Car Accident Lawyer in Queens, NY
If you have been involved in a car accident in Queens, you may have serious, painful injuries. Your car may be a total loss. You may even be out of work because of the crash. During this difficult period, your recovery can seem overwhelming and unending.
At times like this, remember that help is just a phone call away.
Our firm has helped car collision victims throughout Queens seek the compensation they need for medical bills, lost income, and other losses they have suffered.
No matter what kind of injuries your car accident caused, our firm can help to take the pressure off you. We will give you the personalized service and full attention you deserve. We will work every day to pursue the compensation you need. We will aggressively negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your compensation. Our mission is to tirelessly advocate for your recovery.
In negotiations or at trial, trust the Queens car accident attorneys at The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C., to help you. To get your free case review, contact us today.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Queens, NY
Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience. Taking the right steps afterward is crucial to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. Here’s what you need to do after a car accident:
- Call the police: Even for minor accidents, it’s important to have an official accident report. Call the local police or state highway patrol to report the accident.
- Take photos: Use your phone to take photos of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, any damage, and any road signs or signals that may be relevant.
- Look for witnesses: If there are any witnesses to the accident, ask for their names and contact information.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately apparent.
- Report the accident to your insurance company: Notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, but avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault.
- Keep records: Keep all documentation related to the accident and your injuries, including medical bills, repair estimates, and any other relevant information.
- Consult with a personal injury attorney: Contact a personal injury attorney in Queens, NY to discuss your case and explore your legal options. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process, deal with insurance companies, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
How a Car Accident Lawyer in Queens Can Help You
At The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C., we are committed to helping people who have been injured in a car accident in Queens, NY whether it was a side impact accident, rollover accident, head-on collision, leased car accident, or a rental car accident. We understand what a car accident can take from you, and we know how to build the car accident claim you deserve.
Too many people try to handle car accident claims on their own, but a car accident lawyer can help in different ways that can lead to a solid case, such as:
- Valuing your car accident claim – After a car accident, some people accept an insurance payout regardless of how small it may be. Those car accident victims may not understand what their case is actually worth or what compensation they deserve. Our car accident attorneys have experience handling car accident claims. We can help you understand your compensation options.
- Answering your questions about your case – An auto accident lawyer can answer any questions you have about your claim and how to move forward. New York laws can be complex, but our attorneys have knowledge of the law and experience handling car accident claims. As you recover, let our car accident attorneys reduce your stress by handling the paperwork and court filings of your claim.
- Negotiating with the insurance companies – Just like other businesses, insurance companies are focused on their bottom line. They will use every tool at their disposal to minimize what they have to pay out for your damages. A Queens car accident attorney knows how to handle insurance companies and will work to maximize the compensation you receive.
- Providing professional legal skills if your claim goes to trial – If the responsible parties will not provide the compensation you deserve, your car accident case may head to trial. An experienced personal injury attorney can make all the difference in the world by preparing court filings and fighting in court for your right to compensation.
Can I Get Full Compensation For My Car Accident Claim?
After an auto accident, a car accident lawyer knows how to pursue the full compensation you deserve. That may include compensation for:
- Medical costs for treating your injuries and for managing them in the future
- The income and wages you lost as well as any harm to your future earnings
- Property losses, including your vehicle and other personal items
- Pain and suffering that you experience because of your injuries
- The wrongful death of a loved one, including the loss of their support and their final expenses
Under New York law, these and many other types of compensation may be available in your car accident claim. If you have questions, reach out to one of our car accident attorneys in Queens.
Client Testimonials on Car Accidents
I highly recommend this law firm! They handled everything efficiently and went above and beyond to get the best results for my case! Christian was very helpful and a pleasure to work with!
