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Personal Injury Lawyer in Queens: Types Of Personal Injury Cases

A personal injury is commonly described as an injury caused by the negligence of another person. It might be anything from an automobile accident brought on by sleepy driving to a slip-and-fall incident brought on by a careless property owner. In most personal injury lawsuits, the goal is to reach an agreement for bodily and/or emotional damages. A personal injury lawyer in Queens handles all types of situations, from small injuries to serious, potentially fatal incidents. Since each case is unique, it’s crucial to engage with a personal injury lawyer who has a proven track record of success in this area.

This guide will walk you through all the aspects you need to consider before filing for a personal injury claim.

Reasons You Need an Attorney

A personal injury case can involve a number of different parties, things, and circumstances. The services of a personal injury lawyer in Queens help injured victims who sustain harm as a result of other drivers’ negligence. A skilled personal injury attorney must be able to obtain compensation in cases involving wrongful death, auto accidents, and other events that result in either minor or significant injuries.

The establishment of liability in auto accident cases can be challenging. These cases can be quite complex and require an experienced attorney’s expertise. In addition to understanding how complicated these claims can be, an experienced car accident lawyer knows how to build solid cases for their clients.

Public transportation accidents, like bus accidents, are a major focus of personal injury attorneys in big cities. Whether your bus accident was caused by a careless bus driver, or any other driver involved, a personal injury lawyer can help you recover the maximum compensation. Most wrongful death claims are caused by someone else’s negligence, and it is the responsibility of a personal injury lawyer to make sure you are compensated for your injuries.

What’s the Cost of an Attorney

The majority of personal injury attorneys won’t charge a fee unless your case is successful, and in most circumstances, this fee will be a percentage of the settlement you obtain. It is also important to keep in mind that there can be some extra costs, such as filing fees for legal documents, compensation for travel expenses, and others. The personal injury lawyer you hire will tell you up front if there will be any fees, and if so, they will be taken from any settlement you receive.

Can I Assist Lawyer in Winning the Case?

It is important to keep detailed records and share them with your legal team to assist your personal injury attorney. You will find it easier to put together your personal injury case if you have more pieces of evidence.

The usefulness of documents in a personal injury lawsuit can vary widely, ranging from medical bills to journal entries. If you wish to win an injury claim on your behalf, your attorney will need all documents related to the incident so that a full picture of your emotional and physical trauma can be drawn. In order to file a personal injury suit, a personal injury lawyer in Queens may require medical records, transportation tickets, receipts, doctor’s recommendations, etc.

What About Damage Compensation?

Personal injury cases often involve compensatory damages, which can be further subdivided into economic and noneconomic losses. Simply put, economic damages are generally easier to establish and put in writing because they include things like lost income, missed wages (and earning potential), medical expenditures, property damage, and future medical treatment.

Noneconomic losses, which include things like loss of enjoyment of life, physical discomfort, and emotional distress, can be difficult to calculate, so they are sometimes referred to as “emotional damages.” In cases of wrongful death, medical malpractice, and other similar incidents, these would also protect the victims’ loved ones.

If you are involved in a car accident or personal injury lawsuit, the first step is to determine how much money you will accept as a settlement payment. Typically, insurance companies and lawyers use one or more formulas to determine the starting point for settlement negotiations. This is true for bodily injury claims in automobile accidents, slips and falls, as well as other personal injury claims.

In order to calculate non-economic damages (money for pain and suffering), a multiplier and medical expenses are included in a common formula. The total of these losses (medical bills, property damages, and lost income) is added to your economic losses in order to determine the dollar amount at which you can negotiate.

How Much Can Personal Injury Case Worth?

Even though you can’t always know the exact dollar amount ahead of time, it is best to get your paperwork together and talk to a personal injury lawyer in Queens as soon as possible.

Under New York’s no-fault law, an insurance company is required to pay drivers, passengers, and pedestrians up to $50,000.00 for their legitimate economic and medical losses but does not provide for pain and suffering. Only permanent injury cases can recover more than $50,000.

NYC accident victims need a legal team that will help them get fair compensation for their injuries, whether they were hurt by medical malpractice, a car accident, or any other accident caused by the negligence of others. In order to obtain full and just compensation for you, our accident attorneys will negotiate with your insurance provider, recover lost medical wages or other financial losses, and pursue the claim to trial if needed. Call us at 1-800-HURT-511 today for a free consultation or if you want to learn more about your options.

Benefits of Hiring Best Queens Car Accident Lawyer

There is no way to prepare for the effects of a car accident and how they might change your life. The accident can result in anxiety, discomfort, and financial hardships. Additionally, it will make you consider things you hadn’t thought of before, such as whether you need to hire a car accident lawyer or if you can handle the case yourself. If you are asking this question, however, you should probably speak to one and it’s undoubtedly that you only want the best Queens car accident lawyer.

Most attorneys will offer a free consultation without any obligation or risk if you are injured. It is imperative that you act quickly since the insurance industry is not on your side.

This guide will cover the benefits to hiring professional legal representation to work on your behalf.

Lawyer Protects Your Interests

There may be considerable medical fees, missed wages, and other outlays if you were hurt or property was damaged in a car accident. These expenses often remain for a long time after the event. It is a well-known fact that car accident victims who have lawyers get much more money in compensation than those who don’t.

The best Queens car accident lawyer is knowledgeable about the strategies used by insurance providers and can support their clients in negotiating with them and resisting their pressure for quicker and lesser settlements.

Insurance adjusters often tell people who have been in car accidents that they don’t even need an attorney. This is part of their plan to get the insurance company to pay less in compensation.

