In New York State, there are specific requirements for the amount and type of insurance you must have in order to register your vehicle. In addition, there are things you must do to protect your coverage after an accident, such as promptly reporting the accident to your insurance company. Prompt reporting does require you to call your insurance company immediately, and whatever you tell them could be used to deny benefits. That’s why it’s a good idea to speak to the best Queens accident lawyers before you call. An experienced Queens and Brooklyn traffic accident attorney can advise you on speaking to your insurance company truthfully without minimizing the value of your case.
First Party Benefits
First party benefits provide a minimum of $50,000 in medical, lost earnings, transportation, home health assistance and other related actual costs incurred as a result of a motor vehicle accident, regardless of fault. An application must usually be submitted within thirty days of the accident and there are many other rules and restrictions that apply. If you fail to comply, you risk losing your benefits. So, if you’re seriously injured, it’s prudent to hire an experienced Queens car accident attorney that will handle collecting your first party benefits in addition to prosecuting your claim against the responsible parties. The best Queens and Brooklyn traffic accident attorneys can also help you find high quality medical providers that accept no-fault insurance. If you were working at the time of the accident, such as driving a taxi or making a delivery, workers compensation will pay similar benefits.
Not So Fast!
Some insurance companies make it a practice to try to settle their cases before they speak to a lawyer. It’s not so unusual for an insurance company to contact an injured person the same day as the accident, offering them $500 to settle immediately. Since many injuries feel much worse the day after an accident, this small sum can feel like a windfall. The best Queens accident lawyers will try to settle your case as quickly as possible, but without selling it short. It’s usually not possible to know how well injuries heal for at least a few months after a crash, so you shouldn’t settle until you have an understanding about how your injuries will impact your life going forward.
Types of Compensation
Car accident victims can make a claim against the responsible parties for both economic and non-economic damages caused by the injuries they sustained. Economic damages are the actual past and future costs of medical care, rehabilitation, accommodations to home/vehicle and lost income. If you’re permanently disabled, you can receive the value of the income you would have earned during your entire expected lifespan. It’s not always possible to know how well your injuries should heal, so assuming your “OK,” because you’re glad you walked away from an accident is risky. Always speak to an attorney before you contact any insurance company about your accident.
Top Queens Car Accident Lawyers
Wittenstein & Wittenstein are the Queens and Brooklyn traffic accident attorneys that have been trusted by the community for more than sixty years. Call 718-261-8114 for a free consultation.
