A car accident is not only a frightening experience, but one that could leave you with severe injuries. Your medical bills, lost wages from being unable to work, and other expenses associated with your injury can quickly add up. It’s important to hire a car accident lawyer who can help you recover the compensation you deserve to get your life back on track.
The first thing a qualified car accident attorney will do is help you collect evidence if necessary. If you’re able, you should collect names, contact information, and insurance information for everyone involved in the crash. If you can’t, ask a passenger or witness to do so. It’s also a good idea to take photos of the scene of the accident if you can. These images can be extremely helpful in determining what caused the crash, as well as demonstrating the extent of your injury.
Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages from the at-fault driver or other parties. Economic damages are those that relate to your financial losses, such as your medical bills, the loss of earning potential, and property damage. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish.
After the accident, your lawyer will open a line of communication with the insurance adjuster and other relevant parties in order to get all the facts about the crash. This includes the details of your injury, such as your hospitalization, surgery, and ongoing physical therapy. Your lawyer can also visit the scene of the accident himself/herself to get a sense of what really happened. This can be incredibly useful when arguing for your case in court.
In New York, you can sue a party liable for a car accident only if you can prove that you have suffered serious injury. Serious injury is defined by the law as a loss of a significant bodily function, permanent limitation of a major body part, or significant disfigurement. This threshold is high and not many lawyers will accept a car accident case unless it meets the serious injury criteria.
When choosing a car accident lawyer, look for one with a successful record of getting appropriate settlements and judgments from insurance companies. The law firm should be experienced in handling a variety of types of cases, including personal injury, and have the resources to handle complex claims. It should have a dedicated staff and a comfortable, organized office space.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact a trusted New York personal injury attorney. The skilled team at Block O’Toole & Murphy is committed to helping injured victims obtain the full compensation they deserve. The firm is available to speak with you in English, Spanish, and Polish, and offers free consultations. Learn more by visiting its website or calling the office. Its services are available in New York and Florida.