A savvy car accident lawyer can help you get full and fair compensation for all your losses. That’s because they can handle a lot of the complicated legal stuff, like liability and negligence.
Proving negligence is a big deal in auto accidents, because it determines who pays for what. It’s also the first step in getting a fair settlement offer.
Insurance Company Issues
Car accident lawyers negotiate with insurance companies to get you the compensation you deserve. This includes addressing medical bills related to your injuries, compensating you for lost wages, covering the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle, and reimbursing you for pain and suffering.
A skilled car accident lawyer will use police reports, witness interviews, medical records, and other evidence to demonstrate the cause of your crash and the extent of your injuries and damages. In some cases, insurance companies may try to downplay your injuries or deny fault altogether.
A lawyer can also help you navigate the complexities of different types of damages, such as loss of consortium. This is the impact your injury has on your relationship with your spouse, and it can include the loss of affection, sexual relations, and comfort. These types of damages aren’t as straightforward to calculate, and they require the skills of an experienced car accident attorney. Our Kingston car accident lawyers will fight to make sure your full range of losses is addressed.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage pays for your injuries and damages if the negligent driver doesn’t have car insurance or doesn’t have enough. It also pays for repairs to your vehicle if the at-fault driver has collision coverage but doesn’t have enough to cover your losses.
You can obtain UM and UIM coverage through your own auto insurance policy, which is often a good idea in New York. It is called Supplementary Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Coverage (or SUM coverage).
Your attorney will help you gather and compile all of your expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. He or she will help you determine the value of your economic and non-economic damages and negotiate with the insurance company to get a fair settlement for you. They may even be willing to go to trial if the insurance company is unwilling to offer an adequate amount of compensation for your loss.
Complex Legal and Medical Issues
The legal process can be confusing and overwhelming for victims. An attorney can provide a much-needed guide, alleviating some stress and ensuring all paperwork is filled out correctly. They can also advise on what compensation may be available and what options for settlement are available.
Car accident attorneys are skilled negotiators and will fight to ensure their clients receive maximum compensation for their claims. They can help calculate a victim’s economic and non-economic damages, taking into account all expenses related to the accident and a person’s future needs, such as future medical bills or lost income.
They can also assist with obtaining all necessary medical documentation for the case, including establishing causation. This can be a major challenge, especially when the injury is not immediately evident and patients are reluctant to let their doctors release medical records. They can also help with obtaining any physical evidence that can strengthen the case, such as pictures taken at the scene.
Settlement Offers
A settlement is a financial arrangement that resolves a legal matter without going to trial. It usually involves a sum of money that you receive in exchange for waiving your right to sue the at-fault party.
A lawyer can help you calculate your losses and pursue fair compensation for them. They can also explain how the terms, limits, and conditions of an insurance policy impact your coverage. They can decipher complex or confusing insurance language and provide guidance on what types of damages you may be able to claim, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other non-economic damages.
Generally, you should not accept the first settlement offer from an insurance company. It may be lower than the true costs of your injury. Your lawyer can assess the value of your claim and negotiate a higher offer that adequately covers your costs. They can factor in future medical care needs and long-term impacts on your quality of life to ensure you’re fully compensated for your injuries.