I’ve been in a car accident What should I do?

a list of Do’s and Don’ts to guide you through the process

28 Second Street Troy, NY 518.274.5820

511 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 518.584.8886

Since 1898

PERSONAL INJURY & CRIMINAL ESJLAW.com I’ve been in a car accident. What should I do?

Introduction 3 DO obtain a copy of the accident report. 3 If you or a loved one have been injured in an auto DO keep a written account of all conversations with accident, you are dealing with an incredible number of insurance companies, agents and the police. stressful issues. Your injuries may be significant, even 3 disabling and you have immediate medical concerns DO read all documents from both insurance and expenses. You may be facing time out of work, companies carefully. You may settle and release your which means lost wages and you’re dealing with one property damage claim with the other person’s car or more insurance companies and a mountain of insurance company, but only after carefully studying bewildering paperwork. the release agreement. 3 You may have been told by your insurance company DO cooperate with your insurance company. that you don’t need an attorney and that they will handle the claim for you. However, it’s important to remember 3 DO check your insurance company’s filing deadline. that your insurance agent DOES NOT work for you. There is a limit to the amount of time you have to file Your agent is not trained to help you figure out your a claim, so make sure time doesn’t run out. legal rights. His/her objective? To have the insurance company pay as little as possible. 3 DO be careful with information on social media. If you use social media like Facebook or Twitter, be This is why it’s very important to consult with an aware that any postings, comments or photos can be attorney experienced in auto accidents and New York used against you in your auto accident claim. Personal Injury Law as soon as possible. An attorney with the right experience will examine your case and In addition to the steps outlined above that you must take work closely with you and your family to decide on the after an auto accident, here are a few things you should right course of action, given the circumstances of your avoid: accident. 7 DON’T give a recorded statement to the other We’ve put together the following reference to help you person’s insurance company. immediately following an accident. 7 DON’T sign a medical release for the other person’s insurance company. Do’s and Don’ts for Auto Accidents 7 DON’T go to a medical exam with an insurance If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, there are some company doctor. An exam for a “second opinion” important actions to take immediately: may be an excuse to stop or delay payments. Check with your attorney before attending the examination. 3 DO contact your car insurance company as soon as possible. 7 DON’T accept a check for your personal injuries. Be sure NOT to sign any release for a personal injury 3 DO follow your doctor’s instructions. Keep all claim or accept any payment without consulting with medical appointments. your attorney.

3 DO record the circumstances of the accident. Take 7 DON’T admit any liability on your part. The digital pictures of the vehicles involved, as well as the insurance investigators will determine liability based accident site. Get someone to help you photograph on many different factors. Stick to the facts in any your injuries. Record the names and contact conversations. information of other drivers as well as any witnesses.

PERSONAL INJURY & ESJLAW.com I’ve been in a car accident. What should I do?

Contact an Experienced New York Auto Accident

It is vitally important to seek legal help from a trusted and successful New York auto accident lawyer. The attorneys at the E. Stewart Jones Law Firm have specific experience and expertise with auto accident throughout New York State. We listen and are compassionate and know how to get results for victims and their families. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Auto Accidents How working with the attorneys at E. Stewart Jones adds value to your car accident case: When asked by the insurance adjuster, should I sign off • We will work directly with you and your family every on my medical claims? step of the way. Don’t sign the paperwork until you’ve consulted with your attorney. All too often, the insurance company • We will deal with all insurance companies so that you will try to take advantage of a confusing and frustrating can concentrate on recovering from your injuries. situation. If you sign paperwork at the request of an adjuster, you may sign away important rights. • We will seek every category of that applies to your case. Should I be in contact with the other insurance company? • We will use that will be admissible in to support those damages. They will certainly reach out to you, but be sure to check with an attorney first. You may be forced to say too • We will work to get you the highest level of much or admit guilt. Let an experienced auto accident compensation possible. and personal injury attorney guide you through your dealings with the other insurance company. We invite you to call us at What is a ? (518) 274-5820 for a free consultation. A Personal Injury lawyer represents those who claim to have been injured in some way due to or One of our experienced attorneys will personally meet wrongdoing by some entity. Personal Injury with you to learn about your auto accident and discuss often specialize in cases such as vehicle accidents, next steps. Be assured that we will work to obtain the cases, construction site injuries, medical best outcome for you and your family. malpractice and defective products. Please visit our website at www.esjlaw.com for more What types of compensation for someone injured in information on our firm’s 115 year history and successful a car accident can be received from a personal injury personal injury settlements. ? In New York State, those who have sustained a “serious Remember, scheduling a free consultation and case injury” in a car accident may seek compensation for review is easy and confidential. The auto accident economic loss, including medical expenses and lost lawyers at the E. Stewart Jones Law Firm look forward to wages as well as past and future pain and suffering. helping you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.

PERSONAL INJURY & CRIMINAL LAW ESJLAW.com I’ve been in a car accident. What should I do?

Firm Overview

Founded in 1898, the E. Stewart Jones Law Firm is one of the most experienced and trusted Personal Injury and Criminal firms in New York State. Our highly skilled team of lawyers and legal professionals truly care about the individuals and families we represent, the causes we undertake and the outcomes we achieve. At E. Stewart Jones, we are fully invested in our clients and their success. Firm Partner, E. Stewart Jones, Jr. has been recognized E. Stewart Jones has offices in Troy and Saratoga as one of the Best Lawyers in America for 30 consecutive Springs, NY and specializes in Auto Accidents, years (1983-2013). In addition, Mr. Jones has been , Construction Accidents, selected by his peers as one of the “Top 50 New York General Negligence, Defective Products, Wrongful Super Lawyers,” “Top 10 New York Super Lawyers” Death, Felonies & Misdemeanors and Driving While and “Top 25 Hudson Valley Super Lawyers,” by Super Intoxicated (DWI). We always offer our clients free Lawyers for 2007-2013. The firm’s Managing Partner consultations and personalized service. Meghan R. Keenholts and Associate Attorney James C. Knox have also been selected by their peers as “Rising Stars” by Super Lawyers for 2013.

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The information contained in this brochure is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Further, the information outlined is general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. Every case is different, and prior results do not guarantee future success. Please contact the E. Stewart Jones Law Firm directly with questions related to your auto accident.

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