Car accidents can leave you with traumatic and overwhelming physical injuries, emotional distress, and a complex legal situation to navigate. After a collision, you need to know when to seek legal representation to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when deciding whether to hire a car accident lawyer.
Table of contents
- Understanding the Importance of Seeking Legal Representation
- Signs That You Should Seek Legal Representation After a Car Accident
- The Core Legal Elements of a Car Accident Claim
- Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
- Steps to Take After a Car Accident Before Contacting a Lawyer
- How to Choose the Right Car Accident Lawyer
- Common Mistakes to Avoid when Seeking Legal Representation
- The Role of a Car Accident Lawyer in the Claims Process
- The Tricks and Deceptions of the Insurance Company
- Compensation You Can Recovery in Your Claim
- Why You Should Choose the William Mattar Law Offices
- Our Strategy for Building an Aggressive and Effective Legal Claim
- The Insurance Company Expects You to Settle for Less
- Contact Us to Receive a Free Case Evaluation
Understanding the Importance of Seeking Legal Representation
After a car accident, you may be tempted to handle the claims process on your own, but this can be a costly mistake. Insurance companies are often more concerned with their bottom line than your well-being, and they may try to minimize the value of your claim or even deny it altogether.
An experienced car accident lawyer can level the playing field, protecting your rights and recovering the full compensation you deserve under the law.
Signs That You Should Seek Legal Representation After a Car Accident
Several signs indicate you should seek legal representation after a car accident:
- Serious Injuries: If you have sustained significant injuries, such as broken bones, head trauma, or spinal cord damage, you should consult with a car accident lawyer. These types of injuries often require extensive medical treatment and can have long-term consequences, making it crucial to have an advocate on your side.
- Liability Disputes: If there is a dispute over who was at fault for the accident, a car accident lawyer can help investigate the incident and build a strong case to support your position.
- Difficulty Negotiating with the Insurance Company: Insurance companies are notorious for trying to lowball claimants or deny claims altogether – often unjustifiably. A car accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring that you receive a fair settlement.
- Ongoing Medical Treatment: If you require ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation, a car accident lawyer can help you secure the necessary resources and ensure that your medical expenses are covered. For example, an attorney can help you make a claim for economic losses that are not covered by no-fault insurance.
The Core Legal Elements of a Car Accident Claim
Four core legal principles govern car accident claims:
- Negligence: To establish liability, you must prove that the other driver's negligence, such as distracted driving or reckless behavior, was acause of the accident.
- Damages: You must be able to demonstrate the financial, physical, and emotional damages you have incurred due to the accident, such as pain and suffering.
- Statute of Limitations: New York has a specific timeframe, known as the statute of limitations, within which you must file a claim. Failing to do so can result in your case being dismissed.
- Comparative Negligence: In New York, your compensation may be reduced if you are found to have contributed to the accident in any way.
A car accident lawyer can help you navigate these complex legal principles and ensure that your claim is filed correctly and within the appropriate time frame.
Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
Hiring a car accident lawyer can provide you with numerous benefits, including:
- Negotiating With the Insurance Company: Car accident lawyers have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies and know how to maximize the value of your claim.
- Gathering Evidence: Your lawyer can work to gather the necessary evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, and medical records, to build a strong case.
- Determining the Full Extent of Your Damages: A car accident lawyer can help you calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical expenses and lost earning potential.
- Representing You in Court: If your case goes to trial, your lawyer can provide legal representation and advocate on your behalf.
- Reducing Stress and Worry: Your lawyer can handle the legal aspects of a car accident, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident Before Contacting a Lawyer
Before contacting a car accident lawyer, to protect your rights and preserve evidence:
- Seek Medical Attention: Immediately seek medical attention, even if you don't believe your injuries are severe. This will ensure that you receive the necessary treatment.
- Document the Accident: If safe and practicable, take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle. Collect the contact information of any witnesses and obtain a copy of the police report.
- Avoid Discussing the Accident: Refrain from discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company, as your statements could be used against you. An experienced attorney can advise what communications may be necessary to ensure you receive the insurance coverage to which you are legally entitled.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance company about the accident.
- Refrain from Signing Documents: Do not sign a settlement agreement without first consulting with a car accident lawyer.
How to Choose the Right Car Accident Lawyer
Selecting the right car accident lawyer is crucial to the success of your case. Consider the following factors when choosing a lawyer:
- Experience: Look for a lawyer with a proven track record of successfully handling car accident cases. Also, choose a lawyer who is well-experienced in personal injury law and has a deep understanding of the complexities of car accident claims.
- Communication: Ensure you choose a responsive, communicative lawyer who keeps you informed throughout the legal process.
