How Our Car Accident Lawyer in Riverhead Can Help You
No one can reverse the clock and break the chain of events that lead to a serious vehicle collision. A Suffolk County car accident lawyer can do the next best thing, which is reverse the downward spiral these victims are trapped in.
The downward spiral begins with a serious or catastrophic injury that requires days or weeks of hospitalization. During this time, victims cannot work as they recover at home.
As a result, both regular bills and medical bills pile up, and there is no way to pay them. Furthermore, as victims struggle to recover financially, physically, emotionally, and otherwise, insurance adjusters bombard victims with settlement offers.
Sometimes, it is very tempting to take an early settlement offer and try to move on with life. But at this point, there is simply no way to tell if the offer is fair.
When a victim partners with a Riverhead car accident lawyer, an attorney connects victims with doctors and other accident-related providers, like mechanics, who charge nothing upfront for their services. This assistance limits physical and financial stress. At the same time, an attorney evaluates your case to determine its worth and negotiates with the insurance company on your behalf.
Later, a Suffolk County car accident lawyer aggressively stands up for your rights in court if push comes to shove.
If you need legal representation in Suffolk County, look no further than Kaplan Lawyers. Our skilled team knows what it takes to get results for car accident victims.
Contact our Riverhead car accident lawyers at (516) 399-2364 for a free legal consultation.
At Kaplan Lawyers, We Will Fight for Full Compensation in Your Case
Our Riverhead Car Accident Lawyers Will Never Accept Less than You Deserve
Eventually, most car accidents and other personal injury claims settle out of court. However, eventually usually does not mean soon. If a case settles too early, the best evidence, and therefore maximum compensation, may be unavailable.
Once all evidence is available, a Riverhead car crash lawyer can accurately determine your claim’s settlement value. A personal injury case’s settlement value is a lot like a new car’s sticker price. Both numbers serve as the starting point for financial negotiations. The major difference is that a Suffolk County car accident lawyer, who is a well-trained negotiator, handles these talks for you.
The settlement value usually starts with the economic damages in the case. Then, to determine noneconomic damages, most attorneys multiply the economic losses by two, three, or four, depending on the evidence in the case, the legal issues involved, and a few other factors.
If the claim does not settle immediately, and most claims do not, a Riverhead car accident lawyer typically files legal paperwork to pressure the insurance company into a settlement.
Shortly after that filing, insurance company lawyers usually file procedural motions, to block the victim’s legal claims. If attorneys work diligently before they file cases, these motions almost always fail.
A court filing also triggers a mandatory mediation requirement in most Suffolk County courts. The judge appoints a third-party mediator to oversee settlement negotiations. Mediators ensure that insurance companies diligently try to settle cases and not simply go through the motions.
That is why it is so important to contact our dedicated car accident attorneys in Riverhead. The team at Kaplan Lawyers has plenty of experience negotiating on behalf of our clients.
Victims should not have to handle the many complexities of a civil legal claim. Our seasoned Suffolk County accident lawyer will give you the best chance of recovering the money that you need. Call us at (516) 399-2364 to get a free consultation about your case.
Common Damages in Riverhead Car Accident Cases
A Successful Car Accident Claim Can Help Get Your Life Back on Track
Legally, damages put victims in the same place they would have been, physically, emotionally, financially, and otherwise, that they were in before the wreck. As mentioned, no one can reverse these effects. Money damages, which are the next best thing, are also the only damages that courts have the authority to award, at least in most cases.
Generally, two kinds of damages are available in car crash claims. A third kind is available in some extreme cases.
Economic Damages
Out-of-pocket losses in car accident claims usually include property damage, medical bills, and lost wages.
Most insurance companies have separate departments for property damages and injury damages. So, the property damage portion of the claim may settle very quickly. However, this portion of the claim could have some issues.
Some insurance adjusters only authorize vehicle replacement if the repair cost exceeds the car’s blue book value. That approach is more cost-effective for insurance companies. But for victims, replacement is often better than repair. Additionally, an item like a family car has an emotional value that often exceeds its financial value.