The losses that can occur as a result of a car accident are not always obvious in the days and weeks following the accident. A victim can more accurately estimate their potential future costs with the assistance of an expert personal injury lawyer, who can then include them in their claim. Whiplash is one example of an injury that can seem minor at first but end up being more serious and requiring regular medical care. If a person hurt in a car accident is handling their own claim, they might not think about all of the costs that come with their injuries, whether they are minor or serious. Victims usually underestimate the amount and duration of their expenses, which leads to insufficient settlements that do not meet the expenses their family will face after an accident.

Successful Lawsuit Depends on Legal Knowledge

Due to the fact that most auto accident claims are resolved out of court, some people believe that handling an insurance claim is only a negotiation process and that the law is unimportant. This is wrong and could lead to declined claims and lower compensation. In a car accident case, you are in a worse negotiation position if you do not have a strong legal claim and the insurance company is aware of this.

Apart from demonstrating who is at fault in a car accident and the level of damage or injuries, there are other legal problems that will affect your case and compensation. A claim can be lost if it isn’t filed within the time limit for that kind of claim. The question of which state a claim should be sent to is a very complicated legal issue that can depend on where the accident happened, what kind of damage was done, and where the people involved live. The timeframe, the procedure, and the amount of compensation, which vary by state, will depend on where you file your car accident claim.

The best Queens car accident lawyer will take all of these factors into account to strengthen a victim’s claim, strengthen their negotiation position, and maximize their settlement.

There are No Drawbacks Talking to Lawyer

You can discuss your case at a free initial consultation with any competent attorney over the phone or in person. Once they hear your side of the story, they will give you their professional opinion on whether or not you need legal representation. Additionally, they’ll explain how they may assist you and how they are paid.

Most auto accident attorneys receive their compensation on a contingency, or “no-win, no-fee” basis. This means that any compensation or settlement you receive will be used to pay their fees. You shouldn’t have to pay anything for this first meeting, and you also shouldn’t have to promise to hire the lawyer.

 Filing a claim Against Insurance Company

When you file a claim in a car accident case, you are not going up against an individual driver. Instead, you are going up against a large insurance company that deals with claims like this every day. Insurance companies have a lot of tools at their disposal, like teams of lawyers, doctors, and forensic experts, all of whom work to reduce the amount of money you get from your car accident claim.

A skilled auto accident attorney can assist in balancing the playing field in your interactions with insurance providers. They know how insurance companies try to reduce the amount of money they pay out to people hurt in car accidents. The best Queens car accident lawyers can also handle the huge amount of paperwork, phone calls, and emails that come with an insurance claim, so you can focus on getting better physically and emotionally.

Claim Deadline

After a car accident, there are many unforeseen issues to deal with, in addition to possible physical injuries and mental suffering. You may need some time to heal before you can handle the calls and documents that are required. Sadly, the at-fault insurance companies will start making efforts to limit their responsibility as soon as a claim for a car accident is made. After a car accident, the steps that need to be taken are routine for insurance companies. They also have the experience and resources to contest your claim and reduce amount of settlement.

A competent auto accident attorney is familiar with what happens following an accident as well as the strategies used by insurance firms. They can support you in taking on the huge insurance corporations, and the sooner they get involved, the more useful they can be. It is usually important to speak with your lawyer before speaking with the insurance companies. When the car accident first happens, it is also a good idea to have your lawyer call the insurance companies on your behalf, especially if you were hurt.

Every state has a statute of limitations deadline for filing a lawsuit after a car accident. Usually, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim for personal injury.

But the deadline may be different in other states or for other types of claims, or it may begin to run later depending on the accident and injury. It is essential to get competent legal counsel as quickly as possible following an accident, because once the deadline has passed, you lose your ability to file a lawsuit for any losses or injuries resulting from the accident. If you were hurt or your property was damaged in a car accident, you should speak with a qualified auto accident lawyer right away to learn more about your options.

The best Queens car accident lawyer can assist you in choosing the best course of action and navigating the numerous formalities and NYC legal requirements standing in the way of receiving just compensation for your injuries. Call 1-800-HURT-511 now to arrange a free consultation. Keep in mind that we take cases on a contingency basis, so you won’t be charged until we win.

What to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer

In case you’ve been involved into a car accident, suffered bodily harm, property damage, and your mind is reeling with unanswered questions like “what to do now” — it’s probably time to call a personal injury lawyer.

However, there is still a question: what should you ask attorneys before hiring them to represent you? In this guide, we’ll explain just that, so keep on reading.

But first things first. As you may already know, it’s crucial to choose right accident injury attorney to represent you in your accident case and to ensure that they will work for your interests.

You need to find a lawyer who won’t be interested in quick and easy settlements. Instead, you need to find a legal professional who will work to your advantage in an effort to maximize your settlement.

Find Qualified Accident Lawyer

Even though an accident lawyer who is not qualified to represent you may charge the same fee as one who is, you have to be able to differ one from another, as self-serving lawyers settle cases quickly and cheaply. Since lawyers can earn a lot of money with little effort, they tend to follow this strategy, but it may not always be in your best interest.

You should ask the attorney if he or she is ready to go to trial if a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation. Insurance companies tend to settle for lower amounts if they know that this particular lawyer or law firm won’t take things to court.

Check Lawyers’ Areas of Expertise

Ask accident injury attorneys about their areas of expertise when you speak with them. If the attorneys’ main areas of practice are family law or corporate law, they likely lack the necessary expertise to handle your personal injury case. Your accident attorneys should specialize in the area of personal injury. If you want good legal representation, you need a lawyer who has dealt with cases like yours before. Be sure that insurance companies hire attorneys with specialized knowledge in personal injury claims.

It is also critical to hire accident lawyers who are familiar with the legal landscape in your geographic area. Make sure they have a good track record of winning cases against insurance companies and receiving fair settlements.

Ask the Firm about Approach to Communication

Attorneys who specialize in personal injury matters have staff members, paralegals, and other professionals working for them in the office. Different people handle various aspects of the case as the personal injury lawyer you hire probably handles a number of cases in addition to yours. Specify who will be your contact person. While you don’t want to bother your legal team five times a day, it’s fair for you to ask questions and call for updates.

