In the aftermath of an auto accident in Long Island, New York it can be difficult to figure out exactly what to do next. There might be a million thoughts running through your mind. Will your life ever be the same? Will you ever get over the psychological trauma of this devastating incident? How bad are your injuries? Will you ever recover, or will you be left with permanent disabilities? How are you going to pay for your medical expenses? Will you ever work again? But there is one specific question that may be of particular importance: How are you going to take effective legal action during the next few months?
If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced auto accident attorney in Long Island, look no further than the Law Offices of Frank A. Cetero. With our assistance, you can approach this difficult situation in a confident manner. We know how difficult it can be to gather your senses and approach a personal injury lawsuit or an injury claim. The good news is that once you book your consultation with us, we can handle most of the heavy lifting. All you need to do is focus on healing as best you can. Follow a few easy steps, and the compensation you need will be closer than you realize. Reach out today to get started with an effective action plan.
Steps To Take After An Auto Accident In Long Island, New York
Most accident victims on Long Island are not sure where to begin. The good news is that they are not alone in this battle. Victims can get in touch with the Law Office of Frank A. Cetero to take immediate, effective legal action. Fortunately, there is no need to figure out the legal complexities of your situation. After all, this is what lawyers are for. Once you team up with a personal injury lawyer in Long Island, you can relax and focus on the healing process while your legal team handles paperwork, evidence gathering, negotiations, and virtually all other work associated with your case. With that said, there are a few important steps you should take after an auto accident in Long Island:
Our Process
We meticulously strategize every detail to ensure effective advocacy and solutions.
We seamlessly move into proactive execution, leveraging our strategy to advocate fiercely for your rights and interests.
We proceed with filing your case in court, where we advocate vigorously for your rights and pursue justice on your behalf.
Other Practice Area
Step One: Get the Medical Attention You Need
It is difficult to overstate the importance of getting medical attention after an accident. This might seem like an obvious priority. After all, what kind of person fails to get medical treatment after a serious, life-altering injury? You might be surprised to learn that many injured victims on Long Island refuse medical treatment at the scene of their auto crashes. They may do this for a number of reasons. Some may be in a state of shock, and the adrenaline pumping through their veins dulls the pain to the point where they believe they are fine. But after a few hours go by, the adrenaline starts to wear off – and they realize that they have actually suffered extremely serious, painful, and debilitating injuries. Some may also refuse treatment due to financial concerns. We all know that healthcare can be expensive in the State of New York, and perhaps these concerns are understandable. But even if you are in a dire financial situation, it makes sense to accept treatment. Why? Because if you follow through with your personal injury lawsuit or injury claim, there is a good chance you will be completely compensated for all of your medical expenses. Not only that, but you will likely receive compensation for any missed wages you might have incurred as a result of your accident. This means that there is really no point in refusing medical treatment. Not only that, but refusing medical treatment sends a problematic message about your crash. The implication is that you refused medical treatment because your injuries were insignificant. Defendants and insurance companies will not even entertain the possibility that you refused treatment due to financial limitations. According to their logic, the only reason someone refuses treatment is if they do not need it. In other words, refusing treatment makes it difficult to get the compensation you need after an accident.Step Two: Determine How Serious Your Injury Was
As you may be aware, the State of New York follows a “no-fault” system when it comes to car crashes and insurance. This is a relatively rare system in the United States, as most other jurisdictions follow an “at-fault” system instead. The no-fault system has pros and cons. One positive aspect is that injured victims do not need to prove negligence in order to file a claim through PIP insurance and recover compensation. The downside, however, is that damages related to pain and suffering are not available through this form of no-fault insurance.
However, you may have the ability to circumvent the no-fault process and file a personal injury lawsuit if and only if your injury is considered “serious.” This is why it is important to assess how serious your injuries are after an accident. Only certain injuries are considered serious under New York law, including amputations, disfigurements, spinal cord injuries, and many others. The benefit of filing a personal injury lawsuit instead of going through the no-fault system is the accessibility of pain and suffering damages. These damages can be worth a lot of money.
Step Three: Negotiate for a Settlement
You should know that almost all auto accident victims walk away with settlements instead of going through a trial. This is true whether they file a PIP insurance claim or a lawsuit. In almost all situations, you will end up dealing with an insurance company that represents the defendant. Insurance companies want to deal with your situation in an affordable manner, and that typically means staying out of the courtroom. Most plaintiffs also want to avoid trials, which are infamously time-consuming, stressful, and unpredictable.
All of this means that you need to work with a qualified attorney with excellent negotiation skills. A good attorney can fight for your rights, pushing back against insurance adjusters and ensuring that you walk away with a settlement that actually covers your damages.
Frequently Asked Questions !!
What should I do immediately after an auto accident?
Ensure safety, exchange information, and gather evidence like photos and witness contacts after an auto accident.
How long do I have to report an auto accident to my insurance company?
Report the accident to your insurance company promptly, ideally within 24 hours.
Will my insurance rates increase after an auto accident?
Insurance rate changes depend on factors like driving history and severity of the accident; some policies offer forgiveness for minor accidents.
Should I hire an attorney after an auto accident?
Consider hiring an attorney for assistance navigating the claims process and pursuing compensation for injuries and damages after an auto accident.
Still Have Questions ?
Don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re here to provide clarity and guidance every step of the way.