While car accidents are certainly common, nobody expects that they will experience a crash when they get behind the wheel. If you do get into a car accident, you might understandably feel so shocked and surprised that you do not know what to do next. The thought might cross your mind to contact a lawyer, but maybe you do not fully understand what a lawyer does or when it is appropriate to hire one.
Our auto collision lawyers at Cellino Law are ready and willing to help you explore your legal options in a stress-free way. We proudly handle a wide variety of New York personal injury cases and we want to help you get the maximum amount of compensation you deserve, too.
What Is an Auto Collision Lawyer?
An auto collision lawyer is an ally and supporter who helps you achieve a favorable outcome after you experience a car accident. When you suffer damages due to another driver’s negligence, it stands to reason that they should compensate you for your losses. The law is ideally on your side in this situation, but it can be easier said than done to get the full amount you deserve from the at-fault driver and their insurance company. Having a lawyer on your side helps put the odds in your favor.
The role of an auto collision lawyer is to lend you their expertise on the law and insurance processes. These are complex topics that, prior to an accident, you likely never had a reason to be familiar with. If this is uncharted territory for you, it can be difficult or even impossible to negotiate with the insurance company without a lawyer while you are also recovering any injuries you sustained in the accident.
How Can I Benefit From Having an Auto Collision Lawyer?
Working with an auto collision lawyer brings an immediate benefit of convenience. Your legal team can bear the troublesome burdens of filing your claim, submitting paperwork and organizing documentation that might serve as evidence.
More importantly, a lawyer can help you achieve an outcome for your case that might be impossible otherwise. Having an auto collision lawyer to represent you can significantly increase the amount of compensation you receive in an insurance settlement.
At Cellino Law, we help you achieve a more favorable outcome by:
- Investigating the cause of your auto collision
- Collecting evidence to establish who is at fault
- Negotiating with the insurance company and other lawyers
- Representing you in court if necessary
Having legal support to help you establish fault is particularly important. The burden often lies with the claimant and their legal team to provide proof that the other driver was guilty of negligence. Your auto collision lawyer can play a key role in helping you organize and present documentation that shows how much your damages are worth, and then linking those damages to the negligent actions of the at-fault driver.
What Are the Signs That I Need an Auto Collision Lawyer?
Having legal representation can make a worthwhile difference even in the event of a minor accident. However, the times when an auto collision lawyer is most necessary are when the physical and monetary damages you sustain in an accident will make a notable impact on your life. If an accident affects your ability to work, pay the bills or maintain the same quality of life as before, then you should not hesitate to use every advantage at your disposal to get the full compensation you need and deserve.
A few of the telltale signs that you need an auto collision lawyer include:
- Having serious injuries
- Not knowing how severe your damages really are
- Experiencing financial stress due to medical bills and missed work
- Receiving lowball settlement offers from the insurance company
- Getting accusations of blame or fault from the insurance company
Ultimately, the best time to contact an auto collision lawyer is any time that it feels like the odds are against you. When the situation seems overwhelming and you are not sure what to do next, our team at Cellino Law can help even the playing field so you can proceed toward your rightful outcome with confidence.
What Types of Compensation Can a Lawyer Help Me Get?
You are likely to incur significant economic damages in a vehicle collision, as well as certain non-economic damages that are more difficult to assign a monetary value. Any losses you sustain as a direct result of another driver’s negligence, including the loss of enjoyment of life, are recoverable as part of your personal injury claim.
Examples of recoverable damages you can pursue after an accident include:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Long-term disability treatment
- Emotional pain and suffering
An auto collision lawyer can help you evaluate just how much your losses are worth. Medical bills, repair invoices and other key pieces of evidence can reveal how much you can expect to recover in an insurance settlement.
What Happens if I Do Not Have an Auto Collision Lawyer?
One of the first steps to take after a collision is to report the accident to your insurance company. Without the guidance of an auto collision lawyer, you have to be extra careful to not say anything that insurers can interpret as an admission of fault. To receive the compensation owed to you, it will eventually be necessary to file a formal claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider and negotiate a favorable settlement. These can be difficult processes to navigate without a lawyer to support you every step of the way.
Insurance providers have a much deeper understanding of policy terms and legal processes compared to the average person. They can use this practiced knowledge to turn the situation in their favor or even take advantage of injured motorists during a stressful time. Considering that insurance companies are ultimately in the business of making money, this type of malicious behavior may be more common than you might think.
How Do I Get an Auto Collision Lawyer To Help Me?
You can start by reaching out to our firm for a free case consultation. At Cellino Law, we start the process with a complimentary case review to help you understand what your legal options may be, how much compensation you can expect to receive in a settlement and whether or not your case will even benefit from the involvement of a lawyer. Seeking a free consultation is a risk-free course of action and it can make all the difference in clearing away any misconceptions or worries you might have about filing a personal injury claim.
If you decide to pursue a claim or lawsuit with Cellino Law at your side, our team will be available to respond to any questions or concerns 24/7. We do not charge any upfront fees and you only have to worry about paying when you receive your settlement.
Contact Cellino Law Today
Car accidents can range from minor fender benders to catastrophic rollovers, but they all have the potential to leave you feeling stressed and hurt. At Cellino Law, we strive to help injured New York drivers achieve satisfactory outcomes during vulnerable circumstances. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.