Not every case requires assistance from a New York car accident lawyer; in some situations, you may be able to file a claim and pursue compensation independently. In other situations, however, you may find yourself struggling to proceed.
Knowing when to hire a car accident lawyer in New York can be crucial to your success. We at Elliot Ifraimoff & Associates, PC, are here to break down the details to make your life easier.
If You’re Filing an Insurance Claim
After an accident, one of the first things you’ll want to do is file an insurance claim. In an ideal scenario, you would file the claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company; the company would process your claim and then provide you with a payout big enough to cover your expenses.
Unfortunately, not everything works out as planned. Perhaps the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance coverage, forcing you to file with your insurance company. Maybe the insurance company refuses to pay you an acceptable amount, leaving you struggling to pay bills. Or maybe you simply find negotiating with the insurance company daunting.
Reaching out to an NYC auto accident attorney can be beneficial if you plan to file an insurance claim. Your New York car accident lawyer can assist you with the claims process and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. In the event the insurance company doesn’t offer an acceptable settlement, your New York City car crash lawyer can also fight for your rights in court.
If You’re Planning To File a Lawsuit
Filing a lawsuit can be overwhelming. You may need to fill out paperwork, gather evidence, and present the opposition with a demand letter, among other concerns. Trying to navigate this process alone can be difficult since you likely aren’t familiar with the legal processes involved.
A Queens car accident lawyer can guide you through your case. Your car accident attorney in New York has likely handled countless cases like yours, giving them the experience to guide you. They can explain the filing process, assist with any paperwork, contact the opposing party, and more.
Many lawsuits settle outside of court, but not all. Should your case go to trial, you’ll likely want an auto collision lawyer in NYC to represent you. Your attorney can build a strong case and argue it before a judge and jury, helping you pursue damages.
If You Want a Second Opinion on Your Case
Not every case is clear-cut. If, for example, you only sustained minor injuries in the accident, you may be unsure whether to file a lawsuit or a standard insurance claim.
Contacting an NY personal injury lawyer for car accidents can be incredibly beneficial in this sort of situation. An attorney can take a look at your case and offer recommendations for different courses of action. In addition, they can provide advice on how to navigate certain procedures, double-check that you’ve submitted a claim correctly, and offer additional assistance. By reaching out to a New York motor vehicle accident attorney, you can move forward with confidence.
What Are Some Signs You Should Contact a New York Car Accident Lawyer?
If you’re still struggling to determine whether you need an attorney, consider the following:
- Have you sustained severe injuries? Serious injuries often come with high medical bills, making pursuing fair compensation more of a priority. Working with an attorney can help you build a stronger case.
- Do you know how serious your injuries are? Sometimes, the extent of an injury is obvious after an accident, but not always. Some injuries may not manifest until much later, and even those may be more severe than you first realized. The insurance company can use this as an excuse to pay you a lower amount; working with an attorney will help you negotiate with them and potentially avoid this issue.
- Is your insurance company not cooperating? Have you noticed that your insurance company doesn’t seem to take your claim seriously? Do they keep coming back with low offers? Has the insurance company blamed you for the accident? If you find yourself struggling to work with them, you may want to contact an attorney for assistance.
Reach Out to a Car Accident Lawyer in New York To Learn More
If you are still wondering, “When should I hire a lawyer after a car accident?” request answers by reaching out to Elliot Ifraimoff & Associates, PC. We have extensive experience in this area of the law and can provide you with guidance. We’ll help you gather evidence, provide advice, and negotiate with insurance companies. We can even represent you in court if necessary. Call (718) 205-1010 or toll-free at (888) 275-3554 to request a free consultation. Speak to a New York car accident lawyer today.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that car accident cases can be confusing. You may have many questions, from how long you have to file a claim to how much it will cost when all is said and done. At Elliot Ifraimoff & Associates, PC, we want to provide you with answers. We’ve taken the time to discuss some frequently asked questions; if you want to learn more, please reach out.
How Many Car Accidents Occur in New York City on a Yearly Basis?
According to Forbes Advisor, 100,508 car accidents occurred in 2022 alone, with Brooklyn accounting for about 33% of those.
How Much Do Car Accidents Cost Americans Per Year?
Car accidents cost Americans billions of dollars; according to the NHTSA, crashes cost Americans $340 billion overall in 2019.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Car Accident Claim?
According to Nolo, the statute of limitations in New York is three years from the accident. While this may seem like plenty of time, it’s important to contact a New York car accident lawyer right away, as it’s beneficial to get the wheels in motion as quickly as possible should any unforeseen delays or obstacles arise.