Car accidents are not only frightening but can also result in substantial financial costs. Between mounting medical bills, the potential loss of your vehicle, and missing out on wages while you recover, the financial burden of an accident can seem overwhelming. To help during this time, the best way to protect yourself is to hire an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible after the crash.
Hiring a skilled attorney quickly means you have more time to plan your case and explore all possible legal options. With that in mind, please don’t wait until it’s too late. Your window to file a claim may soon close forever. To keep that from happening, call the seasoned New York car accident attorneys of Schwartzapfel Lawyers at 516-342-2200 today. In and out of court, it will be our honor and privilege to fight for you!
When Is The Best Time To Hire A Skilled Lawyer After A Car Accident In New York City?
The absolute best time to call a skilled lawyer is immediately following a crash. However, we understand that serious injuries sometimes make that impossible. And so, if you cannot get in touch with a seasoned attorney yourself, you might ask a friend or family member to contact a qualified lawyer on your behalf.
Now, it’s perfectly acceptable to be uncertain about pursuing legal action. That said, you should know that contacting an experienced attorney does not obligate you to proceed with a case. A qualified lawyer will walk you through the lawsuit process, explaining your options and answering all your questions. What’s more, your consultation should cost you nothing but the time it takes to better understand your situation.
To this end, the highly trained attorneys at Schwartzapfel Lawyers are standing by to help you make the right decisions for yourself regarding your New York State car crash. But you shouldn’t wait, as your window to file a claim and recover all the money and benefits you deserve may soon close forever. To keep that from happening, call us now at 516-342-2200 for your free consultation and/or case evaluation.
What Are The Deadlines In Car Accident Cases In New York City?
It’s important to know that you have a limited amount of time to take legal action after a car crash in New York. This time limit is called the statute of limitations. With that in mind, when is it too late to hire a skilled lawyer for your car accident case?
In New York State, you typically have three (3) years from the date of the accident to file your lawsuit. That may seem like a long time, but building a strong case takes serious effort. The sooner you speak to a seasoned lawyer, the more time your legal team will have to develop a strategy that gets you the compensation and benefits you are entitled to.
In rare cases, it may be possible to “toll” the statute of limitations, meaning you get extra time to file. A skilled lawyer can explain if this applies to your situation. However, the best course of action is to contact a qualified attorney as quickly as possible after your accident to be safe.
What Are The Advantages Of Hiring A Skilled Lawyer Quickly After A New York City Car Accident?
Hiring a seasoned lawyer right after a crash benefits you in multiple ways. A qualified lawyer will spend significant time with you, reviewing all the ways the accident has impacted your life.
They will help you calculate your “damages,” which is the legal term for all the compensation you may be entitled to recover. These damages may include financial losses like medical expenses and lost wages, along with harder-to-calculate costs like your pain and suffering.
Another major advantage is having more time to explore a possible settlement. Settling with the at-fault driver’s insurance company can be drawn out. A seasoned lawyer has the experience to negotiate aggressively for the best possible terms.
By and large, having a seasoned legal professional by your side makes the entire process far less stressful. Knowing someone is fighting for your rights allows you to focus on what matters most — your recovery.
What Should You Do At The Scene Of The Accident?
The moments immediately following a car crash are often chaotic and disorienting. However, if you are physically able and it is safe to do so, taking the following steps at the scene can strengthen any future legal action you may take:
- Prioritize Safety and Medical Attention: Your well-being takes absolute priority. Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 immediately if necessary.
- Gather Evidence: Once it’s safe, document the scene. Take photos of vehicle damage, any visible injuries, road conditions, and traffic signs. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident. Even short notes about what you remember happening can be valuable later.
- Remember: If you’re too hurt to take these steps, focus on your health. It’s always best to address injuries immediately, and your skilled lawyer can help gather evidence later.
Having an experienced attorney by your side can alleviate the stress of dealing with a claim as they fight to make sure you receive all the money and benefits you’re entitled to. So, please, don’t let the opportunity to protect your rights pass you by. Your financial future is too important. Instead, act now and speak with the qualified car accident attorneys of Schwartzapfel Lawyers at 516-342-2200 today.
When Should You Talk To The Other Driver’s Insurance Company?
After a car crash, you may be contacted by the at-fault driver’s insurance company. While they might seem friendly and reassuring, remember — the insurance company is not your friend. They’re a business whose primary objective is to protect their profits, not pay out large settlements.
Accordingly, insurance adjusters will often try to undervalue your claim, downplay your injuries, or even trick you into saying something that makes it sound like you are at least partially to blame.
As such, the best way to protect your rights is to have a seasoned lawyer handle all communication with the insurance company. The right lawyer will ensure you don’t accidentally say something that could damage your case, and they will fight aggressively to get you the maximum financial compensation you’re entitled to.
What Types Of Compensation Are You Entitled To After A Crash?
After a car crash, adding a financial strain in addition to the physical pain can feel like you’ve been put in an impossible situation. Here, a qualified car accident attorney can get you financial compensation for a variety of losses you may have suffered, including but not limited to:
- Medical Expenses: This covers all medical costs related to the accident — ambulance fees, hospital stays, treatment, medication, and future medical needs.
- Lost Wages And Income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for the wages you miss out on. This could also include potential lost future income if your injuries reduce your earning ability long-term.
- Property Damage: The costs to repair or replace your damaged vehicle should be covered as part of your claim.
- Pain And Suffering: Car crashes aren’t just physically painful. They may cause emotional distress and anxiety and negatively impact your close relationships. You may be entitled to compensation for this suffering.
As you can see, there are many different ways you could receive financial compensation. That said, it takes a skilled lawyer to get you the best possible outcome for your case, and Schwartzapfel Lawyers is ready and able to fight — and win! — for you.
Call Schwartzapfel Lawyers Now!
Dealing with the aftermath of a car crash is often overwhelming. However, a knowledgeable car accident attorney can help simplify the process by taking on many burdens, like gathering evidence, dealing with paperwork, answering your questions, and fighting for your rights.
And so, for a free consultation and so much more, call the award-winning NYC car crash attorneys of Schwartzapfel Lawyers without delay. No matter your situation, it will be our honor and privilege to fight for you.
Remember, waiting too long can cause you to lose out on securing your financial future. So, please, take action today and protect your tomorrows by dialing 516-342-2200 now!
DISCLAIMER: Nothing on this page should be considered legal advice. You should seek the appropriate counsel your situation requires. For more information, call 516-342-2200 now!
Sources:
Schwartzapfel Lawyers, P.C. | Fighting For You
Statute of Limitations chart | NY CourtHelp
damages | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute
How to Know Whether to Call the Police After a Car Accident | wikiHow
