You may need a lawyer after a car accident on Long Island if you’re injured, facing medical bills, or dealing with insurance delays. Not every crash requires legal help, but having an attorney can make a major difference when it comes to protecting your rights, understanding what your case is worth, and avoiding costly mistakes with the insurance company.
After the initial shock of a crash, many people feel overwhelmed. Medical appointments, vehicle repairs, lost income, and insurance calls all pile up quickly.
That’s why you should get support from someone who understands how car accident claims work in New York. Once you have legal representation from a Long Island car accident lawyer, the process becomes clearer, deadlines are managed properly, and insurance companies are held accountable.
When a Lawyer Can Help After a Car Accident
Not every fender bender calls for legal support. But if you’re injured—or unsure of your legal rights—you should speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. The more serious the accident, the more crucial it becomes to have representation.
You may need a lawyer if:
- The crash caused injuries, hospital visits, or long-term medical care
- You missed work or lost income as a result of the accident
- The insurance company is denying or delaying your claim
- Fault is disputed or more than one driver may be responsible
- The other driver is uninsured or underinsured
- You’re being pressured to settle quickly
At Chaikin Trial Group, we offer free consultations so you can get answers before making any decisions. Our team is bilingual, trial-ready, and aggressive when it comes to standing up to insurance companies that delay or deny rightful claims.
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How Long Should You Wait to Get a Lawyer After an Accident?
You should contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a car accident, ideally within the first few days. Quick legal support protects your case by preserving evidence, securing witness statements, and managing communication with the insurance company before mistakes can be made.
Delaying legal help can hurt your claim in several ways:
- Insurance companies may record statements and use your words against you
- Crucial evidence, like video footage or vehicle damage, can be lost
- Medical care gaps may be used to question your injury severity
- Important legal deadlines (such as the statute of limitations) may pass
In New York, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, under CPLR § 214. But waiting that long is risky. We recommend contacting us immediately after your crash, before you speak with the other driver’s insurer.
What a Lawyer Can Do for You After a Long Island Car Crash
Our job isn’t just filing paperwork—we take over the entire legal process so you can focus on healing. From the first phone call, we begin building a case that holds the other party accountable and seeks full compensation for your injuries, pain, and financial losses.
Here’s how we support clients after a crash:
- Investigate the scene: We gather evidence from traffic cameras, witnesses, and police reports
- Handle the paperwork: No confusing forms or missed deadlines
- Negotiate aggressively: We push back on lowball offers from insurers
- Prepare for trial: Every case is built with the courtroom in mind
- Keep you informed: You’ll have direct access to your attorney throughout your case
We know how to hold negligent drivers, companies, and even vehicle manufacturers accountable when necessary.
You Don’t Have to Worry About Legal Fees
One of the biggest concerns after a crash is cost. Many people hesitate to call a lawyer because they’re worried they can’t afford it. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.
We also offer:
- Free case evaluations
- Car service for intake appointments
- Home or hospital visits if you can’t travel
- Bilingual support in English and Spanish
You shouldn’t have to fight the insurance company alone. With us, you won’t have to.
What if the Insurance Company Already Offered You a Settlement?
If you’ve already received a settlement offer, don’t accept it before speaking with a lawyer. Early offers are often far lower than what your case is actually worth. Once you accept, you usually waive your right to pursue additional compensation—even if more injuries appear later.
We’ll review the offer for free and give you an honest assessment. If it’s fair, we’ll tell you. If it’s not, we’ll fight for more. Either way, you’ll know where you stand.
Not Sure if You Have a Case? We’ll Tell You the Truth
Many people are hesitant to reach out after a crash because they think their injuries aren’t “serious enough” or they’re not sure who’s at fault. We believe everyone deserves straight answers, and we’ll never pressure you to move forward unless it’s in your best interest.
At Chaikin Trial Group Injury Lawyers, we prepare every case as if it’s headed to court. That’s how we’ve recovered over $100 million for injured clients across New York. Whether your accident happened on the Long Island Expressway or a neighborhood street in Hempstead, you have legal rights. We’re here to protect them.
Get Legal Help Today From Chaikin Trial Group
If you’ve been injured in a car accident on Long Island, don’t wait to get the help you need. With 50 years of combined experience, we know how to move quickly, file strategically, and fight aggressively on your behalf.
Our clients get direct cell phone access to their attorney, and our cases are built for trial from day one. If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you.
Reach out now for a free consultation with Chaikin Trial Group Personal Injury Lawyers. There’s no cost to speak with us, and no fee unless we recover compensation for you. Come in as a client, leave as a friend.