Albany Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents can be traumatic, both physically and emotionally. If you have been involved in a car accident or are facing injuries, understanding your legal rights is essential. In this video, we address the most common questions we receive about car accidents so you can make informed decisions.

First, make sure you are safe. Sometimes the safest thing to do is stay in your car. Do not get out if that puts you at risk. If you sense that other vehicles may be slipping or sliding on ice and heading toward you, and you can safely move away from danger, make that assessment. Your safety is the most critical priority after an accident.

Next, seek medical care. If you have the opportunity, gather information and take photos of the scene, depending on how you are feeling. Photos and videos can be very helpful later on. However, never put yourself in harm’s way. Take care of yourself first.

If you feel any soreness at all, even minor pain or emotional distress, see a doctor immediately. This is extremely important. What feels minor at first can develop into a much more serious condition. Do not assume that rest, a heating pad, or over the counter medication is enough. Proper medical documentation right after the accident is essential. Injuries can worsen over time, and early medical records are critical for both your diagnosis and any potential claim.

After an accident, you may not know who caused it. It all happens quickly. In New York, every vehicle carries no fault insurance. This means the car you are in pays for your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. If you are a pedestrian, the vehicle that struck you covers those costs. If you want to recover compensation for additional injuries, you would then pursue a claim against the at fault driver. We gather police reports and witness statements to piece together what happened and determine responsibility.

If the driver who hit you does not have insurance, you may still have options. Every car carries uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. A claim can be submitted under your own policy or the policy of the vehicle you were in. These situations can be complex, which is another reason to consult an experienced attorney.

You may also wonder how much time you have to bring a claim. This is known as the statute of limitations. The answer depends on the type of accident. If the accident involves a municipal or state vehicle, different rules may apply. While many cases have a three year statute of limitations, some deadlines can be much shorter, even as little as 90 days. It is important not to guess. Speak with an attorney to get a clear and accurate answer about your specific situation.

Many people try to handle insurance claims on their own. In our experience, those individuals often recover only a small portion of what they are truly entitled to. Insurance companies have no obligation to operate fairly, and they understand the process far better than most individuals. Having an attorney levels the playing field and can significantly impact your recovery. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning if there is no recovery, there is no fee. If we recover compensation for you, we receive a percentage, so we work as a team.

In New York State, no fault insurance ensures that medical bills are paid regardless of who caused the accident. Whether you were at fault or someone else was, your medical expenses are covered under no fault. Other states may handle this differently, but in New York, ensuring those bills are paid is a priority and a guarantee under the law.