- Resources: Determine whether the law firm has the necessary resources to build a strong case.
- Reputation: Research the lawyer's reputation within the legal community and among past clients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid when Seeking Legal Representation
When seeking legal representation after a car accident, avoid the following common mistakes:
- Waiting Too Long to Hire a Lawyer: Delaying the process of hiring a car accident lawyer can make it more difficult to gather evidence and meet important deadlines.
- Accepting the First Settlement Offer: Insurance companies often make low-ball settlement offers in the hopes that you will accept them. A car accident lawyer can help you negotiate a fair settlement.
- Failing to Disclose All Relevant Information: Be completely honest and transparent with your lawyer about the details of the accident and your injuries. Withholding information can weaken your case.
- Neglecting to Follow Medical Advice: Failing to attend scheduled medical appointments or follow the recommended treatment plan can be used by the insurance company to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
- Attempting to Handle the Claim Alone: Trying to navigate the complex legal system and negotiate with the insurance company on your own can be an uphill battle. A car accident lawyer can level the playing field and ensure that your rights are protected.
The Role of a Car Accident Lawyer in the Claims Process
A car accident lawyer plays a critical role throughout the claims process, from the initial investigation to the final resolution of your case. Your lawyer will:
- Investigate the Accident: A lawyer can gather evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, and medical records, to build a strong case.
- Negotiate with the Insurance Company: A lawyer can handle all communication and negotiations with the insurance company, ensuring that you receive a fair settlement.
- Determine the Full Extent of Your Damages: A lawyer can work with medical professionals to accurately calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical expenses and lost earning potential.
- Represent You in Court: If your case goes to trial, a lawyer can provide legal representation and advocate on your behalf.
- Ensure Compliance with Deadlines and Procedures: A lawyer can ensure that your case is filed within the appropriate timeframe and that necessary paperwork and documentation is submitted correctly.
The Tricks and Deceptions of the Insurance Company
Insurance companies are often more concerned with their bottom line than your well-being.
They may use various tactics to try to minimize the value of your claim or deny it altogether, such as:
- Downplaying the Severity of Your Injuries: The insurance company may try to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim, or that they are pre-existing conditions.
- Questioning the Necessity of Medical Treatment: The insurance company may question the necessity of certain medical treatments or procedures, to reduce the amount they have to pay.
- Delaying the Claims Process: Insurance companies may intentionally drag out the claims process, hoping that you will become frustrated and accept a lower settlement offer.
- Offering a Quick Settlement: The insurance company may offer a quick settlement, often before you have had a chance to fully understand the extent of your injuries and damages. This is a tactic to get you to accept a lower amount.
- Denying Liability: The insurance company may try to shift the blame for the accident onto you, to deny your claim altogether.
A car accident lawyer can help you navigate these tactics and ensure that you receive the full compensation you are entitled to under the law.
Compensation You Can Recovery in Your Claim
The compensation you can recover in a car accident claim can vary depending on the specific details of your case, but may include:
- Medical Expenses: This includes past, present, and future medical expenses related to your injuries, such as hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and ongoing treatment not covered by no-fault insurance.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries have prevented you from working, you may be able to recover lost wages and future earning potential not covered by no-fault insurance.
- Pain and Suffering: You may be able to recover compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering you have experienced as a result of the accident.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the other driver's behavior was particularly egregious, such as driving under the influence, you may be able to recover punitive damages.
A car accident lawyer can help you understand the full range of compensation you may be entitled to and work to maximize the value of your claim.
Why You Should Choose the William Mattar Law Offices
At the William Mattar Law Offices, we have a proven track record of successfully representing clients in car accident cases.
Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to providing personalized and aggressive legal representation to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Our Strategy for Building an Aggressive and Effective Legal Claim
Our approach to building a successful car accident claim involves:
- Thorough Investigation: We will thoroughly investigate the accident, gathering all necessary evidence to build a strong case.
- Comprehensive Damages Calculation: We will work with medical professionals to accurately calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical expenses and lost earning potential.
- Aggressive Negotiation: We will negotiate tirelessly with the insurance company to ensure that you receive a fair settlement.
- Skilled Legal Representation: If your case goes to trial, we will provide skilled legal representation and advocate on your behalf.
The Insurance Company Expects You to Settle for Less
The insurance company is counting on you to settle for less than you deserve. They may try to take advantage of your lack of legal knowledge or the stress of the situation.
By choosing the William Mattar Law Offices, you can level the playing field and protect your rights.
Contact Us to Receive a Free Case Evaluation
If you were involved in a car accident, don't hesitate to contact William Mattar Law Offices for a free case evaluation.
Our team of experienced car accident lawyers is ready to advocate for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to speak to a member of our legal team.