Car accidents are everyone’s worst nightmare, but unfortunately, they are an all too common reality for many people, especially in densely populated areas like New York City. We’ve all seen drivers stopped on the side of the road to investigate a minor fender bender or been stuck in backed-up traffic waiting for emergency services and cleanup crews involved in more serious collisions. If you live in the city and have been involved in an accident resulting in personal injury, it’s recommended to seek out the advice of an injury lawyer in NYC to help you with your case. Besides the inconvenience on the day of an incident, those involved in the accident often have to deal with far-reaching effects after the accident like repairing damage to vehicles or tending to physical injuries associated with the accidents. Personal injuries may not always be evident at the moment of the accident but can develop in the following hours or days and those involved should always be prepared to deal with any complications that arise.
What to do When Involved in a Car Accident
If you or someone you know is involved in a car accident, the first thing you should always do is stop and assess the situation to see if anyone involved has been injured. If no serious injuries have occurred, move everyone to a safe location then call the police to report the accident or exchange information. Although New York state law does not require motorists to call the police in the event of an accident that does not cause any personal injury, it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident without exchanging information with all involved parties. Whether or not the police are called, it’s always a good idea to document as much of the accident as possible by writing down as much information as possible, taking photos, talking to witnesses, and obtaining a copy of the accident report when applicable. All of this information will be necessary for any future legal cases.
What is the Role of an Injury Lawyer?
An injury lawyer is a licensed lawyer with a special concentration in personal injury law. Although practicing this type of law does not require special certification, many lawyers will pursue continuing education in this specialty to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the field to better represent clients. Personal injury lawyers provide legal representation to individuals who have been injured in an accident. If you are the victim of a car accident that resulted in physical harm or psychological distress, an injury lawyer will build a legal case and fight for compensation. Some of an injury lawyer’s main functions include gathering evidence to investigate a claim, negotiating with insurance companies, sending demand letters, preparing complaints, and representing clients at trial.
Do I Need to Hire an Injury Lawyer?
The decision to hire an injury lawyer largely depends on whether or not the involved parties sustained injuries during an accident. It’s important to note that most drivers in the United States are covered by automobile insurance and accident victims are almost always filing a lawsuit with the insurance company rather than the individual driver. Because of this, even in cases of minor accidents, it is recommended to hire a lawyer for a number of reasons. The first reason is that having the aid of a lawyer will allow you to focus on your health and mental wellbeing while they take care of the legwork. Secondly, utilizing the knowledge and expertise of an injury lawyer can increase compensation and help the injured party avoid being taken advantage of by insurance companies attempting to disregard the law. Setting up an initial consultation with an injury lawyer is usually free of charge and can help outline how hiring a lawyer may be able to help your case.
When Should I Contact an Injury Lawyer?
It is of utmost importance to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible following an injury. Once an accident occurs and the insurance company has been notified, the company will begin working on its case to reduce liability immediately. Additionally, some states have a statute of limitations regarding the timeframe for filing an auto accident claim meaning that you may miss out on compensation if a claim is not filed in a timely manner. Occasionally, other drivers will file a claim against you even if they were not at fault. It’s important to be checked for any injuries immediately following an accident for documentation and to avoid any “hidden” injuries that may appear in the hours or days following an accident. Following up with doctors and lawyers as soon as possible will aid in creating a solid evidence base for your case.
How Much Does an Injury Lawyer Cost?
Because of the nature of their work, injury lawyers generally do not require payment for services upfront. Instead, they operate using what is known as a contingency fee agreement. This agreement involves the lawyer taking a certain percentage of the client’s final settlement as their fee. This fee is generally between 33-40% of the total amount won for the client. Additionally, clients are responsible for any costs incurred by the law office during the investigation. Clients are encouraged to negotiate pricing with their lawyers and ensure that they receive a written agreement for services when entering into a contract with a personal injury lawyer.