A vehicle struck a male pedestrian on West Ridge Road near Kodak Center in Rochester, New York, United States on July 12, 2022. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Unlike this pedestrian, some people survive after a serious car accident but they end up feeling shaken up and confused about what to do next. In such cases, many people are uncertain as to what legal steps they should take after suffering a serious car accident injury.

Rochester is the fourth most populous city in New York. If you live in this city and you are a victim of a car accident injury, it is important to enlist the help of a car accident lawyer who is dedicated to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Even the people who are knowledgeable about car accident compensation, if put in such a predicament, do not handle it on their own. This article will discuss the legal steps you should take after suffering a car accident injury. 

Don’t leave the accident scene.

If you’re involved in a serious car accident, the first legal step is not to leave the accident scene. By leaving the accident scene, you are effectively giving up your right to compensation. The other driver may try to claim that you were at fault for the accident, or that your injuries were not as severe as you claim. 

To protect your rights, stay at the accident scene and call and speak to the police. If possible, take pictures of the damage to both vehicles and any injuries that you have sustained. These will be important evidence if you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit. Make sure to get the contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident. Their testimony could be crucial in building your case.

Call the police.

Due to stress during accidents, some people forget to call the police. Others think they can handle the situation on their own or they’re worried about the inconvenience of having to call the police. But calling the police is the best way to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. It’s the best way to ensure that you receive the medical and legal help you need.

The police will create a report of the accident, which will be used as evidence in any future legal proceedings. They will take statements from all of the involved parties, which can be used to determine who was at fault, and will likely call for an ambulance, which will transport you to the hospital for treatment.

Hire a personal injury lawyer.

Most people understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a car accident can be. In addition to managing your physical injuries, you also have to deal with insurance companies, car repairs and potentially lost wages. However, one of the most important things you can do after suffering a serious car accident injury is to hire a personal injury lawyer.

A personal injury lawyer will help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you are legally entitled to. Insurance companies are often reluctant to pay out large settlements but a personal injury lawyer will present your case and typically wins on personal injury cases every penny that you’re owed. The lawyer can help prove liability in court if necessary.

Have a medical check-up.

After you’ve been in a serious car accident, the last thing you want to think about is more paperwork. However, getting a medical check-up and documenting your injuries is an important legal step that can help in your claim for compensation. 

First, when you see a doctor, they will be able to document the extent of your injuries. This will give you a record of what happened immediately after the accident. If you wait too long to get medical attention, the insurance company may argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim. Second, getting a check-up can also help rule out any pre-existing conditions that might complicate your case. For example, if you have a history of back pain, the insurance company might try to use that against you. By getting a medical opinion right after the accident, you can ensure that your injuries are properly documented and attributed to the accident.

Insurance companies are businesses. They’re not going to just hand over money without a fight. The more evidence you have to support your claim, the better your chances of being fully compensated so get checked out by a doctor immediately.

After suffering a serious car accident injury, these are the legal steps you should take in order to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. By taking these steps, you can give yourself the best chance of recovering from your injuries and getting back on the road to financial stability.