Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney If You've Been in a Car Accident

A car accident can happen in the blink of an eye, leaving you grappling with physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens. During these trying times, having a seasoned personal injury attorney by your side is not just an option; it is a necessity. Legal representation should understand the complexities of car accident cases and the challenges that lie ahead. This blog explores the reasons why you need a personal injury attorney in New York if you have been injured in a car accident.

Why Hire a Personal Injury Attorney After a Car Accident?

A car accident can bring a whirlwind of legal complexities that demand a certain level of skill and knowledge to navigate. From dealing with the insurance companies to gathering evidence and negotiating a settlement, the journey can be overwhelming. An experienced New York personal injury attorney to guide you through a process that otherwise has some pitfalls:

A Personal Injury Attorney Knows the Law

Navigating the legal intricacies of a car accident case requires an in-depth understanding of the law. Knowing what is important to your case and what to agree upon when settling with your insurance company can save you thousands:

Investigating the cause of the accident: A skilled attorney will meticulously examine all available evidence to determine the cause of the accident. This may involve analyzing accident reports, witness statements, and even consulting accident reconstruction experts to recreate the sequence of events leading up to the accident.
Gathering evidence to show the other driver was at fault: Building a strong car accident case hinges on proving the other driver's negligence or recklessness. Personal injury attorneys are adept at gathering the evidence needed to prove fault for an accident. This evidence may include photographs, surveillance footage, traffic violations, cell phone records, and expert opinions to establish fault.
Calculating the damages you have sustained: Beyond the physical injuries, a car accident can inflict emotional distress and financial hardships. Your personal injury attorney will help assess the full extent of your damages, including your medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and emotional distress to accurately calculate the damages you deserve. Without experienced help car accident victims are more likely to miss out on compensation that they are rightfully entitled to receive.
Maximizing your compensation: Insurance companies know how to get away with paying you less than you are entitled to receive for your car accident claim. According to a study conducted by The Insurance Research Council (IRC), insurance claimants who are represented by a skilled attorney, recover as much as 3 times the compensation as those who are not.

Filing an Insurance Claim

Filing an insurance claim may seem straightforward, but insurance companies often prioritize their bottom line over your rightful compensation. Errors in filling out forms can confuse the following aspects of an insurance claim:

Who was at fault for the accident: Proving the other party was at-fault is absolutely necessary to recover compensation from their auto insurance company. Your attorney will communicate with the at-fault party’s insurance company on your behalf, and using skill and knowledge of the case, present compelling evidence of the other driver's fault for the accident.

Negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company: Insurance adjusters are skilled at minimizing how much they pay out for car accident claims. A good personal injury attorney will be armed with a comprehensive understanding of the value of your claim, enabling them to negotiate vigorously with the liable insurance companies to secure a fair settlement that covers all your damages.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

If negotiations with the liable insurance company do not yield a satisfactory outcome, your attorney may recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit to get the compensation you deserve. While most car accident cases are settled out of court, an attorney's trial experience may become crucial if the case needs to be tried. Trial experience and courtroom prowess will ensure that your case is presented persuasively before a judge and jury.

Things to Consider When Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney in New York

Experience in all aspects of the accident compensation process, including success in the courtroom, ensures that you will have the advocacy you need, whichever way the process turns.

When faced with physical, emotional, and financial stress, it may be difficult to fully engage in the process directly. A car accident can disrupt every aspect of your life. It’s important to secure the best possible settlement or verdict to cover things like medical expenses and lost income as well as the emotional distress suffered by you and your family. Find an attorney that will pursue full and fair compensation on your behalf.

Look for trial lawyers who are not intimidated by large insurance companies. Finkelstein has experience within the insurance industry and courtroom and knows how to navigate the processes. If you’ve been in a car accident you need legal expertise to advocate for your rights and guide you through each step of the legal process. Your attorney should offer a free case consultation.