Car accidents are unfortunately common in New York City. However, many victims are still unaware of their rights and the legal process in the aftermath of a car accident. These misconceptions can cost injured victims time, money, and in some cases, the compensation they’re entitled to receive. Below are four of the most common car accident myths, debunked.
Many people believe they only need medical attention after a major crash, but this is one of the most damaging misconceptions. Even low-speed collisions can cause injuries such as whiplash, concussions, soft-tissue damage or back injuries that may not appear until hours or days later. When adrenaline is high, which is often the case after a traumatic incident, pain can be masked, leading victims to assume that they are fine when they are not.
From a legal standpoint, delaying medical care may jeopardize your claim. Seeing a doctor promptly not only protects your health, but it also creates crucial documentation linking your injuries to the crash. Always seek medical attention, even if you feel “okay.” Early treatment helps you heal faster and can greatly help strengthen your car accident case.
Many victims are surprised to learn that a traffic citation, or the lack of one, doesn’t determine civil liability. Police officers issue tickets when they believe someone violated a traffic law, but their priority at the scene is public safety and not a detailed investigation. Officers may not witness the crash, may be relying on limited statements or may focus on clearing the roadway quickly.
In personal injury cases, the standard is different. Liability is established through a broader examination of evidence. Even if neither driver received a ticket, one or both parties can still be found at fault for negligence (carelessness). A ticket is not required for an injury claim. Fault is determined independently by determining negligence.
Insurance companies market themselves as friendly, helpful and customer-focused. But it’s important to remember that insurers are profit-driven businesses. Their goal is to minimize payouts whenever possible. While your insurer may help you with certain aspects of the process such as arranging repairs or opening a claim, they are not motivated to maximize your injury compensation.
Insurance adjusters may downplay the severity of your injuries, pressure you into giving statements or offer quick, low settlements before the full scope of your medical treatment is known. Without legal guidance, many accident victims unintentionally jeopardize their car accident cases simply by trusting that their insurer will “take care of it.” Insurance companies protect their bottom line. An experienced New York car accident attorney will remain on your side, fight for your rights and help ensure you receive maximum compensation for your losses.
While it is true that not every accident requires legal representation, many injury cases benefit significantly from having a lawyer involved. Insurance companies have teams of professionals dedicated to minimizing claims. Without experience navigating the legal system, victims may settle for far less than they need to cover medical bills, lost wages and benefits, future treatment and pain and suffering.
A personal injury lawyer understands how to gather evidence, negotiate with adjusters, consult experts and build a case that accurately reflects the long-term impact of your injuries. Studies consistently show that, on average, accident victims who hire attorneys recover substantially more compensation than those who handle claims alone — even after attorney fees. A lawyer can protect your rights, maximize your compensation and handle the stress while you focus on healing.
Injured victims of negligent (careless) drivers can seek compensation from at-fault parties for damages including, but not limited to, medical expenses, lost wages and benefits, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, past and future pain and suffering, etc. Families that have lost loved ones in car accidents can seek compensation for damages such as lost future income, medical and funeral costs, pain and suffering, etc.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, or if you have lost a loved one in an auto accident caused by a negligent (careless) driver, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options, and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you. It is in the best interest of injured victims and their families in such cases to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer before contacting the people responsible for the injuries, and definitely before contacting or communicating with any insurance company, or their lawyers, investigators, or adjusters.
For over 54 years, our skilled accident attorneys have established a proven track record of helping injured victims get fair compensation for their losses. Our law firm recently recovered $5,600,000 for a bicyclist who was hit by a van, and $2,550,000 for another victim of a truck accident, and $3,000,000 for a pedestrian who was hit by a car, and $2,000,000 in a hit-and-run accident, and the full $1,000,000 insurance policy for a pedestrian who was hit by a truck, and $4,625,000 for a driver who was in a car and was hit by a van, and $2,500,000 for a man who fell through an improperly secured hole. We also recovered $1,500,000 for a lady who was hurt by a bus.
We also obtained $295,000 out of a $300,000 insurance policy in compensation for the victim of a bicycle dooring accident (where a car door opens into the path of a bicyclist). One of our clients obtained a verdict for $43,940,000 and another of our clients got a verdict for $23,500,000, both in medical malpractice cases. Also, we got a $1,400,000 verdict in a motorcycle accident.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury, lead poisoning and medical malpractice cases including, brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) and cerebral palsy cases in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
Other TOLL FREE phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit us at: www.WORK4YOULAW.com
car accident, new york, personal injury, attorneys