If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s important to have the proper legal representation. You’ll want a lawyer to help you negotiate with your insurance company and get the compensation you deserve. Here are some tips to help you find the right lawyer for car accidents for your case.
Call the police
If you have been involved in a car accident, it’s important to contact the police as soon as possible. Not only is this a legal requirement, but it can help you with your insurance claim as well.
Most people aren’t aware of the laws surrounding the police in regards to reporting an accident. Although the state laws differ, most require accidents with injuries to be reported. This can include minor traffic violations like skid marks or broken guardrails.
In addition to notifying the police, you should also get a copy of the official report. You can get a free copy from your local police department. However, if you don’t request a copy within 30 days, you’ll no longer be able to obtain one in person.
The report will include details on the make and model of vehicles, as well as information about the drivers, and their insurance companies. It will also contain an opinion on the cause of the accident.
File a Notice of Claim
If you have been injured in an accident, you have a legal right to compensation. However, you need to file a Notice of Claim within a certain time period. A lawyer can help you file your claim on time.
Usually, you can sue the at-fault driver or his insurance carrier for a third party claim. This claim can provide you with compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, and property damage.
You also have the option of suing the government entity involved. If you were injured on public property, you may be entitled to compensation. The New York City Comptroller’s Office can help you file a Notice of Claim.
The statute of limitations for filing a Notice of Claim in New York is 90 days. You can serve this notice by registered mail or by eClaim system.
Your Notice of Claim must include sufficient details about the accident to the municipality. For example, it should specify who was involved and the date, place, and time of the incident. It should also note that you intend to pursue the claim.
Get medical records
If you are filing a car accident claim, you will need to get medical records. They will help prove your injury.
You can either request them yourself, or you can hire an attorney. However, you must be sure you understand what records you are giving to the insurance company.
Insurance companies will try to use information to minimize the amount you receive for your injury. Your records should only include medical records that relate to your claim.
Medical records will help your attorney show how your injuries affected your life. These records will also document the costs of your treatment.
If your injury involves a serious physical or psychological problem, you may need to reveal past psychiatric treatment. This can make it difficult for the at-fault party’s insurance carrier to deny your claim.
Some insurance companies will require you to sign a release that waives your right to privacy. Do not sign a release without first talking to a personal injury lawyer.
Negotiate with insurance companies
When you are injured in a car accident, you should hire an attorney to help you negotiate with insurance companies. An attorney can help you find out how much your claim is worth and what your future limitations will be.
The first step in negotiating with insurance companies is to create a demand package. This should include all of your medical records and information about the accident. You should also keep a record of your conversations with the insurance company.
The best way to calculate the number of damages you suffered in a car accident is to add up all of your medical bills. In addition, you should estimate the loss of wages you lost. Also, consider future treatment costs and long-term care needs.
After creating a demand package, you should send the package to the insurance company. The insurance company will review it and then offer a settlement. If you are unhappy with the offer, you can make a counteroffer.
