After getting injured in an accident, your top priorities should be receiving treatment and reaching out to a lawyer. Our experienced attorneys can be invaluable in identifying those responsible for the accident, gathering the necessary evidence to support your case, and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Managing an injury can feel like a full-time job, leaving you with little time or energy to gather evidence and navigate the legal process while you focus on your recovery. That is where our personal injury lawyers can step in and take the burden off your shoulders, allowing you to concentrate on healing and getting your life back on track after a serious injury. Our team has years of experience and knowledge in various practice areas and is ready to help you get the justice you deserve from the parties responsible for your damages.
To get your first case evaluation for free, call (631) 910-7493 to speak with our Long Island personal injury lawyers at The Carrion Law Firm.
When to Take Legal Action After Suffering a Personal Injury in Glen Cove, NY
Taking legal action is seldom straightforward. Many people are apprehensive about consulting lawyers because of the fear of entering a lengthy legal dispute and facing hefty legal fees. Although your case might take some time to resolve, and you must discuss fees with your lawyer, the potential benefits often outweigh the hurdles. If you choose to pursue legal action, it is best to reach out to our personal injury lawyers as soon as possible, as the window for taking action might be shorter than you think.
The statute of limitations sets a strict deadline for plaintiffs who want to file legal claims. In New York, the time limit for personal injury cases is outlined in C.V.P. Law § 214(5), which allows individuals three years to initiate their lawsuits. This period typically begins on the day of the accident, meaning the countdown starts immediately. It is important to consult with our lawyers, who can evaluate your case and ensure you file within the time frame so you do not forfeit your right to seek compensation.
Our attorneys will assist you in preparing and filing the initial complaint, a crucial legal document that essentially launches your case. Once the complaint is filed and accepted by the court and notice is promptly sent to the defendant, the legal proceedings officially begin. Drafting and filing this initial complaint can be quite challenging since it requires specific and detailed information about the circumstances of your injury, the damages you have suffered, supporting evidence, and the reasons we believe the defendant should be held accountable.
Our attorneys are here to guide you through the intricate maze of legal rules and procedures. Navigating court regulations can be extremely complex, and even experienced lawyers can slip up. It is essential to have a legal team who knows the ropes and can skillfully manage your case through these challenging legal channels.
What to Prioritize After Sustaining a Personal Injury in Glen Cove, NY
Prioritizing accident documentation, injury documentation, and case initiation is paramount after negligent parties hurt victims, and our attorneys can help ensure you stay on the right track toward recovering compensation following your recent accident.
Prioritizing Accident Documentation
Documenting the accident location with pictures is one of the best things you can do to preserve evidence and the scene, which will likely be cleared almost immediately, whether you are hurt in a car crash or slip and fall. Use your phone to take pictures of any visible property damage, debris, hazardous conditions, or injuries to your person. Some accidents necessitate police involvement, like car crashes, so do not hesitate to call 911 if you need help documenting the scene.
Prioritizing Injury Documentation
You should also prioritize documenting your injuries. In addition to photos you may have taken immediately after getting hurt, we will use your medical records to prove how, when, and how badly you were injured. If you need onsite care and transportation to the hospital, call emergency medical services, and paramedics can take you to the emergency room in an ambulance. Do not reject care offered to you, as that might worsen your injury. As we start preparing your case, do not stop prioritizing your medical care or physical health. Skipping or missing appointments, even unintentionally, leads to gaps in medical records, which could harm claims, so avoid this by sticking to your treatment plan after suffering a personal injury.
Prioritizing Case Initiation
As mentioned, you will most likely only have three years from the date you suffered the injury to file your lawsuit. Several exceptions could delay your filing deadline, which our lawyers can explain if applicable. Utilizing the time within the statute of limitations to your advantage is important, so despite having three years to file, contact our attorneys as soon as possible. Preparing cases takes time, as our lawyers may have to launch thorough and possibly lengthy investigations, depending on a case’s complexity. We may have to involve expert witnesses, who need time to review the evidence and form their findings, identify and interview eyewitnesses, obtain and review police reports, photos, and videos, and organize proof of your damages. The sooner you initiate your case with our attorneys, the sooner we can begin working towards building a strong lawsuit with sufficient evidence to prove liability in court, either getting you a large settlement or a favorable jury award.
Common Personal Injury Cases Our Attorneys Handle in Glen Cove, NY
Accidents are often more than mere “accidents,” as there is usually someone at fault for a victim’s injuries. In many cases involving a dangerous or defective product, the manufacturer could bear responsibility. Likewise, in accidents that occur on someone else’s property, the property owner may be held accountable for what happened to you. Our lawyers can help shed light on the various parties that might be at fault in different personal injury claims.
