When Should You Hire An Attorney After Being Involved In A Car Accident? 

Unfortunately, car accidents are a daily reality in a state as bustling as New York. From congested highways to busy intersections, crashes can happen in an instant and leave victims dealing with physical pain, emotional stress, and financial uncertainty.

So, in the aftermath, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is whether to hire a personal injury attorney (and when). The truth is that hiring a lawyer sooner than later can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

Why Timing Matters After A Car Accident 

The hours and days following car crashes are critical. Skid marks start to fade, vehicles get repaired, and witnesses’ memories can become unreliable. That’s why acting fast ensures crucial evidence is preserved, and your claim doesn’t suffer.

Insurance companies don’t waste any time, either. They may try to shift blame, reduce your claim, or deny it all together. But, with an attorney on your side from the start, you’ll never have to worry about fighting back against the insurance companies. 

The Statute Of Limitations In New York 

In New York state, you generally have three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. In some cases, you need to preserve certain claims 90 days from the date of the accident, and against municipalities the statute of limitations is usually a year and ninety days from the date of the accident. On the surface, that may sound like plenty of time. However, waiting until the last minute can jeopardize your attorney’s ability to build the strongest case possible.

Remember that investigating all cases, including car accidents, takes time. Your attorney will need to gather police reports, hire an expert for a site inspection, review medical records, speak with witnesses, and sometimes consult third-party experts.

So, the earlier the process starts, the better. Your attorney will have more time to prepare your case before the statute of limitations expires, and the evidence will be fresh. 

The Benefits Of Hiring A Personal Injury Attorney 

Many people that are injured from someone else’s negligence wonder whether they should just try to handle their claim on their own. The idea may sound appealing, but the reality is that personal injury cases are complex. Moreover, insurance companies use a variety of tactics to minimize payouts and take away the justice you deserve. This is precisely why hiring an experienced attorney offers various advantages. First, they understand the law, the court system, and exactly how insurance companies operate. Personal injury attorneys know the strategies insurers rely on to dismiss claims and have the expertise to fight back.

Secondly, a lawyer will manage the entire investigation on your behalf, ranging from gathering your medical records to consulting with witnesses and experts. So, you can focus on healing instead of paperwork.

Perhaps most importantly, attorneys know how to identify and document the full extent of suffered damages. This means that, beyond immediate car repairs and medical bills, your lawyer will also help calculate lost wages, future medical care costs, and non-economic damages, like pain and suffering.

Another crucial benefit is peace of mind. When you have an attorney by your side, you won’t have to worry about being pressured into accepting an unfair settlement. They’ll provide guidance at every turn, help you understand your options, and feel confident about the next steps.

Lastly, hiring a personal injury attorney comes with no upfront costs. At Langella & Langella, we work on a contingency-fee basis, which means we only get paid if we recover money for you. And since consultations are also free, there’s absolutely no risk in speaking with us about your case. 

What Compensation Can You Pursue After A Car Accident? 

Bills after a car accident can pile up faster than many families expect. You shouldn’t have to be left shouldering the financial burden of someone else’s negligence. Here at Langella & Langella, we will fight for your justice and make sure you’re fully compensated.

This compensation may include medical expenses for hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment. Or, if your injuries forced you to miss work, we’ll seek to recover lost wages.

Victims may also be entitled to non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, which compensates you for the physical and emotional toll of the accident. And property damage is another area of recovery, including car repairs or replacement costs.

Finally, in more serious cases, compensation may include loss of consortium, which recognizes the impact an accident has on the victim’s spouse.

At Langella & Langella, we approach every case with the same goal: to secure fair and just compensation for our clients. 

Contact Langella & Langella For A Free Consultation 

Accidents are stressful enough. So, while insurance companies work to protect their own interests, it’s crucial to have an attorney fighting for yours.

When you choose Langella & Langella, you’re not just hiring attorneys. You’re gaining trusted advocates with decades of experience serving clients. And from day one, we prepare each case as if it could go to trial, ensuring you’ll never have to settle for less than what you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, don’t wait.

Contact us today for a Free Consultation by calling (631) 348-9500.