Car accidents, particularly those that cause serious injury or death, present an ongoing risk in Oakdale and throughout Long Island.
The most common causes of vehicle collisions involve other motorists. Drunk drivers, distracted drivers, and drivers who otherwise fail to obey traffic laws pose the greatest risks. After an accident, you may face extensive recovery and rehabilitation – and the medical bills that accompany those challenges. Your injuries may even prevent you from returning to work or earning a living.
Understanding your rights under the law is essential in pursuing a settlement from the other party’s insurance company or, if necessary, filing a lawsuit against them. A car accident lawyer in Oakdale, Long Island can help you through this process and work on your behalf to build a solid case. Call Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. today at 631-600-0000 for a no-cost consultation.
Who Is Liable for Your Car Accident and Injuries?
Drivers have a legal obligation to exercise reasonable care when driving, to avoid causing harm to other motorists as well as pedestrians, bicycle riders, and others who share the roadways. If a driver fails to uphold that duty and subsequently causes an accident, they are liable for any damages that result.
If a negligent driver caused your injuries, you or your attorney must prove this fact when submitting a claim for compensation.
A car accident lawyer understands how to build a case to prove negligence, and how to assemble the evidence to support your claim. This will provide a persuasive basis for negotiating a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company or, if necessary, make a strong case in court on your behalf.
How Much Is Your Car Accident Claim Worth?
The basis of your injury accident claim is the nature and extent of your injuries and your prognosis for recovery.
To calculate what your claim may be worth, your attorney will consider your actual costs to date. This includes any doctor or hospital bills, your lost income to date, the damage to your vehicle and any other actual expenses you have incurred. Other considerations in valuing your claim may include:
- The value of any long-term or permanent disability.
- An estimate of future damages, including the costs of necessary medical care, physical therapy, caregivers, medication, etc.
- Your lost income and loss of potential income.
- Your pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life, if applicable.
Although the insurance company will attempt to negotiate the final amount and terms of your settlement, having a car accident lawyer to assemble your claim and negotiate on your behalf increases your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Do You Need a Car Accident Lawyer?
While the law does not require you to have a car accident lawyer to pursue your claim, having one on your side may help you get a better settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Whenever a car insurance claim involves injuries, particularly if they are serious, the insurance company will retain attorneys to defend its client and itself. The insurance attorneys will work with the adjuster to diminish the value of your claim so that the insurance company has to pay as little as possible.
One tactic of insurance adjusters is to offer a lowball settlement as soon as possible after the accident. If you accept such a settlement, you sign away your legal rights to make any further claims, even if you have ongoing medical costs.
Your attorney will protect your legal rights and make sure you do not relinquish your right to a fair amount of compensation. In the event you have to take your claim to court, your lawyer will be there for you every step of the way, presenting your case and arguing for your rights.
You have more important priorities right now, as you try to overcome the trauma of your accident and recover from your injuries. With an injury accident attorney handling your case, you can focus on your health and future.
How Do You File a Car Accident Claim?
Assuming the at-fault driver had insurance at the time of the accident, your attorney will deal directly with the insurance company.
Because the insurance company will attempt to minimize the amount it has to pay, it will likely deny that its insured was at fault for the accident. Your car accident attorney will present persuasive evidence to substantiate the driver’s negligence and liability.
Such evidence may include photos of the accident scene, statements from witnesses, police reports, subject matter expert testimony and, if necessary, a professional re-creation of the accident scene.
To substantiate the amount of your actual damages, your attorney will include your medical bills and other items as described above, that support the total amount of your claim.
Choosing a Car Accident Lawyer in Oakdale, Long Island
The attorneys of Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. provide professional legal representation to victims of Long Island injury accidents. We provide free consultations and case reviews to help you decide the best course of action for your future. If you are in the hospital or unable to come to our office, we are happy to meet with you at your location.
Contact us today at 631-600-0000 to talk with a car accident lawyer in Oakdale, Long Island.
