When to Hire a Lawyer for a Car Accident Claim
After experiencing injuries in a New York car accident, you may be wondering if you should hire a lawyer. Since New York is a no-fault insurance state, your insurance company should automatically reimburse you for the damages you suffered, regardless of who was at fault. However, this coverage may not be enough to cover additional expenses for severe injuries that are sustained in the accident. Consider talking to a New York car accident lawyer if the accident was caused by the other driver and the compensation you were offered was not enough.
Should I Hire a Lawyer?
The no-fault insurance law in New York has some people wondering why they should hire a lawyer if the insurance company will cover them anyway. Insurance companies are indeed expected to compensate you for medical expenses, lost wages, and related damages, but the amount you are offered is often limited by a certain threshold. In reality, you may need additional compensation because you suffered serious injuries that have required long-term care and have involved significant impairments.
In certain situations, you may be able to sue the other driver’s insurance company, but knowing whether this is possible usually requires you to talk with an experienced lawyer. A lawyer can tell you your limits based on your unique situation and the probability of the lawsuit being successful. All of these things come with certain requirements that a lawyer can help you sort out.
Deciding on a Lawyer
There are several factors to consider when deciding which lawyer to hire. Understanding these can help you avoid finding yourself in an unlucky situation and can help you avoid surprises. Most personal injury lawyers charge 
fees based on how much compensation you are offered. Before hiring a lawyer, you can ask them what percentage they may take out of your compensation.
Make sure your lawyer has experience with cases like yours. For example, if you suffered personal injuries from a car accident, you will want to find a lawyer with experience in a car accident and personal injury claims. This will increase your chances of winning the case compared to hiring a lawyer who has virtually no experience with either.
Be wary about hiring lawyers who do not communicate with you in a timely manner. This could mean not returning your emails or calls, delaying your case multiple times, or admitting that they may not have the experience to help with your situation.
Personal Injury Lawyer in New York
Deciding whether to take the next step to hire a lawyer can be a tricky decision because you have to think about legal fees, how much time your case will take, and whether the whole process is worth it. However, if you suffered significant injuries that have left you disabled and filled with pain and suffering, earning further compensation can help you cover long-term health care expenses and future lost wages. Talk to a Cortland personal injury lawyer if this matches your situation.
At Gattuso & Ciotoli, we have over 50 years of experience with both personal injury and car accident claims. Contact us today at (315) 314-8000 for a free consultation. Our offices are in Central New York, Syracuse, Watertown, Binghamton, Syracuse, North Syracuse, Camillus, Liverpool, Cortland, and Auburn.