Five Reasons You Need a Lawyer After a Motor Vehicle Accident in New York
Motor vehicle accidents in New York often happen in a split second. A collision can be unsettling and shocking, and an accident might leave you at a loss about what to do next.
While there are numerous steps to take after an accident, like checking for injuries and contacting the police, people often overlook one crucial move: Hiring a lawyer. If you’re wondering whether you truly need a lawyer after an accident, the answer is a resounding yes. Here are five reasons why having a personal injury lawyer by your side is essential after a motor vehicle accident in New York.
Navigating the Legal Maze
The insurance claim process after a car accident is a complex puzzle. There are complicated laws, regulations, procedures, and paperwork that can make your head spin. For example, New York law requires all drivers (but not motorcycle riders) to carry no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. After an accident, you’re required to file a claim with your auto insurance company and use up this coverage first before you can step outside the no-fault system. If you suffer a “serious injury” according to state law, you are eligible to file a claim against the other driver in a crash. However, you’ll need to prove the other driver caused the accident to recover compensation. If your injuries don’t meet the serious injury threshold, the other driver is not liable for your losses.
A seasoned New York personal injury lawyer knows how to deal with this legal maze. They can guide you through the process, explain everything in plain English, and ensure that you understand your rights and responsibilities.
Assessing the Full Extent of Your Losses
New York accidents cause additional harm beyond your physical injuries. You might also have suffered considerable emotional trauma from the collision. Furthermore, you must consider the cost of your medical treatment, your lost income if you’re unable to work, and the cost to fix or replace your vehicle. It takes a skilled lawyer to accurately assess these losses and ensure you receive fair compensation for your physical injuries and other losses. You could get money for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earnings caused by an injury or disability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life because of an injury or disability
- Damage to your car or other personal property
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies prefer to pay as little for claims as possible. Without a lawyer’s help, you might accept a settlement offer that is far less than the full value of your injuries. A motor vehicle accident lawyer can fight for every penny you deserve.
Proving Liability
To receive compensation from another party to the accident that injured you, you need to prove that the other party caused the crash. This requires collecting evidence, talking to witnesses, and sometimes even reconstructing the accident scene. Our personal injury lawyers have the experience, drive, and resources to undertake this daunting task and build a strong case on your behalf.
Peace of Mind
Hiring a lawyer can give you peace of mind. With a trusted advocate on your side, you can focus on getting medical treatment and returning to everyday life. With all the stress and other issues you have to worry about after an accident, give yourself a break and hire an attorney to handle your legal case.
The aftermath of a motor vehicle accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. When you enlist the help of our New York accident attorneys, we can protect your rights, fight for fair compensation, and help you put this difficult moment behind you. Call us today at (646) 779-1441 or visit our contact page for a free consultation.
