Car accidents can occur in the blink of an eye. However, the consequences can last a lifetime. Before you know it, you may be faced with a stack of medical bills, pain and suffering, and no income from being out of work.
Fortunately, if another party is responsible for your accident, you may be able to recover compensation in a personal injury lawsuit.
A car accident lawyer in New Rochelle, NY, can represent you. Our firm offers comprehensive legal services for victims of car accidents. We may be able to pursue compensation on your behalf while you concentrate on your recovery.
Driver Negligence in Car Accidents
Negligence is one of the leading causes of car accidents in New York. A driver may not pay attention while driving due to texting, distracted driving, or a DUI. Commercial drivers may fall asleep at the wheel or may lack the proper training to operate their vehicles.
Regardless of how your accident occurred, Morelli Law Firm invites you to call our firm for a free case assessment. A car accident attorney in New Rochelle, NY, may be able to investigate your case, manage all the aspects of your accident claim, and fight for a settlement or court reward.
Morelli Law Firm takes on a wide range of car accident cases, such as:
- Traffic violations
- DUIs
- Texting and driving
- Reckless driving
- Vehicle malfunction
- Bicycle or pedestrian accidents
Many of these accidents can lead to back and neck injuries, burns, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or soft tissue injuries.
Evidence of Negligent Drivers
Your car accident case may require evidence of who was at fault for the accident and your subsequent injuries. When you work with us on your case, a New Rochelle accident attorney may be able to gather evidence of fault and liability such as:
Camera Footage
With all the cameras on New York roadways, getting footage of traffic accidents may be possible in your case. In addition, you may have photos of the accident or your injuries. We may be able to use this footage to help build your case.
Medical Records
It is important to keep copies of your medical reports, bills, and receipts. You may also want to document conversations with your doctor or medical specialist. Your lawyer may be able to use this information to build your case.
Eyewitnesses
If possible, you may want to gather the contact information of witnesses who saw the accident. Our lawyers may be able to contact witnesses who can recount how the accident happened and verify your claim.
Expert Witnesses
We may hire a private investigator, medical expert, or accident reconstruction expert who can corroborate your story and provide testimony that supports your claim. Expert witnesses may help you establish fault and liability in your case.
New Rochelle Car Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Determining What Your Case May Be Worth
There are several types of damages that you may be able to claim in a car accident lawsuit. Damages that our lawyers may look at include:
Hospital and Medical Costs
Injuries in car accidents can range from cuts and bruises to paralysis or disability. Regardless of your injuries, you may be left with medical bills such as:
- Ambulance fees
- Emergency room care
- Healthcare consultations
- Surgical procedures
- Disfigurement or disability
- In-home care services
- Medical devices (crutches/wheelchair)
The extent of your medical costs may depend on the severity and duration of your injuries. Our law firm can gather documents to help you determine how much you have paid or may pay out-of-pocket for these expenses.
Pain and Suffering
From a legal standpoint, pain and suffering may refer to the physical or mental distress you have endured from the accident. You may experience agony or discomfort over a period of several weeks. In addition, you may go through emotional trauma, anxiety, or depression over your condition. If so, the at-fault party may be held accountable for your suffering.
Total Lost Income
You may be out of work for several weeks or months as you recover from the accident. Not drawing a paycheck can hurt you financially. As such, you may be entitled to recover damages such as:
- Lost wages
- Loss of employment opportunities
- Diminished future earning capacity/disability
- Potential tips or bonuses
- Lost benefits (retirement/insurance)
Our lawyers can estimate the value of your claim based on your total lost wages, benefits, and overall income. We may be able to work with your employer to get an accurate estimate.
Loss of Companionship or Parental Support
If you are disabled or disfigured due to the accident, you may no longer be able to provide spousal companionship or support to your parents.
The total amount of damages that you may claim depends on the circumstances of the accident, who is at fault, and the extent of your injuries and other losses.
What to Expect After Filing a Car Accident Claim
While you must file your car accident claim on a deadline, a county clerk and affiliated parties may take their own time to assess the value of your case. After filing your car accident claim, you can rely on your car wreck attorney to keep you updated as your case progresses through considerations.
If a County Clerk and Associates choose to move your car accident claim forward, you have the right to summon the party you believe to be liable for your losses. Then, with input from an attending auto accident attorney, you can determine whether you want to pursue a settlement via negotiations or through a courtroom trial.
You have full control over how you choose to address your losses. However, there may be circumstances in which a defendant’s uncooperative nature or refusal to compromise May force your hand. The good news, however, is that your attorney can communicate with the defendant’s representation to ensure that your case goes as smoothly as possible.
Our Attorneys Guide You Through Car Accident Settlement Negotiations
Most liable parties and their insurance providers will want to avoid spending time in court. As such, many parties will make an effort to make the most of settlement negotiations. These negotiations allow you to present an estimate of your case’s value and argue for your right to that support without going before a judge.
That said, if a liable party comes to you with a car accident settlement, make sure you assess the value of that offer before accepting. If, for example, the party liable for your losses is a corporation or institutionalized presence, an affiliated insurance provider may attempt to short you based on the assumption that you won’t do your research regarding your case’s worth.
You can, fortunately, rely on our attorneys to both calculate the value of your case and elaborate on that value in the face of insufficient settlement offers. Car crash attorneys can step in and inform a defensive party and their representatives when an offer appears dubious. In turn, we can make counter offers to continue your fight for comprehensive support.
Bringing a Car Accident Before a Civil Judge
If there comes a point when a liable party refuses to acknowledge the value of your case, negotiations may fall through. In these instances, it is in your best interest to take a case before a civil judge. The process of demanding compensation through a trial involves:
- Discovery elaborating on your case’s value and the alleged liability of the defendant
- Opening statements outlining the nature of your pursuit
- Examination and cross-examination of parties related to your case
- Closing statements
- Deliberation from the jury
- Delivery of the verdict from a judge
It takes a considerable amount of time for a car accident case to resolve in civil court. If you want the structure provided by a judge and jury, however, there is no better way to ensure that your case is upheld in all of its respectability.
There are also opportunities for you to discuss a settlement offer while a trial is ongoing. Our car accident attorneys can look out for you and do our best to ensure you get the money you need to recover as quickly as possible.
Call Our Law Firm Today for Assistance With Your Case
Do not delay if you are considering legal action in your case. New York Civil Practice Law & Rules Section 214 imposes a three-year statute of limitations on most personal injury cases.
Unique circumstances may also push up the deadline for your case, including GMU Section 50-E for actions against a public corporation.
Fortunately, Morelli Law Firm understands the physical pain and mental stress that occurs after a car accident. A New Rochelle car injury lawyer can manage your case while you concentrate on your recovery. Request a case evaluation from our firm today to learn more about your road to car accident compensation.