Written by The Barnes Firm, reviewed by Richard Barnes
Rich Barnes
President
In New York State, insurance is the first place you will turn after a car accident for financial compensation. However, insurance companies don’t typically have an accident victims’ best interest in mind. In fact, insurance companies will often undervalue your claim, deny it completely, or try to argue that you are responsible for your accident. Our team of successful car accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm have decades of experience negotiating with insurance companies and are ready to help you get the best result possible for your accident claim.
Long Island residents traveling into Manhattan can experience a long car commute, depending on traffic and the amount of construction underway on the roads. With an estimated 1.4 million Long Islanders commuting daily, along with other travelers on these roads and highways, car accidents are inevitable. In recent years, there were over 50,000 crashes resulting in over 20,000 injuries in Suffolk and Nassau counties.
After a car crash, you may experience injuries, unforeseen medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and more. If your accident was the result of another driver’s negligence, you are entitled to seek financial compensation for your losses. In order to recover maximum compensation, it is wise to get an experienced Long Island car accident lawyer from The Barnes Firm on your side. You can trust that The Barnes Firm will work hard to help you get the best result possible for your case. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation.
If you or a loved one were injured in a Long Island car accident, don’t accept the first offer from insurance. Instead, call The Barnes Firm at (800) 800-0000 and speak with one of our experienced car accident attorneys today.
The amount of money a person can expect to receive from a car accident settlement will vary greatly depending on the factors of the accident and the losses they’ve suffered as a result. Some of the factors that may affect a car accident settlement amount include:
The severity of the victim’s injuries
The past, present and future medical expenses that the victim or their family has had to pay to treat injuries caused by the accident
Lost wages or lost earning potential
Whether the victim is found to be partially at fault for the accident
The Barnes Firm understands the impact car accidents have on victims and their families. In this overview, we present a list of car accident settlement examples from our successful cases, illustrating the range and depth of compensation achieved. These examples highlight our commitment to advocating for our clients’ rights and securing the financial support they deserve.
Each case is unique, and past results do not guarantee or predict future outcomes. Settlement amounts can vary based on individual circumstances and legal factors.
In New York, the statute of limitations for car accidents is generally three years from the accident date. This means you have three years to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries and damages.
If you file a lawsuit after this deadline, the defendant’s counsel will likely file a motion to dismiss, which the court will probably grant. This means the court could dismiss your case without reviewing the facts of your accident.
While three years is the limit in most cases, there are exceptions to this rule.
Proving a car accident injury claim on Long Island can be challenging. It requires having a deep understanding of the law and building a strong claim to present to insurance companies. Here are some ways our lawyers go about proving claims to get compensation for our injured clients.
We start with a detailed investigation of the accident. This involves gathering evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, photographs, and any available surveillance footage. We also work with accident reconstruction experts if necessary.
Establishing the extent of your injuries is crucial. Our lawyers will carefully review your medical records, consult with healthcare professionals, and may seek expert opinions to assess the full scope of your injuries, including any potential long-term effects.
To build a strong case, we must demonstrate that another party was negligent and at fault for the accident. This may involve gathering evidence of traffic violations, reckless behavior, or other factors that contributed to the collision.
In complex cases, we may bring in expert witnesses to provide specialized knowledge or opinions. This could include accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, or professionals in fields relevant to the case.
Our attorneys make sure to document all damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and any other financial losses resulting from the accident. We may also consider your non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
We have to show a direct link between the accident and your injuries. Our lawyers work to show that the injuries you suffered were a direct result of the accident in question.
We negotiate with the insurance companies involved, which could be your own, the at-fault driver’s, or both. This involves presenting a convincing case with strong evidence to support it. Our goal is always to secure a fair settlement that covers all your losses, and this might require several rounds of negotiations.
While many cases are settled out of court, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This includes trial preparation, gathering additional evidence, and building a strong argument to present in court.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our lawyers are prepared to take the case to court. We will stand up for your rights in front of a judge and jury, presenting a strong case to seek the compensation you deserve.
Throughout the process, we always have open lines of communication with our clients. We keep you informed about the progress of your case, answer any questions you may have, and provide guidance and support every step of the way.
Our lawyers work tirelessly to build and present a strong case that increases your chances of a successful outcome in your Long Island car accident injury claim. We are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
After being injured in a car accident, it is recommended you take the following steps to prioritize your health and safety and protect your legal rights.
