After being injured in a car accident, you may be wondering if you need a lawyer to file a case and obtain financial recovery. After all, why pay for a lawyer when you can represent yourself? Depending on how much you recover, you can potentially save tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees. While you are not legally required to have a lawyer, doing so can make a world of difference.
Having legal help as you recover from the aftermath of a crash is a good idea in many ways. Personal injury lawyers deal with car accident cases often and know the ins and outs of the law. They have likely gone to trial and obtained large sums of money for injured clients. They know the process. They know exactly what needs to be done. Do you?
Chances are, you answered no. Accident cases are not as easy to manage as you may think. While minor fender-benders can be handled easily by the insurance company, if you suffered serious injuries and are now dealing with medical bills, significant pain, lost wages, and other damages, your best bet is to have a lawyer on your side fighting for you. Here are some reasons why you don’t want to go at this alone.
Some Cases Are Complicated
Car accidents are not always easy to resolve. Sometimes they involve complex factors that require the knowledge and skill of an attorney. As a rule, you should involve a lawyer in your case if your crash involved any of the following:
- Pedestrians
- Bicycles
- Motorcycles
- Semi trucks
- Buses
- Defective car parts
- Drunk drivers
- Road construction
- Permanent injuries
You Need the Right Evidence
While photos and personal information from the drivers involved will be helpful, your lawyer may need other types of evidence to prove your case. Sometimes significant evidence is needed, especially in cases involving semi trucks or government entities. These cases are extremely complicated and hard to win on your own.
You Might Miss a Deadline
In New York, the statute of limitations is three years, which is how long you have to file a claim once you are involved in a crash. Once you go past this deadline, you will be barred from recovering any money for your injuries. The time limit is even shorter for accidents involving the government. Therefore, you will need to file your claim as quickly as possible. A lawyer can ensure you stay within your time limits.
You Don’t Know How to Negotiate
Getting a fair amount of compensation for your injuries takes a combination of skill, knowledge, and persuasive communication. Insurance companies are not willing to pay claims so quickly. They’ll try to lowball you, and you may be tempted to give in. An aggressive lawyer will stand up for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Get Hurt? Get Gary!
A car accident can cause serious injuries. You shouldn’t have to pay for these damages, especially if you were not at fault. Get help to protect your legal rights.
The Falkowitz Law Firm can ensure you obtain the compensation you deserve. Don’t settle your car accident case without a lawyer on your side. Schedule a consultation today by calling our office at 844-GET-GARY.
Gary P. Falkowitz is the Managing Partner and Founding Attorney of the Falkowitz Law Firm PLLC‚ one of the premiere personal injury law firms in New York. Gary received his J.D., in 2005 from St. John’s University School of Law and served as an Assistant District Attorney with the Kings County District Attorney’s Office.
