How To Get Money From an NYC Car Accident Without a Lawyer

Do you need an attorney following a car accident in New York City, NY? Yes and no. There are certain auto accident injury claims that don’t require an attorney. The majority of lawyers may not be transparent about this, but at the Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers, we think you deserve complete honesty.

We’re referring mainly to cases that include no injuries or just minor injuries that resolve after a few months. Claims when injuries are minor, and medical care is inconsequential can typically be settled without an attorney.

If you take this route, you should research and seek legal counsel to determine how to obtain the highest possible compensation for what you have undergone as a result of the accident. Be sure to give yourself the best possible chance for success.

In other cases, however, you should seriously consider having an attorney represent you.

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When Do I Need a Lawyer?

In cases involving serious injury or death, you’ll definitely want to have a New York City car accident lawyer by your side. Our attorneys are likely to secure more than ten times the amount of money you might get on your own. Hiring a competent auto accident attorney with a winning record is more likely to save you money than handling the case yourself.

The necessity of a lawyer depends on the severity of the accident. When the stakes and quantity of money involved are high, such as in the event of wrongful death or catastrophic injury, you should contact an attorney immediately.

An experienced car accident lawyer in New York City, New York, can rapidly assemble accident reconstructionists, inspect the product, obtain witness statements, procure medical records, and anything else that may be of value in building your case.

Mistakes Accident Victims Make Without a Lawyer

Below are common errors accident victims make when processing their claims without an attorney.

Issuing a Recorded Declaration

The majority of insurance claims adjusters inform victims that a recorded statement is required prior to making a settlement offer. In most cases, this is not true.

Adjusters exploit everything you say in order to reduce the settlement amount, or they provide the facts to the insurance company’s attorneys for use in cross-examination at trial.

When our attorneys do permit these statements, we do it under restricted conditions to limit the client’s ability to hurt their case.

Your Settlement Request Is Either Excessive or Inadequate

If your settlement request is inadequate, you’ll be leaving money on the table and may not even realize it.

On the other hand, an excessive demand can also be detrimental by revealing that you’re not aware of the true value of your case. You risk not being taken seriously. An insurance company will not make a reasonable settlement offer in response to an absurd demand.

If you do not comprehend the value of your case, you run the danger of contaminating settlement negotiations.

Taking the Insurance Company’s “Final” Offer

Insurance companies frequently portray their proposal directly or indirectly as a final offer. If you accept the initial “final” offer, you leave cash on the table. In the legal world, a final offer is rarely final.

Settling the Car Accident Case Without Knowing the Scope of the Injuries

If you have been gravely injured and are seeking a rapid settlement, you will nearly always receive less than your accident case is worth. To provide the insurance company with a cause to make a significant offer, you need a comprehensive record of all of your medical bills, as well as a written review of your case from a doctor regarding the nature and extent of your injuries.

Common types of injuries after a car accident:’

If you settle a dispute before gathering the necessary documents, you have a limited chance of collecting reasonable compensation.

Believing the Insurance Company Is Being Fair

While most auto insurance companies operate with integrity, they generally do not have any intention of treating you fairly. Their objective is to pay you the least amount feasible. That’s their job. When they present you with a settlement agreement, be aware that it is likely to be written in their favor. This is where having your own lawyer review the agreement can make all the difference.

Missing Filing Deadlines

There is a time limit on filing claims connected to the accident. All states have a statute of limitations, which limits the amount of time you have in which to file a lawsuit. In New York, that time limit is three years from the accident date.

Get Help From a New York City Car Accident Lawyer

If your intention is to maximize your compensation, proceeding without an attorney representing you is a bad move. Rather than risk settling for a lesser amount, let our car accident attorneys at Law Offices of Jay Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers handle the legal matters. There’s no need for you to become a lawyer overnight when we’re here and ready to fight for you.

Give us a call to schedule a free consultation with an experienced New York City car accident attorney. We’ll review your case and discuss your options. And, because we operate on a contingency fee basis, you’ll owe us nothing unless we’re able to secure a financial award on your behalf. You have nothing to lose by reaching out today.