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Speak to an attorney
about your case: 1 (800) 387-4262
 Automobile Accidents
Injuries
caused by automobile accidents.
Have you been
involved in a car accident?
Your insurance company will need information to grant you your
personal injury protection benefits. You need to immediately
notify the company of a potential underinsured or uninsured motorist
claim or those benefits could be lost. Additionally, often your
own insurance policy may cover an accident which did not even
involve your vehicle. Attorneys are often necessary to get the
highest possible compensation from your insurance company or
in the event another party is negligent.
Legal Details
A person who carelessly operates
a vehicle may be required to pay any damages caused by that carelessness,
either to other persons or to their property. Generally, people
who operate automobiles must exercise "reasonable care under
the circumstances." Failure to use reasonable care is the
basis in most lawsuits for damages caused by an automobile accident.
A lawsuit may be brought against:
- A driver by another driver who
was injured in an accident
- A driver by a pedestrian on the sidewalk
- A driver by a passenger in the automobile
- A driver may also be liable
for an accident caused by intentional reckless conduct.
After you have been in an accident,
there are a variety of actions you can take to ensure your legal
rights are adequately protected. If the accident involves another
person, you may need to file a suit in order to get appropriate
compensation. You should take action quickly to ensure your legal
protection by contacting an attorney.
Common Questions
- If I'm involved
in an automobile accident, am I obligated to notify my own insurance
company even if it is the other person's fault?
If you want your medical bills paid by your own insurance
company under New York State No Fault laws and you want your car repaired
at the insurance company's expense then you must contact your insurance company. Failure to promptly notify
your own insurance company could hinder their ability to investigate
the accident, and result in your being denied benefits.
- What if I have sustained
personal injuries from the accident, what should I do first?
You should immediately seek and obtain medical care for your
injuries. Second you should document the incident, take photographs,
notify police, etc. and then call an attorney.
- What should I do if the insurance
company for the other driver contacts me?
You may speak with them. However, it is advisable to first contact
your attorney. Anything you say to their adjustor could be used
against you later. They probably would attempt to obtain a quick
settlement at a figure far less than the actual value of your
injuries.
- How do I know the "value"
of my injuries?
In the beginning, it is nearly impossible to tell the value of
your case because the extent of your injuries,
the amount of treatment you will require, and the loss of income
and future earnings you will sustain are unknown. For these reasons, it is unadvisable
to quickly settle your case.
- What is the Statute of Limitations
for suing for Personal Injuries arising out of a car accident
in New York?
A lawsuit must be filed in the Supreme Court of New York or in
Federal Court (if applicable) within three years after the accident.
Find a Qualified
Attorney
If you were injured in a car
accident, you may be thinking about whether or not you should
file suit. To take action, you need to be informed about your
legal options.
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