Vehicle Accident Cases
In many cases, the driver who caused the accident can be held accountable if they committed a traffic violation or made errors while driving. When commercial drivers are involved in accidents, the company that employs them can also be liable in many cases since most employers are responsible for their employee’s actions on the road. If you are facing a complex car accident case with multiple parties or unique circumstances, reach out to our lawyers for assistance in determining who is at fault. We can see if your injuries or economic damages put you over the threshold necessary to file a car accident lawsuit under I.S.C. Law § 5104(a) in New York, as it is a no-fault state.
Biking and Pedestrian Accident Cases
In most pedestrian accidents, the driver of the vehicle is typically held responsible. Likewise, in many cases, drivers are often at fault for injuries sustained by cyclists. However, negligent drivers sometimes try to lay a portion of the responsibility on both bikers and pedestrians. It is crucial to work with our attorneys to safeguard your rights and address any potential victim-blaming that might arise in these situations.
Product Liability Cases
Many instances of hazardous products can often be traced back to the actions or negligence of the product manufacturer. These cases typically arise from issues that occur at various stages of the product lifecycle.
Flaws might emerge at the design stage due to inadequate testing, poor engineering, or a lack of consideration for user safety. Manufacturers might overlook potential hazards that could arise during the product’s use, leading to dangerous situations for consumers. Substandard materials or processes during the manufacturing stage can also cause problems that compromise the product’s safety or effectiveness. Quality control failures can also result in defective items reaching the market, posing significant user risks.
Lastly, the packaging stage is crucial, as it is at this point that necessary safety warnings and instructions are communicated to consumers. If essential information is omitted or poorly presented, users may unknowingly expose themselves to the dangers associated with the product. In these instances, accountability usually lies with the manufacturer, but the designer might also share liability.
Premises Liability Cases
Numerous accidents occurring on another person’s property can often be traced back to hazards that the property owner should have addressed or remedied. Common examples of these dangers include accumulated snow and ice, slippery spills that are not promptly cleaned, uneven flooring that poses tripping hazards, poorly maintained stairs that lack proper handrails or have inadequate lighting, and various electrical hazards such as exposed wires or malfunctioning appliances.
Damages to Track for Glen Cove, NY Personal Injury Cases
The consequences victims experience after suffering personal injuries are often overwhelming, so it benefits them to have our attorneys present to help identify and track all compensable losses, including victims’ medical expenses, lost wages, miscellaneous economic damages, and pain and suffering.
All Medical Expenses
The most distressing damages for victims generally come from the medical treatment they receive for an injury. Having to go to the emergency room could cost thousands of dollars alone, not to mention the cost of follow-up appointments and physical therapy or prescription medications. Because medical damages are generally substantial, keeping bills organized is paramount so that victims do not lose track of their expenses. These bills will act as proof of damages in your lawsuit, and we may also have treating physicians testify regarding upcoming care you will receive so future damages are included in your recovery.
Missed Income
Not being able to work right after accidents due to negligence is very common, and we can accurately calculate your lost wages based on proof of your previous income, like paychecks. Experts may assess your injury against your workplace responsibilities to explain why you may not be able to resume your previous level of employment right away, if ever. Some victims suffer injuries that forever lower their earning abilities, entitling them to substantial compensation for their lost wages, including future losses.
Miscellaneous Expenses
Personal injuries often come with many miscellaneous expenses for victims that are just as compensable as lost wages or medical damages. For example, victims might incur property damage costs during car accidents or have to make alterations to their homes to accommodate permanent injuries or mobility aids, like wheelchairs. We will help you identify all expenses stemming from an accident and seek relief for them in a personal injury lawsuit.
Pain and Suffering
Tracking your pain and suffering requires different methods than collecting copies of bills. Because these damages are subjective and based solely on your individual experience, you may document them by keeping a journal or by confiding in a mental health professional. Experts who evaluate victims to gauge their possible depression or reduction in quality of life can go on to testify during trials, solidifying their need for non-economic damages. The physical pain you endure because of your injuries and the mental suffering you go through are compensable, and we can prioritize assessing these damages to help ensure a fair recovery on your behalf.
Call Our Glen Cove, NY Injury Lawyers for Help
Call (631) 910-7493 for a free case assessment from The Carrion Law Firm’s personal injury lawyers.