If you have been involved in a car accident in Queens, New York, you may be wondering how to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. You may also be feeling overwhelmed by the legal process and the insurance claims. That’s why you need to hire a car accident lawyer who can protect your rights and fight for your best interests.
A car accident lawyer is a professional who specializes in representing victims of motor vehicle collisions. They can help you with every aspect of your case, from gathering evidence and negotiating with the insurance companies to filing a lawsuit and going to trial if necessary. A car accident lawyer can also advise you on the laws and regulations that apply to your situation and the potential outcomes of your case.
But how do you choose the best car accident lawyer in Queens? There are many factors to consider, such as their experience, reputation, credentials, and results. In this article, we will give you some tips on how to find and hire the best car accident lawyer in Queens for your case.
Call us today at 718-295-4000 or schedule a consultation so that our lawyers can evaluate your case and, through personalized and top-notch attention, provide you with the solution you need to achieve the million-dollar compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Queens
Before we talk about how to find a car accident lawyer, let’s review what you should do after a car accident in Queens. These steps are important to protect your health, safety, and legal rights.
- Stay at the scene of the accident and call 911 if anyone is injured or there is significant property damage.
- Check yourself and others for injuries and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Exchange information with the other drivers involved, such as name, address, phone number, license plate number, driver’s license number, and insurance information.
- Take pictures and videos of the scene of the accident, the vehicles involved, the road conditions, and any injuries or damages.
- Get the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident or can provide relevant information.
- Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, but do not admit fault or sign any documents without consulting a lawyer first.
- Keep all records and documents related to the accident, such as medical bills, repair estimates, police reports, and correspondence with the insurance companies.
Truck accidents due to driver fatigue or distraction
What Rights Do You Have as a Car Accident Victim in Queens
As a car accident victim in Queens, you have certain rights under the law that you should be aware of. These rights depend on the type and severity of your injuries, the cause of the accident, and the insurance coverage of the parties involved.
New York is a no-fault state when it comes to car accidents. This means that regardless of who caused the accident, you can claim benefits from your own insurance company for your basic economic losses, such as medical expenses and lost wages. These benefits are limited by your policy limits and are subject to certain deductibles and exclusions.
However, if you have suffered serious injuries that meet a certain threshold defined by law, such as permanent loss of a body part or function, significant disfigurement, or death, you can also sue the at-fault driver for additional compensation for your non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering. This is known as a personal injury lawsuit.
To succeed in a personal injury lawsuit, you need to prove that the other driver was negligent or reckless in causing the accident. This means that they failed to exercise reasonable care or violated a traffic law or rule. You also need to prove that their negligence or recklessness was a substantial factor in causing your injuries and damages.
How to Choose the Best Car Accident Lawyer in Queens
Now that you know what to do after a car accident and what rights you have as a victim, let’s talk about how to choose the best car accident lawyer in Queens for your case. Here are some criteria to consider when looking for a lawyer:
- Experience: You want a lawyer who has handled many car accident cases similar to yours and knows how to deal with the insurance companies and the court system. You can ask them how long they have been practicing law, how many car accident cases they have handled, what percentage of their practice is devoted to car accident cases, and what kind of results they have achieved for their clients.
- Reputation: You want a lawyer who has a good reputation in the legal community and among their past clients. You can check their online reviews on platforms such as Google, Yelp, Avvo, or Super Lawyers. You can also ask them for references from their previous clients or other lawyers who can vouch for their work.
- Credentials: You want a lawyer who has the necessary qualifications and certifications to practice law in New York. You can verify their license status, education, and awards on the New York State Unified Court System website or the New York State Bar Association website. You can also look for lawyers who have been recognized by reputable organizations such as the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association for Justice, or the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
- Results: You want a lawyer who can deliver the best possible outcome for your case. You can ask them about their track record of success, such as the amount of compensation they have recovered for their clients, the number of cases they have settled or won at trial, and the average duration of their cases. You can also ask them about their strategy and approach to your case, such as how they will evaluate your damages, how they will negotiate with the insurance companies, and how they will prepare for trial if necessary.
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What Benefits Can You Get by Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer in Queens
By hiring a car accident lawyer in Queens, you can get many benefits that can make a difference in your case. Some of these benefits are:
- Legal advice: A car accident lawyer can explain your legal rights and options and guide you through the complex and confusing process of filing a claim or a lawsuit. They can also answer any questions you may have and advise you on the best course of action for your case.
- Investigation: A car accident lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation of your case and gather all the evidence and information that can support your claim or lawsuit. They can also hire experts, such as accident reconstructionists, medical specialists, or economists, to provide testimony or reports that can strengthen your case.
- Negotiation: A car accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurance companies and the at-fault parties on your behalf and try to obtain a fair and reasonable settlement for your case. They can also protect you from any unfair or lowball offers or tactics that the insurance companies may use to deny or reduce your claim.
- Litigation: A car accident lawyer can represent you in court if your case goes to trial and advocate for your rights and interests before a judge or a jury. They can also handle all the legal procedures and paperwork that are involved in a trial and present your case in a persuasive and compelling manner.
Call us today at 718-295-4000 or schedule a consultation so that our lawyers can evaluate your case and, through personalized and top-notch attention, provide you with the solution you need to achieve the million-dollar compensation you deserve.
The team of writers of Nonna Shikh is made up of a group of lawyers specialized in personal injury, traffic, construction and slip and fall cases. Each member of the team has extensive experience in their area of specialization and is committed to providing the best defense and compensation to their clients in New York City.