Millions of people are affected by road accidents each year. Some of them suffer from painful injuries that reduce their quality of life. They also experience steep financial costs as a result of medical bills and other expenses.
Car accident victims are entitled to monetary damages for various losses. However, pursuing fair compensation may be difficult without expert guidance.
1. Experience
At the scene, it’s important to stay calm and exchange information with the other driver(s). It’s actually illegal to leave a scene of an accident before calling the police. An official police report is vital to your claim and will help establish fault.
It’s also important to take photos of the accident scene and the damage caused to your vehicle. You can also record the names and contact information of any witnesses to the incident. This is crucial in case there is a dispute over the amount of damages you deserve. In addition to economic damages (such as medical bills and property damage), you may be entitled to non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. Your attorney could help you understand how much you might be able to receive in compensation for your losses.
2. Expertise
If you’re in an accident, you’ll probably need to contact the insurance company to file a claim. An experienced car accident attorney can help you understand your legal rights, investigate the crash and work with experts to determine who’s at fault. They’ll also negotiate with the insurance company and work to get you a fair settlement.
An expert lawyer will know how to calculate the exact value of your claim and can guide you on your legal options. They’ll also know how to deal with complex issues like New York’s no-fault auto insurance laws and the statute of limitations. A good lawyer should also be able to communicate well and respond quickly to queries. This demonstrates responsibility and accountability, traits that are crucial in building trust.
3. Reputation
When a car accident occurs, it can quickly become a case of your word against the other driver’s. However, having neutral third-party witnesses can help break the tie between drivers’ accounts and can make or break a claim.
First-party witnesses are people directly involved in the car accident and have a stake in the outcome of an insurance claim or lawsuit. For example, a driver and their passenger are both first-party witnesses to a collision.
The credibility of a witness can be determined by their ability to remember details without embellishment and tell the same story over again. A witness should also be able to answer questions about what they saw. However, it’s important to know that human memory is fallible and people often remember things differently.
4. Expertise in the field
In case of a car accident, it is important to consult an experienced attorney who understands the legal process and what damages you are entitled to. This includes medical expenses, replacement services and the resale value of your car. Additionally, a lawyer can help you determine the value of your claim by reviewing medical records and consulting with other experts.
A trustworthy lawyer will always be compassionate and understand what you are going through. They will take the time to build a relationship with you and help you get the compensation you deserve. Moreover, they will ensure that all the relevant evidence is provided and that no piece of information is overlooked. This will also help them avoid any unforeseen issues that may arise during the course of the case.
5. Time
If you’re a car accident victim, it takes time to compile crucial evidence and prepare a demand letter for an acceptable settlement. Moreover, some injuries (like whiplash) might take hours or even weeks to manifest as symptoms.
Experienced attorneys know how to document these complexities and address them accordingly. They can also provide you with a realistic assessment of your claim’s value, so you don’t become entrapped by an insurance company’s deceptive practices.
Most cases settle through pre-trial negotiations, and this is where your attorney’s experience and skills will make all the difference. An attorney will know how to counter the arguments of an insurance adjuster and prove that you deserve fair compensation for your losses. They will also handle all communication with the insurance company, so you don’t say something that might jeopardize your case.
6. Experience
It’s important to be honest with the insurance company. Don’t accept fault for the accident or make statements that could be interpreted as admissions of guilt.
If you’re able, take pictures of the accident scene and damage to your vehicle. Also, try to get the insurance and contact information of any witnesses.
It’s important to note that the other driver’s insurance company may be less willing to settle a claim than you expect. They may question the seriousness of your injuries or offer a settlement that falls far short of what you’re entitled to under New York law. This is when the experience of an attorney becomes invaluable. They can review the evidence and circumstances of your crash and advise you on how to proceed.
7. Money
Medical expenses can often add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. A car accident lawyer can help you get compensation to cover those costs.
The same is true for property damage. Taking the time to document the accident can make the difference in whether or not your insurance company is willing to pay up.
Economic damages also include things like lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering. These can have a huge impact on your financial stability and quality of life.
Finally, you might need to file a claim for uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if the person who hit you doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages. This will allow you to recover your losses without going after their personal assets.
