New York
auto accident lawsuit Accident Law
A lawyer for car accidents will be your advocate, making sure your side of the story is told. The lawyer will present your case to a judge and jury, if necessary and negotiate with the insurance company.
Some states follow a tort liability system that is traditional and others have no fault or add on
auto accident lawyer insurance laws. There are still time limits known as statutes which must be followed.
Fault
Finding out who is to blame is an important part of the insurance and legal claims process. It might appear obvious in some instances, such as rear-end collisions, but usually it is not. Fault is determined based on state laws and the specific facts of each case. Certain states employ pure comparative negligence. In this case, the proportion of fault you are responsible for in an accident determines what damages you are able to claim.
Even if your fault is discovered to be greater than 51%, you may still collect some of the losses you've suffered through additional policies like MedPay and PIP. Certain states also have modified comparative negligence. These laws permit injured motorists to utilize their own insurance coverage to cover costs, even if they are found to be partially responsible for the crash.
It's normal to be upset and want to blame someone else for an accident. This can lead to costly errors and could cause a negative impact. A competent lawyer can help you avoid these mistakes and get the answers that you require quickly and accurately.
Damages
Damages are monetary payments that help a victim to make up for the financial losses they suffered as a result of a third party's negligence actions. This kind of compensation can be used to cover a variety of damages, including medical expenses in addition to lost wages or income, and vehicle property damage. A car accident lawyer will scrutinize invoices, receipts and other financial documents to determine the amount of damages you're entitled to.
Non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify and often comprise intangible losses like pain and suffering. This kind of compensation is usually subject to devaluation by insurance providers and it is critical to consult with a knowledgeable lawyer to ensure that your damages are valued fairly.
In New York, if you suffered serious injuries or if your losses surpassed the policy limits it is possible to avoid the no-fault system and sue for all of your non-economic and economic damages, including pain and suffering. However, because New York is a comparative negligence state, your recovery will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributable to you. A competent lawyer will work hard to maximize your claim for damages.
Statute of Limitations
In the case of a car accident the statute of limitation is the time frame you are required to seek damages. This can vary from three to five years based on the nature and the state of the lawsuit.
Statutes of limitations are essential because they ensure that claims brought in court will be properly investigated prior to the deadline runs out. After that time, it may be too late for witnesses, physical evidence like the marks of tires and debris could disappear or be destroyed, and public records can be lost.
As the years pass, witnesses tend to forget important information. It's not realistic to think that eyewitnesses would recall all the details of a car crash that occurred 15 years ago. A statute of limitation prohibits plaintiffs from bringing a lawsuit too early after the incident since it could influence the jury. This is why it's essential to speak with a New York car accident lawyer and begin the process as soon as you can.
Insurance
All drivers in New York are required by law to carry car insurance. This type of insurance is designed to cover the policyholder and their passengers for financial losses in an accident regardless of who was responsible for the fault. This is also known as no fault insurance or Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
In addition to PIP, most New York policies include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This type of coverage provides compensation to victims injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver or in a hit and run accident. UM/UIM is usually offered with the amount of $25,000 for a person and $50,000 per accident.
Bodily Injury Liability covers the policyholder if they're sued by a third party to recover damages, including medical bills or property damage. Third parties can also file claims for suffering and pain for injuries that are serious enough. However, most third-party claims are settled through insurance companies. Bringing a skilled lawyer on board can ensure that you receive the entire amount of damages available to you.
Contact an attorney
Car accidents can be stressful and costly that range from car damages to medical bills to lost wages. A lawyer can assist you determine who is responsible for the accident was, and seek compensation from the party responsible.
A lawyer can also ensure that your claim includes all of your losses and expenses. They will take into account your current and future financial expenses as in addition to physical and emotional stress. They will also take into account the impact of your injuries on your quality-of-life.
In New York, if the negligent driver did not have insurance or only carried the minimum amount required by law, you could be able recover the amount under your own insurance policy's uninsured motorist coverage (UM). An attorney can help you understand this possibility.
It is essential to choose an experienced lawyer for
auto accidents. Their experience and training put them in the best position to obtain you the compensation you deserve. The defendant's insurer will know that your lawyer is willing to pursue the case, which can lead to an offer of a higher settlement.