As mentioned earlier, most lawsuits are settled out of court through negotiations between the parties, so you may wonder if you will be able to get a jury trial if you bring a claim against the other party in your accident. If your case goes to trial, you should make sure your accident injury lawyers have the required experience.

As Long as You Pay the Money, You Are the Boss

You hire an accident attorney to represent you against the insurance company of the other driver in the event of an accident, and you need them to handle the complex legal procedures.

You need to make sure that your personal injury lawyer will examine the statements of witnesses, the police report, and medical records as well as will take the time to understand how you interpret the events and make sure you receive the right medical treatment.

Ask questions to verify their involvement level meets your requirements.

First Thing Lawyer Should Do

Although you were present at the accident and witnessed it, you realize that the evidence clearly shows the other party was at fault. It is natural that not everyone will share the same perspective. It is important that your accident injury lawyer looks at your case objectively and tells you what it has both good and bad points.

A good accident lawyer should be able to tell you how likely you are to win compensation, whether or not you should pursue your case, and how to do so.

Attorney Associated Costs

The costs associated with hiring accident injury attorneys should be clear to you. The majority of accident injury attorneys work on a contingency basis. As a result, you only have to pay their fees if they are successful in getting compensation for the harm caused by the accident.

Ask your accident injury attorney about the details of their fee structure and the timeline of the process.

Do I have to pay the lawyer if I lose?

As already mentioned, accident injury attorneys typically work on a contingency basis. Therefore, lawyers are only compensated if your case is successful.

Accident lawyers frequently do not receive payment for expenses, including document retrieval fees, filing fees, costs associated with hiring experts, and court reporter fees. In the event that your case is unsuccessful, you would be liable for such expenses.

Sometimes, accident attorneys claim that they do not have to charge fees if your case is unsuccessful. Before hiring accident attorneys, be sure to get this clear and in writing.

If you or your loved ones suffer consequences of car accident but can’t reach fair settlement on their own, we are here to help. Contact us now at 1-800-HURT-511 to receive a free case evaluation from one of our personal injury lawyers. We provide free consultations for individuals and their families in NYC whose lives have been impacted by a car accident. We work on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Hiring an Injury Lawyer: Guide to Personal Injury Cases

When an accident leaves victims injured, the last thing they expect is a significant financial difficulty. Nevertheless, car accidents can result in a considerable amount of expense. Hiring an injury lawyer, however, can significantly reduce your losses in the event of an accident, injury, or injury-related claim.

This guide will explain all the key aspects of personal injury claim, will cover expenses associated with it, and will provide you all the necessary information about cases requiring a personal injury lawyer.

Let’s start form the very beginning, so we can draw a full picture of how things are handled.

What is a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

When you or a loved one suffers from an accident or injury, you may have a lot of questions about what a personal injury claim is about, despite the fact that mishaps are fairly commonplace. Taking steps to protect your legal rights after an accident may only raise a number of questions about a personal injury claim.

The term “personal injury case” refers to legal disputes that arise when someone suffers harm as a result of an accident or injury and another party is liable. Medical bills, pain and suffering, and other ongoing medical expenses will be paid by the responsible person’s insurance company. In cases involving medical malpractice, your attorney will work with the insurance company and hospital attorneys.

By hiring an injury lawyer, you can formalize your personal injury case in court. In this court session, others may be found legally at fault through a court judgment, or as is more common, they may be settled by means of informal settlement before a lawsuit is filed.

A car accident case that results in medical treatment or property damage is likely to have two outcomes:

Formal Lawsuit

Unlike criminal cases, which are initiated by the government, a formal personal injury case typically begins when a private individual files a civil complaint against another person, business, corporation, or government agency (the “defendant”) alleging that they acted negligently or carelessly in connection with an accident or injury resulting in harm. Our discussion of negligence and proof is especially helpful in understanding how to file a lawsuit.

Informal Settlement

A majority of accidents and injuries are resolved by informal early settlement, usually between those involved, their insurers, and attorneys representing both sides. It is often the result of negotiation that leads to a written agreement in which both parties agree not to take any further action (such as a lawsuit), and instead settle for a fixed sum of money to resolve the matter.

Note: An alternative dispute resolution procedure such as mediation or arbitration can serve as a middle ground between a lawsuit and an informal settlement.

Kind of Evidence Needed

Personal injury claims are based on evidence, just like any other legal proceeding.

One cannot just claim that they were hurt or that their medical expenses total $100,000 without providing evidence. Consequently, it is necessary to record everything at every stage.

It is recommended that you begin gathering proof of your injuries right away. Make sure you have copies of all documents, take as many pictures as you can, and visit a medical professional as soon as possible.

Medical bills, work statements, and other documents are a proof of how much you’ve spent treating your injury.

What About Compensation?

The primary concern in a personal injury case should not be financial gain but rather an avoidance of financial ruin as it can be costly to deal with injuries, treatments, even pain and suffering expenses. Those who do not use their right to compensation and do not have extra health insurance will be responsible for all the medical bills associated with their injuries, both current and future.

An injury settlement covers medical and healthcare bills accumulated during the lawsuit. These funds are also used to pay the lawyer. Any leftovers are given to the injured party. This sum depends on the size of the settlement and how much the other factors total.

Hire an Injury Lawyer

When it comes to cases involving personal injuries, it is never easy, largely because insurance companies are determined to make as much money as possible. Hence, a personal injury attorney is the best option if you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence.

Those injured can negotiate directly with insurance providers without the assistance of an attorney. Nevertheless, personal injury lawyers are experts in this field due to the thousands of cases they handle every year.

As a matter of fact, it has been proven that clients of injury lawyers typically receive higher settlement amounts than those trying to negotiate on their own.

