What Should I Tell My Lawyer After My Car Crash in Manhattan?

Your first meeting with a personal injury attorney after a car crash in Manhattan may feel daunting. You might not be sure what happens during this initial consultation, and you might wonder what to say. What do you need to tell your lawyer? What if you can’t remember the accident clearly? What if you say the wrong thing?

Tell Your Lawyer Everything You Remember About the Crash 

You should tell your lawyer everything you remember about the crash. Even the smallest details may help your attorney pursue positive results, so it makes sense to be completely transparent. If you can’t remember the crash due to head injuries or psychological trauma, simply do your best.

In particular, you might want to mention how you believe the crash occurred. Even if you’re not sure, it helps to express the suspected cause of the crash. For example, you might have noticed the other vehicle swerving before the accident. Perhaps you suspect that the driver might have been drunk or distracted. You should raise these suspicions with your lawyer, as they might provide clues on how to proceed with your case.

You should also explain what happened after your crash. Did you communicate with the other driver? Did they seem aggressive? Were they slurring their words? Did you see open containers of alcohol inside the other crashed vehicle? How did the other driver interact with the police? Did they flee the scene? Did you get their license plate number? What did you say to the police after the collision? All of this might become important information as you pursue your claim.

 Be Honest About Your Own Mistakes

 When you speak with your lawyer, you should know that you can trust them. Something called “attorney-client privilege” prevents them from revealing the details of your private discussions. As a result, you can feel free to explain exactly what happened during your crash – including your own contributions to the accident.

For example, you might have been texting immediately before the collision. Perhaps you were high on marijuana. Maybe you forgot to yield when turning. Whatever the case may be, you should be honest with your lawyer. If you lie to them and try to hide your mistakes, it may be difficult for your attorney to pursue positive results on your behalf.

 Tell Your Lawyer About Your Medical Situation 

You should also inform your lawyer about your medical situation. Generally speaking, you only need to reveal details about injuries related to the crash. However, you might also need to reveal more information if a medical condition might have played a role in the crash. For example, your vision could become a major factor – especially if you’re accused of forgetting to wear your glasses.

Can a Manhattan Accident Lawyer Help Me? 

A car accident lawyer in Manhattan can answer your questions during an initial consultation. You should also feel free to explain your situation in more detail during your first meeting with a lawyer. The more you tell your lawyer the better, and it always makes sense to be as open and as transparent as possible. To learn more about the next steps, contact Cohan Law, PLLC today.

Sources:

 nycourts.gov/JUDGES/evidence/5-PRIVILEGES/5.03_ATTORNEY.pdf

dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/vision-requirements-and-restrictions#:~:text=You%20must%20pass%20a%20vision,with%20or%20without%20corrective%20lenses.