A car accident lawyer is a legal professional who helps victims of crashes recover financial compensation for their injuries and losses. A good attorney will handle every aspect of your claim, from gathering evidence and filing paperwork to negotiating with the insurance company and fighting in court when necessary.
A good car accident lawyer will also be familiar with the specific laws of your state and how local courts have interpreted them. This saves you from having to trawl through legislation and legal precedents on your own.
An experienced car accident lawyer will have a track record of successfully handling cases involving your type of crash. He or she will have a team of support staff capable of carrying out investigations and assisting with other aspects of your case, such as filing paperwork, researching your medical bills and employment records, and calculating your damages. The lawyer will also be able to give you an idea of how long it has been since the crash and whether or not you are nearing the statute of limitations, which is the amount of time within which you must file a lawsuit.
If you have been injured in a car accident, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Not only does this prevent complications, infections, or death from occurring, but it also bolsters your case by documenting the nature and extent of your damages. Legally, this is known as “establishing causation,” which is essential to negligence claims. In New York, the vast majority of a victim’s damages will be covered by basic Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage up to policy limits. However, if your injuries meet the state’s definition of a serious injury, you may be eligible to sue the at-fault driver for additional damages.
The initial settlement offer from the at-fault driver’s insurance company will typically be far less than what you actually deserve. Insurance adjusters, who work for the insurance company and not you, are notoriously skilled at downplaying your injuries and reducing the amount they have to pay out. An experienced car accident lawyer will understand the full range of your damages and will negotiate aggressively on your behalf.
A good car accident lawyer will be ready to take your case all the way to trial if needed, but most claims are settled without ever having to go to court. Having an experienced attorney by your side will ensure that you don’t make any costly mistakes that the insurer can pounce on and that you get the full amount of compensation to which you are entitled. It will also reduce your stress and allow you to focus on healing from your injuries. Moreover, hiring a car accident lawyer is often more cost-effective than trying to negotiate with the insurer on your own.