New York auto accident law firm Accident Law

An attorney who handles car accidents is your advocate and will ensure that your side of the story is heard. They will negotiate with the insurance provider and present your case in before a judge and jury, if required.

Some states follow a traditional tort liability system and some have no fault or add to the auto accident lawyer insurance laws. There are strict time limits known as statutes which must be followed.

Fault

Determining fault is an essential aspect of the legal and insurance claims process. In some cases, like rear-end collisions, or other similar situations, it could seem obvious, but in many other instances, it's not. The determination of fault is based upon state laws and the facts of each incident. Certain states employ pure comparative negligence, in which the percentage of fault you are responsible for in an accident determines what damages you are entitled to claim.

If you're found to be more than 51% accountable however, you might still have the chance to recover some of your damages with additional coverage such as MedPay or PIP policies. In addition, some states apply modified comparative responsibility. These laws permit injured motorists to make use of their own insurance coverage to cover costs, even if are found to be partially responsible for the accident.

It's normal to be angry and try to blame someone else following an accident. However, this could cause costly mistakes over the long term. A good lawyer can help you avoid these traps and get the answers you require quickly and efficiently.

Damages

Damages are monetary payments that help a victim to make up for the financial loss they suffered due to another party's negligent actions. The type of compensation offered can cover a variety of losses, like medical costs as well as lost wages or income and damage to property of vehicles. A lawyer for car accidents will review receipts, invoices and other financial documents to accurately determine the amount of damages you're entitled to.

Non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify and often comprise intangible losses such as pain and suffering. This kind of compensation is frequently subject to devaluation by insurance providers and it is imperative to consult with a knowledgeable lawyer to ensure that your damages are fairly valued.

In New York, if you suffered serious injuries, or if your losses were greater than the limits of your insurance policy you may be able to get out of the no-fault system by suing for all your non-economic and economic damages as well as suffering and pain. However, since New York is a comparative negligence state, your recovery will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. A skilled lawyer will be able to maximize your compensation for damages.

Statute of Limitations

In a car accident, the statutes of limitations are the time frames that you must sue to recover damages. Typically, it is three years, but may differ depending on the nature of lawsuit and the state's laws.

Statutes of limitation are important because they ensure that claims brought in court will be properly investigated before the deadline expires. After that time it could be difficult to find witnesses. Physical artifacts, such as tire marks and other debris could disappear or become eroded and public records could be lost.

As time passes, witnesses also tend to forget important details. It would be unreasonable to think that eyewitnesses would recall all the details of a accident that occurred 15 years ago. A statute of limitations prohibits plaintiffs from filing a lawsuit too early after the incident because it could bias the jury against them. This is why it's crucial to speak with a New York car accident lawyer and begin the process as soon as possible.

Insurance

New York law requires all drivers to have car insurance. This type of insurance is designed to cover the policy holder and their passengers for their economic losses in the event of an accident, regardless of who was at fault. This type of insurance is also known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or no-fault insurance.

In addition to PIP, most New York policies include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This type of insurance provides compensation to victims injured by an uninsured, underinsured, or uninsured motorist or in a hit-and-run accident. UM/UIM coverage is usually offered with a minimum of $25,000 per person or $50,000 per accident.

The policyholder is protected by Bodily Injury liability in the event that an outside party sues them for damages, including medical bills and property damage. Third parties may also be able to claim suffering and pain for injuries that are serious enough. Third-party claims are, however, the majority they are resolved by insurance companies. Bringing a skilled lawyer on board can ensure that you recover the maximum amount of damages that are available to you.

Contact an attorney

Car accidents can be stressful and expensive with everything from vehicle damages to medical bills to lost wages. An attorney can help determine who was at fault for the accident and pursue compensation from the party responsible.

A lawyer can also guarantee that your claim will cover all your losses and expenses. They will consider your future and present financial expenses as along with physical and emotional stress. They will also take into account the impact of the injuries you sustained on your health.

In New York, you may be eligible for compensation under your policy's Uninsured Motorist coverage (UM) in the event that the negligent driver wasn't insured or carried the minimum amount required by the law. An attorney can help you understand this option.

It is essential to choose an experienced lawyer for auto accident lawsuits accidents. Their experience and training put them in an ideal position to get you the money you need. The insurer of the defendant will know that your attorney is willing to try the case, which often leads to an increased settlement offer.