At Arye, Lustig & Sassower, P.C., we understand your challenges after a car accident. As a leading car accident law firm, we're committed to guiding you through the legal process and fighting for the compensation you deserve. With our experienced car accident attorneys by your side, you can focus on recovery while we handle the complexities of your case.
When You Need To Hire a New York Car Accident Law Firm
While not every car accident requires legal representation, there are several situations where engaging our car accident law firm is highly advisable:
Severe Injuries
If you've sustained serious injuries that satisfy "serious injury" threshold set by New York law, you may be entitled to pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Our car accident attorneys can help you navigate this process and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Complex Liability Issues
In cases where the fault is disputed or multiple parties are involved, having a skilled car accident law firm on your side is crucial. We have the resources and experience to investigate thoroughly and establish liability.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Our firm has extensive experience negotiating with insurers and can protect you from accepting unfairly low settlements.
Time-Sensitive Matters
New York has strict deadlines for filing car accident claims. If you're approaching these limits, our car accident attorneys can quickly assess your case and take necessary legal action.
How a New York Car Accident Law Firm Can Help
Here's how our experienced car accident attorneys can assist you:
Navigating New York's No-Fault Insurance System
New York's no-fault insurance laws can be confusing for many accident victims. Our car accident law firm can explain your rights and obligations under the no-fault system, help you file your no-fault claim correctly and on time, and ensure you receive the full benefits you're entitled to under your policy.
Determining Liability
Establishing fault is crucial in car accident cases. Our team can investigate the accident thoroughly, gather and analyze evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage, and, when necessary, work with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case proving the other party's negligence.
Assessing Damages
As your car accident attorneys, we'll help quantify the full extent of your losses. This includes calculating current and future medical expenses, determining lost wages and diminished earning capacity, assessing non-economic damages like pain and suffering, and identifying any potential punitive damages in cases of gross negligence.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurers can be challenging. Our car accident law firm will handle all communications with insurance adjusters, counter lowball settlement offers, and negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement. We'll protect you from tactics that could devalue your claim.
Litigation Support
If your case goes to court, our experienced litigators will file all necessary legal documents, represent you in pre-trial proceedings, present a compelling case before a judge or jury, and handle any appeals if necessary and appropriate.
Overcoming the "Serious Injury" Threshold
New York law requires that injuries meet a certain threshold to file a lawsuit. We can help assess whether your injuries meet this threshold, gather medical evidence to support your claim, and work with medical experts to establish the severity of your injuries.
Timely Filing of Claims
We ensure all claims and lawsuits are filed within New York's statute of limitations. This includes filing no-fault claims within 30 days of the accident, adhering to the three-year deadline for personal injury lawsuits, adhering to even shorter deadlines where necessary, and meeting any other time-sensitive requirements.
Maximizing Compensation
Our car accident attorneys work tirelessly to secure the highest possible compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, property damage, and other accident-related expenses.
Providing Peace of Mind
Beyond legal representation, our car accident law firm offers clear, consistent communication throughout your case. We answer all your questions and concerns, update you on case progress and developments, and provide emotional support during this challenging time.
If you've been involved in a car accident in New York, don't face the legal challenges alone. Contact our car accident law firm today for a free consultation. Let us put our experience to work for you, guiding you through every step of the legal process and working tirelessly to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Common Injuries from Car Accidents
At Arye, Lustig & Sassower, P.C., we frequently handle cases involving a wide range of car accident injuries. Here's a concise list of common injuries:
- Whiplash: Neck strain from sudden jerking motions, common in rear-end collisions.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Ranging from mild concussions to severe brain damage.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Can result in partial or complete paralysis.
- Broken Bones: From simple fractures to complex, compound breaks.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Internal Injuries: Including internal bleeding and organ damage.
- Psychological Injuries: PTSD, anxiety, and depression following accidents.
- Burns: From fires or chemical spills, potentially causing permanent scarring.
- Chest Injuries: Ranging from bruised ribs to severe internal damage.
- Facial Injuries: Cuts, fractures, and dental injuries, sometimes requiring reconstructive surgery.
