s, exchanging insurance information is important. For example, your New York car accident attorney may advise you to file a claim against a negligent party’s liability insurance to recover compensation after a crash. Not to mention, getting a negligent driver’s insurance information can corroborate their identity, which can be important if you intend to sue.
Registration
After a New York car accident, be sure to exchange car registration information with a negligent driver. Exchanging registration information can help you double-check a negligent driver’s identity and that their insurance covers the car in question. While exchanging registration may seem unnecessary to New York car accident victims, it really is an important step that shouldn’t be overlooked.
What Happens if You Can’t Exchange Information After a Car Accident in New York?
While New York drivers must stop and exchange the necessary information after a crash, unfortunately, not all negligent parties follow the law. If you cannot exchange crucial information after a car accident in New York, don’t worry. Your experienced lawyer can help you.
After a crash, the person responsible might flee the scene immediately out of fear of the ramifications. A negligent driver may attempt to convince you there’s no need to exchange information and that the two of you can settle things without lawyers and insurance companies. While that may seem appealing to some car accident victims, it’s never wise. Always exchange information when you’re capable.
Unfortunately, stubborn drivers and severe injuries can prevent victims from speaking up and recovering the necessary information. Victims may feel at a loss when that happens, especially if they plan to sue a negligent party for compensatory damages. In reality, there’s no need to worry. If you alerted New York law enforcement officials to the accident scene, they will collect all necessary information and include it in a police report. Your White Plains car accident attorney can then access that report so that you can learn more about a negligent driver’s identity and the reasons for a crash.
If a negligent driver flees before law enforcement officials can arrive at the scene or after refusing to exchange information, reach out to a lawyer. Our attorneys can uncover security camera footage and interview eyewitnesses, among other tactics, to illuminate a responsible party’s identity if you cannot exchange information after a New York car accident.
Why is it Important for New York Drivers to Exchange Information After a Car Accident?
Exchanging the necessary information after a car accident in New York is important, but why? Victims need to understand the significance of getting such information and how it can affect their chances of success in a lawsuit against a negligent party.
New York car accidents can be incredibly damaging to victims, who often require access to compensatory damages. After a crash, it’s important that victims act quickly and hire a lawyer to represent their interests against a negligent party. However, before you can sue or file an insurance claim for compensation, you must know a negligent driver’s identity.
To file a claim with a responsible party’s liability insurance, you must have their insurance information. Although victims can get this information after an accident by requesting access to a police report, the sooner you act, the better. Delaying your financial recovery can negatively impact your physical recovery as well.
It is important to note that New York victims should always exchange information with a negligent driver, regardless of a crash’s severity. Sometimes, seemingly minor collisions can result in damaging injuries that take days or weeks to appear. Don’t listen to a negligent driver that attempts to dissuade you from exchanging information at an accident site. Either call the police or reach out to an experienced New Rochelle car accident attorney for help.
Call Our New York Attorneys if You’ve Been Injured in a Car Accident Today
If you require compensation after a damaging car accident in New York, don’t hesitate to reach out to our lawyers. For a free case evaluation with the Mount Vernon car accident attorneys at The Martello Law Firm, PLLC, call today at (914) 685-6950.
