A person wearing a watch is driving a car at dusk. The car's dashboard glows with illuminated controls and a screen. The background shows blurred city lights against a pink and purple sky, reminiscent of scenes often investigated by vehicle accident attorneys.

Car accidents are common– They are also dangerous. In the U.S., six million car accidents occur annually. As a result, it is important to know what to do in the event of an accident.

What are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?

Car accidents are an incredibly common occurrence. In fact, a car accident occurs every 60 seconds in the United States. Some of these accidents occur because of bad weather, poor road conditions, or faulty car parts. But, for the most part, car accidents are caused by driver negligence. Some of the most common examples of negligence include:

  • Unlawful turns
  • Careless lane changes
  • Tailgating
  • Speeding
  • Electronic device use
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Drowsy driving

What if I am Involved in a Car Accident?

If you are involved in a car accident, you will want to:

  1. Call 911. The police can file a report, conduct chemical tests, and gather witness statements.
  2. Document the scene. You will want to take photos and videos of the accident and any damage done to the vehicles involved.
  3. Seek medical attention. It is a good idea to go to the hospital. Even if you do not feel like you have been injured, it is possible to sustain an injury without realizing it. At the hospital, make sure to ask your doctor for all medical documents related to your injury.
  4. Make sure you file your claim in time. If you wish to file a personal injury claim for a car accident, you will have to file within a certain amount of time. This deadline is known as a statute of limitations. Generally, the statute of limitations in New York is three years. This means if you fail to file within three years from the date of the accident, you will most likely lose your chance to recover compensation.
  5. Contact a skilled personal injury attorney. If you are injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation. A personal injury attorney can help gather further proof of negligence, such as security camera footage. Additionally, he or she will help ensure that your claims are filed on time.

If you or a loved one is involved in a car accident, contact our firm today. We will fight for you to recover the compensation you deserve.

CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED WESTCHESTER COUNTY FIRM

Hausman & Pendzick effectively represent victims of negligence in Westchester County and across the state of New York. We understand how challenging life can be without financial compensation for serious injuries you have wrongly sustained. If you need a knowledgeable and skilled personal injury attorney to help you recover compensation after an accident, contact Hausman & Pendzick today.