Top 5 Reasons Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer in New York

The aftermath of a car accident is a painful, confusing time. You could be facing serious medical bills and a substantial recovery process, one that leaves you too hurt to work and earn a living. You might be wondering if it’s worth the expense of hiring an attorney, especially if the insurance company has already come to you with what seems like a generous settlement offer. But don’t be fooled: this offer is likely far less than you deserve, and it’s always a good idea to consult an attorney after an accident.

Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Although your provider may come off as caring and sensitive, they have one goal in mind: to resolve your claim quickly, cheaply, and efficiently. At Finz & Finz, P.C., we understand how the insurance claim process works, and we know how to leverage that to your advantage. We’ve got the top five reasons you need to work with an experienced New York City car accident lawyer.

#1 – You Need Help Gathering and Preserving Evidence 

Building a compelling car accident claim takes evidence. However, gathering this evidence on your own can be challenging, especially when you’ve suffered significant or debilitating injuries. Having an attorney on your side means the burden falls on their shoulders, not yours. An experienced New York car accident attorney has the skills and resources to thoroughly investigate the crash’s cause and collect and preserve evidence crucial to building a strong compensation claim. This evidence might include:

• Cellular phone records
• Medical records
• Photographs and videos of the scene
• Police report
• Surveillance videos
• Witness statements

Sometimes, it takes legal intervention to get the information you need, particularly if it’s in someone else’s hands. Without prompt help from an attorney, evidence can be lost or destroyed, potentially hurting your claim and diminishing its value.

#2 – A Lawyer Has Negotiating Power 

Some insurance adjusters might take advantage of the fact that you are injured, vulnerable, and need money to cover your expenses immediately. They hope that you are desperate and alone, so you’ll be more willing to accept the first settlement deal they offer, unaware of the true value of your claim and in need of money now. However, agreeing to that first offer would allow the insurance company to save money and move on to other claims. An attorney is a powerful advocate who can spot a bad offer at a glance and negotiate hard for a fairer settlement.

A skilled attorney understands the tactics and strategies insurers use to diminish the value of a claim and get vulnerable accident victims to settle for less than what their claim may be worth. They can use their extensive background and legal experience to combat these tactics and negotiate for the money you deserve.  

#3 – An Attorney Understands the Process 

A seasoned New York car accident attorney has seen it all and can apply this experience to your case. They know how to file an insurance claim accurately, negotiate with intimidating adjusters, and leverage your position for maximum compensation. If you don’t understand the insurance system, it is unlikely that you’ll recover the money you need to pay for your medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and other losses.

An experienced attorney also knows how to manage strict legal deadlines, which can become critical in the event that the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement. Should that happen, a lawsuit becomes your best recourse for getting the money you need – and there are tight deadlines for the litigation process. You don’t want to miss out on the money you deserve because you misunderstand your legal rights or the timelines that apply to your case.

#4 – An Attorney Can Accurately Calculate Your Losses 

 Is the insurance company offering you the money you deserve? When they cut you a check, can you be sure it covers your current and future medical expenses related to the car accident? An experienced New York car accident attorney takes the time to carefully review your situation and calculate the overall value of your claim. Depending on the circumstances of the crash and the severity of your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your: 

• Emotional distress 
• Loss of earning capacity
• Lost wages
• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

 Please don’t leave it up to the insurance provider to tell you how much your claim is worth. It is in their best interest for you to accept less than you deserve – and they have plenty of tricks at their disposal to get you to do just that. Ensure you understand the value of your claim and discuss your situation with a knowledgeable New York car accident attorney before accepting any settlement offer. 

#5 – You Need Someone with Legal Experience

 Car accident victims with an attorney tend to recover more money from insurers than those who pursue their claims themselves. However, that’s not the only reason you should work with a New York car accident attorney. The reality is that not all legitimate claims end in a satisfactory settlement offer. If the insurer won’t negotiate fairly, your best option for pursuing the money you deserve may be through a personal injury lawsuit. An attorney can thoroughly review your situation and advise you on the best method to recover the money you need. While navigating the claim process can be challenging, it is nothing compared to navigating the complexities of the New York legal system.

 Every good attorney understands that litigation is a possibility for even the strongest claims. With this in mind, they’ll build a claim, then a lawsuit, that puts you in the best position possible to recover the compensation you deserve based on the facts of your situation. 

Contact an Experienced New York Car Accident Attorney Today 

 Were you seriously injured in a car accident in New York? If so, you need a skilled New York car accident attorney to help you file your compensation claim. The attorneys with Finz & Finz, P.C. have recovered over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients. Let us put our experience, knowledge, and skills to work on pursuing the money you need to rebuild your life.

Contact our office today to arrange for a free legal consultation.