Car accident lawyers are legal professionals who help car accident victims seek compensation for their losses, including medical and other costs, lost wages, property damage and more. The best car accident attorneys will work hard to ensure their clients are awarded the maximum amount of compensation possible. They will also have a strong record of taking cases all the way to trial, in the unlikely event that a settlement cannot be reached.
Car accidents can be traumatic for everyone involved. Injuries range from lacerations to broken bones, and the physical and emotional burdens that follow a crash can be significant. In addition, many crash victims face financial hardship as they struggle to pay their bills and replace their lost income.
A car accident lawyer can help you receive the compensation you need to cover all your losses, whether through insurance claims or a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. A lawyer can handle the legal process, gather and analyze evidence, negotiate with insurance companies and provide advice and support in your recovery.
In New York, you can file a claim with your own auto insurance provider or the insurer of the at-fault party. The former option will only provide you with basic Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, up to your policy limits. The latter allows you to step outside of the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver for your damages, if your injuries surpass a certain threshold.
Insurance companies often low-ball and challenge the victims of car accidents in order to reduce the amount they are required to pay out. They may also question the severity of your injuries. If you choose to settle with an insurance company, it is in your best interests to direct all communication to your lawyer, and not the adjuster assigned to your case.
You should always seek medical treatment as soon as you can after a crash. Doing so will not only ensure that your injuries are diagnosed and treated, but it will also bolster your injury claims by providing documentation of causation and establishing the link between the crash and your injuries. This can be especially important if you plan to sue for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, or wrongful death damages following the loss of a loved one in a crash.
Whether you choose to file an insurance claim or sue for your damages, there are legal deadlines that must be met to avoid losing your case. Your car accident lawyer will understand all applicable legal procedures and ensure that your case is filed on time. He or she will also be able to help you navigate the no-fault insurance laws of New York and advocate for your right to a monetary recovery.