How do I find a New York Accident Lawyer?
Automobile accidents are the most common source of litigation in New York courts. While cars and trucks make modern life possible, they also are incredibly dangerous and injure thousands of New Yorkers every year. You must seek the help of a qualified New York accident lawyer in the following circumstances:
– If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in the state of New York or the other party of the accident resides in New York.
– If you are in an accident in which another party has been injured in New York.
– If you have had a lawsuit filed against you for a car accident and you lack auto insurance or your insurance company will not provide you with legal representation.
Car accident litigation can be a long and stressful process. Those injured are in need of compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering from lost enjoyment of everyday activities. It is important that you are properly represented to ensure that you can protect your rights and economic situation.
What to tell your attorney
You will need to provide your lawyer with enough information so that they can properly evaluate your case and advise you on the process. No two cases are ever the same, but once you tell your lawyer the details of your situation, they will be able to tell you how they think the case will progress, what the expected results will be, and how long the case should take. You will need to tell your lawyer about the accident, how it occurred, and what happened after the accidents. Do not be afraid to disclose all information to your lawyer, as he or she will be held to the rules of confidentiality and they will not be allowed to disclose any information without your consent.
Where to look for an attorney
New York accident lawyers will usually advertise their services using many different media outlets. You may see their advertisements on television, printed in newspapers and magazines, or even directly mailed to your house. While these sources can help you find the names and locations of lawyers in your area, do not ever rely on their claims and promises without further validating them. Always try to find out as much information about a potential lawyer before hiring them for their services. Ask other lawyers if they would recommend him or her, others in the community who have used their services, or look up additional information on the internet when possible.
You can use this website to help you find an experienced lawyer. There is a search function at the top of the page which will lead you to New York accident lawyers. In addition, you can also ask questions to legal professionals who will help guide you.
Do I need a specialist?
New York accident lawyers will typical devote all of their time helping clients in automobile accidents. It is very common that they will only represent clients who are defending against lawsuits or who are plaintiffs seeking damages. Therefore, it is important that you find a lawyer who consistently practices in the area of the law that you need help. They will have the specialized knowledge needed in order to properly represent you and advise you.
Preparing for an appointment
Before meeting with your New York accident lawyer, it is very important that you prepare. You will need to gather all related documents that you may have as a result of the auto accident. Typically, the most important documents will be police reports and medical records. If you do not have these documents, it will be important that you provide the information to the lawyer so that the lawyer can get them. Knowing the police department that responded to your accident as well as the names and offices of the doctors who have treated you will be very important. You should also be prepared to discuss the details of your case in depth, Knowing the names, places, times, and dates will help your lawyer understand your case.
It is always a good idea to prepare questions in advance of your meeting. The questions you have will need to get answered in order to assure you that your case will progress as you wish and so that you understand what you may need to do.
Evaluating Experience & Education
Any lawyer practicing in the state of New York must meet the same basic requirements in order to represent clients. They must graduate from an accredited law school anywhere in the United States, pass the New York State Bar Examination, and be approved for having proper character and fitness to practice law. However, when you seek a New York accident lawyer, you should also ensure that the lawyer has experience representing clients and knows how to get the results you need.
Never rely on a lawyer’s advertisements, as they are often filled with exaggerations meant to lead you to that lawyer. Instead, you should really conduct your own bit of research to ensure that your lawyer has been practicing in auto accident litigation for a sufficient amount of time and has a good reputation in the legal community.
Personality & Values
Qualified New York accident lawyers can provide all information that you need to know about your case. They will be able to advise you and tell you what to expect from the process. At the same time, your lawyer will also be well equipped to file all of the necessary paperwork, appear on your behalf, and negotiate with the opposing parties. Your lawyer should be a well organized and timely professional who does not miss deadlines.
You should always be wary of fees and expenses that do not seem reasonable. If you believe your lawyer is participating in unethical behavior, you must confront the lawyer and contact the New York State Bar Association to consult about filing a grievance. You need to do this in order to protect your rights and assure that you will not be taken advantage of by a lawyer.
Rates, Fees & Retainers
Many different types of fees may be charged by a New York accident lawyer. Typically, they will take cases on a contingency fee, however some lawyers will work for a single flat fee or for an hourly rate. Always make sure you understand all expenses you will be required to pay and get all agreements in writing with your lawyer
A Contingency Fee is a percentage that is taken at the end of the legal process. The lawyer will take as their payment and agreed upon percentage of any award or settlement won for their client. In New York, these fees will usually be between 30% and 40%.
An Hourly Rate is a method of calculating legal expenses in which the lawyer will keep track of the time spent on your case and bill you at the end for that time, In New York, lawyers may charge anywhere between $150 to $600 an hour, depending on the lawyer. Hourly rates can quickly grow into very large amounts, so always be sure you fully understand them before agreeing to such arrangements. You lawyer may also require a retainer fee, which is a non-refundable payment that will be credited towards hourly work.
Interviewing your attorney
If you are meeting with a New York accident lawyer, be prepared to ask the following:
What are the total expenses I should expect to incur for your services?
What should I expect from my case?
Do I have a strong case?
Will you be able to settle my case for a reasonable amount?
How long should my case take?
How can I contact you to if I have questions or additional information?
When will you contact me for updates about my case?
New York Construction Accident Lawyers.
In New York, many lawyers specialize in the area of construction accidents. However, there are different types of specialties in this area, so it is important that you find a New York construction accident lawyer that specializes in your area of the law you need help. Some lawyers work with clients who have been injured while employed as construction workers. These cases often involve workers compensation laws and disability as incurred from a work site injury. If you are injured while working on a construction site, it is very important that you contact New York accidents lawyers to fully protect your rights.
Another specialty area of the law that New York construction accident lawyers work with are for people injured from unsafe construction. They may include pedestrians hit by falling debris, motorists injured by improperly kept roads or unmarked dangers, or children who are attracted to a construction site and injured. If you have been injured by any sort of construction site, it is imperative that you find a lawyer that specializes in helping clients like you. The laws and processes of these areas of the law are different than most cases, so consider this when you need to be compensated for such injuries.
