What to Do After an Accident Injury

What to Do After an Accident Injury

In New York, if you’ve suffered an injury in an accident, you’re likely dealing with physical pain, medical bills, and possibly even lost wages from missed work. Once the immediate chaos of the accident subsides and you’ve had a chance to seek medical care, you might start to wonder about what comes next. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer can alleviate much of this burden. 

After an accident, your primary focus should be on recovery. Unfortunately, dealing with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and filing claims can quickly add to your stress. Many accident victims are unsure of their rights or whether they even have a valid claim to pursue compensation.

At William Mattar Law Offices, we understand what it takes to build a strong case, and we’re here to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible for you. We’re here to talk with you about your options and how a personal injury attorney can help you navigate the path to recovery and compensation.

FREE CASE EVALUATION

Types of Accident Claims We Handle

At William Mattar Law Offices, we focus primarily on automobile accidents. Each type of accident has its own challenges, but as a large personal injury firm our legal team has experience with various cases and knows how to approach each one for the best outcome.

Bicycle Accidents

New York City and surrounding areas have seen an increase in bicycle traffic and, with it, a rise in bicycle accidents. A collision between a cyclist and a vehicle can result in severe injuries for the cyclist, as bicycles offer little protection. Our bicycle accident attorneys can help investigate who was at fault and pursue compensation for your injuries.

Car Accidents

Car accidents are one of the most common causes of injury claims in New York. Whether it’s a rear-end collision, sideswipe, or a head-on crash, a car accident can leave you dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and expenses. A car accident lawyer from William Mattar Law Offices will work on your behalf to gather evidence, handle the insurance adjusters, and seek a fair settlement or take your case to court if necessary.

Drunk Driving Accidents

Accidents involving drunk drivers are especially devastating. When someone chooses to drive under the influence, they put others at significant risk. If you’ve been injured due to another driver’s impaired actions, we work to hold them accountable. Our team is committed to obtaining compensation and justice for clients impacted by drunk driving accidents.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists face unique risks on the road, often resulting in severe injuries due to the lack of protection motorcycles offer. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, our motorcycle accident lawyers will work to establish fault and secure compensation for your injuries and losses.

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are tragically common in New York, especially in busy city areas. A pedestrian hit by a car or other vehicle is at high risk of serious injury. Our legal team will take on the task of gathering evidence and negotiating with insurers so you can focus on your recovery.

Rideshare Accidents

Accidents involving rideshare vehicles, such as Uber or Lyft, can be more complex than typical car accidents due to multiple parties and insurance policies. Our attorneys are familiar with rideshare cases and can work with you to understand the unique challenges and ensure you receive fair compensation.

Truck Accidents

Due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, truck accidents are often more severe. These cases also involve federal and state regulations that may impact liability. Our truck accident lawyers are experienced in handling truck accident claims and can assist with the complex process of holding commercial trucking companies accountable. 

In addition to these motor vehicle accident cases, our team can also help with construction accidents, dog bite injuries, product liability, wrongful death, slip and fall cases, and premises liability cases. While our primary focus is on motor vehicle accidents, we are here to support you in any personal injury matter.

Statute of Limitations for Accident Claims in New York

New York imposes a statute of limitations on personal injury and wrongful death claims, meaning you have a limited time to file your claim. In most personal injury cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, in wrongful death cases, you generally have two years from the date of the person’s death to file. Every case is unique. Some cases have even shorter time limitations, with ultra-short notice of claim deadlines in cases against municipalities and government entities. 

Failing to file within the statute of limitations may prevent you from obtaining compensation. Consulting a lawyer as soon as possible ensures that your case is filed on time and that evidence is preserved and organized for your claim.

How Our Lawyers Can Help Build Your Case

When you work with William Mattar Law Offices, our attorneys will manage every aspect of your claim, from gathering evidence to advocating for fair compensation. Here’s how we can help:

• Investigation and Evidence Collection: Our legal team will handle all investigations related to your accident. This includes gathering medical records, reviewing police reports, collecting witness statements, and consulting with experts, if necessary. You can focus on healing by letting us take on the investigative burden.
• Building a Strong Legal Strategy: Each case is unique, and we craft a strategy tailored to your situation. We’ll analyze the details of your accident, develop a plan to demonstrate liability, and seek the compensation you deserve.
• Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. We are familiar with these tactics and can handle all communications on your behalf, negotiating for a fair settlement that covers your expenses and losses.
• Representation in Court, if Necessary: While many cases settle before trial, we are prepared to file a personal injury lawsuit and take your case to court if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement. Our attorneys can present a compelling case in court to advocate for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

Why a Lawyer is a Valuable Advocate in Negotiations with Insurance Companies

After an accident, dealing with the insurance company can be one of the most challenging aspects of your recovery. While insurance companies are supposed to provide support after an injury, their primary goal is often to minimize payouts, not necessarily to prioritize your best interests. 