Whenever you are uncertain of what to do, you can always schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an attorney. During this appointment, your injury lawyer will analyze your case and answer any questions you may have. The injured party and the lawyer can then determine what steps to take without being held accountable.

We understand how difficult it can be hiring an injury lawyer. Contact us now at 1-800-HURT-511 to get a free case evaluation. We will connect you with attorneys who speak your language and will explain whether or not you are entitled to compensation. We work on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call us if you need a legal representation across NYC, and we will take care of all your needs.

Top NYC Lawyer for an Accident: Learn How Insurance Companies Determine Fault in Car Accidents and What to Do if You are at Fault

It’s important to remember that vehicle damage isn’t the only factor when figuring out who was at fault in a car accident. Weather conditions, physical evidence, and details from the police report and witnesses play a significant role as well. Insurance companies typically look at the circumstances of the accident and the laws of the state where the accident occurred when determining who is at fault. And even though accidents typically involve a degree of fault shared by all parties, lawyer for an accident can help you determine who was most negligent at the time of the accident. 

In this guide we’ll cover how insurance companies determine fault in car accidents and what to do and not to do when you are at fault.

Is Your State A Fault or No-fault State?

As the vast majority of states assign fault to the driver, the person who caused the accident will have to pay for damages. In most states, bodily injury (BI) liability insurance covers the other driver’s medical expenses, while property damage liability covers the other driver’s car repairs. Payout amounts will vary from state to state.

Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance is required in “no-fault” states. Medical expenses are covered regardless of who is at fault in a car accident with this type of coverage. It also saves both drivers time and energy because they don’t have to file a claim with one another’s insurance. One downside of PIP, however, is its price. It is still possible to obtain PIP insurance as an optional coverage, even if your state does not require it.

How Does Car Insurance Work When You Are At-fault For an Accident?

Only “tort states,” those that don’t mandate PIP insurance for motorists, have accidents where one party is found to be at fault. Insurance groups will follow the laws of the state where the accident took place. At-fault accident insurance states require the driver who is found to be at fault to cover all losses, including medical bills and property damage charges. In most states, injury costs are covered by the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy. It’s important to note that PIP coverage does not cover expenses for damaged personal items as a result of auto accidents. The at-fault driver is still liable to cover those damages.

What To Do If You’re At-fault

When an accident occurs, it is not your responsibility to point fingers, accuse others, or accept blame. It is important that you check if anyone needs assistance right away after the accident. If necessary, call an ambulance and provide first aid. However, once you are confident that everyone is safe, the first thing you need to do is contact a lawyer for an accident.

Do Not Leave the Scene

For safety reasons, you may need to relocate your vehicle out of a crossroads or heavy traffic area, but do not abandon the area. Additionally, you should never chase a car that tries to flee the scene of an accident; instead, you should wait for the police to show up and inform them of what happened.

Gather Evidence

Before the vehicles are moved out of the way of traffic, it is helpful if you can take pictures of the accident to record the accident’s effects on the vehicle and any other relevant details. Obtain information on the drivers’ license plate numbers, the time of day, the flow of traffic, and any potential road dangers. Try to gather names and contact information from any witnesses if there are any. Of course, you’ll also need the name, address, and insurance information of the other driver.

Avoid Admitting Fault

Based on all the information and reports from all parties involved in the accident, including any witnesses, the police and insurance companies will determine who is at fault on their own. Your insurance company might also consult a lawyer for an accident to help them determine who is at fault.

Try to avoid admitting fault, even if you find it difficult.

Don’t say “it’s my fault,” just report the facts as you observe them.

Avoid lying.

Call Your Insurance Company

You should inform your insurance provider of the accident as soon as possible. In addition to helping, you file the first claim, your agent may show you how to gather evidence at the scene and explain your auto insurance coverage. Tell them the basic facts about the accident, like where it happened, and then ask what you should do. Find out how to begin the claim filing process.

Remember to consult an attorney before contacting insurance companies.

Obtain Police Report

Your agent would inform you if the police responded to the accident scene and filed a report. They will determine whether they want you to obtain the report or whether they will do so on your behalf.

How the Fault is Determined in Car Accidents

In the majority of states, an accident is blame-based, which means that someone is to blame or negligent, even if blame is shared by the drivers. Your insurance company will assess the specifics of the accident to determine who was at fault. They will analyze site-specific information, such as photographs and other physical evidence of damage.

Adjusters listen to what those involved in the accident say and, if possible, compare it to third-party eyewitnesses’ statements. Additionally, they will examine the police report for information on the parties’ careless driving actions. The appropriate state laws that define negligence will be followed by insurance providers in jurisdictions where no-fault accident insurance is mandated. This is significant because different states have different laws and standards when it comes to determining fault. The responsibility for a car accident is frequently shared. When both drivers are careless and an accident happens, each driver will be given a certain percentage of the blame.

Make sure you have a lawyer for an accident whether you are at fault on a car accident or not.

Accidents happen, and we are here to help you recover and get back on track. Call 1-800-HURT-511 now to receive a free case evaluation from one of the top NYC attorneys.

Car Accident in Queens: The Work Personal Injury Attorney Does and Why It’s Important to Hire One

In the aftermath of a car accident in Queens you may be wondering why you need to hire a lawyer and how they can assist you with your case. In this guide, we’ll cover what it is precisely attorneys do and why hiring them is essential when filling a personal injury claim.

What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Actually Do

A lot depends on the details of your car accident case and how complicated it is. Let’s reviews each step taken by the attorneys when filing a personal injury claim.

Contacting the other side’s insurer

Your attorney will keep in touch with the insurance adjuster for the other party in any personal injury case. It is crucial for a plaintiff’s lawyer to keep open lines of communication and a positive working relationship with the adjuster because he or she controls the finances.

Gathering evidence

A competent attorney can assist you in gathering all the necessary evidence in order to establish liability in a car accident in Queens.

