Car Accident FAQ

Nothing you do can prepare you for the trauma of a car accident. You may suffer devastating physical injuries, struggle to cope financially, and endure severe psychological distress because of a car accident. When you need answers most, the Law Offices of Dennis Smith, PLLC is here to help. 

Continue reading to check out some of the more common questions Long Island car accident survivors have had regarding their collisions, and what you might expect to see throughout the recuperation and civil claims processes. 

Who is liable for my car accident?

There are several parties who may have contributed to your car accident. Sometimes, driver negligence including drunk, drugged, drowsy, distracted, and reckless driving, is the cause. 

Other times, road conditions and defective parts are the cause. Your lawyer will be able to determine who is culpable after a careful review of the details of your case. 

How long do I have to file my claim?

The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, including car accident claims, is three years under New York law. This means your lawsuit must be filed within three years of the date of the accident. However, the statute of limitations can also vary depending on the details of your case. Contact your lawyer to learn more about how much longer you have to decide if you want to pursue justice.

Will I have to go to court?

Many car accident cases can be settled without having to go through a lawsuit. The insurance company is often able to provide compensation to the injury victim based on the limits of their insurance policy. 

But there are many instances in which the only way to secure full compensation is to move forward with a civil claim. For example, maybe your insurer is only obligated to cover $25,000 in losses and yours exceed $200,000. Your lawyer will advise you of which path is more likely to ensure you are paid the compensation you deserve.

How much is my claim worth?

After closely reviewing the various ways that your life has been affected by the accident and your resulting injuries, your lawyer will know how much your losses are worth. 

We will need to have a thorough understanding of your financial situation since the accident, how you are handling things emotionally, how your quality of life has changed, and the extent of your physical injuries to accurately calculate the value of your civil lawsuit. 

Should I give the insurance company a statement?

Generally, we do not encourage accident survivors to give statements to the insurance company without a lawyer present. It is not uncommon for insurance companies to do everything they can to reduce the settlement in order to reduce their own losses. 

Tactics often include making insultingly low offers and manipulating statements given by accident victims. If your lawyer is present or handles the insurance adjuster on your behalf, you can trust that you won’t be taken advantage of by faceless insurance companies. 

Meet with an Experienced Lawyer

This quick FAQ was designed to help car wreck victims get answers to some of their most important questions. But every case is different, and to fully understand what to expect from your case, you’ll need to meet with an attorney. 

Schedule a free consultation with a respected lawyer at the Law Offices of Dennis Smith, PLLC by calling our office at 212-835-1699 or completing the online contact form at the bottom of this page.