When Do You Need to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
If you have been injured in a car accident, it can be difficult to know what you should do. New York police reported more than 2,600 motor vehicle accidents in Queens in July 2021, resulting in 1,355 injuries.
One of the key questions to ask yourself after a car accident is whether you need help from a Queens car accident lawyer. The answer depends on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries.
Your initial medical expenses should be covered by your Personal Injury Protection no-fault insurance policy or the no-fault insurance of the vehicle in which you were a passenger. This is mandatory insurance coverage in New York. If your injuries are more serious and your medical expenses exceed the limits of the no-fault insurance, then you should talk with a lawyer about your other options.
An experienced car accident attorney at The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C., can review the details of your Queens or Nassau County car accident and evaluate the sources of compensation available and whether filing a personal injury claim is in order.
Why Should You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer and When Is the Best Time to Do So?
New York’s rules regarding insurance compensation after a car accident can be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the claims process. New York is one of the states that uses a no-fault system to resolve most car accident claims.
Under New York’s no-fault laws, you’ll file a claim with your own insurance provider under your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy. Your no-fault insurance pays your medical bills, lost wages, and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses up to the limits of the policy.
Consult a Lawyer If You Have Serious Injuries or the Accident Has Severely Impacted Your Quality of Life
You cannot file a personal injury claim against the other driver after an accident in New York unless your injuries meet certain standards: Either you’ve incurred more than $50,000 in medical bills and lost wages or your injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold.
Under New York law, serious injuries include bone fractures, dismemberment, significant disfigurement, the permanent loss of use of a body organ or limb, or an injury that prevents you from performing your usual daily activities.
If your injuries meet these standards, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim against the other driver. If so, you will want to hire an experienced lawyer who can build a case for the full amount of compensation available by law.
What Should I Look for in a Car Accident Attorney?
If you’re looking for a car accident attorney, it’s important to hire a reputable lawyer who you feel comfortable talking to and who has experience handling cases similar to yours.
Here are some things to look for in a car accident lawyer:
- Experience – An experienced lawyer will have a clear understanding of the car accident claims process.
- Reputation – You want an attorney who is established and has been recognized by their peers.
- Results – You want an attorney who has a record of successful results.
- Readiness to go to trial – Most car accident claims are settled out of court, but it’s important to have a lawyer who is prepared to go to trial if necessary. The threat of a trial is often a point of leverage when it comes to negotiating with insurance companies.
- Cost – Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they’ll cover the costs associated with your case and receive a legal fee if they obtain compensation for you.
- Personality – You may be working with your attorney for a long time, so it’s important to be able to communicate and work effectively with them.
Should I Hire a Car Accident Attorney Following a Minor Car Accident?
If there are injuries and a dispute about who is at fault, you may want to have an attorney review the details and discuss your rights. A free initial consultation with an attorney can give you an idea of how to proceed after a crash.
If the accident involves only damage to your vehicles and the cost of vehicle repairs, you should be able to settle the claim without involving a lawyer.
What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do That I Can’t Do Myself?
A personal injury lawyer has years of legal training and knowledge of the claims process that non-lawyers typically do not have. This gives the attorney an advantage when it comes to navigating the claims process after a crash, such as identifying all the parties who may be liable for your injuries.
Many personal injury lawyers have access to resources that accident victims don’t have, such as accident investigators and expert medical witnesses. These resources can be crucial to helping you get fair compensation for your injuries.
In addition, a seasoned lawyer will be able to identify the full extent of compensation you may be owed and negotiate aggressively with the other side to protect your rights and interests.
A personal injury lawyer can start working on your case and gathering evidence while you are recovering from your injuries. If you’re in the hospital or in rehabilitation after a crash, you’re in no condition to go out and gather evidence or track down witnesses to support your claim. A car accident attorney can handle the investigation and paperwork while you focus on healing.
How The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C., Can Help
If you’ve been involved in a car accident with serious injuries in Queens or Nassau County, the lawyers at The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C., are ready to help you. Call our office today or visit our contact page for a free initial consultation.
About the Author
Boris Tadchiev
Boris Tadchiev is the founding partner at The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. He focuses his practice on advocating for the rights of individuals and families in personal injury cases involving motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, and wrongful death. He also represents healthcare providers in complex no-fault arbitration claims.