It is easy for car accident victims to feel shocked and confused after an accident. Car accident victims in New York City have to deal with physical pain, emotional trauma, and medical and property repair bills. 

One significant mistake victims make is not hiring a New York City car accident lawyer to represent their interests throughout the ensuing legal process. Accident victims who seek professional legal representation receive settlements that are up to three and a half times larger than those who do not. 

There are certain situations in which you should hire a car accident lawyer immediately. These include: 

• If you have suffered injuries

• If someone else’s negligence  is responsible for the accident 

• If your insurance company offers a low settlement amount

• If the insurance company outrightly denies your claim or uses underhanded tactics to delay your claim 

• If there is extensive damage to your car or property 

• If the at-fault driver or a party to the crash flees the accident scene

• If you are partially at fault for the accident 

• If there is difficulty in determining liability 

• If the accident involves a government vehicle or employee

• If the other party to the accident is under the influence of drugs or alcohol    

• If you suspect the accident occurred due to a defective spare part or vehicular malfunction

• If you suspect that the other party might destroy or tamper with evidence

Statute Of Limitations

In New York, the statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits, including those arising from a car accident, is three years from the accident date. You only have three years from the injury date to file a lawsuit in New York. Once the statute of limitations expires, you cannot file a lawsuit, regardless of the underlying merits of your case.

If you have suffered severe injuries that may require years to heal, a seasoned lawyer can help you seek more time to file a lawsuit. There are certain exceptions to the statute of limitations that your lawyer may utilize to toll or pause the three-year deadline. When accidents involve government entities or employees, you may have limited time to file a lawsuit.

The rules that apply to personal injury lawsuits against government agencies in New York differ from those applying to an individual or a commercial property owner. The law requires you to notify the concerned government or agency of your intent to sue. Due to the stringent procedural requirements and the tight deadlines for filing lawsuits against governmental agencies in New York, it is advisable to seek professional legal help immediately following your accident to safeguard your right to seek financial recovery. 

Contact A New York City Car Accident Lawyer 

If you or a loved one have suffered injuries due to a driver’s carelessness or negligence in New York City, you deserve adequate compensation for your injuries and other damages.  The right time to contact a car accident lawyer in New York is immediately after an accident. The next best time to reach out to one is right now. Call an accomplished car accident lawyer near you now to schedule your free case consultation.