When Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer?
If you were recently in a car accident, you probably have a lot on your plate. Recovering from injuries, damage to your vehicle, trying to work with your insurance company and possibly being unable to work or do some of the everyday tasks that you took for granted.
Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer for My Car Accident?
In New York State, the law requires no-fault insurance coverage. This means if you were not seriously injured in the car accident, the claim will go through no-fault and you will receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and other related expenses. No-fault has limits on what you can claim and also does not allow recovery for pain and suffering. However, this law has enabled people to quickly get the money they need to ensure they get medical treatment and recover other costs that may be difficult for them to otherwise afford.
Read Everything You Need to Know about New York’s No-Fault Car Accident Insurance
When You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you were seriously injured, you have the right to sue to get compensation above the limits of no-fault and also for pain and suffering.
New York’s no-fault laws strictly define “serious injury” to include one of the following:
- Personal injury which results in death
- Dismemberment; significant disfigurement
- Fracture
- Loss of a fetus
- Permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function or system
- Permanent consequential limitation of use of a body organ or member; significant limitation of use of a body function or system
- A medically determined injury or impairment of a non-permanent nature which prevents the injured person from performing substantially all of the material acts which constitute such person’s usual and customary daily activities for not less than ninety days during the one hundred eighty days immediately following the occurrence of the injury or impairment
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident and you have questions about whether or not you can sue, give our attorneys a call and let us answer any questions you have. We are happy to help you understand how New York’s no-fault laws work and discuss whether or not you have a case beyond its limits. There is never a cost or obligation for consultations and we welcome all calls with questions.
What Should I Do If I Have a Car Accident Case?
The first thing you should do after an accident is to get medical attention right away. Make sure to inform any hospital, doctor or medical expert you see that your injuries are a result of an accident so you can get proper documentation in your medical records to back up your case. This is required for no-fault coverage as well as for a potential lawsuit.
For this reason, it is important to call a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible if the accident was not your fault. An attorney can explain your legal options and let you know if you are able to pursue a lawsuit. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the sooner he or she can start investigating, collecting evidence, making sure you have proper medical documentation and going forward with your case.
How Our Automobile Accident Lawyers Can Help You
If you are seriously injured in a car accident that was not your fault, give us a call and let us help get your case moving along. Our experienced lawyers know exactly how to work with insurance agencies and get you the compensation you deserve to help pay your bills, support your family if you are unable to work, pay for any counseling and other costs you have related to the accident as well as pain and suffering.
