Should I Use an Attorney to Help With My Auto Accident Claim?
New York is a No-Fault Insurance State, meaning that most personal injury claims arising from traffic accidents are paid by your own insurance. There are exceptions, though, and a federal study indicates that the economic cost of traffic accidents nationwide is more than $242 billion a year, including the present value of lifetime economic costs for nearly 33,000 fatalities, nearly four-million injuries, and roughly 24 million destroyed or damaged vehicles. Quality-of-life valuations for those injured in accidents and the total value of societal harm from motor vehicle crashes in 2010 was $836 billion.
Private insurers pay about 54 percent of the direct costs, or roughly $130 billion. Because insurance companies are for-profit business, those payouts represent losses for the insurance companies. Naturally, insurance companies are going to attempt to limit those payouts to limit their losses.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Car Accident Lawyer
When you pursue a post-accident claim against an insurance company, keep several things in mind. If the other driver was at fault, based on police reports or circumstances, you might be able to file a claim against the other driver’s insurance policy—even in no-fault New York, provided you meet certain requirements. Knowing whether you meet those requirements might require help of an experienced Car Accident Lawyer.
Specific Experience—even if an attorney has a great reputation, if he is not experienced in handling your type of case, then keep looking. It is important to choose an attorney who has had success handling cases just like yours. If you have been involved in a car accident, be sure your attorney practices car accident law first and foremost. Our team of experienced Car Accident Attorneys has decades of experience in handling auto injury cases and fighting insurance companies to maximize compensation for our clients.
Fees are a Priority—filing a lawsuit can take time and be expensive for many injured clients. That’s why many personal injury attorneys offer their services on a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not pay unless your attorney recovers money for you. Be sure you understand exactly what percentage you will owe and how your attorney’s fees are calculated. This will prevent unnecessary surprises when compensation in your case is obtained.
Personalities—it is also important to consider the personality of your attorney and how easily you can discuss your case with him or her. If your attorney doesn’t return phone calls promptly or seems too busy to meet with you, then he may not have time to devote to your case.
What to consider when filing a claim against your own policy on your own:
- Insurance companies try to minimize payouts: Payments for car accidents are losses for insurance companies. Insurance adjusters will attempt to give you the least amount of money they can.
- Insurance companies do not want lawyers involved: If an attorney is representing the claimant, a claim likely will cost the insurance company more.
- Was another driver involved in the auto accident? If another driver was at fault in your car crash, and you meet other requirements, you will need to file a claim with the other driver’s auto insurance provider. When you file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, that insurer’s goal will be to minimize its losses.
“Should You Accept an Auto-Insurance Settlement Offer?”
Call Us Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with Car Accident Lawyer
You might benefit from competent legal representation when pursuing your personal injury claim, even against your own insurance company. Most people aren’t involved in many traffic accidents that involve substantial damage claims. Going up against an experienced claim negotiator is much easier if you have an experienced negotiator of your own. It pays to have someone on your side who is experienced in such negotiations and knows the true value of your claim.
If you are injured in an automobile accident in New York City, you should explore your compensation options. You may be entitled to compensation beyond what no-fault insurance provides. Even if you are not, you should take advantage of a Free Case Evaluation. Free Consultation will help you determine if and how a car accident attorney can help maximize compensation for your injuries. To schedule a free consultation with our team of Personal Injury Lawyers, call us today at (718) 307-5554 or contact us online.
Car Accident Lawyer Near Me
Our offices are located in Brooklyn, NY. However, we serve the entire New York City Metro Area and represent clients in every borough of New York City. If your injury prevents you from meeting at our office our Accident Lawyers are able to travel to you. We also provide free transportation to and from our offices.
Our office address is:
1810 Voorhies Ave
Suite #7
Brooklyn, NY 11235