When To Call a Lawyer After a Car Accident in New York

When To Call a Lawyer After a Car Accident in New York

If you are ever involved in a car accident, call an attorney at Abrams & Associates, P.C. in Queens, NY, at (718) 865-3329. We can help you through the process.

Seeking financial compensation after a crash can be stressful without the right help. Knowing when to call a lawyer after a car accident is a great way to avoid headaches. If you need to pursue legal action against liable parties, an attorney will help you navigate the process with professional advice. 

Unfortunately, many people ignore this resource and miss out on opportunities to recover from damages. Read on as our car accident attorneys in Queens, NY, discuss the importance of partnering with an experienced lawyer. Consider reaching out to us at Abrams & Associates, P.C. when you need someone you can trust. 

At the Scene of the Accident

  1. You may experience pain, confusion, and anxiety when an accident occurs. Still, be sure to do what you can to collect yourself and assess any injuries you may have. 
  2. You should also check the damage to your vehicle. Move to the side of the road to avoid traffic and call emergency services as soon as possible. 
  3. If you have a lawyer, it’s a good idea to call them as well. They will offer guidance on what to do before the police arrive. They may ask you to take pictures of the scene or see if anyone nearby witnessed the accident. 
  4. They will also recommend that you don’t admit fault to anyone. Doing so could prevent you from pursuing the highest compensation possible should you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit.  
  5. Once the police arrive, they will take your statement and file a report. Your attorney will request a copy of this document as evidence. 

While in the Hospital

Learning when to call a lawyer after a car accident is helpful if you end up in the hospital. Severe automobile collisions may cause: 

  • Head injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Paralysis 
  • Coma
  • Traumatic wounds
  • And more

All of these conditions require extensive medical care. However, you won’t be able to follow up on your accident from a hospital bed. An attorney from our firm can do the hard work on your behalf. 

We can relay information to your employer, help you file personal injury claims, and meet any other deadlines that come up during your stay. You can focus on your treatment, knowing that an attorney is covering the rest. 

Investigating Accidents

Police officers and insurance companies carry out investigations after a car crash. Your attorney has the right to collect information, arrange meetings with witnesses, speak with liable parties, and inspect medical records.  

Your lawyer will work tirelessly to understand the complete picture of events so they can develop your case. Our law firm often partners with other professionals, like doctors and mechanics, who can offer relevant outside perspectives. If you file a personal injury lawsuit, knowledgeable statements from these individuals might support your case. 

You can expect your attorney to conduct a thorough investigation that puts your interests first. Unlike police officers and insurance companies, a lawyer may continue research for weeks or even months after an accident to gather plenty of evidence for settlement negotiations or trials. 

Speaking With Insurance Companies

If you were not responsible for the crash, you might think you have nothing to hide from insurance companies. However, speaking openly with agents can be a mistake. Despite the support they offer, an insurance company’s primary goal is to profit from your contract.  

Agents will try to downplay your injuries or suggest your fault in the accident. If they suspect you are partially liable for the crash, they may offer to pay less for your medical bills. Knowing when to call a lawyer after a car accident can protect you from self-incrimination. 

Our lawyers have years of experience speaking with insurance companies. We know how to answer agents’ questions without making you seem guilty. 

Avoid speaking to the at-fault driver’s insurance company at all costs. They will likely be more aggressive when fishing for incriminating statements. Direct their calls to your lawyer. 

Negotiating Settlements

A trial is not necessary for many personal injury cases. You can discuss terms with at-fault parties and reach a reasonable monetary settlement. However, you’ll need an attorney to take the lead during this process. 

Expect the liable party to utilize their own attorney during negotiations. Trust your counsel to provide sufficient evidence, engage professionally, and issue ultimatums when necessary. In some cases, negotiations could last for several months. 

Representing You in Court

When settlements are impractical, a personal injury trial may be the solution. Our attorneys will represent you in front of the jury with dignity. They will provide the evidence they gathered and examine testimonies from witnesses. 

Generally, legal advisers discourage self-representation in a court of law. Having a knowledgeable attorney by your side will help you navigate the process smoothly. 

Sometimes, pursuing coverage for the total amount of damages you sustained can be challenging. The defense may argue that you were partially at fault for the accident. Without help from an attorney, the court may find you eligible for only a fraction of the compensation you seek. 

Our lawyer will use their skills to try and prevent the defense from shifting the blame onto you. 

Speak With a Queens Lawyer Today

Why wait to find trustworthy legal counsel near you? At Abrams & Associates, P.C., we represent hundreds of clients in Queens and the surrounding areas of NYC. We take pride in serving our community professionally. 

Schedule a free consultation to start your personal injury lawsuit. We can help you learn why you should hire a personal injury lawyer in Queens and answer any questions you have. Our team understands that car crashes aren’t the only accidents that require a personal injury attorney. Let us help if you experience an injury at your workplace. 

Learn more about when to call a lawyer after a car accident. Call our team at Abrams & Associates, P.C. in Queens, NY, today at (718) 865-3329.