When to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in NYC: Key Signs You Need Legal Help

When to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in NYC: Key Signs You Need Legal Help

Have you or a loved one been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence? If so, you may be coping with physical pain, emotional distress, and unexpected financial challenges.

Whether it was a traffic collision, animal attack, slip-and-fall, or any other type of accident, getting the help of a personal injury lawyer can make a big difference in your recovery and compensation. However, it is not always clear when to hire a lawyer and whether you have the grounds to file a personal injury claim.

In this article, we will discuss some key signs that indicate it’s time to seek out a trustworthy New York City personal injury lawyer.

1. You Suffered a Severe or Permanent Injury

The level of your injury should definitely factor into your decision about whether or not to hire a personal injury attorney. If your injuries are severe, long-term, or permanent, it is essential to hire a lawyer to ensure your compensation covers your current and future medical expenses.

A personal injury attorney can accurately assess the full impact of your injury, including:

• Medical bills: Hospital stays, medications, surgeries, rehabilitation, doctor’s visits, and all ongoing medical care

• Lost wages: Compensation for lost income if your injury prevents you from working for a period of time or permanently

• Pain and suffering: Monetary compensation for the physical and emotional toll the injury has had on you

Remember, once you accept a settlement, that’s it: your case is closed and you cannot go back and ask for more money – even if your injuries are more debilitating than you initially realized. For this reason, it is important to have a lawyer on your side who can accurately assess your total damages.

2. Liability Is Unclear

In some situations, it is obvious who is at fault for an accident – in other cases, liability may be unclear. If there is any question about who is to blame for your accident and injury, a personal injury lawyer can help gather evidence and build a strong case for you.

What if the other party is trying to blame you for the accident? Your lawyer will challenge these claims and work to minimize any reduction in compensation.

It may be that there are multiple parties liable for your accident. For example, if you were harmed in a truck accident caused by a defective vehicle part, the trucking company and the manufacturer of the part could both be liable for your injuries.

You can be confident that your attorney will work hard to identify all responsible parties, prove fault, and hold them liable for damages.

3. The NYC Insurance Company Is Pressuring You Into Accepting a Low Settlement Offer

Insurance companies are not on your side after an accident. They are usually more concerned about their bottom line than fairly compensating personal injury victims. If the insurance company offers you a quick settlement or pressures you to settle for an amount that seems too low, this is a red flag.

When insurers know that you have legal representation, they are more inclined to offer a fair settlement. A lawyer will review any settlement offer on your behalf to ensure it is fair and accounts for all your losses.

4. The Insurance Company Denied Your New York City Insurance Claim

Insurance companies do not always act in good faith and may deny your claims for various reasons, including:

• Arguing that your injury is a pre-existing condition
• Claiming that your insurance policy doesn’t apply to the incident
• Stating that there was insufficient evidence to support your insurance claim

An attorney can help you explore your next steps following a denial from the insurance company. One option may be to gather more evidence to support your claim and negotiate to reverse the denial.

If negotiations fail, your lawyer may file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf to seek maximum compensation through the legal system.

5. Your NYC Accident Involves a Government Entity

When your accident involves a government entity – such as a city, state, or federal agency – there are distinct challenges that a personal injury attorney can help you navigate.

Challenges when pursuing a personal injury claim against a government agency include:

• Sovereign immunity: Some governmental agencies have sovereign immunity, which protects them from lawsuits unless certain conditions are met. Experienced personal injury attorneys are knowledgeable in these laws and can help you determine whether you have a valid claim.

• Strict deadlines: Government entities often have shorter statutes of limitations than if you’re filing a lawsuit against a business or individual. Missing the deadline to file could bar you from seeking compensation. A personal injury lawyer will be aware of these deadlines and make sure that the necessary paperwork is filed correctly and on time.

• Skilled defendants: You can be sure that government entities will have access to attorneys who are skilled at defending claims. These lawyers will use legal strategies to minimize or eliminate your compensation. Your personal injury attorney will know how to counter these defenses, gather evidence, and build a strong case.

6. You’re Not Being Compensated Fairly for Lost Wages

When an accident occurs, many people are not financially prepared for the financial toll it takes. Studies show that 78 percent of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, so if a person’s injuries prevent him or her from returning to work for weeks or months, this could put that individual in a devastating financial situation.

Your NYC personal injury attorney will make sure to accurately calculate the income you have lost and include it in your personal injury claim.

7. The Statute of Limitations Is Getting Close

Every state has a statute of limitations, which is the time limit you have to file a legal claim. For most personal injury cases in New York, the filing time period begins from the date of injury.

A lawyer can help you to determine the deadline to file your claim and how to meet it. Remember, once the statute of limitations passes, you will no longer be able to seek compensation, regardless of the strength of your personal injury case. An attorney, though, may be able to quickly gather the needed evidence to file your claim and ensure it is filed on time.

8. You Are Unsure of the Legal Process

The process of filing a New York City personal injury claim can be daunting, especially if this is your first time being involved in a serious accident. Deadlines, paperwork, and negotiations with the insurance company are overwhelming on a good day – but can be even more daunting while you’re trying to recover from your injuries.

An accident attorney can make sure that all documents are filed correctly and on time, preventing any delays or issues with your claim. Your lawyer will defend your legal rights, and keep you prepared and informed through each step of the claims process.

The NYC Personal Injury Lawyers at Hill & Moin Are Here to Help

This article discussed just some of the many signs you should hire a personal injury attorney to handle your claim. Knowing when to hire a personal injury attorney can mean the difference between receiving fair compensation or struggling with the financial burdens of an injury.

If you are unsure whether you need an attorney, it is always best to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury law firm. The legal team can answer your questions, help you determine whether you have a valid case, and inform you of your legal options.

The personal injury lawyers of our law firm care about our clients. In fact, clients have said that when Hill & Moin LLP is on your side, it’s like having “a lawyer in the family.” Contact us today at (212) 668-6000 to learn your Personal Injury Recovery SolutionsⓇ. 

Don’t wonder about your rights!