The latter two categories often go beyond medical bills and paystubs. Many victims require ongoing medical treatment. That means future medical expenses. Additionally, lost wages do not always indicate the full extent of lost productivity.
Non-economic Damages
These damages include intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, loss of consortium (companionship), emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment in life.
Many Riverhead car accident lawyers multiply the economic losses to determine a fair amount for these losses, as mentioned above. Others use a per diem approach. If Ben earns $1,000 a week and it takes him six months to fully recover from his injuries, that might mean $36,000 in non-economic damages.
Punitive Damages
These damages are generally available if a Suffolk County car accident lawyer proves, by clear and convincing evidence, that the tortfeasor (negligent driver) intentionally disregarded a known risk. For example, if Sally’s BAC level was three times the legal limit when she collided with Ben, jurors may award punitive damages.
Tortfeasors are legally responsible for all three kinds of damages. A third party, such as an employer or a commercial alcohol provider, may be financially responsible for these damages.
Following an accident, make sure to reach out to our experienced team at Kaplan Lawyers. For a free case review from our car accident lawyer in Riverhead, call us at (516) 399-2364 as soon as possible.
FAQs about Riverhead Car Accidents
Common Questions our Suffolk County Car Accident Lawyers Hear from Clients
Getting in a car accident is not an everyday experience. It leaves clients wondering where to turn, about medical bills, worried about lost wages, and how they can get the most compensation possible. Our Riverhead car accident lawyers are here to answer any questions you may have after an accident. Here are a few we regularly hear.
What are some of the most common types of car accidents?
Every collision is different. Still, some types of car crashes in Riverhead are more common than others.
Some of the most common categories of motor vehicle collisions include:
- Side-impact collisions
- Sideswipe accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end accidents
- Rollovers.
No matter what type of crash you have sustained, you have the right to pursue compensation from the liable parties.
Will I need to pay upfront fees to hire a car accident lawyer in Riverhead?
No. Like most reputable law firms, Kaplan Lawyers operates on a contingency fee basis. When you hire our firm, we will agree to a specific portion of the financial recovery from your car accident case. You will not pay any attorneys’ fees unless we successfully settle your claim or win your case. Never hire a lawyer or firm that demands upfront payment before agreeing to represent you.
When you hire skilled professionals at Kaplan Lawyers, you can rest assured that you will be treated with dignity. Your case will be safe with our Suffolk County car accident lawyers.
How common are car crashes in Riverhead?
Because New York City has such a high population density, traffic collisions are everyday occurrences. When driving in Riverhead, motorists must navigate many hazards and dangers. The likelihood of car accidents increases when drivers are negligent. In September of 2019, there were more than 17,000 car crashes in New York City. The town of Riverhead saw nearly a significant number of those crashes. If you have been injured in an accident, you are not alone.
What are some examples of the causes of accidents?
Some of the most typical causes of traffic collisions are:
- Driving while distracted
- Failing to yield when appropriate
- Backing up without looking
- Speeding
- Driving while intoxicated
- Failing to obey traffic signage and lights.
When someone’s careless driving causes harm, the victim can hold them responsible for the damage they have done.
Do not see an answer to your question? We are happy to help. Reach out to our car accident attorney in Riverhead to talk about your case. We welcome you to contact us with any other questions you may have.
Why Choose a Riverhead Car Accident Lawyer at Kaplan Lawyers?
When you need a knowledgeable legal representative in Suffolk County, reach out to Kaplan Lawyers. Our accomplished legal team has the specialized knowledge and experience to recover the compensation that our clients deserve.
Remember: We do not get paid unless you do, too.
We believe that all victims deserve justice, and we will fight tirelessly to secure the financial compensation that you are owed after your accident.
For a free consultation, contact our team of Riverhead car accident lawyers at (516) 399-2364.
Attorney Jared S. Kaplan
Attorney Jared S. Kaplan has focused his career on advancing his legal knowledge though the day to day practice of law. Jared is a partner in the law firm of Kaplan Lawyers PC in Syosset, New York and has been a practicing attorney for nearly 20 years. His career started in litigation, so Jared is aware of the pitfalls in litigation and uses that knowledge in the representation of his clients in complex matters. [ Attorney Bio ]