Should I Hire an Attorney or try to Represent Myself in an Auto Accident Case?
May 9, 2024
It can be a challenge to determine when to hire an attorney for an auto accident case or trying to represent yourself. If the collision involved only very minor injuries or only involved property damage, you may be able to handle the claim independently. However, if you are seriously hurt, have expensive medical bills, or need time off work to recover, working with an attorney has numerous advantages, including a greater chance of recovering the compensation you deserve.
A personal injury lawyer can help you identify and pursue your current and future losses and fight for full and fair compensation. A lawyer can also manage the details of your auto accident claim so you can focus on healing.
When Should You Speak with a Lawyer?
While every claim is different, you should consider contacting a personal injury lawyer if any of the following apply:
The accident resulted in death
There was a catastrophic, permanent, or disabling injury
Your claim will involve compensation for pain and suffering
There will be a claim involving ongoing and future medical expenses
You have and/or will continue to sustain a loss of wages
There will be liability issues to argue between the parties
Time is not always on your side
Lay people are not always aware that there are time restraints pertaining to automobile accidents in the state of New York. Many people understand that there is regularly a 3 year statute of limitations to commence a law suit, but are unaware of other time restraints. First off, if the automobile accident involves an at fault party who is a municipal entity a Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days of the accident and the statute of limitations is reduced from 3 years down to one year and 90 days. Also, to make sure you receive your no-fault benefits you are required to file an application with the insurance company within 30 days of the accident. There is also something in New York known as supplemental underinsurance/uninsurance which usually needs to be filed within 90 days. There are also other situations that will have other time restrictions. Because of these restrictions it is imperative to contact an attorney as soon as possible. At the Law Offices of Spencer M. Fein, P.C. we offer free consultations to individuals throughout the counties of Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess and Rockland, as well as all other counties throughout the state, in which we can discuss any time restrictions that may apply to an individual’s specific situation.
How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help You With Your Claim
In most instances, a person injured due to the fault of another in a car accident is looking for as much compensation as possible. However, obtaining a maximum outcome is challenging. You will be going up against insurance companies and their attorneys whose main purpose is to pay out as little as possible. Hiring an accident attorney that has the proper experience can help you in many ways. First, the attorney will use their experience to properly investigate and obtain the evidence to help prove fault against the wrong doer. The attorney will be able to file any necessary court filings and other paperwork within the proper time limits. This management of your matter will leave you in the position of getting better from your injuries and not having to worry about managing your case. Most importantly the attorney will fight for your rights and act as your representative in fighting to get you’re the most compensation possible.
CALL A LAWYER TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS
If you or a loved one has been a victim of an auto accident, you need a car accident law firm to defend you. Call the Law Offices of Spencer M. Fein, P.C. today to discuss your situation and get the legal care you deserve. We proudly serve clients throughout the Ossining, New York, area, including Briarcliff Manor, Yonkers, Mount Kisco, and White Plains. Contact us today for a free consultation of your car accident case.