Working with a New York car accident lawyer after an accident may feel like a highly unfamiliar process. Many victims of car accidents have no experience with the legal system and have never retained an attorney before.
Remember that your lawyer’s goal is to help you protect your rights. They are on your side and will strive to make your legal process as stress-free as possible. But understanding what happens after you hire a lawyer can help you feel more confident moving forward.
Below, learn what to expect when you retain a car accident lawyer in New York.
Understanding the Process After Retaining a Car Accident Lawyer in New York
If you feel overwhelmed by the legal process and having to talk to insurance adjusters about your accident, you can expect a significant amount of relief upon hiring a car accident lawyer. These professionals can manage the entire legal and insurance process for you so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Sending a Letter of Representation to the Insurance Company
One of the first actions your attorney will take is sending a letter of representation to the insurance company and any other entities involved in your case. This letter informs them that the attorney is your legal representative and that all further communications should go through them. As a result, you shouldn’t have to worry about communicating with insurance adjusters or other parties yourself moving forward.
Identifying Potentially Liable Parties
Your New York car accident lawyer will start breaking down the details of your car accident to identify all potentially liable parties who may owe you compensation. This could include the at-fault driver, other drivers or pedestrians involved, manufacturers, government entities, and more.
Attorneys thoroughly understand New York car accident laws and liability statutes and can reliably apply them to your case. This step is important for exploring all of your avenues for seeking compensation.
Filing Claims on Your Behalf
As your legal representative, an injury lawyer in New York can file claims on your behalf against the liable parties they have identified. They can gather all necessary paperwork and conduct the legal steps necessary to initiate claims.
Recopilación de pruebas
Your attorney will also get right to work gathering evidence to support your case. This may include submitting requests for documentation from the defendant, requesting medical records from your providers, collecting any photos or videos of the crash and its aftermath, speaking with witnesses, and more.
Negociación con la compañía de seguros
Attorneys are often skilled negotiators who know how to effectively fight for their clients’ rights. Your attorney may begin negotiations with the insurance company or other defendants to seek a fair settlement offer and potentially avoid going to court.
Attending Settlement Discussions and Hearings With You
Your attorney will be by your side at every court appearance, settlement meeting, and other conference or conversation about your case. They can speak on your behalf and take the stress off your shoulders.
Keeping You Informed About the Compensation Process
Throughout your case, you’ll receive ongoing updates from your New York car accident lawyer. While every attorney has a different communication style, you can expect to hear from them routinely when there is any news about your case, or just to reassure you that they are still waiting to hear back from someone.
Speak With an Auto Accident Lawyer in New York Today
As many as 136,913 emergency department visits occur each year in New York State due to motor vehicle accident injuries, or the equivalent of 696.6 out of every 100,000 New Yorkers. Of those injured, approximately 12,093 require hospitalization each year.
If you were one of the New Yorkers injured in a car accident this year, you may be facing significant expenses and a long road to recovery. A New York car accident lawyer can guide your next steps and take the burden of the legal process off your shoulders.
At Elliot Ifraimoff & Associates, PC, we represent car accident victims through insurance claims and lawsuits. Whether you are wondering what happens after hiring a car accident lawyer or are ready to hire an attorney, our process starts with a free consultation.
Call our firm today at 718-205-1010 to request your consultation, then check out our guide to choosing the right car accident lawyer.
Preguntas frecuentes
How long does it take for a lawyer to settle a car accident case?
The timeline for settling a car accident case can vary significantly, from a few months to over a year. When you hire an injury lawyer, they can handle much of this process for you and help you properly evaluate settlement offers. They can also take steps to streamline your case, such as checking in with insurance adjusters and other parties regularly to nudge them toward a settlement offer.
Is it a good idea to hire a lawyer after a car accident?
It is often a good idea to hire a lawyer after a car accident. These legal professionals can help you explore all of your options for seeking compensation and guide you through the process. They could help you maximize your payout and provide a significant amount of stress relief during an overwhelming time in your life.
What percentage of car accident lawsuits go to court?
Reports estimate that only around 4% to 5% of car accident lawsuits actually go to court. The others settle out of court, meaning both parties reach a settlement agreement without a judge’s intervention. Your attorney will prepare as if your case will go to trial, but they may also advise you about accepting a settlement offer.
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
The cost to hire a New York car accident lawyer can vary significantly depending on the attorney’s fee structure. Many attorneys work on contingency, meaning you may not owe them any money unless they successfully recover a settlement on your behalf.