Car accidents are among the most common types of personal injury cases handled by attorneys. These crashes are often traumatic and result in serious injuries. They can also have financial consequences, including expensive medical bills and lost income while you recover. The best way to protect your legal rights and financial interests after a crash is by hiring an experienced NYC car accident lawyer.
A good attorney will focus on your recovery while managing the complex legal issues surrounding your claim. They will also be a strong advocate when dealing with insurance companies.
Most reputable lawyers offer free consultations where they will assess your case and provide advice on how to proceed. During this meeting, you can evaluate the attorney’s communication skills, availability and dedication to their clients. In addition, you can ask questions about their experience handling car accident cases and their track record of success.
One of the most important roles a car accident lawyer will play is to help you obtain all the medical evidence needed for your case. They will submit numerous requests to health care providers for records related to your injuries and may have to follow up with each provider multiple times. They will also work with other professionals such as accident reconstructionists and private investigators to gather additional evidence.
An experienced car accident lawyer will also help you navigate the complexities of the New York no-fault system and the state’s traffic laws and procedures for determining fault. These nuances are particularly important in cases where your injury meets the “serious injury” threshold set by New York law. This allows you to step outside of the no-fault system and sue the at-fault party if their negligence caused your severe injuries.
Lastly, your car accident lawyer will prepare and file all of the legal documents required for your case. There are strict time limits for filing a car accident lawsuit, and if yours is not filed on time, you could lose out on your right to compensation. A good lawyer will be familiar with these deadlines and ensure that they are met.
A good car accident lawyer will handle all the paperwork and communication with the insurance company on your behalf so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries. In the event that your case isn’t resolved through negotiations with the insurance company, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case all the way to trial if necessary. This will increase your chances of obtaining full and fair compensation. In the end, a qualified and dedicated car accident lawyer will be worth their fee, especially if you can secure a settlement that covers your medical expenses, property damage and lost income. Fortunately, most car accident lawyers work on a contingency basis and only get paid when they win their clients money. This gives them an incentive to put in the maximum effort for their clients. In addition, this method of payment is more affordable than paying hourly fees.