A car accident can create all kinds of unexpected expenses. If you’ve been injured in one, a Brookhaven personal injury lawyer can help you pursue damages.
If you’ve been in a car crash, you may think you can handle the insurance claim on your own. But insurance adjusters are skilled at minimizing payouts, and if you speak to them without a lawyer, you could say something that compromises your case.
The legal team at Chaikin Trial Group Injury Lawyers has recovered over $100 million for our clients. If you’ve been involved in a car crash, a car accident lawyer in Brookhaven can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Why Hire a Brookhaven Car Accident Lawyer?
If you’ve been involved in a car crash, an attorney can provide crucial help by:
- Investigating your case: A lawyer can collect police reports, medical records, and witness statements to build a strong claim.
- Calculating your damages: Many victims underestimate their future medical costs or lost earning potential. A lawyer can ensure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Attorneys know the tactics insurers use and can push back against them to maximize your settlement.
- Representing you in court: If a fair settlement isn’t offered, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and present your case before a jury.
A Brookhaven car accident lawyer can level the playing field and give you much better odds of obtaining fair compensation.
Case Today (212) 977-2020
How Much Are Most Car Accident Settlements?
Car accident settlement amounts vary widely from case to case. Minor accidents may settle for a few thousand dollars, while severe crashes involving catastrophic injuries or wrongful death can result in six or seven-figure payouts. Some of the factors that will dictate your settlement’s worth include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Each party’s degree of fault
- Insurance policy limits
A car accident attorney in Brookhaven can estimate the value of your claim and help fight for the highest possible payout.
Types of Damages You Can Recover
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to several types of damages:
- Medical expenses: You can recover the costs of hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care.
- Lost income: You can claim compensation for missed work and reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your career.
- Pain and suffering: You can be compensated for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Property damage: You can pursue damages for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other damaged property.
- Punitive damages: In cases where the at-fault driver’s conduct was especially reckless, you can pursue punitive damages.
A Brookhaven auto accident lawyer can calculate your damages and make sure you’re fairly compensated.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in New York?
According to N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214, the statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits in New York is generally three years from the date of the crash. If the accident resulted in a wrongful death, the deadline is typically two years from the date of the death.
If you fail to file a personal injury claim before the applicable deadline, you’ll likely lose your right to pursue compensation, which is why it’s important to contact a Brookhaven auto accident attorney as soon as you can.
How Is Liability Determined in a Car Accident in New York?
Car accident liability is generally determined using evidence such as police reports, eyewitness accounts, surveillance or dashcam footage, and expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists.
New York enforces a comparative negligence rule, meaning multiple parties can share fault for a crash. If you are found partially at fault, you will still be able to recover compensation, but it will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you will still be able to recover $80,000.
What Are the Chances of Winning a Car Accident Lawsuit?
Your chances of winning a car accident lawsuit will depend on the strength of your evidence, the clarity of liability, and the quality of your legal representation. If you have medical records, credible witnesses, and proof of the other driver’s negligence, your odds will be stronger.
While no lawyer can guarantee an outcome, an experienced Brookhaven car crash lawyer can significantly increase your chances of recovering fair compensation.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Lawsuit?
There is no one answer as to how long it takes to settle a car accident case. While some claims are settled in a matter of months, others take over a year, especially if they go to trial. Some of the factors that will determine your lawsuit’s duration include:
- Injury severity: Cases involving serious or long-term injuries generally take longer.
- Liability disputes: If fault is unclear or contested, the case may require more investigation and negotiation.
- Insurance company tactics: Insurers may deliberately delay a settlement in an attempt to pressure you into accepting an unfair payout.
- Court backlog: If your case proceeds to trial, scheduling delays can significantly extend the process.
An attorney can work to expedite your lawsuit without compromising the value of your claim.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Brookhaven
Your actions immediately after a car crash can impact your claim. Here’s what you should do:
- Call 911: Report the accident and, if necessary, request medical assistance.
- Exchange information: Collect the other driver’s name, contact details, and insurance information.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Seek medical care: Even if you feel fine, documentation of your condition will be important to your case.
- Avoid admitting fault: Statements made at the scene can be used against you later.
- Contact a lawyer: Reach out to a car accident attorney before speaking to any insurance adjusters.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Brookhaven
If you’ve been injured in a Brookhaven car accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. An experienced attorney from Chaikin Trial Group Injury Lawyers can investigate the crash, handle negotiations, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation to secure your future today.