Injuries are a fact of life, and most people will experience an injury at some point in their lives. Many injuries result from unfortunate accidents, but accidents do not happen out of nowhere. Someone is responsible, and an attorney can help you figure out who and how to get financial compensation.
If you or someone you know is hurt in an accident, you may take legal action against those responsible. A lawyer can review all your legal options, and you may sue the person or people who caused the accident. Although lawsuits are known for being time-consuming, they may result in significant financial compensation for injured victims. To file your case, we need as much information and evidence as possible, and it is best to get to work as soon as possible.
Call Basch, Keegan & Spada at (845) 303-2748 and ask our personal injury lawyers to start your case with a free legal review.
What Should You Do if You Are Injured in an Accident?
If you get hurt in an accident, try to stay calm and call for help. If it is safe to do so, gather information about the accident and talk to others at the scene while waiting for help to arrive.
Get Medical Attention
Your primary focus should be on getting medical attention. If you are seriously hurt, call 911 and get an ambulance sent to the accident scene. If you do not feel the need to call for an ambulance, you should still contact the police and report the accident. You should also have someone drive you to the hospital as soon as possible.
Gather Information about the Accident
While you do not have to launch a full investigation immediately following an accident, it is a good idea to gather as many details as you can while you wait for help.
Get the names and contact details of people at the accident scene. Our personal injury attorneys may need this information if one or more of these people are determined to be responsible, or if we need them to provide witness testimony.
Call a Lawyer
After you get initial medical care and the accident scene is largely under control, call an attorney. You might be unsure of how to proceed legally, or even if you want to take legal action. An experienced lawyer can review the facts of your accident and advise you of all your legal options so you can make the most informed decision possible.
How Can You Get Compensation for Personal Injuries in Wallkill, NY?
Compensation might come from a few different sources, and your lawyer can explain the most effective way to pursue financial compensation for your injuries.
Does Someone Have Insurance?
Depending on the nature of the accident and your injuries, insurance may cover much of your costs. For example, after a car accident, you typically file claims with your auto insurance, then with the other driver’s, if certain conditions are met.
Is the Person Responsible Offering a Settlement?
Private settlements are very common in civil injury cases, and the defendant may be willing to pay at least some of your damages up front if you agree to waive your right to sue. The amount of compensation you get from a settlement must be negotiated. The more evidence we can leverage during negotiations, the more compensation you may get.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
A lawsuit can help injured victims net a much wider range of damages, and things like policy terms or negotiations with defendants do not limit compensation. Those with much larger claims for damages or a more complex set of damages may want to consider suing the defendant in court.
What Evidence Can We Use to Get Compensation for Your Personal Injuries?
Evidence is the key to getting compensation in almost any case. The more evidence we have, the stronger your claims.
Video Evidence
Video footage of accidents is more common than you might think. Security cameras in the area may have recorded the accident. Even private homes often have cameras. We can reach out to property owners and ask about whether security cameras were present. If they were, we should review the footage as soon as possible.
Photos of the Accident Scene
Immediately after an accident, you should try to take photos of the area. Often, accident scenes are cleared away quickly, either by the police who investigate the accident or by the owners of the property where it occurred. As such, your photos may preserve important details that would otherwise be lost.
Witnesses
Witnesses may provide testimony based on their personal knowledge of the accident. The more witnesses who can testify, the more accurate a picture we can create for the jury. We should interview as many people as possible who were present when you were injured or who have personal knowledge of the accident.
Medical Records
A major part of your case is proving injuries and damages. Your medical records can help us prove exactly how you were injured, the severity of your injuries, and the costs of treatment.
Since medical records can take time to compile, we should request copies as soon as possible.
What is a “Personal Injury”?
A personal injury involves bodily harm. People often confuse the phrase “personal injury” to mean any sort of personal loss, like the destruction of personal property. You may claim these kinds of damages in a personal injury lawsuit, too, but our focus is your physical injuries.
How Do You Begin a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Wallkill, NY?
To start a personal injury case, you should get evaluated by a doctor and call a lawyer for help. We need medical records to prove the existence of your injuries, and your lawyer should help you decide the next legal steps in your case.
How Much Compensation Can You Get from a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Compensation varies from case to case. Many personal injury cases involve claims for thousands of dollars in damages. In more serious cases, a plaintiff might claim tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
How Long After Being Injured Should You Contact a Lawyer?
In New York, plaintiffs in personal injury cases usually have 3 years from the date of the injuries to file a lawsuit. If this time passes and nothing is filed, you might be barred from bringing your claims.
Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys in Wallkill, NY for Help
Call Basch, Keegan & Spada at (845) 303-2748 and ask our personal injury lawyers to start your case with a free legal review.