Lawyers For The People

Car Accident? Learn What Steps To Take.

If you have questions about car accidents and recovering compensation, our Oneonta car accident attorneys can help you. We represent the injured throughout the tricounty area and in Oneonta, Cooperstown, Delhi, Norwich and Sidney. We have earned a reputation for working hard to achieve positive outcomes that meet our clients’ needs.

Contact us at 607-441-4137 today to speak to an Oneonta car accident lawyer about your case.

What To Do After A Car Accident

After an accident, you may have many concerns, the biggest of which revolves around your future. Money can quickly become an issue when you have car repairs and medical bills to pay. Added to this is the emotional and physical toll from your pain and suffering.

Here’s a checklist of things to do after a car accident:

  • First, check for any injuries. Dial 911 right away if there are any serious injuries.
  • Exchange information with the other driver(s). Get their name(s), contact info, insurance information and license information. Provide the same for them.
  • Notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible.
  • File a police report of the accident. If one was not filed at the scene of the accident, you can do so after the fact. Having this documentation will help your injury claim.
  • Take pictures of the accident and your injuries. Include pictures of the location, time of day, skid marks, close-up photos of vehicle damage and your injuries.
  • See a doctor. If you are not examined by paramedics or taken to the hospital, see your doctor as soon after the accident as possible to check for injuries. Due to adrenaline, some injuries may not be obvious right away.
  • Speak to an experienced car accident lawyer to help you negotiate with the insurance company and fight for the full compensation you deserve that covers not only your economic damages but your noneconomic damages as well.

Common Car Accident Injuries

There are a number of different injuries that can be sustained in an auto accident. Some common injuries include those involving:

  • The head
  • The neck
  • Concussions
  • The back
  • The spinal cord
  • The loss of limbs
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Broken bones

Car Accident FAQ

Below are some answers to commonly asked questions about what to do after a car accident.

When Should You Contact An Attorney After A Car Accident?

When you or someone that you care about, such as a family member or another loved one, has been injured in an auto accident, it is imperative to hire a trusted and experienced law firm as soon as you are able to do so.

Accidents involving cars, trucks and motorcycles are some of the most common and complex types of personal injury cases we handle at Scarzafava, Basdekis & Dadey, PLLC. While each case is unique, we can help you fight for compensation to help you get back on your feet.

Is It Worth Hiring A Lawyer After A Car Accident?

Trying to file a personal injury claim after an accident can be incredibly overwhelming, especially after suffering injuries or the loss of a loved one in a collision. An experienced car accident lawyer can guide you through the process of getting the compensation you deserve.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Car Accident Attorney?

Car accident cases are taken on a contingency fee basis. This means that you pay no upfront costs and will not pay us unless we recover compensation for you. Our fees come out of the settlement or verdict you receive. We can tell you more about that in a free consultation.

I Was In An Accident With A Large Truck. Is That Different Than Being In A Typical Car Accident?

Yes, accidents involving semis, delivery trucks and vans, and other commercial vehicles can be quite different from an accident with another car. Commercial vehicles are covered by commercial insurance policies. The truck’s insurance carrier will want to minimize any payout, and their lawyers will work hard to undervalue or deny your claim.

In addition, semis are typically subject to federal laws. An experienced attorney will know how to handle this for you.

You will also need a knowledgeable truck accident attorney to determine who is liable for your injuries. Multiple parties may be involved: the driver, the trucking company, the truck’s manufacturer and others. It takes knowledge and skill to sort out negligence in these cases.

Will My Car Accident Case Have To Go To Trial?

Not necessarily. Most car accident cases settle out of court. Some will be resolved before a trial begins, and some will be resolved once a trial has started but before the jury makes its decision. Regardless, our experienced car accident attorneys know that it is crucial to prepare cases as if they will go to trial. When you have a reputation for taking cases to trial, you often have a better bargaining position during negotiations.

Our Oneonta Car Accident Attorneys Can Help

When you choose to hire our firm to provide representation for your case, you can rest assured that we have your best interest in mind and can help you when you’ve been in a major accident. A common occurrence in personal injury accident cases is that the party at fault or the insurance company can try to make you take an unfair settlement. At Scarzafava, Basdekis & Dadey, PLLC, our Oneonta-based team keeps your best interests in mind and fights for the recovery you deserve.

After an accident, contact our car accident lawyers. Make an appointment for a free initial consultation by calling us at 607-441-4137. With an office in Oneonta, we help injured people in Otsego, Delaware and Chenango counties.