A car accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience, leaving you with injuries, vehicle damage, and a myriad of questions about your rights and options. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Nassau County, New York, it’s crucial to understand your rights under state law and take the necessary steps to protect yourself.
1. Right to Seek Medical Attention
Your health and well-being should be your top priority after a car accident. New York law grants you the right to seek medical attention for any injuries sustained in the accident, regardless of fault. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, it’s essential to undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment and document your injuries for insurance and legal purposes.
2. Right to File an Insurance Claim
New York is a no-fault insurance state, which means that regardless of who was at fault for the accident, you can file a claim with your own insurance company to seek compensation for medical expenses and lost wages. However, if your injuries meet certain criteria defined by New York’s serious injury threshold, you may also have the right to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for additional damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-economic losses.
3. Right to Legal Representation
Navigating the complexities of a car accident claim can be challenging, especially when you’re dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and legal paperwork. You have the right to consult with an experienced car accident attorney in Nassau County who can help protect your rights, advocate on your behalf, and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. An attorney can handle negotiations with insurance companies, gather evidence to support your claim, and, if necessary, represent you in court to pursue maximum compensation.
4. Right to Document the Accident Scene
Gathering evidence at the accident scene is crucial for supporting your insurance claim and any potential legal action. If you’re physically able, document the scene by taking photographs of the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, road conditions, traffic signs or signals, and any other relevant factors. Be sure to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved and obtain contact information from any witnesses who may have observed the accident.
5. Right to Pursue Legal Action
If you’ve suffered significant injuries or damages as a result of the car accident, you have the right to pursue legal action against the at-fault party to seek compensation for your losses. This may involve filing a personal injury lawsuit in civil court to recover damages such as medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other economic and non-economic losses. An experienced car accident attorney can assess the merits of your case, advise you on your legal options, and help you pursue the best course of action to achieve a favorable outcome.
The Attorneys at Civardi & Obiol Help Those in New York Who Have Been Injured in Car Accidents
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, it’s crucial to understand your rights and the potential legal remedies available to you. A knowledgeable and experienced car accident lawyer can advocate for justice and to do their best to hold those responsible accountable.
At Civardi & Obiol, our qualified New York personal injury attorneys will walk you through the process every step of the way. We will fight for your rights. To learn more or schedule a free consultation, contact us today!