If you experience a car accident, it can result in high medical expenses and damage to your property. Additionally, you may need to miss work because of your injuries.
An experienced car accident lawyer ensures you receive the maximum settlement for your claim. An attorney can help you avoid common mistakes that could negatively impact the value of your claim.
Table of Contents
Gather Evidence
You can get a better settlement if you clearly understand how your crash happened, who was at fault, and what damages you should be compensated for. It requires detailed research and analysis. It also includes gathering and preserving evidence.
Your lawyer can help document your medical expenses, property damage, lost income, and other accident-related costs. They use a formula that considers your current and future injuries and pre-existing conditions. They can also estimate your pain and suffering.
Your injuries affect the value of your claim. A car accident lawyer can calculate punitive damages if the at-fault party disregards your safety. They can also prepare you for a trial to maximize the potential payout.
Contact a Lawyer
While an insurance company may provide a settlement offer, this number is usually far below what you should receive for your past, current, and future economic and noneconomic damages. Your lawyer will prepare a demand package with all relevant information and a reasonable compensation request based on your case’s facts.
A seasoned car accident attorney can help you build a practical case against the at-fault party and obtain the compensation you deserve. Your lawyer can also explain New York’s unique insurance laws and how they impact your recovery. An essential step in the process is to contact an experienced lawyer and do so as soon as possible. By doing so, you can avoid making critical mistakes that can reduce the value of your claim. For example, you should never apologize or take the blame for your injuries and damage because doing so could prevent you from pursuing compensation. You should also seek medical attention promptly to document your injuries and establish causation.
Negotiate With the Insurance Company
After a car accident, you may be left with enormous financial burdens due to medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. Car accident victims deserve compensation to help alleviate these hardships, but insurance companies are often unwilling to provide a fair settlement.
An experienced car accident lawyer can help you get the maximum damages compensation. First, it is vital to keep records of all the financial losses you have incurred from the accident, including medical bills, lost income, and repairs to your vehicle.
To calculate your pain and suffering, add your total economic damages from step 1 and multiply that by 1-2x to account for noneconomic damages. It’s a reasonable starting point, but a more severe injury will likely result in a higher multiple. Remember to include future expenses as well.
Prepare for Trial
Car accident injuries can have long-lasting effects on victims and their families. Injuries may result in substantial medical costs, a loss of income from being unable to work, and other expenses that can drain the victim’s financial resources.
An experienced car accident lawyer can help victims prepare for trial by reviewing case details and potential testimony with them. It can help reduce the stress victims experience during a court case. During this process, attorneys can also qualify for any questions the opposing attorney may ask.
During a car accident trial, a jury will listen to the evidence and determine who is liable for the crash according to New York law. Then, a judge will award damages to the injured party. These damages will include both economic and noneconomic damage awards. A skilled car accident attorney can ensure victims receive maximum compensation for their injuries. For example, a permanent injury may result in a larger settlement than an injury with a quick recovery.