Your lawyer will likely return to the accident location to check what it looks like even if you may have previously taken pictures of the scene. Even if a picture could be worth a thousand words, observing the scene personally can be more useful. The lawyer will make certain that all accident or police reports in the case are obtained, and he or she will frequently speak with the investigating police officers and witnesses.

A competent attorney will investigate every possible option to find useful evidence.

Obtaining medical documentation 

A qualified attorney can be very helpful in your case when you’ve had serious injuries in a vehicle accident.

It is crucial to gather all the paperwork relating to your injuries, but it isn’t always simple to get your hands on the medical providers’ records and bills. You have a legal right to see your medical records, but healthcare providers often don’t make it a top priority to share their patients’ information with attorneys or other parties. Small medical offices may not have enough staff or time to respond quickly to requests for medical records.

Local hospitals could have special protocols that must be followed in order to fulfill requests for medical records. They just won’t react to your request if you don’t follow their protocols, which they usually don’t make clear enough.

Afterward, the records might not be full when the healthcare provider finally responds to the request. Any secretary or paralegal for a lawyer will tell you that they often have to ask for the same records more than once, and they have to keep in touch with the provider’s office over and over again. Lastly, it may turn out that the doctor did not use the “magic words” in his or her notes about what caused the problem, what the prognosis is, and what kind of disability the patient has.

To win a case for car accident in Queens, you must be able to show through medical evidence what your injury, disability, or physical limitation is and that it was caused by the actions of the defendant. In their medical records, doctors frequently fail to include the cause of an injury or the severity of a disability. If this occurs in your case, your attorney will ask the doctor to create a special document stating that the accident is what caused your injury or disability and that it will prevent you from doing certain things or make you disabled for a certain amount of time.

Lowering the lien

Your claim will be subject to a lien from any insurer who provided benefits to you, whether they were from a health, disability, or workers’ compensation insurer. A lien means that from any settlement or judgment you obtain, the lien holder is paid before you are.

A competent attorney will attempt to negotiate a lower lien by negotiating with the lien holder. This work is crucial. You get more money in your pocket for every dollar the lien holder doesn’t take.

The art of negotiation

The ability to negotiate is quite unique. Some people may even call it a form of art.

A personal injury lawyer will always be significantly better at settling a car accident in Queens than a layperson. A good lawyer knows the value of the case, how to approach it, and how to talk about it to get the best result for the client.

If you weren’t hurt all that badly, if you’re comfortable gathering necessary evidence and documents, and you’re ready and willing to engage in the settlement negotiation process, you can certainly handle your car accident claim yourself.

However, a lawyer can get in touch with the other driver’s insurance company. He or she can gather the evidence required to determine who was at fault for the accident. Your lawyer for a car accident will be able to put your medical records and bills in order. He or she can get in touch with your healthcare providers to get any records that are missing.

He or she can arrange and provide the evidence necessary to establish liability and damages during the process, as well as negotiate with lien holders on your behalf in an effort to perhaps lower the amount of those liens. Then negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance adjuster or defense attorney.

Attorneys that focus on personal injury cases provide their clients more than simply some advice on what to do following a negligent event. It’s important to find a car accident lawyer or legal firm that gives you personalized care when you’re at your weakest. At HURT-511, we believe that everyone deserves justice after a serious car accident, so we fight hard for all of our clients. Call us at 1-800-HURT-511 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. Our law office has helped people just like you get settlements for injuries they got in car accidents. 

 

Learn How to Find the Best Accident Attorney

In the aftermath of a car accident, you may be looking for the best accident attorney who can take your case as far as you need it to go.

It may not be a good idea to hire an attorney who has worked for an insurance company, regardless of their experience. It is possible that this type of lawyer will take the insurance company’s side and not fight hard enough on your behalf. On the other hand, a lawyer who has some prior experience on the other side can be a valuable asset.

The best way to determine if an attorney will be suitable for your unique case is to define what your specific needs are. Continue reading to learn how to find an ideal personal injury attorney for your legal representation.

Where to Begin Looking for an Attorney

Perhaps you personally know a lawyer or that lawyer has already represented you on a legal issue. So, when it comes to choosing an attorney to work on your personal injury case, it may seem natural to hire someone you already know. However, if this lawyer has little or no experience representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases, you should look for more suitable fit attorney suitable fit, either inside their firm or somewhere.

Lawyers frequently recommend cases to one another, and most lawyers keep in contact with somebody who handles personal injury cases.

It’s best to have a face-to-face conversation with the attorney to go through your claim. Bring copies of all the paperwork you have related to your claim, including the police report, medical bills, information about lost income, and all correspondence with the insurance provider, including your demand letter if it has gotten that far. The majority of personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations.

In practically every law firm, attorneys cooperate on cases. Routine tasks are frequently handled by paralegals and attorneys with less expertise. If things move along more swiftly, that could be to your advantage. Furthermore, if you pay by the hour, it’s better not to have the more expensive senior lawyer do simple paperwork.

Does the Size of Law Firm Matters?

It’s a widespread myth that a large law firm will force an insurance company into paying you a better compensation. At a large firm, a little personal injury lawsuit may be easily missed. Large law firms also have a habit of freely spending money on expenses, which could consume a significant portion of your potential compensation.

The fact that big law firms frequently don’t devote the same attention or care to a typical personal injury case as smaller law firms. Because of this, insurance adjusters working with a big office might make a lower personal injury settlement offer in the hopes that the client will accept the busy lawyer’s recommendation.

A smaller law firm is more likely to give you more personalized care, and the best accident attorneys opt to work in offices with fewer attorneys.

Make sure that important parts of your case are not given to lawyers or staff with less experience. When you initially meet with a lawyer, find out who in the firm will be handling your case directly and who will have major responsibility for it. Ask to meet and discuss your case with the other attorneys if more than one will be handling it.

