Experiencing a car accident can be a life-altering event. It may leave you dealing with injuries, financial strain, and emotional distress. At Kent Hazzard & Freeman, we are here to guide you through this challenging time. With decades of expertise as a trusted car accident lawyer in White Plains, we can help you pursue fair compensation. We are ready to advocate for your rights, whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or emotional pain.
Immediate Steps After a Car Accident………………………………………………………………………… 2
1. Ensure Safety and Check for Injuries………………………………………………………………….. 2
2. Call the Police and File a Report………………………………………………………………………….. 2
3. Exchange Information………………………………………………………………………………………… 2
Understanding Your Rights……………………………………………………………………………………….. 2
What Constitutes Negligence?…………………………………………………………………………………. 2
How to Deal with Insurance Companies………………………………………………………………….. 3
Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer in White Plains……………………………………………………………. 3
Why Legal Representation Matters…………………………………………………………………………. 3
Steps We Take to Investigate Your Accident……………………………………………………………. 3
Seeking Compensation……………………………………………………………………………………………. 4
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries……………………………………………………………………. 5
FAQs About Car Accidents………………………………………………………………………………………… 5
1. What should I do immediately after a car accident?……………………………………………… 5
2. How long do I have to file a claim in White Plains?……………………………………………….. 5
3. Why should I hire a car accident lawyer?…………………………………………………………….. 5
The Kent Hazzard & Freeman Difference…………………………………………………………………… 5
Immediate Steps After a Car Accident
Taking the right steps immediately after a car accident is crucial to protecting your health and legal interests.
1. Ensure Safety and Check for Injuries
Your priority after an accident should be safety. If possible, move to a secure location and check yourself and others for injuries. Call emergency services if anyone is injured, even if injuries seem minor. Seeking medical attention promptly not only ensures your well-being but also creates a record that can support your case later.
2. Call the Police and File a Report
In White Plains, filing a police report is essential after a car accident. This document will be a critical piece of evidence for your claim. When law enforcement arrives, provide accurate and honest information about the incident.
3. Exchange Information
Collect the contact and insurance details of the other driver. If possible, take photographs of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries. This documentation will help our car accident lawyer in White Plains support your case.
Understanding Your Rights
After a car accident, it’s vital to understand your legal rights, especially if the accident occurred due to someone else’s negligence.
What Constitutes Negligence?
Negligence is when a driver fails to exercise reasonable care on the road, leading to an accident. Common examples include distracted driving, speeding, or failing to yield the right of way. Proving negligence is central to building your claim, and our experienced team will gather the necessary evidence to build your case.
How to Deal with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters often aim to minimize payouts. Without proper legal guidance, you may accept a settlement far below what may be entitled to. At Kent Hazzard & Freeman, we are skilled negotiators who will handle all communication with insurance companies, ensuring your best interests are protected.
Pro Tip: Avoid giving recorded statements or signing documents without consulting an attorney. Contact Kent Hazzard & Freeman instead to ensure your rights are safeguarded.
Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer in White Plains
Working with a skilled car accident lawyer in white plains can make all the difference in your car accident case. Here’s why you should consider hiring Kent Hazzard & Freeman:
Why Legal Representation Matters
Navigating the complexities of personal injury law can be daunting. A seasoned car accident lawyer in White Plains knows how to assess your case, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to help you seek fair compensation.
Steps We Take to Investigate Your Accident
At Kent Hazzard & Freeman, we understand the importance of a meticulous investigation in securing a successful outcome for your case. Our process is designed to uncover every detail and build a compelling argument to support your claim. Here’s how we approach accident investigations:
1. Reviewing Police Reports and Medical Records
The first step in our investigation is to examine official records.
- Police Reports: These provide crucial details, such as the time, location, and circumstances of the accident. They may also include witness statements and any citations issued to involved parties.
- Medical Records: Your health and recovery are our top priorities. We analyze medical records to document the extent of your injuries, treatments, and the long-term impact on your life. This information helps quantify your damages.
2. Interviewing Witnesses
Witness testimonies can be pivotal in establishing liability.
- Our team identifies and interviews individuals who were present at the scene.
- We carefully document their observations, which can corroborate your account of the accident and counter any conflicting claims from the other party.
- If necessary, we may also secure affidavits or prepare witnesses for potential court appearances.
3. Analyzing Photographs and Surveillance Footage
Visual evidence often speaks louder than words.
- Scene Photographs: If you or someone else captured photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, or road conditions, we use these images to strengthen your case.
- Surveillance Footage: We identify and obtain footage from nearby traffic cameras, businesses, or residential properties to provide an unbiased view of the incident.
4. Consulting Accident Reconstruction Experts
In complex cases, expert insights are invaluable.
- We collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists to recreate the events leading up to the collision.
- These experts analyze factors like vehicle speeds, impact angles, and road conditions to determine what happened.
- Their findings can be instrumental in negotiations or courtroom presentations, offering a clear, scientific explanation of how the accident occurred.
By taking these steps, we ensure no detail is overlooked in building a strong claim.
Seeking Compensation
A car accident can lead to substantial financial burdens. You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
At Kent Hazzard & Freeman, we fight relentlessly to pursue the compensation you need so you can focus on recovery.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries. Here are some of the most common types our clients face:
- Whiplash: Neck strain from sudden movements
- Broken Bones: Fractures that may require surgery or long-term recovery
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries with lasting effects
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Potentially causing paralysis
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs, often requiring emergency care
FAQs About Car Accidents
1. What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Ensure safety, call the police, and seek medical attention. Document the scene and exchange information with other parties involved.
2. How long do I have to file a claim in White Plains?
In New York, you generally have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. Acting promptly is essential to preserve evidence and protect your case.
3. Why should I hire a car accident lawyer?
Without legal representation, you may not receive the fair compensation you may be entitled to. Our car accident lawyer in white plains negotiates with the insurance companies and, if necessary, represents you in court.
The Kent Hazzard & Freeman Difference
Choosing the right attorney is crucial. With over 80 years of combined experience, Kent Hazzard & Freeman is the trusted choice for car accident victims in White Plains. We offer:
- Personalized legal strategies tailored to your unique case
- Transparent communication at every stage
- A commitment to helping you pursue fair outcomes
Don’t wait to seek legal help. Call us today for a free consultation and let us fight for you.