Being involved in a minor car accident can certainly be jarring, but the process of moving forward is often straightforward. So, is it worth hiring a New York car accident lawyer to represent you?
In many cases, your insurance company will be responsible for investigating the accident and reimbursing you for expenses incurred, and having legal representation isn’t necessary. But if your minor accident becomes complex, hiring a lawyer may be wise.
The Typical Insurance Process After a Minor Car Accident in New York
As many as 10,000 car accidents occur in New York City every month, and over 50% of those do not result in any injuries, according to the NYC Police Department. Minor accidents are relatively common, but understanding how to move forward can still feel unfamiliar.
New York is a no-fault state, meaning the parties involved in a collision usually file an insurance claim through their own insurance rather than the at-fault driver’s insurance. You should contact your insurance provider promptly after the accident to initiate your claim. You would file a claim with your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance for medical bills and lost wages.
There are a few scenarios in which no-fault laws may not apply. For example, motorcyclists in New York are not covered under no-fault laws, meaning they would need to file a claim through the at-fault driver’s insurance. Personal injury protection also does not apply to property damage; the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for this expense.
Finally, if your injuries are severe or exceed the coverage under PIP insurance, which usually extends up to $50,000, you may be able to sue the at-fault driver for additional damages. New York is a comparative negligence state, which means your damages could be reduced by the liability determination percentage attributed to you in the accident.
When Might Hiring a Lawyer After a Minor Car Accident Be Helpful?
When might working with a New York car accident lawyer be helpful after a minor car accident? These are a few scenarios in which you may benefit from consulting an auto accident lawyer in New York.
You Notice Delayed Injury Symptoms Sometime After the Accident
Your car accident may have seemed minor at the time, producing little to no damage. But that does not mean your injuries are also minor. Car accident injuries aren’t always obvious until days or even weeks after the accident.
In the initial aftermath of the crash, you may have felt okay overall due to the adrenaline of the accident. But now, you are noticing pain that isn’t going away. You can still seek reimbursement for medical bills and lost wages through your insurer, but doing so may be more challenging if some time has passed since the accident. You will need to tie your injuries to the accident for your insurer to approve your claim.
A car accident lawyer in Mineola can help you navigate the compensation process after experiencing delayed injury symptoms.
Your Claim Has Been Denied, or the Insurer Is Not Cooperating
Car accident claims after minor crashes are sometimes relatively straightforward, especially when you do not need to involve the other driver’s insurance. But if your insurance company has denied your claim or is failing to pay out the reimbursement you think you are owed, having legal representation can be helpful.
A car accident lawyer on Long Island can speak with your insurance adjuster on your behalf and appeal a wrongfully denied claim. They can help you provide more evidence of your medical expenses and property damage to improve your chances of the claim being approved.
You Need Help Navigating the Compensation Process
Seeking compensation after a car accident can feel overwhelming, even if the accident was minor. And minor car accidents can still be traumatic even if they did not produce much damage. You may be feeling out of your wheelhouse and simply need a legal guide to help you determine your next steps.
A New York car accident lawyer can help you navigate your insurance claim and uphold your rights to seek reimbursement for qualifying expenses. They can provide guidance to ensure that you do not overlook any aspects of the compensation process and be there to support you should any complications arise during your claim.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers in New York Today
Do you need a lawyer for a minor car accident? Hiring a New York car accident lawyer can still be beneficial, even if your claim seems relatively straightforward. These legal professionals have extensive experience with maximizing auto accident compensation and can act as your legal guide through the aftermath of your crash.
Cassisi & Cassisi, P.C., represents accident victims across Long Island. Contact us today at 516-294-5050 for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many car accidents happen in New York State each year?
More than 300,000 car accidents happen across New York State each year, according to the New York DMV website. Even if you are a safe, defensive driver, you may still find yourself a victim of a car accident at any time. Knowing what to do after even a minor crash can help you protect your rights to compensation and reimbursement for accident expenses.
Do you need to report minor car accidents?
New York law only requires drivers to report traffic incidents to the DMV that involve more than $1,000 in property damage to a single vehicle. However, reporting your accident to the police and the DMV can be helpful regardless of the amount of damage. This provides you with accident documentation that you can use as part of your insurance claim.
How can a New York car accident lawyer assist you after a minor car accident?
A New York car accident lawyer can assist you after a minor car accident by speaking with all parties on your behalf, guiding you through the insurance process, seeking adequate reimbursement from the insurer, appealing denied claims, and helping you uphold your legal rights.
