What Are the Signs You Need to Contact a Lawyer After an Accident?

It’s often a good idea to contact a lawyer after you’ve been in an accident, but there are also certain signs that you really need one. Here in New York, our insurance laws are such that, in most accidents, the individual’s own insurance covers their losses and damages, regardless of fault. But there are times when you really require a Long Island accident attorney.

Signs You Need a Long Island Accident Attorney

1. You’re Severely Injured

New York has a no-fault system for dealing with traffic accidents, which means that you can’t bring a personal injury claim or lawsuit after most accidents. But there are some exceptions. The first is if you have economic damages of more than $50,000. The second exception is if you have sustained a particularly serious injury. These are actually quantified and include dismemberment or being significantly disfigured; losing an unborn baby; permanent loss of the use of any part of your body; bone fractures; a significant limitation to the use of any part of your body; or less permanent injury, if it keeps you from being able to do your daily life routine for at least 90 days of the 180 days immediately following the accident. Some of these descriptions are a bit subjective, so talk to a lawyer to get a better sense of whether your injuries qualify.

2. The Insurance Company Denies Your Claim

Whether you are bringing a claim to your insurance company or against the other driver, a denied claim could be a huge frustration. Insurance companies love to deny claims for spurious reasons, hoping that you’ll get discouraged and just go away. A lawyer will fight on your side and push the insurance company to pay you what they owe. 

3. You’re Being Falsely Blamed

If the other party suffered serious losses and can’t get full compensation from their own insurance company, it’s not inconceivable that they may falsely accuse you of being responsible for the accident. If that’s happening, you need the help of a lawyer right away. Your lawyer will investigate the accident on your behalf and aggressively defend you.

4. There Are Multiple Parties Involved

Even if there are multiple parties, so long as your losses and damages are not that serious, you’ll have to turn to your own insurance company for coverage. But if you have significant losses and there are many parties involved, it can get tricky to work out who should be responsible. A lawyer can help you here.

This might be especially important if the accident was caused by a large commercial vehicle, as these types of accidents tend to create very bad injuries and a lot of property damage because of the size of the vehicles involved. If there are several parties who have all been hurt and had substantial losses, it’s important to be sure that your claim doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. For help after a car accident, contact us now at Miller, Montiel & Strano in Garden City, NY for help anywhere in the New York City area.

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