Additionally, find out which particular aspects of the case the lead attorney will handle himself and which will be given to a paralegal.

Cooperate with Your Attorney

A key factor in selecting a lawyer is how well you and the attorney will be able to communicate. Make sure your attorney listens to you. And ask yourself the following questions:

  • Can you direct attorney’s strategy for the case if you want to?
  • Does the lawyer provide clear explanations?
  • Do you have a good feeling that the attorney will keep you informed and will truly value your opinion before making important decisions?
  • How can you assist a lawyer?

The fact that you can communicate with one another can make everything go a lot more smoothly.

What amount of compensation do you want to obtain?

The amount of your compensation heavily depends on a number of factors. After you and your best accident lawyer talk about the facts of your case and the history of your negotiations with the insurance company, he or she may be able to give you a basic idea of how much your case is worth and how likely it is that you will get a settlement.

At this point, you should talk to your attorney about the strategies that could be used to manage your case. When you first employ a lawyer, you don’t have to insist on using that particular strategy for your cases and you can always request a strategy change from the attorney.

Reasons Why Lawyer Might Not Take Your Case

There are several scenarios when personal injury lawyer might not take your case.

As most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that the lawyer is paid a percentage of the compensation you receive. And if the amount of money you are likely to receive is small, the lawyer may not take on your case. That’s because operating a law office costs too much for small cases to be worth the money. Still, you might be able to hire the lawyer by the hour to help you with certain parts of your claim.

Even though your injuries are severe and the amount of compensation you could receive is significant, a lawyer might refuse to handle your case if the likelihood that you will receive the full amount of compensation is low for whatever reason.

Last but not least, a lawyer can decline to take your case for the same reason you would decide not to hire the best accident attorney: the two of you might not get along or feel comfortable with one another.

If another party’s negligence resulted in your injury, our attorneys know how to deal with the legal system and insurance companies to make sure you receive the compensation you are entitled to. Call 1-800-HURT-511 today to get the best accident attorney to protect your right and handle legal representation. We provide free consultations for individuals and their families in NYC whose lives have been impacted by a car accident. We work on the contingency, which means you don’t pay unless we win.

Car Accident Lawyer in NYC: Steps Following Car Accident Injury

Car accidents are common on the roads, and anyone can get involved in one at any time. Even though most accidents are minor fender-benders, there are times when car accidents result in severe injuries, and compensation is essential to cover medical expenses, property damages, and recovery costs. Getting compensation from the parties at fault may depend on what you do immediately following a car accident, so it is essential to contact your car accident lawyer in NYC as soon as possible. It will ensure the best-case scenario as a roadmap to manage your injury claim.

In this guide, we’ll cover the steps you need to take following a car accident to ensure you reach a fair settlement.

First, Call the Police

You should notify the authorities or police as soon as the auto accident occurs. If it is safe, you can stay inside your vehicle and call the police from there. While you’re in your car, you can take a photo of the car accident and the other vehicle with your phone. To help identify the place and time of day where the accident occurred, remember to add the other car’s license plate information and pictures of the area.

If accident happened in a heavy traffic area, you should not get out of your car to snap pictures of the accident scene before the police arrive to block oncoming traffic. You don’t want bypassing car to hit you while you distracted taking pictures of the accident scene.

Also, for your safety and the safety of other drivers on the road, do not remove vehicles from an accident scene unless told to do so by police.

Let Emergency Responders Do Their Job

When there is a car accident, emergency responders like fire department, or paramedics may be sent to the scene to help anyone who was hurt. Do not refuse their services at the accident scene if you are hurt or if you think you are hurt but don’t have any visible signs of it.

When paramedics arrive at the scene of an accident, they will always carry out a thorough examination of the drivers of the vehicles and others involved.

If you are involved in a car accident and wish to decline assistance, you will be required to sign a waiver at the scene of the accident stating that you have refused these services. This waiver protects the paramedics whose help you refused.

Please remember that most victims of car accidents don’t realize they are injured at first, — it might take a few days or weeks for them to feel pain or show any visible symptoms.

It’s crucial to understand that you may be suffering from life-threatening injuries without even realizing it!

Contact Your Insurance Company

When you are involved in a car accident, you have to contact your insurance company to report the details of what happened.

This is a report to explain the damage to your vehicle and the injuries you incurred as a result of the accident. Your insurance company may ask you for any documents supporting your loss, such as medical bills, car service bills, drug receipts for medications, a copy of the doctor’s diagnosis of your condition, or any discharge papers from the hospital. Keep track of all the doctor appointments and how much it cost, as well as the dates of each injury-related event.

This will allow you to keep track of the harm you have received, and the costs associated with the auto accident.

New York Vehicle and Traffic Laws

Several laws in New York can affect the outcome of a motor vehicle accident, particularly if you intend to file a claim against the other driver for personal injury or negligence. It is helpful to keep this information in mind as you heal and consider your options after a car accident. Please feel free to contact car accident lawyer in NYC if you have any questions or are interested in discussing how these laws may apply to your case.

Drivers Must Exercise Due Care

In the New York Vehicle and Traffic Laws, pedestrians are protected, and risky driving behaviors are prohibited in an effort to prevent accidents. According to Vehicle and Traffic Law 1212, reckless driving is prohibited strictly, and anyone convicted of it is guilty of a misdemeanor. Moreover, the state has banned drivers from using portable electronic devices while driving, which is a leading cause of accidents. Pedestrians are also protected under New York Vehicle and Traffic Laws. Drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians, bicyclists, or domestic animals on any roadway, according to Section 1146. If a motorist fails to exercise due care and strikes a pedestrian, they can be liable.

New York State has these regulations in place, so if you are involved in a car collision and believe the other driver has violated any of these laws, there is a good chance that you can sue them. For more information about New York traffic laws, consult an experienced lawyer.