Extremely professional and efficient. Simon was my representative and was very attentive throughout the entire process of my case! He kept me updated at all times and made my experience seamless. Also a huge thank you to Christian he also was there for me when needed ! Boris keep it up your team is amazing
Everyone has been great, they made the whole process very easy and they’ve always been welcoming and answering any questions I have. I highly recommend this law firm 100%
New York Is a No-Fault State
“No-fault” describes a type of auto insurance. A no-fault insurance plan pays for the damage from a car accident, regardless of which motorist was at fault. Under a no-fault plan, your insurance company will handle your claim and pay for your damages and injuries. The other person’s insurance company will do the same. For example, if you are driving your car and another motorist collides with you, your own no-fault insurance would cover you up to your policy limit.
No-fault insurance is mandated by the state of New York and may cover important car accident-related costs. The minimum coverage for no-fault insurance in New York is $50,000. That amount can be used for medical bills, lost income, certain household expenses, and death benefits if someone is killed in the car accident. To qualify for no-fault insurance, you must file a claim within 30 days of the accident unless you can prove you could not comply with that requirement.
What If You Were Partly at Fault for Your Car Crash?
New York follows what is known as a comparative fault rule. Under that rule, any compensation you win for your claim may be reduced by the amount you were at fault. For example, if a court determines that you were 25 percent at fault for a car accident, then the court would reduce your compensation by 25 percent.
When you are building your claim, you will need to understand how the crash happened and whether you were at fault for any part of the car accident.
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What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit?
New York sets time limits on car accident lawsuits. These time limits are known as statutes of limitations. Under New York’s statute of limitations, you usually have up to three years after a car accident to file your lawsuit. If someone close to you is killed by injuries from a car accident, you normally have two years from the date of that person’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Depending on the facts of your case, these time limits may be longer or shorter. That’s why it is vital to talk with a Queens auto accident lawyer after you are injured. An accident attorney can discuss the time limit that applies to your claim.
Protecting Your Rights After a Car Accident
Following a car accident, take these steps to help protect your rights:
- Get in touch with police and medical services for the care you need.
- Photograph the accident scene and the vehicles that were involved.
- Collect witness contact information.
- Avoid discussing the accident with others who were involved.
- Do not discuss the accident or your injuries on social media.
- Talk with a Queens car accident attorney about your options.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Major injuries after a car accident include:
- Head injuries – Even with all of the car safety improvements in recent years, head injuries are still common in car accidents such as head-on collisions. Head injuries, particularly brain injuries, may take time to show up and may lead to years of medical and psychological problems.
- Neck injuries – A car accident can easily harm your neck leaving you with long-term pain and impairment. Even a low-speed rear-end accident can result in painful whiplash that can last for months or years.
- Spinal cord injuries – All spinal cord injuries are serious and can lead to impairment, paralysis, and even death. Although modern medicine has made major progress in treating spinal cord injuries, some of those injuries cannot be repaired.
- Broken bones and ribs – The force of a car accident can lead to fractured bones. These fractures may leave you with pain and impaired movement.
- Scarring and disfigurement – Flying objects, glass, and sharp edges can leave accident victims with severe wounds and permanent scars. Surgeries may repair some of the damage, but many victims are left with permanent injuries.
- Bleeding, including bleeding from internal injuries – Blood loss often occurs in car accidents. If the bleeding is internal, complex and costly surgeries may be required. Significant blood loss can result in coma, organ failure, or death.
- Burns – The fluids and gasoline in a vehicle sometimes ignite after a car accident and cause life-threatening burns. Victims who suffer serious burns may need long-term hospital stays and painful surgeries to repair the damage.
- Lasting pain and emotional injuries – Car accidents can lead to long-term pain and deep emotional harm. Anxiety, stress, fear, and depression are common among victims of serious car accidents.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Common causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted driving – Cell phones, in-car entertainment systems, and other distractions take drivers’ attention away from the road. When drivers pay more attention to their devices than the road, a car collision can be a painful result.
- Drunk or intoxicated driving – New York laws prohibit the operation of a vehicle while a motorist is intoxicated or impaired by drugs. Despite those laws, some motorists still engage in that illegal conduct. Drunk and intoxicated driving can cause a serious car accident and leave victims with serious and sometimes fatal injuries.
