The primary role of a car accident lawyer is to help victims recover compensation for their injuries or losses. This includes medical expenses, future lost earnings, pain and suffering, and mental anguish. The victim’s surviving family members may also be entitled to money for loss of companionship and lost income.
An experienced attorney can provide invaluable advice and guidance at a critical time, and they know what questions to ask of witnesses and how to investigate the crash. They understand the laws of New York and can anticipate how insurance companies will approach your claim. This knowledge puts them in a better position to negotiate a fair settlement.
Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means they do not charge upfront fees to take on a case. They will instead take a percentage of the civil award once they win it. This aligns their interests with yours and ensures that they will work hard to secure the maximum possible settlement or verdict.
Car accident lawyers have extensive experience handling personal injury cases. They should have a track record of success in negotiating with insurers and a proven history of successfully taking cases to trial if they cannot reach a reasonable agreement.
Look for an attorney with a dedicated staff capable of investigating the crash and gathering evidence. They should have an organized office space and be able to show you examples of their previous work in similar cases. It is also important to find out whether they have the resources to hire experts, if necessary.
A qualified attorney will thoroughly review all of the evidence in your case, including medical records and police reports. They will visit the scene of the accident to make observations and gather additional evidence. In addition, they will carefully consider your medical treatment costs, future cost of care, and the impact on your life that your injuries have had. They will also consider your lost earning potential and any other economic and non-economic damages that you might be entitled to, including loss of consortium.
After a thorough investigation, an insurance company will typically offer you a settlement offer. The initial offer will likely be lower than what you are entitled to, so it is crucial to have an experienced lawyer by your side. Your lawyer will evaluate the offer and may recommend that you reject it in favor of a higher one.
A car accident lawyer will not only protect your legal rights, but they can also save you a lot of trouble down the road. They will prevent you from making common mistakes that insurance adjusters might use to deny or minimize your claim, such as admitting fault or apologizing for the crash. They will also help you avoid unnecessary expenses by ensuring that you only file for the damages that are appropriate to your situation. Having an experienced attorney on your side will put you in a much better position to fight for your right to full compensation after a crash.