This is why having an experienced lawyer by your side is essential. A personal injury lawyer can act as your advocate, standing up to the insurance companies and ensuring you aren’t pressured into accepting less than you deserve.

Insurance Company Tactics to Undervalue or Deny Claims

Insurance companies are known for employing a range of tactics to protect their bottom line. Some common strategies include:

• Presenting Lowball Offers: Insurance adjusters may offer an initial settlement amount that is extremely low. They know that many people dealing with financial strain and medical bills might be tempted to accept a quick, low offer just to resolve the matter.
• Delaying the Process: Insurance companies may delay the claims process, hoping that you’ll become frustrated and accept a lower settlement. This is especially difficult when you need funds for ongoing medical care and expenses.
• Questioning the Severity of Your Injuries: Adjusters may challenge the extent of your injuries, suggesting they aren’t as serious as you’ve indicated. They might even try to argue that your injuries predated the accident.
• Disputing Liability: If there’s any question of fault, the insurance company may try to argue that you were partially or fully responsible for the accident. This tactic is aimed at reducing the compensation they’re required to pay out. 

Without a lawyer to counter these tactics, you may feel pressured or uncertain about how to respond. Unfortunately, handling negotiations on your own could result in receiving far less than your claim is actually worth. At William Mattar Law Offices, we understand these tactics well and know how to counter them to pursue the full compensation you deserve.

What to Avoid After an Accident to Protect Your Claim

After an accident, certain actions could unintentionally harm your claim. While every situation is unique, here are a few key things to avoid:

• Admitting Fault or Apologizing: Even a simple apology can potentially be used against you as an admission of fault. Avoid discussing fault at all and let the investigation reveal what happened.
• Delaying Medical Treatment: Failing to seek immediate medical care can not only harm your health but may also make it harder to prove your injuries were directly caused by the accident. Follow up promptly with any recommended treatments.
• Talking to the Insurance Company Without a Lawyer: Insurance adjusters may ask you questions or request statements that could weaken your claim. It’s best to let your lawyer handle communications to avoid common pitfalls.
• Posting on Social Media: Anything you post online, even casual updates, can be used to undermine your claim. For example, photos of physical activity might be misconstrued to suggest you aren’t injured. It’s best to avoid posting about the accident or your recovery.
• Accepting a Quick Settlement Offer: Insurance companies often offer a low initial settlement. By accepting it, you may waive your right to pursue further compensation. Consult a lawyer before accepting any offer to ensure it’s fair. 

Avoiding these actions can help protect the value of your claim and support your path to a fair settlement.

Compensation Available in a Personal Injury Claim

In New York, personal injury claims may allow you to recover damages for:

Medical Expenses: Current and future medical costs related to your injury, including hospital bills, rehabilitation, and medication.

• Lost Wages: Compensation for lost income if you’re unable to work due to your injuries.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle or other personal property.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the impact of your injuries on your ability to enjoy life as you did before. 

In wrongful death cases, additional compensation may be available for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other impacts on the family.

Why Choose William Mattar Law Offices?

At William Mattar Law Offices, we know that being injured in an accident can disrupt your life. Our goal is to ease your burden and work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for you. 

By entrusting us with your claim, you can focus on healing while we handle the legal process. We will keep you informed every step of the way, answer any questions you may have, and fight to secure fair compensation for your injuries.

Contact William Mattar Law Offices Today

If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact William Mattar Law Offices today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your rights. With our support, you can take confident steps toward recovery and receive the compensation you deserve. 

For those in New York seeking legal guidance after an accident, our firm is here to make the process as stress-free as possible while fighting for your rights. Call us or fill out our online contact form, and let us start working on your case today. 

Call our main office in Williamsville, NY, at 716-444-4444 or contact us online anytime, 24/7. We also have offices in Buffalo, Syracuse, and Rochester, and our personal injury lawyers are available to serve clients throughout New York, including Albany, Long Island, Binghamton, Watertown, Plattsburgh, and New York City.

FREE CASE EVALUATION