The No. #1 Question That Everyone In Auto Accident Compensation Needs To Know How To Answer
Why You Should Consult With an Auto Accident Lawyer
The no fault auto insurance law covers injuries as well as property damage, unless the negligent driver is not insured. This is why it's wise to consult with a professional lawyer in the event of a car accident before providing an account in writing or recorded to the insurer.
If your case is taken to court, oral and written statements could be used against you. An experienced car accident attorney knows how to prepare and testify in a trial to maximize the value.
Damages
There are two kinds of damages victims can receive following an accident in the car. These are the economic and non-economic. Economic damages are measurable losses which can be easily determined. They include medical expenses, lost wages, and repair costs for vehicles. Non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify. They may include things such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and emotional distress.
A seasoned lawyer for car accidents can help victims receive the highest amount of amount of compensation. They can also fight to obtain a fair settlement from the insurance company of the driver who was at fault. They can also go to trial in the event that the insurance company refuses to pay the full amount.
A competent lawyer in car accidents needs to ensure that victims are compensated for all their possible losses and expenses. They can accomplish this by gathering as much evidence as they can at the scene of the accident. For example, they can capture images of the scene of the accident and collect information from witnesses. This will ensure that the insurance company isn't attempting to minimize a claim, or dismiss it completely.
A lawyer who has been involved in a car accident can also assist victims in calculating their total expenses. This includes past and future medical treatment, and any costs related to taking care of their home or hiring someone else to do chores or cook if injury makes it impossible for the victim to perform these tasks.
Medical bills
Medical bills can quickly add in the aftermath of a car crash. Even with no fault insurance or a settlement for personal injury lawsuits, those bills won't magically disappear. You need help paying them now, not later.
There are two easy ways to pay for medical expenses: your own car insurance and health insurance. In New York, the former is known as Med Pay and will cover your first medical expenses in the event of an auto crash, regardless of who was responsible. The latter is typically state-provided (Medicare) or via private insurance plans.
You should always go to the doctor after an accident, especially in the event that you're not feeling well or believe that your injuries aren't too severe. An immediate evaluation will guarantee that your injuries, which may include internal injuries, are recognized and treated. In addition, your visit will generate medical reports that can be crucial in any lawsuit.
If these two options have been exhausted, you may use the at-fault driver's liability insurance if their policy will pay for your damages. However, you'll have to pay for your own deductibles and copays. Once an agreement is reached with the party responsible you will be reimbursed for all accident-related costs. This is why it's important to keep an eye on all your expenses and anything you spend out of pocket.
Loss of wages
A serious car accident may also result in a loss of income. It can be extremely stressful to meet your financial obligations if are unable to work because of an injury sustained in a car accident. You may have to rely on your personal savings or borrow from family members until your case is resolved. A New York car accident lawyer can examine your case and determine whether you have an appropriate claim.
In car accident cases, a judge awards compensatory damages that reimburse you for the amount you could have earned but for your injuries. Payroll, benefits, and overtime fall under the umbrella term of "economic damages." The goal of this type of compensation is to get you to your financial situation prior to the time of the accident.
When auto accident law firm reading missing work because of your injuries the judge will determine the amount you've suffered by reading a letter from plaintiff's employer which confirms their pay or hourly wages and the amount of time they've missed from work. Paycheck stubs and bank statements are also relevant. Profit-and-loss accounts, tax returns, and profit-and-loss reports are also a possibility.
A lawyer who handles auto accidents can also seek compensation for future earnings lost. This is a complicated aspect of your damages that can be difficult to prove and may require the help of an expert witness.
Suffering and pain
A serious car accident may cause medical bills, property damage, and lost income. There is also the possibility of suffering emotional and psychological trauma. The pain and suffering you experience can be very real and should be compensated. A lawyer can assist you in getting the money you deserve.
A lawyer can assist you resolve issues with insurance companies. Since insurance adjusters have their own financial interests at heart, they often try to limit or deny your claim. A lawyer who has experience in car accidents will protect you from these tactics and negotiate a an appropriate settlement of your damages and losses.
As you recover from your injuries, it's crucial to note all damages to property and expenses that are associated to the accident. This includes medical bills, estimates of repair, and receipts for any damaged items. Photograph your injuries and the accident scene. You should also avoid talking to anyone about the accident other than police and medical experts.
A lawyer can help determine the person responsible for the accident. New York is a "comparative fault" state, which means that the amount of damages you will receive will be reduced based on your percentage of the fault. In some instances, the liable party may be a corporation, city or state agency, or the public transportation or sanitation company.