- Speeding – Speed limits exist for a simple reason: to keep you and other New York motorists safe. When people fail to follow the speed limit, major car accidents – even deadly ones – can occur.
- Failure to follow traffic laws – Too many drivers ignore the rules of the road and drive recklessly leading to horrific accidents that could have been avoided.
- Tailgating – As part of a driver’s education course, motorists are taught to keep a safe distance from other cars. Nevertheless, rear end collisions occur all too frequently. Serious accidents are the result.
- Driving inappropriately for weather conditions – People in Queens and New York understand how the weather can change and what that means for their commutes. Unfortunately, some motorists choose to ignore the dangerous impact that weather can have on New York’s roads and highways.
- Equipment failures – Not all car accidents are the fault of the driver. In some cases, a tire blowout, a brake failure, or another part malfunction can cause injuries. In those cases, the car manufacturer, the part manufacturer, or the repair shop may be liable for a motorist’s injuries.
- Damage to the roadway or objects on the road – When you’re driving, it’s always best to expect the unexpected. Potholes, objects that fall from other vehicles, or even pedestrians can unexpectedly appear in a driver’s path and cause a serious car accident.
Talk to an Experienced Queens Car Accident Lawyer Now
Call 718-606-4931 if you have been injured in a car accident in Queens, NY. A car accident lawyer at The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. will handle your case with expertise. We serve as aggressive advocates for car accident victims in Queens. Our goal is to deliver the personalized attention and service that you deserve. We are ready to fight every day to help you maximize your compensation. You can rest easy knowing your case is in good hands.
We charge no fees unless we win for you, and we offer a free case review to answer any questions you may have. For your free case review, call us today or reach out online.
Car Accident FAQs
Car Accident FAQs
What Shouldn’t You Do After a Car Accident?
It is a mistake not to contact the police and to see a doctor promptly after a car accident. You should provide the police and the other driver with your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance information. You also should report the crash to your auto insurer within 24 hours. When you speak to the police and insurance company, it is important not to blame anyone for the accident and not to downplay your injuries. Insurance adjusters may use your words against you to discount your claim and avoid paying you compensation for your injuries and other losses. If you don’t require emergency medical treatment, you should visit a doctor within 24 hours of a car accident for an evaluation. In addition to providing medical care, a doctor’s diagnosis will document your injuries for a potential claim. If you have suffered significant injuries in a car accident, you should contact a car accident lawyer.
Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident?
Yes, you should contact a lawyer if you have been injured in a car accident badly enough to require hospital care or if you have lost income because your injuries prevent you from working. A car accident attorney can help you seek compensation if you sustained serious injuries and your medical bills exceed the limits of your Medical Payments insurance. Your lawyer will investigate to determine who is responsible for the accident, calculate all of the compensation you are owed, and negotiate with the responsible insurers for a proper payout to cover your losses.
Can I Recover Money if I Was Involved in a No-Fault Accident in New York?
New York is a no-fault state, which means car owners are required to maintain car insurance that pays for their medical bills after a crash, regardless of who was at fault for the crash. No-fault insurance programs are meant to reduce car accident lawsuits. However, New York also allows someone who has suffered serious injuries in a car accident to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s auto liability insurance. An injured party may pursue compensation for additional monetary losses and for pain and suffering through a personal injury lawsuit. To qualify as serious, injuries must cause:
- Bone fracture
- Significant disfigurement
- Permanent limitation of use of a body organ or member
- A significant limitation of the use of a body function or system, or
- Substantially full disability for 90 days.
If you have a serious injury and unpaid losses from a car accident that was not your fault, you should speak to an experienced New York car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
How Do I Choose an Attorney for My Car Accident?
