Is a lawyer always necessary?
If you were in a car accident, you may be wondering whether or not you should hire a lawyer. For fender benders with no significant vehicle damages and when no one gets hurt, it’s not likely you would need a lawyer. New York is a no-fault insurance state. This means your auto insurance covers damages to your car. If you had a minor injury, it would cover medical treatment too. No-fault insurance provides personal injury protection which pays up to $50,000.
What are some key reasons to use a lawyer?
Consider using a lawyer if your answer to these questions is “yes.”
- Did you suffer significant injury?
- Has navigating the insurance negotiation become complex?
- Is the other party in the accident claiming you were totally at fault?
- Are you battling with the insurance company because the they are arguing that the injuries you claimed didn’t result from the accident?
- Is the settlement offer way lower than you expected?
- Are medical expenses becoming long-term?
Sometimes it’s vital to use a lawyer or you will not receive the compensation you deserve. The following FAQs provide further information about key reasons to use an attorney.
How can a lawyer help you handle insurance companies?
An insurance adjuster may use your statements against you in an insurance claim. For this reason, if your accident is serious, consult with a car accident attorney before speaking with an adjuster. Valuable legal advice can help you avoid the pitfalls of providing information that is not to your advantage. Your attorney can manage all communications to protect your interests.
What damages can you claim?
Lawyers have experience calculating full damages, which include:
- Current and future medical bills
- Non-economic losses like pain and suffering
- Estimating the amount of compensation you should receive
What is important to understand about proving liability?
When the cost of damages exceed what insurance policies cover, proving liability becomes an important factor. The other driver may dispute who was at fault. Your lawyer can gather evidence, such as police reports, witness statements and surveillance footage. He can build a strong case to defend your rights.
What types of complex legalities do attorneys handle?
Sometimes complex legalities come into play when pursuing accident cases. For example, state laws such as pure comparative negligence in New York can affect the amount of compensation you can recover. A statute of limitations establishes a deadline for filing a case. Long-term damages may not be readily apparent, and laws exist that relate to that issue as well.
Do you need legal help with a car accident case?
When someone else’s negligence seriously harms you, you should seek legal help. A lawsuit can help you recover fair compensation for damages. In addition, entrusting the legal process to a seasoned lawyer enables you to focus on your recovery. To arrange a free consultation, contact the Law Office of John Fazzini. Call us at (631) 547-8989 or reach out to us through our contact form.