Getting into a car accident can be terrifying, especially if you are severely injured. There is so much to think about, from dealing with your injuries to figuring out how to pay the bills. You may even be dealing with an insurance company that seems to want to avoid paying you what you deserve. That’s why it is important to hire a reputable and experienced car accident lawyer to help you get the compensation you need.
Car accident lawyers understand that the impact of a crash can extend far beyond your immediate injury and the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle. There are also medical expenses, lost income from time away from work, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. An experienced lawyer will understand all of these impacts and ensure that you are compensated for all that you have suffered.
If you have been injured in a crash, you should seek medical attention immediately. It is important to do this for two reasons. First, many injuries do not manifest themselves in their full severity right after a crash due to the adrenaline rush and second, if you wait too long to seek treatment, a jury could find that your injury isn’t as severe as you claim, which will hurt your chances of obtaining proper compensation in a lawsuit for your losses.
It is important to keep records of everything related to the accident, including police reports, witness statements, medical documents and bills, employment and loss of earnings information, property damage estimates, and out-of-pocket expenses. A lawyer will know how to properly gather and organize this evidence for your case. They will also have experience negotiating with insurance companies and can use this knowledge to your advantage.
An experienced car accident lawyer will be familiar with the no-fault system in New York and can determine if your injuries meet the threshold for stepping outside of the no-fault system to sue the at-fault driver. They will also be able to tell you if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage that can help to cover your losses.
The first step in finding a good car accident attorney is to schedule an initial consultation. This is free and will give you a sense of their approach, dedication, and whether or not they feel comfortable working with you. You can also discuss what you have been through and the types of damages you are seeking.
A lawyer will often have networks of experts and resources that they can draw upon to support your case, such as accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and others. They will also be familiar with all relevant laws that apply to your case and will make sure that you are filing a complete and valid claim.
Finally, an experienced lawyer will have handled a number of car accident cases and will have a track record of successful settlements and judgments. They should also be willing to take your case all the way to trial, in the unlikely event that a suitable settlement cannot be reached with the insurance company.