20 Things You Need To Know About Auto Accident Attorneys
Auto Accident Attorneys
The long-term consequences of a car accident could leave you with expensive medical bills, a reduced income, and pain and suffering. The negligent party that caused your accident should be liable to compensate you for these losses.
An experienced New York City auto accident law firm accident lawyer can assist you in pursuing the full amount of compensation for all your losses. A lawyer who handles car accidents can help you defend yourself against unjustified insurance denials.
Distracted driving
Every driver has the duty to drive in a safe manner and pay attention to the road. Distracted driving is the leading cause of near-collisions and collisions, and it can be incredibly dangerous for other drivers on the road. If you have been injured by a motorist who is distracted, you may be legally entitled to compensation.
While many people think of texting and calling when they hear the term distracted driving it's actually any activity that takes your hands off the steering wheel, eyes off of the road, or takes your mind off the task at hand. This includes eating, reaching for things in the car, interacting with passengers, adjusting dashboard controls such as the radio or temperature, personal grooming like shaving or applying your makeup, and much more.
According to research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, approximately 80 percent of all crashes and 65 percent of near-collisions involve some type of driver distraction. If you take your eyes off the road for just five seconds when you're driving at 55 mph can double the risk of a crash.
If you've been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, a skilled auto accidents accident lawyer can help. They can look into your case and make the strongest arguments for full compensation and include all of your current and future expenses.
Car crashes
Car accidents can take on numerous types, from minor fender benders up to massive head-on collisions. The nature of the accident determines liability and the extent and nature of the injuries to the victims and their financial losses.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash statistics reveal that driver errors are the primary cause of motor vehicle crashes. Even the tiniest distraction such as flipping through radio channels wearing makeup, or reading a map - could result in an injury or accident. Other causes of car accidents are reckless driving, speeding drunk driving, unsafe road conditions and weather, and inexperienced or elderly drivers.
A experienced New York City car accident lawyer can analyze your case and identify all parties responsible for your financial losses and injuries. They can also negotiate an acceptable settlement with the insurance company that is the defendant's.
An experienced auto accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries and losses, including past and future medical expenses and lost earnings, emotional and physical distress, and other damages. They can also make sure that your claim for compensation includes the coverage of uninsured or under-insured motorists in the event of need. This is particularly important if the at-fault driver does not have insurance or is only covered to the minimum amount required under New York law.
Uninsured or underinsured drivers
Some drivers don't have insurance, while others have minimal coverage. When an under- or uninsured driver causes the crash, it may be difficult to collect compensation for the losses. In these situations it is important to have a qualified legal advocate to help you achieve your goals, as well as those of 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 a full-coverage insurance policy, and can provide you with important protections in the event of a serious accident.
The process for filing UIM/UM claims is similar to filing a traditional car accident claim. It typically involves submitting copies of your medical bills and repair bills for your automobile. The insurance company will review these along with other documents to determine where your losses fall within the limits of the other driver's coverage.
It's best to consult with an New York City car accident attorney as soon as is possible after the crash and file an UIM/UM claim as soon as possible in the event that the other driver claims they don't have 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 car is damaged in an accident, it is possible to seek compensation from the insurance company of the party at fault. Our lawyers can help you in filing a claim to recover financial and non-economic losses, such as medical bills and lost wages. You could also be eligible to claim compensation for your pain and suffering.
We will carefully examine the damage caused to your vehicle, and take note of all evidence to support your case. This includes taking pictures of the scene of the accident and your property, as well as any damage, like fractured glass or dents. We will also take copies of any accident or police reports, as well as secure any vital information about witnesses.
The prevailing law in New York State is comparative negligence that means that even if you are found to be partially accountable for the accident and you are found to be partially responsible, your damages will be reduced by the percentage of liability assigned to you. The defendant may also be found to be entirely responsible for the incident and therefore not entitled to any form of compensation.
Be careful not to give any written or oral statements to representatives from the at-fault party's insurance companies, since these can be used against you in court. It is also important to consult a doctor right away following your accident, because certain injuries can take a while to manifest and could be used against you if you try to obtain compensation for your injuries later.