Car accident injuries in NYC: Getting an attorney is necessary
People often have a bunch of questions after getting injured in an auto accident. Unfortunately, such accidents are not unusual or rare in NYC, with over 2,00,000 reported cases each year. Following an accident, your immediate task is to seek medical attention. You should also inform the police and file a report with the DMV within ten days of the accident. Because NY is a no-fault state, you should inform your insurance company at the earliest. Once you feel okay, contact an attorney and discuss your case. The good news is most law firms, including top-rated firms like Sullivan & Galleshaw, offer free consultations for clients.
If you are wondering whether hiring an accident lawyer is necessary, we have a few pointers below to explain their role.
- Lawyers are skilled at finding fault and liability. If you were seriously injured, you could sue the at-fault driver, stepping out of the no-fault system. Such examples would include fractures, disfigurement, loss of a body part or function, and dismemberment. Your lawyer can evaluate whether you can file an accident lawsuit, and once that’s established, they can also determine the party liable for your losses. For accidents that involve many vehicles, there could be more than one party responsible for the same mishap.
- Lawyers can negotiate better. Insurance companies are infamous for finding ways to deny claims. They may claim that your injuries are not from the accident or you were equally at fault for causing the crash. The claims adjuster may even claim that your claim is not worth what you are saying. An attorney can see through insurance tactics and ensure that you get a settlement that covers your losses. Available data shows that hiring an attorney may increase your chances of getting a higher settlement.
- Lawyers can gather evidence. Finding evidence after an accident is not easy either. While NY’s statute of limitations gives you three years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party, you must act immediately to gather information. Lawyers can rely on their sources to find evidence, and if the case demands, they can also talk to medical and accident reconstruction experts.
If the matter cannot be resolved through negotiation, you would still need an attorney to file a lawsuit and take the case to trial. Hiring an accident lawyer in NYC doesn’t require an upfront fee, which is another big advantage.