No-Fault Insurance

Any driver with a registered vehicle in New York is required to have no-fault insurance (also called PIP). Any driver (and his passengers) covered up to $50,000 each for economic losses sustained in a car accident, regardless of who was at fault. Its purpose is to restore injured people to “health and productivity” after a car accident, according to the New York State Department of Financial Services. A personal injury lawsuit can only be filed against the negligent party if the economic losses exceed $50,000 benefits or if there are non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering) due to a serious injury. Death, dismemberment, fractures, a permanent loss of use of an organ or system, and significant limitations in the use of a body part are all considered serious injuries under no-fault insurance laws.

This is to say, if you are wondering if you may be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit after a car crash in New York, you can, but it depends on the circumstances of the accident. Regardless of whether or not you are able to file a lawsuit, no-fault benefits compensate you for any economic losses caused by your accident, including medical expenses and income loss. The no-fault insurance claim must be filed within 30 days of the accident; otherwise, it will no longer be considered valid.

Comparative Negligence

As a comparative negligence state, New York divides fault between multiple people if an accident occurs. This depends on the circumstances of the accident. It may initially seem that the driver who rear-ends another car at an intersection is entirely at fault, for example. Even so, there are other factors to consider, such as why the car behind the rear-end didn’t stop in time. Because of New York’s comparative negligence law, the fault may have been shared by both drivers if the first car’s brake lights were out or they failed to signal to slow down for a turn. Generally, liability is not split equally in cases like these, but is assigned as percentages based on each party’s negligence. As an example, a rear-end accident may result in the rear-ending driver being held responsible for 80% of the accident, whereas the first driver may only be responsible for 20%.

Statute of Limitations

New York has a three-year statute of limitations for auto injury lawsuits. Thus, you will need to file your lawsuit within three years of the accident to be considered valid. Therefore, although you have three years to file a lawsuit, it is best to do so as soon as possible after an accident occurs. By doing so, the evidence and memories of those involved are relatively recent and are more likely to be regarded with credibility.

Who Pays Medical Bills

Those who have been injured in car accidents will incur medical expenses as a result of their injuries.

Despite the fact that the majority of drivers will submit claims to their own insurance company, if another driver is at fault for the accident, that driver’s insurance company must cover the medical expenses. Insurance companies often attempt to compensate a car accident victim or reach a settlement with them after an accident.

This is the time when you need a car accident lawyer in NYC the most!

The at-fault or other driver’s insurance company will want to settle the claim for bodily injuries as cheaply and as quickly as possible. You need to have a car accident lawyer in NYC on your side to get you the fair compensation you deserve. Please remember that you or your loved ones may suffer recurrences of the injuries from an auto accident. During the settlement process for bodily injuries, you should consider any future medical needs that may arise in the following months or even years. We are here to help support your bodily injury case every step of the way. Call 1-800-HURT-511 today.

How To Deal with A Car Accident without Calling Your Insurance Company

Consider the following scenario: you are trying to leave a parking spot and accidentally hit the car behind you. Your car seems to be in good condition, while the other person’s car has a little damage or scratch. This is considered a minor car accident. So, if you were in a minor car accident, you might be wondering whether or not to notify your insurance company, given the option of privately settling the event by paying for the other party’s vehicle damage out of pocket.

Covering the expense of an accident out of pocket means keeping your insurance provider in the dark, which should prevent a premium increase. But it also means that you may have to pay if more damage turns up or if you got hurt and notice it only in few days after the accident.

How you handle a small accident—whether you pay for it out of your own pocket or file a claim—will depend on a number of things, such as the amount of damage, your ability to pay for it, and how comfortable you are with the possibility that the other person will come back with an injury. Keep on reading to learn how to handle minor car accidents without involving insurance companies.

Dealing with a No-Damage Accident

Sometimes the drivers reach a mutual understanding to resolve the issue without making a claim. Of course, this is done in order to avoid a claim ruining the at-fault driver’s auto insurance rates for the following few years.

This path can be risky on its own, but if you take it the right way, it can help you save money on a bothersome problem.

Will my Rates Go Up if Report an Accident to Insurance Company?

Even though there are many reasons not to tell your insurance company about a minor accident, most drivers don’t report accidents in order to keep their rates from going up.

The rate of increase will differ depending on the insurer and state.

Your insurance company’s policies and state legislation will determine how much more you have to pay for coverage after a car accident. Numerous additional variables are also taken into account, the most important of which are your age, your location, the model of car you drive, and your credit history. Though the majority of insurance companies will, some may decide not to increase your rate at all.

A large number of claims in a short period of time raises serious concerns for insurers. A simple enquiry can change your rates.

The majority of these price hikes will last for at least three years.

How Can I Protect Myself if I Decide to Settle Privately?

Once you’ve decided to settle privately, make sure you have proof that you’re not guilty. The person who has the proof will win in court if the other person only has hearsay. Take pictures of the damaged cars and the accident scene only if you think they may help you.

If they won’t, don’t do anything that could be used against you as proof.

You may also want to call the police. If you end up in court, a police report is the most important piece of evidence you will have. Most of the time, the police will look at the accident scene to figure out who was at fault. At least the police should give you a form called “Driver Exchange of Information.”

But sometimes, the police won’t come if there was no serious damage, and no one was injured.

Don’t worry that the police might tell your insurance company if they do come. Police reports are only given to insurance companies upon a special request. If you were at fault in a car accident, do not try to acquire a police report; it will only serve as evidence against you.

We recommend getting the driver who caused the accident to sign a document that says he or she is sorry and will pay for the damage. In any case, make sure you have all the possible data about the other driver. This includes the name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, and policy number.

The case is only half won when an agreement is reached at the scene of the accident.

The situation might change multiple times before you come to a final resolution. It’s crucial to set a deadline. If you have to go to the other driver’s insurance company to make a claim, it will get harder as time goes on.

