Consult a car accident lawyer in New York after a crash, and they’ll review your options. Depending on the severity of the accident and your injuries, you could recover extensive damages for your pain and suffering. Discover the possible financial compensation you may receive in this comprehensive guide from the car accident lawyer New York locals trust.
Focus on Medical Expenses in Your Car Accident Lawsuit in New York
According to the CDC, the average medical costs following a motor vehicle accident are $14,126. You may incur the cost of a one-time visit to the emergency room or face ongoing medical expenses in the aftermath of a collision. Speak with a professional car accident attorney in New York to determine all of the damages you can claim, including:
- Hospital bills and initial treatment costs: The sum of ambulance rides, surgeries, and hospitalizations is part of a personal injury settlement.
- Prescriptions and equipment: When your recovery requires expensive medication or equipment, such as wheelchairs and other medical devices, you may include them in your accident claim.
- Transportation expenses: A competent car accident lawyer in New York will advocate for your medical costs to include transportation assistance, such as the cost of taking a taxi to doctor’s appointments.
- Long-term rehabilitation costs: Serious injuries often call for continued treatment. If you have months of physical therapy ahead of you or similar long-term treatments, you can have insurance companies include it in their settlement.
Don’t hesitate to seek medical care immediately after a collision, as failing to receive treatment may affect your claim. For example, a rear-end accident lawyer in NYC relies on medical records and billing statements when advocating for whiplash victims. Don’t write off seemingly minor injuries in case they end up affecting your health in the long run.
Account for Property Damage
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that over 4.2 million car accidents in 2022 had no injuries but only property damage. This figure represents a 2.5% decrease from the prior year, but impacted motorists incur major costs. According to the National Safety Council, the average cost of property damage per vehicle is $6,100.
An NYC motor vehicle accident attorney will negotiate with insurance companies to pay for damage to your personal property, including your vehicle and valuable items inside it.
Don’t Forget About Lost Wages
In a car accident lawsuit, New York legal counsel considers the victim’s earning capacity. Say a serious crash leaves you in the hospital for a week, and a lengthy recovery period renders you unable to work for several months. A Bronx auto injury attorney will advocate for you to receive fair compensation for your lost wages.
Are you the sole provider of your household and can’t work due to an accident? A trusted car accident lawyer in New York understands this change in lifestyle and includes your diminished earning capacity in their proposed settlement sum.
Seek Non-Economic Pain and Suffering Damages
When you work with a New York no-fault insurance attorney, they’ll advocate for you to receive financial support because of your accident-related pain and suffering. You can’t look at hospital bills or mechanic invoices to determine how much these damages are worth. However, personal injury attorneys will determine an appropriate amount based on:
- The severity of your injuries
- Your health prognosis
- The injury’s effect on your life
You may be entitled to a larger payout if you face a life-threatening injury or end up permanently disabled. A broken leg will eventually heal and temporarily disrupt your normal routine. A leg amputation, on the other hand, renders you with lifelong disability and presents significant lifestyle challenges.
Punitive Damages May Also Be Available
New York car accident laws allow punitive damages to be part of a personal injury settlement. A judge may award punitive damages in a trial when the victim’s injuries stem from another person’s reckless or egregious behavior. For example, if a drunk driver strikes you, they could be responsible for paying a small portion of your settlement.
Survivors Can Claim Damages in a Wrongful Death Case
When consulting a car accident lawyer, New York locals don’t have to be the victim. Attorneys help a deceased victim’s family seek compensation by filing a wrongful death lawsuit. The damages in these cases often include:
- Funeral expenses: Families can hold the appropriate party responsible for a loved one’s death and recover damages for their funeral costs.
- Reduced household income: Losing your household’s main provider in a car accident grants you the right to future financial support.
- Loss of consortium: Surviving spouses typically seek compensation for the loss of companionship following someone’s untimely death.
Consult a Trusted Car Accident Lawyer in Queens, NY
When you need a reputable Queens car wreck lawyer, turn to Elliot Ifraimoff & Associates, PC. Our attorneys cover several areas of personal injury law, including auto, bike, and pedestrian accidents.
Discuss your case by calling (718) 205-1010 or submitting our online request form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about seeking compensation with the help of a Manhattan car crash lawyer. Our legal professionals answer common questions below.
What If I’m At Fault in an Auto Accident?
Don’t admit fault unless you consult an attorney. They’ll review evidence to establish liability.
Will My Settlement Cover Legal Fees?
Many personal injury attorneys don’t charge for their services unless they recover damages for their clients. You won’t have to worry about paying costly legal fees up front under this payment structure. Attorneys will claim a percentage of your final settlement amount as reimbursement.
Can a Car Accident Attorney in New York Help With a Wrongful Death Case?
Yes, a car accident lawyer in New York will assist you with a wrongful death claim if you lose a loved one in a collision. The damages in these cases pertain to funeral costs plus loss of financial support and companionship for surviving family members.
How Do You Determine Liability in a Motor Vehicle Wreck?
Lawyers establish fault by gathering substantial evidence. Understanding self-driving car accident liability becomes a central issue for counsel in today’s advanced world.