If you have been seriously injured in a car accident, there are several reasons why you should hire a lawyer to represent you. From determining what claims you can file to calculating just compensation for your losses, virtually all aspects of protecting your legal rights require the advice and representation of an experienced attorney.
The car accident lawyers at O’Connor & Partners, PLLC have more than 150 years of combined experience representing clients in the Hudson Valley. We protect your rights and interests and pursue the full compensation to which you are entitled.
Keep reading to learn the important reasons you should contact a lawyer after an auto accident. Or, call O’Connor & Partners, PLLC at (845) 303-8777 today for a free case review. Our car accident lawyers serve clients in Kingston, Poughkeepsie, Newburgh, and other areas of New York.
A Car Accident Lawyer Can Collect Evidence of Liability
Before you left the scene of the accident, did you take photos, exchange insurance information, and take down the names and phone numbers of any witnesses? If so, you are off to a good start, but there are still several other pieces of evidence you will need in order to seek full compensation for your losses.
Our car accident lawyers will quickly launch an investigation and gather any and all additional evidence that may be available. By collecting this evidence before it disappears, your attorney can protect your legal rights and build a strong claim on your behalf.
A Car Accident Lawyer Can Advise You What Claim(s) You Can File
While New York has a “no fault” auto insurance law, it is still possible to file a fault-based claim if you suffer serious injury. The exception is important because filing a no-fault claim under your personal injury protection (PIP) policy will not fully cover your losses.
In fact, not only could you have a fault-based claim, but you could potentially have multiple claims for liability-based compensation. Following the initial investigation, your attorney will be able to identify all liable parties and pursue all available claims for damages.
A Car Accident Lawyer Will Calculate Your Current and Future Losses
If you are able to pursue one or more claims in addition to PIP, you can seek to recover your current and future losses. In order to calculate these losses, you will need to work with an attorney who has extensive experience representing car accident victims and their families.
When it comes to determining how much you are entitled to recover, this is not something you can do on your own. You also cannot rely on the insurance companies to calculate the total value of your losses. If you are going to recover just compensation, you are going to need an experienced attorney on your side.
A Car Accident Lawyer Can Protect Your Rights
Insurance companies employ a number of tactics to try to limit what they pay out to accident victims. An experienced car accident lawyer can protect you from these tactics during the claims process.
While the insurance companies are obligated to handle your claim in good faith, this does not mean that they have to explain your legal rights to you. And, in extreme cases, an insurance company may not always follow the law.
If you are entitled to financial compensation, you need to be extremely careful when dealing with the insurance companies. In order to avoid costly mistakes, it is best to let your attorney handle communications with the insurer(s) on your behalf.
Your Car Accident Lawyer Can Negotiate a Fair Settlement
Before you can even begin to think about settling your claim, there are several factors you should consider:
- Do you have a fault-based claim against the other driver?
- Do you have a third-party claim for liability?
- How much are you entitled to recover?
- Is there evidence to suggest that you may have been partially at fault in the accident?
- What are your chances of success if you take your case to trial?
Unless and until you know the answers to these questions, you are not in a position to make an informed decision about settling your case. The insurance companies know this, and they will try to get you to settle and waive your rights before you have a clear understanding of everything you need to know.
With an experienced attorney representing you, you can avoid settling your claim too soon. Your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf in an effort to settle your claim fairly.
Your Car Accident Lawyer Will Prepare Your Case for Trial If Necessary
Most car accident claims are settled out of court. However, if a fair settlement can’t be reached, you need an attorney who is willing and able to take your case to trial.
Trial preparation is a time-consuming process. Not all law firms have the experience and resources required to take cases to court and win.
When you are choosing a car accident lawyer, it is important to know that your attorney will explore all avenues for achieving fair compensation in your case – up to and including going to trial.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers Today
When you have been injured in a car accident, you need experienced legal counsel to help you navigate your claim. The lawyers at O’Connor & Partners, PLLC have been serving the Hudson Valley for more than 150 years combined, and we have achieved significant verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients.
Please call (845) 303-8777 today for a free case review. Our car accident lawyers serve clients in Kingston, Poughkeepsie, Newburgh, and other areas of New York.