You will fare better if you choose a car accident lawyer in Queens, N.Y. attorney who has experience settling auto accident cases out of court and taking cases to trial. The Tadchiev Law Firm has the resources and staff necessary to do everything possible to pursue a proper settlement or jury verdict for you. You may find a lawyer by asking friends and associates for a referral or by searching online, such as with the phrase “car accident lawyer in Queens, NY.” Take the time to read a few law firms’ websites. Read client reviews in the firm’s Google business profile. Contact a law firm for a free consultation about your accident, and see how comfortable you might be working with them.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost in New York?
Personal injury lawyers, including car accident attorneys, generally work on a contingency fee arrangement. They only charge a fee if they recover money for you through a settlement or court award. If there is a recovery, a car accident lawyer in New York may charge up to 33% of the amount recovered, plus expenses incurred to handle the case.
Should I Settle My Case or Take it to Trial?
Most car accident cases are without going to trial. The advantages of a settlement are that the case is concluded, and your lawyer will have a check for you in a matter of days. If you go to trial, it takes much longer. It could be a year or more before a trial is scheduled on the court calendar, and the outcome is unpredictable. Trial verdicts can be appealed, extending the time spent on the case. Once our attorneys have determined what you are owed and who owes you, we will present their insurer with a demand letter stating the payment you are due and outlining the evidence supporting your claim. We will start negotiations toward a settlement agreement and present all reasonable settlement offers to you, and whether to accept will be your decision.
How Long Do Car Accident Settlements Take?
Before we present a settlement demand to an insurance company, we have to calculate the full amount of your accident-related expenses and losses. In most claims, the majority of the money we recover is for medical bills. It is important to wait until you have made a full medical recovery or reached a point at which doctors can make a prognosis of the future care you will need. This will depend on the type and severity of your injuries. A case with more severe injuries and a lengthy recovery could take months or longer to resolve.
How Long After a Car Accident Can I File a Lawsuit?
New York’s statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits is three years from the date of injury. For a wrongful death claim, a family member has only two years to file a lawsuit. This may seem like plenty of time, but investigating, compiling evidence, and determining who should be held liable are time-consuming tasks. A car accident injury must meet New York’s definition of a serious injury for the injured person to be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit. It is best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible if you have been injured in a car accident.
How Will I Be Compensated in a Car Accident Case?
The objective of a claim is to make you financially whole, which means that you should not have lost money because of medical bills and other costs related to your injuries or missed work. New York personal injury law allows an injured party to be compensated for their pain and suffering. In cases of disabling injuries, we work with specialized financial analysts and economists to project the cost of ongoing medical and personal care needs as well as lost income over our client’s lifetime. Compensation recovered in a car accident lawsuit depends on the ability to demonstrate liability, the severity of the injuries suffered, and the amount of insurance coverage available.
What If the At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Enough Insurance Coverage To Compensate the Victims?
If you are injured by an underinsured motorist, you may be able to recover compensation through your own auto insurance. New York requires car owners to maintain personal injury protection auto insurance, which provides coverage after an accident regardless of who is responsible for the crash. At a minimum, you should hold coverage that provides up to $50,000 for any medical/health expenses, lost earnings, and certain other reasonable and necessary expenses related to your injuries. New York car owners must also hold uninsured motorists protection, which pays if you are injured by a motorist who does not have insurance. Its coverage is to provide at least $25,000 for a single victim’s bodily injury (not resulting in death), $50,000 for bodily injury sustained by two or more persons in any one accident, and $100,000 for any injuries resulting in death sustained by two or more persons in any one accident.
How Much Should I Get for Pain and Suffering from a Car Accident?
It is not possible to predict how much compensation you can expect to recover in a car accident claim. It depends on many factors, including the severity of the injuries. Pain and suffering payments are based on how badly the victim’s ability to enjoy daily life and relationships has been affected. Part of an attorney’s job is to persuade insurers or a jury of the amount of pain and suffering you have endured. In New York, a jury or insurer will typically calculate a pain and suffering award by applying a multiplier to the amount awarded as “economic damages,” or payment for bills, lost income, and other costs that can be specifically quantified. Depending on the severity of pain and suffering, damages may be calculated with a multiplier from 1.5 to 5.