A car accident doesn’t need to be severe to disrupt your life. A routine drive can quickly turn into a situation involving serious injuries and hardship. For some people, recovery takes weeks. For others, it can take much longer.
If someone else’s actions caused your accident and injuries, you shouldn’t be left handling the consequences on your own. Our car accident lawyers in Islip can help you understand New York’s auto insurance regulations and work to recover the full compensation you deserve.
Our legal team at Levine And Wiss has more than 100 years of combined experience protecting the rights of car accident victims in New York. Call to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how our personal injury lawyers in Islip can assist with your claim.
Do You Need an Attorney for a Car Accident Claim?
New York’s No-Fault insurance system means you may be able to recover damages relatively quickly after a car accident. Unfortunately, for serious injuries, it often isn’t enough. Your options aren’t always clear, and insurance companies may not always act in your best interests.
Our car accident attorneys in Islip will deal with insurance companies and handle your claim while you focus on your recovery. Some of the benefits of working with our team include:
- We will help you understand your legal rights and options.
- Through our investigation, we will discover all liable parties.
- We can accurately calculate the full value of your claim.
- Our team will communicate with insurance companies so you don’t have to.
- We’ll negotiate for a fair settlement if possible, and represent you in court if it isn’t.
- We’ll help you avoid costly mistakes or premature decisions.
How Does No-Fault Insurance Work?
New York is a No-Fault state, which means licensed drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection that pays for their own basic economic losses after a car accident, regardless of who caused the crash. Covered expenses typically include:
- Medical bills
- Lost earnings
- Certain out-of-pocket costs, up to policy limits
If you’ve been in an accident, you usually need to start by seeking No-Fault benefits instead of suing the other driver. However, you may be able to seek compensation beyond your Personal Injury Protection.
Islip Car Accident Lawyer Near Me
(888) 468-4878Can You Sue Another Driver After an Accident in New York?
While you must first rely on your No-Fault insurance coverage after an accident, you can sue the other driver in certain cases. In most claims, you must show that you suffered a serious injury, as defined under New York law. This means things like:
- Serious fractures
- Significant disfigurement
- Permanent limitation
- Major loss of body function
You may also have a claim if your losses exceed your No-Fault coverage. Medical records, accident reports, and witness statements can support your case. If you think your injuries qualify, contact our legal team as soon as possible about your legal options.
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What Compensation Can You Get for a Car Accident Case?
While your No-Fault insurance offers limited financial recovery options, a serious injury that allows for a lawsuit can mean a wide range of damages. While each case is unique, our Islip car accident lawyers may be able to get compensation after a car accident for:
- Medical treatment, both immediate and ongoing
- Lost income and reduced ability to work
- Pain, discomfort, and lifestyle limitations
- Future expenses tied to long-term injuries
In rare cases where the defendant has behaved with extreme recklessness or illegally, you may be able to recover punitive damages. These are intended to punish the defendant and prevent illegal future behaviors.
What is Comparative Negligence in New York?
If you have an accident in New York, you may still get compensation for your injuries even if you were partly to blame, as the state follows a pure comparative negligence rule. However, the amount you receive will be decreased by the amount of fault you share in the accident.
For example, according to CPLR § 1411, if you were awarded $100,000 but found 20 percent responsible, you could recover $80,000, 80% of your original award.
Insurance companies often use comparative negligence to argue that you share more blame than you should. Using strong evidence, our team will work to show who caused the crash and bears responsibility for your damages.
Talk to Our Car Accident Lawyers in Islip
The aftermath of a crash can affect every part of your life. Pain, financial stress, and uncertainty about the future can be overwhelming. When another party’s negligence has harmed you and your family, and insurance companies have let you down, it’s easy to get discouraged.
You have options, and you don’t have to deal with this alone. Our car accident attorneys in Islip will manage your claim, investigate the crash, identify liable parties, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
The team at Levine And Wiss has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of New Yorkers who were injured due to no fault of their own. We are committed to justice and focused on you. Call for your free consultation and tell us what happened.