If you got hurt in a collision due to the negligence of another party, you might be eligible to collect monetary compensation for your losses. A Freeport NY car accident lawyer at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP could help you hold the negligent party financially accountable.
We handle personal injury cases, including car accidents, on a contingency-fee-basis. To get our help, you do not need to worry about hourly rates or retainers. We only request payment for our services at the conclusion of your case. We do not want you to worry about your finances while working with us. We are happy to offer a free initial consultation with no obligation.
Bear in Mind the Statute of Limitations in NY
You could have anywhere from 90 days to three years to file your car accident lawsuit. But which deadline applies to you? Well:
- If you were injured in a car accident, you generally have three years to file your lawsuit, per CVP § 214.
- If you lost a loved one in a car accident, you typically have two years to file your wrongful death lawsuit, per EPT 5-4.1.
- If you suffered losses in an accident caused by a government-owned vehicle, you could have 90 days to file your Notice of Claim, per GMU § 50-E.
Our firm can review your case and determine whether a lawsuit is necessary. If so, we will file your case within the applicable deadline, if time permits.
What Damages Can You Collect Following a Car Accident in Freeport, NY?
Depending on whether you were injured or lost a loved one, compensable losses in your case could comprise:
- Past and future medical bills
- Funeral expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Property damage expenses
We will calculate your financial losses by using your invoices, medical bills, and employment records. We will calculate your non-financial losses by assessing your physical and mental health.
We Can Determine Fault and Liability for Your Case in Freeport
You might think that only the other driver could be responsible for your collision. However, depending on the facts of your situation, there could be other parties liable for your losses.
For example:
- If you were a passenger in a vehicle, the driver of the car you were in could have acted negligently.
- The manufacturer of an auto part, like a tire or an airbag, could be responsible if a dangerous or defective product caused the crash.
- A car repair shop could be liable if its defective repair work caused the accident.
- A government entity can be liable if it allowed a danger to persist on public roadways.
These are but a few examples of parties that may share liability for your accident. Ultimately, the facts of your case will determine liability for your losses.
We Can Establish That Negligence Caused Your Accident
We cannot automatically sue the involved parties in your Freeport car accident. In most cases, we can only hold another party accountable for your damages if they acted negligently.
Using your case’s evidence, your car accident attorney in Freemont can assert the following factors in your case:
- Duty of care. They must prove that the other party owed you a legal duty of care. Everyone who operates a motor vehicle on public streets has an obligation to drive safely and obey traffic laws.
- Breach of duty of care. When someone’s conduct does not measure up to the legal standard, they could be considered negligent. For instance, let’s say that a driver was speeding and lost control of their truck. In this situation, because the other driver was speeding, they breached their duty of care.
- Causation. Your lawyer must prove that the other party’s actions caused your accident. Going back to the previous scenario, perhaps after the driver lost control of their car, they hit you. Your lawyer could use the police report, witness statements, and other pieces of evidence to prove that they caused the crash.
- Quantifiable losses. You must have damages to secure compensation from the negligent party.
The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP could advocate for your legal rights. We can negotiate with the liable insurance company or file a lawsuit on your behalf.
Considerations After a Collision in Freeport, New York
There are many considerations following a motor vehicle accident. We hope that you have already received medical attention for your injuries by the time you read this information. If not, you should go to the emergency room, urgent care center, or doctor (whichever is appropriate) right away.
Your medical records will be used to demonstrate how severe your injuries are. Also, your medical records will link the accident to your injuries. Both are essential factors in your injury claim.
Following a car accident, you should consider:
Having Our Lawyer Handle the Claims Process for You
As soon as the other party’s insurance company finds out about the accident, they will assign a claims adjuster to the case. The claims adjuster will contact you and ask you for information. Although they might say that they need more information to process your claim, in reality, their inquiries may look for ways to pay you less money than you deserve.
For example, the adjuster might ask you to provide a recorded statement to “tell your side of the story.” A recorded statement only helps the at-fault party’s insurer, not you. The adjuster may ask you a list of questions and record your responses. They can then pick through the transcript and take your words out of context. The adjuster might even try to convince you that you caused the accident.
An attorney can protect you from aggressive tactics like these. When you get hurt in a car crash, the last thing you need is an uncooperative insurance company. By teaming up with the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP, you get to focus your energy on getting better. We will take care of everything else.
Avoiding Social Media
Regardless of your privacy settings, the insurance company may try to view your social media pages to downplay the severity of your accident. If you have posted anything about the accident online, the insurance company can use your words against you.
Even a seemingly innocent post, like a photograph of you at a birthday party, can be used to question the validity of your injuries. It is best to stay off of social media until your injury claim is resolved.
Explore Your Options in a Free Case Review
A car accident lawyer in Freeport can take on your case so that you can devote your attention to getting better. At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP, we work tirelessly to help people who get hurt because of the negligence of others. You can call us today at (516) 358-6900.
For a free legal consultation with a car accidents lawyer serving Freeport, call 516-358-6900
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information and may not be applicable in your jurisdiction.