An experienced car accident attorney at The Barnes Firm will review your case for free and guide you through filing an accident claim.
Most car accidents can be traced back to inattention and negligence of another driver. Our team of trusted Long Island car accident lawyers have found the most common causes of car accidents include:
At The Barnes Firm, our experienced Long Island car accident lawyers handle all types of car accident cases and crashes, including:
If another driver’s negligence injured you in a car accident, our Long Island car accident lawyers are here to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
New York is a no-fault state, meaning you will need to file a claim with your insurance company after a car accident to receive financial compensation. Insurance companies can only pay up to certain policy limits. If your claim is denied or your damages exceed what the insurance company will pay, you may be able to file a claim against anyone that contributed to your injuries. This could include:
In New York State, you must file a car accident claim within three years from the date of your accident or the date you discovered your injuries. If you have any questions regarding New York State car accident laws or filing a personal injury claim, call The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000.
The severity of your injuries after a car accident could range from minor scrapes to injuries requiring lifelong treatments. Our experienced team of Long Island car accident attorneys have helped clients with one or more of the following injuries get the best result possible for their case.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, it is wise to seek medical attention, even if your injuries are not severe. Symptoms may take days or weeks to appear and visiting a medical professional can help diagnose and treat injuries. Remember to keep any medical documents and bills you may receive, as these may be important aspects of your case. After seeking medical attention, call The Barnes Firm. Our team of experienced Long Island car accident lawyers will work hard to assure you receive financial compensation for all damages and injuries after a car accident.
The Long Island Expressway (LIE) is one of the most dangerous roads on Long Island. As one of the main roads into New York City, hundreds of car accidents occur on the LIE each year. In addition, other dangerous roads for car accidents on Long Island include:
If you were injured by a negligent driver on one of these roads, or anywhere throughout Nassau or Suffolk Counties, call The Barnes Firm at (800) 800-0000 today.
If you were injured in a car accident, our successful team of Long Island car accident lawyers may be able to help you recover the following damages:
The purpose of economic damages is to compensate for the financial losses a victim suffers related to the accident, including anticipated financial losses. Economic damages take up a significant portion of a personal injury claim.
Here are a few examples of economic damages:
The purpose of non-economic damages is to compensate personal injury victims for the intangible losses they suffer as a result of the injury. They are also called general damages and are not easy to quantify because they’re not tied to a specific loss.
Examples of non-economic damages include:
From the initial phone conversation through to the final settlement, our team of car accident attorneys will guide you every step of the way and work hard to help you get the best result possible.
Car accidents are never pleasant, especially when there’s a disagreement between the drivers involved. Disputes can easily turn into a “he said, she said” situation, leaving both parties at a disadvantage. If you find yourself in this kind of scenario, having an eyewitness to support your version of events can be crucial for your case. That’s why it’s important to find a neutral bystander in the moments following the crash who can validate your claim.
If you’re unable to locate a credible witness, don’t lose hope. There are still other ways to strengthen your case, such as using a camera to capture the scene and seeking out a skilled attorney who can advocate on your behalf.
Yes, you should always speak with a car accident attorney when you are in a crash that was not your fault. Being involved in a car accident is a traumatic experience, which can leave you confused about how to respond. When everything indicates the other driver is at fault for the accident, having the right legal representation can make a huge difference.
When a car accident injures someone, they may face escalating medical bills, disability, disfigurement, emotional distress, and lost wages, among other challenges. Although victims can seek compensation, obtaining an insurance settlement can be a lengthy process.
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, your primary focus should be on your recovery. However, you might be wondering how long it will take to receive compensation for your injuries.
If your settlement claim seems to be dragging on, consider consulting a reliable car accident attorney to discuss ways to expedite your recovery process.
The time required to settle a car accident claim varies widely and can be difficult to predict. While some injury victims receive settlements within a few months, others may wait several years.
Several factors can influence the timeline for settling a car accident claim, including:
After a car accident in New York State, you must follow several legal procedures. For example, you must file a car accident report with the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days.
However, not every collision requires a report. According to New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, you must file a report if the accident causes property damage of $1,000 or more.
Additionally, you must immediately inform the police and file form MV-104 if someone is injured or dies in the accident. If you were injured in a car accident, consulting with a trusted New York car accident attorney can be beneficial.
Consultations with our car accident lawyers are always free. We believe that everyone should have access to legal advice after an accident without worrying about upfront costs.
