Every fourteen minutes approximately one person is killed or critically injured in a motor vehicle accident. Because of this, the number of people filing a car accident case is alarming. Chances are, you have been or will be involved in a car accident at some point in your life. When that time comes, you need to know what to do and when it is time to hire a lawyer.
Navigating a car accident case on your own can be tricky, which is why a New York City car accident lawyer can be helpful. If you are stuck on what to do, read below on why you should hire a lawyer and how they can help you get through your case.
Extensive Damages Knowledge
A car accident lawyer is well versed in assessing damages. There are two types of damages you can file for: general and special damages.
General damages mean that the guilty party is responsible for any physical or mental trauma experienced after the accident. This trauma includes things like:
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Whiplash
- PTSD
- Disfigurement
Evaluating the costs of general damages that pertain to mental trauma can be a bit tricky. More than likely, the attorney will assemble a team to calculate the amount of compensation the defendant owes.
You can also sue for special damages. These are more physical attributes in regards to the accident.
Special damages include:
- Car repair
- Medical bills
- Broken items that are irreplaceable
- Replacement of property
Special damages are a lot easier to calculate because you can physically prove them with statements, bills, and receipts. So, a car accident lawyer will assess both types of damages regarding your case. From there, you can sue the defendant.
Extensive Legal Knowledge
Along with knowing about damages, an accident attorney has a wealth of legal knowledge which will help direct you through your lawsuit. Remember, these professionals have extensive schooling and experience in their field. So, they are the best to tell you which laws you are eligible.
For instance, Long Island, New York supports what is called Dram Shop laws. A Dram Shop law states that you can hold the business that allowed the person to drive drunk accountable. So, not only is the driver negligent, but the bar owner is, too.
Along with that, your attorney might also suggest special host laws. These allow the injured party to sue the bar that let the drunk driver leave. Instead of a business, these people could be family, friends, or fellow partygoers.
An attorney knows the ins and outs of these and so many more. You may want to look into New York state laws and mention them to your lawyer. That way, you can be sure that you are covering as much ground as possible.
Help With Settlements
You are going to hear from the defendant’s insurance company at some point in time. When they call you, they are attempting to close the lawsuit by offering you a grossly low settlement amount.
Never take the first settlement offered to you. Instead, consult with a lawyer. They will ensure you receive the amount you deserve under all damages and state laws.
More About Your Car Accident Case
There is so much that goes into a car accident case that it gets confusing and overwhelming. After all of the other stress you have from the crash itself, medical bills, injuries, and vehicle repairs, you don’t need any more anxiety.
That’s why Get Gary is here to help lead you through your case. We are a law firm of expert attorneys dedicated to getting you the justice you deserve.
If you or someone you love is in a car accident, Get Gary urges you to contact us as soon as possible. We can get started on your case and set you on track to compensation and recovery.
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.
