Five Killer Quora Answers On Auto Accident Attorneys
Auto Accident Attorneys
The long-term consequences of a car accident could cause you to be faced with costly medical bills, a decreased income and pain and suffering. The party who was negligent in causing the accident should be held accountable to cover these costs.
A New York City auto accident attorney can help you obtain the full amount of compensation for your losses. A qualified attorney for car accidents can also safeguard you from unfair denials from insurance companies.
Distracted driving
Every driver is responsible to drive safely and pay attention to the road. Distracted driving can be dangerous for other road users. It is the leading cause of collisions. If you have been injured by a driver who was distracted, you could be entitled to compensation.
Although many people think of texting or calling when they hear distracted driving, it's actually any activity that puts your hands off the steering wheel, eyes off of the road, or takes your mind off the task at the present moment. This includes eating, reaching into the car for things or passengers, and changing the controls on the dashboard such as the radio or temperature. It can also include personal grooming like shaving or applying makeup.
According to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI), about 80 percent all crashes and 65 per cent of near-collisions are caused by distracted driving. Just taking your eyes off the road for five seconds when you're driving at 55 mph could increase your risk of crashing.
If you've suffered injuries in an accident caused by a distracted driver, an experienced lawyer for auto accidents can assist. They will review your case and provide the strongest arguments for a full settlement that includes covering all of your future and current expenses.
Car crashes
Car accidents can take on various forms, ranging from minor fender benders to massive head-on collisions. The type of accident determines liability as does the severity and nature of the injuries to the victims and their financial losses.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) statistics, driver error is a main factor in crashes involving motor vehicles. Even the tiniest distraction such as flipping through radio channels, putting on makeup or reading a map - can cause an accident that is serious. Other reasons for car accidents are speeding, reckless or drunk driving, poor weather conditions, inexperienced drivers or elderly drivers.
A skilled New York City car accident lawyer can examine your case and determine the parties accountable for your injuries and financial losses. They can also negotiate an equitable settlement with the insurer of the defendant.
A skilled attorney for auto accidents can assist you in getting the compensation you deserve, such as future and past medical expenses as well as lost wages, mental and physical stress, and other injuries. They can also make sure that your claim for compensation includes coverage for under-insured or uninsured motorists in the event of need. This is especially crucial if the driver at fault does not have insurance, or is only carrying the minimum amount required by New York law.
Uninsured or underinsured drivers
Some drivers don't have insurance while others have a limited amount of coverage. It can be difficult to get compensation if an under-insured or uninsured driver causes a collision. In these instances, it is important to have a competent attorney representing you as well as the insurer.
When the other driver's liability limits aren't high enough to pay for your losses, you may be able to file a claim under your own insurance policy's underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage. This type of coverage is usually part of an insurance policy with full coverage, and can provide important insurance in the event of a major accident.
The process to file UIM/UM is the same as the usual claim for a car accident. It usually involves submitting copies of your medical bills as well as repair bills for your car. The insurance company will review these along with other documents to determine if your losses fall within the boundaries of the other driver's insurance.
It is best to talk to a New York City car accident attorney as soon as you can following the accident and submit an UIM/UM claim as soon as possible, particularly when the other driver claims they don't have or have insufficient insurance coverage. This allows your lawyer to work with the other driver's insurance provider and their own underinsured/uninsured coverage providers to get you maximum compensation for your loss.
Property Damage
If your vehicle is damaged in an accident, you may seek compensation from the insurance company of the party who was at fault. Our attorneys can help you make a claim on both economic and non-economic damage, including the cost of your medical bills and lost income. You may also be able to receive compensation for the pain and suffering you have endured.
We will keep track of every physical evidence that is found in your case. This includes taking pictures of the scene of the collision and your property, like scratches, broken glass, and cracked device screens. We will also gather copies of any police or accident reports, and secure any essential witness information.
The law in New York State is comparative negligence that means that even if you are found to be partially accountable for the accident the damages you incur will be reduced by the percentage of liability attributed to you. The defendant may also be found solely responsible for the accident and thus not entitled to any kind of compensation.
Be careful not to give any oral or written statements to representatives of the at-fault parties' insurance companies, since these could be used against you in court. You should also visit a doctor as soon possible following the incident. Some injuries can take time to manifest and could be used against you in court if you later try to claim compensation.