During this confidential meeting, you can discuss the details of your case, learn about your rights, and explore potential avenues for compensation. Our experienced car accident attorneys will answer any questions you may have.
There is no obligation to hire us after the consultation. It’s an opportunity for you to get the information you need to make informed decisions about your car accident claim. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a no-cost consultation today.
As one of America’s largest personal injury law firms, we have helped thousands of clients get the best result possible and would be honored to put those skills to work for you. After any Long Island car accident, call our experienced team of car accident lawyers at The Barnes Firm at (800) 800-0000. It could be the best call you make.
Our Long Island Car Accident Lawyers at The Barnes Firm Injury Attorneys help victims from New York. Our firm is conveniently located near you. We have an office on Long Island at 600 Old Country Rd # 425, Garden City, NY 11530. Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 40.742689431275515, -73.61562473548132
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, construction accident, or have suffered another type of personal injury contact our team today.
Free Case Evaluation or call us: (800) 800-0000Most people have never needed a lawyer when they find themselves injured and in need of legal advice. We hear the following questions from many of our clients. We hope the answers help clarify your options and considerations.
You should get a NY car accident lawyer when at least one person suffers an injury from the accident. Injuries are the basis for many claims and subsequent lawsuits in civil court. If you suffer an injury, the other person can be liable for your damages.
The average car accident settlement in New York is around $287,000 for significant cases. This is eight times more than the national average. However, injury victims might get anywhere from a few hundred dollars to hundreds of thousands, and some cases can result in millions, depending on the circumstances.
Read more about here: How Much Should a Settlement Be for a Car Accident?
New York allows anyone who sustained a severe injury in a car accident to sue for damages. The definition of serious injury involves dismemberment, death, loss of a fetus, and more. Serious injuries extend to non-permanent injuries that leave a victim out of work for at least 90 days. A good rule of thumb is if you have medical expenses over $50,000, you can sue for a car accident. Before you can file a lawsuit, you must go through the insurance claim process first. There are various restrictions and deadlines to consider before filing a lawsuit.
Read more about here: Can you Sue after a Car Accident?
Typically, a car accident lawsuit can take a couple of weeks to a few months to resolve. In some instances, it can take up to a year or longer. The length it takes can depend on liability issues, insurance policy limits, and injury severity. You must wait until you finish your medical treatment before accepting a settlement. Do not try to rush the process. Stick to our treatments and work with your legal team.
Read more about here: How Long Does it Take to Get Settlement Money from a Car Accident?
Once you file an insurance claim for a New York car accident, the insurance company must settle within 35 business days. However, they have other deadlines to respond to your lawsuit. The state gives them 15 days from the filing date to respond. They can respond by asking for additional information, such as details about the accident or medical records. When they ask for more information, it can be a delay tactic.
Read more about here: How Long Does an Insurance Company Have to Settle a Claim in New York?
New York is a no-fault state. That means drivers must submit claims to their insurance company after a crash. The insurer can cover economic and noneconomic losses. If you were in an accident, the insurance company can reimburse you for damages. This reimbursement comes regardless of who is responsible for causing the accident. Motorists must have liability insurance with the following minimum coverage options:
The insurance company can pay this out to the driver and the passenger in the vehicle. It can also cover damages for pedestrians who were struck by your car.
Read more about here: Understanding No-Fault Insurance In New York State
We must examine your insurance coverage and the victim’s injuries to determine what happens next. When you have insurance, you are covered under no-fault law. That means any losses you cause can be covered. If there is a claim filed, that can increase your insurance premium. If you break any laws, you may also have to deal with a ticket.
You will also have the chance to defend yourself. There are some common defenses you can use. You can try to show you were not at fault. You can also show the injured person contributed to the collision, thus splitting the responsibility between multiple parties. Or you can show they miscalculated their damages.
Car accidents stay on your record and can impact your insurance coverage. You will want these accidents off your record as soon as possible. A car accident will typically stay on your record for four years in New York. It can remain on your record even longer if it is a severe accident. If there is alcohol involved, then you will be facing criminal charges, and the timeline will extend even more.
Read more about here: How Long Does a Car Accident Stay on a Record in NY?
New York personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That means they will get a percentage of your final settlement. This percentage can vary by firm. It will also change the further along you go in your claim. You may have one percentage during pre-litigation and then a different one in litigation. Some attorneys can also up the percentage if the case goes to trial.
Learn more: How Much Does a Lawyer Charge for a Car Accident Case?
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