When a rollover accident occurs, the occupants of a vehicle could be seriously injured or even killed due to the dangerous nature of the accident. Rollover accidents are easily avoidable if a driver exercises caution while operating a vehicle. Unfortunately, some drivers may fail to recognize a situation where they could cause a rollover accident. If you or a family member was injured in a rollover accident, consult with an experienced Queens rollover accident lawyer today.
At Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP, we are determined to help victims of car accidents pursue compensation for their injuries. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, contact Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP at (718) 843-0300. You may also contact us online.
What to Do After a Rollover Car Accident in Queens, NY
After a rollover car accident, there are steps you should take to ensure your safety and preserve a claim against the negligent driver that caused the accident.
Get to Safety and Contact an Ambulance
First, you should ensure your safety and the safety of any passengers in your vehicle. If your vehicle has flipped over, you should safely attempt to exit the vehicle and stand a safe distance away from the crash. If you suffered any serious injuries or any other victims were injured, contact an ambulance as soon as possible.
You should also contact law enforcement so that they can assess the scene of the accident.
Speak with the Negligent Driver
After you have gotten to safety, you should speak with the negligent driver in order to exchange information. The information exchanged should include:
- The name and contact information of the negligent driver
- The at-fault driver’s license plate, make and model of their vehicle, and their insurance carrier
You should also refrain from making any statements to the negligent driver that can be misconstrued as accepting fault for the accident. It is better to allow your insurance company or an experienced attorney to deal with the issue of fault for the car accident.
Document Evidence of the Crash
You should document any relevant evidence regarding the crash. For example, if the accident happened during a severe thunderstorm, this is relevant evidence that can help determine who is liable for the accident. Other evidence that should be documented includes:
- Injuries you sustained or injuries sustained by passengers in your vehicle
- The intersection where the accident occurred
- The damage to your vehicle
- Photos of the scene of the accident
- Details that describe how the accident happened
Seek Treatment for Your Injuries
It is important to seek treatment for any injuries sustained in a car accident. You should also inform the medical staff of how your injuries were caused as it can help document your injuries.
Even if you feel that you were not seriously injured, you should seek medical attention to ensure that you did not suffer an injury that could become aggravated at a later time. In some cases, a victim could suffer an injury that may not exhibit symptoms for weeks or even months. Understanding the extent of your injuries early can help if a victim wishes to make an insurance claim or file a personal injury lawsuit.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Carrier
You should report the rollover accident to your insurance carrier as soon as possible. At this point, your insurance carrier may determine whether they want to pursue compensation from the other driver involved in the accident. If this happens, you may have to speak with an insurance claim adjuster representing the negligent driver.
If you are speaking with an insurance claim adjuster, you should be aware that they may try to undermine your claim against the at-fault driver. For example, the adjuster could ask several similar questions about how the accident occurred, hoping that a victim may contradict their story. If you are uncomfortable with speaking with an adjuster, you should speak with an experienced attorney that can represent you.
To learn more about when to pursue a personal injury lawsuit after a rollover accident, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced Queens car accident attorney.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Lawsuits in Queens
The statute of limitations dictates the length of time that a potential plaintiff has to file a particular type of lawsuit against a defendant. In New York, the statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the injury.
If a plaintiff fails to file their suit within the timeframe set by the statute of limitations, the defendant can ask the court to dismiss the suit. If the lawsuit is dismissed, the plaintiff will be unable to pursue compensation for their injuries in court. Instead, the plaintiff would be limited to pursuing compensation from the negligent driver’s insurance company.
Contact Our Experienced Queens Rollover Accident Attorneys Today
If you or a family member was the victim of a rollover accident, contact an experienced Queens rollover accident attorney as soon as possible. The legal team at Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP, possess decades of legal experience, and they are committed to providing residents of New York with the legal representation they deserve. To schedule a free case evaluation, contact Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP, at (718) 843-0300.
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