Financial Compensation You May Be Entitled To After a Car Accident
Here's an overview of the types of financial compensation you may be entitled to after a car accident in New York:
Medical Expenses
One of the primary forms of compensation in car accident cases is coverage for medical expenses. This includes your immediate medical bills and future medical costs related to your injuries. Our car accident law firm diligently seeks to ensure that all your medical needs are accounted for, including:
- hospitalization
- surgeries
- medications
- physical therapy
- and any necessary long-term care or rehabilitation.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
If your injuries have caused you to miss work or have impacted your ability to earn income in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. Our car accident attorneys will carefully calculate your lost earnings and, if applicable, your diminished earning capacity. This can include your:
- salary
- lost bonuses
- benefits
- and potential career advancement opportunities.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering are broad categories encompassing
- physical pain
- emotional distress
- and loss of enjoyment of life.
This non-economic damage compensates you for the physical discomfort you've endured, as well as the emotional impact of the accident, including anxiety, depression, or PTSD. It also covers how your injuries have affected your ability to enjoy life as you did before the accident, including impacts on hobbies, social interactions, and family relationships.
Property Damages
You're entitled to compensation for damage to your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident. This can include the cost of repairs or, if your vehicle was totaled, its fair market value. We'll work to ensure that all property damage is properly assessed and compensated.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages may be awarded in cases involving extreme negligence or intentional misconduct. While less common, these damages are intended to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future. Our car accident attorneys will assess your case to determine if punitive damages may be applicable.
Wrongful Death
In the tragic event that a car accident results in a fatality, the family of the deceased may seek wrongful death compensation. Such a claim includes compensation for the conscious pain and suffering experienced by the individual before death. Additionally, it covers costs for medical care before death, funeral and burial expenses, loss of expected earnings, and loss of benefits (such as medical insurance and pension). The family may also seek compensation for the loss of inheritance, loss of companionship and emotional support, and the nurturing and guidance provided by the deceased.
Get Legal Help Now
Don't face your car accident claim alone. Contact Arye, Lustig & Sassower, P.C. today for a free consultation. Our experienced car accident attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and maximize your compensation. Time is critical – call us now to protect your future.
Car Accident Law Firm FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions we often encounter:
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
For motor vehicle accidents, New York follows a "comparative negligence" rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, but your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation. Our car accident law firm can help assess your case and work to minimize any assigned fault to maximize your compensation.
How much is my car accident case worth?
The value of a car accident case varies greatly depending on factors such as the severity of injuries, impact on your life, and available insurance coverage. As experienced car accident attorneys, we'll thoroughly evaluate your case to determine a fair value, considering all current and future damages.
Should I talk to the insurance company without a lawyer?
We strongly advise against speaking with the other party's insurance company without legal representation. Insurance adjusters may use your statements against you to minimize your claim. Let our car accident law firm handle all communications with insurance companies to protect your rights.
What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?
You may still have options if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. We can help you explore coverage under your own uninsured/underinsured motorist policy or identify other potential sources of compensation.
How long will my car accident case take to resolve?
The duration of a car accident case can vary widely. Some cases settle in a few months, while others may take several years or more if they go to trial. Our car accident attorneys will work efficiently to resolve your case as quickly as possible without sacrificing the quality of your representation.
What if I can't afford a personal injury lawyer?
At Arye, Lustig & Sassower, P.C., we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don't pay any upfront costs; we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we secure for you.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident?
It's wise to consult with a car accident law firm even for seemingly minor accidents. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and insurance companies may still try to minimize your claim. We offer free consultations to help you understand your rights and options.
What types of damages can I recover in a car accident case?
In New York, you may be entitled to recover economic damages (such as medical expenses and lost wages) and non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering). Our car accident attorneys will work to ensure all applicable damages are included in your claim.
How can a car accident law firm help me?
Our car accident law firm can provide invaluable assistance by investigating your accident, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in court if necessary. We'll handle the legal complexities, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
At Arye, Lustig & Sassower, P.C., we're committed to providing clear, honest answers to all your questions. Every car accident case is unique, and we're here to offer personalized guidance based on your specific situation. If you have any additional questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact our personal injury attorneys for a free consultation. We're here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.