Keep in mind that you can be involved in an Albany car accident through no fault of your own. Negligence on the part of another driver, a vehicle manufacturer, a government agency that didn’t address an unsafe road condition, or any other relevant party could put you in harm’s way.

Why Hire an Albany Car Accident Lawyer?

In a car accident, you may sustain injuries that require expensive treatment to correct. These injuries might also prevent you from working. Additionally, in the aftermath of an accident, you could struggle with a range of personal difficulties, such as anxiety or loss of mobility.

You might be entitled to compensation for these difficulties. Because New York is a “no-fault” insurance state, your own insurance company might be responsible for providing said compensation. Your policy limits might dictate the maximum amount of compensation they’ll provide.

Unfortunately, that amount might not be sufficient. You also need to keep in mind that your insurer will possibly try to pay out as little as possible.

This is one of the reasons it’s a good idea to consult with an Albany car accident attorney. They may help you more effectively pursue an amount that’s appropriate given your needs. On top of that, there are instances in which it’s possible to also seek compensation from the party responsible for causing your accident. A car accident lawyer in Albany might be able to help you prove your injuries meet the criteria necessary for a lawsuit. Because their fee might be a percentage of any settlement you reach or any damages you’re awarded, they may also be be incentivized to represent you aggressively.

A Case That Shows the Importance of Albany Car Accident Lawyers

The Albany area case of Altman v. Shaw can help you appreciate the role an attorney might play in legal proceedings following a car accident. In this case, the defendant tried to have the plaintiff’s case dismissed by arguing they didn’t sufficiently establish that their injuries met the criteria necessary to justify a lawsuit in New York State.

Fortunately, this motion was denied (a judgment which was later affirmed by an appeals court), as the plaintiff’s lawyer had taken the proper steps to indicate why there was justification for a lawsuit. This was key to holding the liable parties accountable.

What to Do if You’re In an Albany Car Accident

It’s important to take certain essential steps immediately following an accident if you wish to optimize your case. Specifically, you need to:

  • Get to a safe spot
  • Call the police and wait for the investigating officer to arrive at the scene
  • Get the names and contact information of witnesses
  • Take pictures or videos of the scene and your injuries
  • See a doctor, whether you feel you’ve been injured or not

It also might be best to reject any immediate offers from an insurer. Speaking with an Albany car accident lawyer first can help determine the best steps to take next.

 

Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.