If you can’t come to an agreement or don’t trust the other person to pay for the damage, you should instantly file a claim with the driver’s insurance company. It’s neither wrong nor illegal to try to figure things out on your own, so no one will hold it against you that you first tried to get your car fixed after an accident without involving insurance companies.

After the Accident is Settled

Especially if it was your fault, there will be some final documentation to fill out when the car is ready to get back on the road again. The person who was at fault will want to make sure that the repairs put an end to the situation.

We advise obtaining a release of claims for car accidents from the other party. By doing this, you will be confident that the other party won’t turn around and demand payment for lost value or any other claim.

Try to avoid signing a release if you were the one hurt and obtain compensation so that you can retain the right to ask for more money, if necessary, later. You probably should call your insurer if you are injured instead of settling the situation privately.  After all, there is a reason why we pay for insurance. It serves to lessen our financial losses in the event of an accident.

Most car accident cases are settled without going to court, so the best way to get the most money out of a car accident case is to show the other side that you and your lawyer are ready to take case to trial. Contact us now at 1-800-HURT-511 to receive a free case evaluation from one of our NYC car accident lawyers. We work on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.

The Insurance Adjuster’s Role in Reducing Your Settlement

Every year, insurance companies spend lots of money training their claims adjusters on how to pay out as little as possible on as few claims as possible. Any claim that is made to an insurance company is immediately questioned, both in terms of whether it is true and how much it is worth. This is why it is so important for people who deserve a car accident settlement to talk to a lawyer before talking to their insurance company. The claims adjuster’s job is to do everything to prevent you from obtaining the compensation. With the help of a personal injury lawyer, people who have been injured can protect their legal rights and obtain a fair compensation for their losses and suffering.

Who is an insurance adjuster?

An insurance adjuster is a company representative tasked with investigating filed claims. Insurance companies cannot rely just on documentation and the plaintiff’s word, so they employ insurance adjusters to verify the legitimacy of the claim. As part of their inquiry, insurance adjusters assist the insurance company in determining the exact amount of compensation. Insurance adjusters will determine the value of a claim using a variety of procedures that all have the same end goal. Pay as little compensation as possible.
Insurance company is a business; they will always pay the least amount possible, but with a professional lawyer on your side, you may resist their efforts and escape a minimal settlement.

Do insurance adjusters work for insurance companies only?

While the majority of insurance adjusters will be employed by the insurance company against which a claim was made, they might come from a variety of sources. The typical insurance adjuster is an employee of the insurance business and a member of the insurance adjusting department’s personnel. Additionally, there are independent adjusters that can be hired by both insurance companies and policyholders.

Last but not least, claimants generally use public adjusters. The different types of adjusters make sure that a claim is looked at as objectively and accurately as possible.

What works better for me: a public or independent adjuster?

It depends on the situation whether you should hire a public or a private insurance adjuster. A claimant may feel that an insurance company’s settlement estimate is grossly unfair or that an insurance adjuster was too biased in the way they handled the case.
In these situations, you should get your own insurance adjuster. If this happens, make sure to hire your own adjuster as soon as possible in the claims process to give yourself the best chance of getting a better estimate of how much your car accident settlement will be.

What kind of investigation does an insurance adjuster perform?

An insurance minimizer would be a more accurate name for an insurance adjuster.
In order to figure out what happened and try to limit your claim, an insurance adjuster will look into every aspect of whatever happened. Insurance adjusters can be sent to all kinds of claims, from car accidents to injuries caused by slipping and falling. All of them have the same goal, which is to look out for the insurance company’s best interests.
Investigations by insurance adjusters will be based on paperwork and, for some, will involve a lot of hands-on work.

They won’t leave anything out and will talk to any useful witnesses in person, take their statements, talk to emergency workers, and look at any relevant accident sites themselves to figure out how much a settlement should be. At least that’s what the insurance company thinks is a fair settlement.

How to act if the insurance provider denies liability?

The first and most straightforward approach to contesting a claim is to deny all responsibility. If the defendant was not at fault in an accident, the insurance company would not have to pay for the victims’ medical bills and other damages. Insurance firms conduct investigations in order to ascertain who was at fault for a car accident, insurance firms conduct investigations.

Liability is also allocated in premises liability claims, such as slip-and-fall injuries at stores or restaurants. Additionally, private homeowners might be held accountable for injuries that occur on their property.

Numerous claims are refused at this stage. When a claims adjuster denies liability, fortunately, victims have recourse. A rejection of liability will frequently require a victim to file a lawsuit in order for a judge or jury to decide who was at fault for the accident.

In some cases, the insurance company will take responsibility and pay the car accident settlement just because a lawsuit was filed. Sometimes it does not, and the case must go to trial. In any case, the person who was hurt can choose to let someone else decide who was at fault.

A claims adjuster’s initial refusal to take responsibility for an injury does not mean that the injured person’s claim is over.

Methods used by claims adjusters to disagree about a claim’s worth

There are numerous strategies employed by insurance companies to lower the value of a claim. One common strategy is to focus on areas of compensation that are hard to put a dollar value on because they are subjective. Subjective losses such as pain, suffering, and loss of consortium are very real and compensable injuries. However, they can vary significantly from victim to victim.
Some patients are allergic to specific medicines and, as a result, must endure greater discomfort from to their injuries. Some victims prefer to limit their pain medications due to pregnancy. The pain and suffering of accident victims can be made worse by the diseases, but claims adjusters rarely take them into account when figuring out how much money to pay for pain and suffering.

In case you have been injured in an accident in New York, we will aggressively protect your right to receive a maximum car accident settlement. Call 1-800-HURT-511 today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney. Our personalized service, highly skilled lawyers, and friendly staff will help accident victims feel less stressed so they can focus on their recovery.

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