Vacationing in a large city, like New York City, can be overwhelming at times, especially if you are traveling by car. A family road trip can turn into a family nightmare quickly if you are unprepared for traffic and are not comfortable with getting lost. However, there are ways that you can overcome these problems before they ever occur.
Planning the Night Before
One of the best ways to master the roadways in a large city is to plan where you are going in advance. Look at street maps, print directions, and lay out a plan of your activities. GPS navigation is available, but this can get confusing and distracting if you are maneuvering though the crowded streets of a metropolis or a crowded freeway.
It is also important to realize that there is a large amount of traffic going in the city around the clock. New York has over seven million residents, one of the largest shipping ports in the world, and has access to two international airports. It is a city that never sleeps. You must account for traffic times when you are making your traveling plans that include travel to or through a large city.
What to do if You are Involved in an Accident
If you are involved in a car accident while visiting or traveling through any major city, there are several steps that you should take.
Notify the Proper Authorities Immediately
Make sure that you file a police report at the time of the accident. If medical assistance is necessary, make sure that you request medical attention at that time. It is much better to be evaluated at the time of injury than to try and make a claim after-the-fact.
Follow Medical Advice From a Professional
If the doctor tells you that you need to stay in the hospital for evaluation, do so. Denying medical treatment can have a negative impact on any compensation claims that you file against the accident.
Do Not Give a Statement to the Insurance Company
Many insurance companies are now sending adjustors to the hospital to speak with the injured party while they are still being treated and evaluated. Do not provide a written or verbal statement to the adjuster until you have spoken to a personal injury lawyer from that area, like a personal injury lawyer NYC if your accident was in NYC. Making a statement before you have been properly evaluated by a medical professional can negatively impact your claim.
Speak to a Professional Personal Injury Attorney
Laws regarding personal injuries vary from state to state. Speaking with an attorney from the area where you were involved in your accident will allow you to file a claim that is in compliance with that state's laws. They will be the most informative about your rights. Since the accident took place in a certain area, it is under that area's lawful jurisdiction. Also, most personal injury attorneys provide the initial consultation at no cost to you. If you wait until you return home to hire an attorney, you will need to find one that can represent you in another state. This can lead to a delay in receiving compensation.
The best thing to remember when you are visiting a large city is that you are a visitor. You are going to get lost and it will be frustrating. It is important to take your time, sight see and plan accordingly. Always be prepared to make some time allowance for stopping, asking for directions and for traffic. Being better prepared will make for an overall better and more enjoyable traveling experience and road trip for everyone.
About Author: Wife to a former soldier and having traveled much of her life, Lisa Coleman shares her experience while driving in or around a large city. She stresses the importance of hiring a local attorney in the area of an accident that someone might have had. By retaining a local law firm best able to defend and inform you of your rights, like the Perecman Firm which is a local personal injury lawyer NYC-based, you will be increasing your chances of a better settlement.