New York is a no-fault state. This means that you normally cannot file a lawsuit following an accident. However, the phrase "no-fault" is somewhat deceptive because a decision of fault will most likely be made if you are able to file a lawsuit.

In New York, you can sue for damages after an automobile accident if:

Losses that exceed the no-fault benefits

Non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering).

Serious injuries.

If this seems complicated to you, you are not alone. Proving a "serious injury" in New York can be difficult and necessitates the assistance of an experienced NYC automobile accident attorney.

Car Insurance Requirements in NY

The state of New York requires the following minimum amounts of liability vehicle insurance coverage:

$10,000 for property damage from a single car accident.

$25,000 for bodily injury for one person, and $50,000 for injuries to two or more individuals.

$50,000 for the death of one person; $100,000 for the death of two or more people.

It's vital to remember that these are the basic requirements for liability insurance. New York does not require any collision or comprehensive coverage at all. It is required that your insurance coverage be in place as long as the vehicle is registered in the state and that the insurance be supplied by a company certified by the New York State DMV.

If you're leasing or financing a vehicle, you'll most likely be forced to carry collision insurance in addition to the mandatory liability coverage. Collision insurance will pay for damage to your vehicle regardless of who is at fault, and it is generally far more expensive than liability coverage alone.

New York also mandates Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. All drivers are required to carry at least $50,000 in PIP coverage per person, which will cover up to that amount in medical bills for both the driver and each passenger.

While your liability insurance will cover damages to others if you cause an accident, you can't guarantee that another motorist will have adequate insurance to cover your losses if the accident is their responsibility. This is why the state mandates uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in an amount equivalent to the liability insurance requirement for injuries.

It's important to note that the state's basic minimum uninsured/underinsured driver coverage only covers accidents in New York. Any accidents involving an underinsured or uninsured motorist that occur outside of the state are not covered at all—unless you pay the extra expense to have that coverage extended.

How to Locate a NYC Car Accident Lawye

A Google search for car accident lawyers in New York City returns hundreds of results. There are various options to pick from. Finding the best for you entails asking the appropriate questions when considering them.

The following are the most crucial factors to consider when looking for a car accident lawyer in NYC.

Ask for referrals. You're likely to know more than one individual who has needed a lawyer in an accident case, so asking around is an excellent place to start. When you discover someone who has a referral, ask them explicitly what they enjoyed about working with that attorney. This will assist you in knowing what to anticipate during the interaction. Inquire about items they didn't like so you can get a general sense of the partnership.

If you don't have any referrals, try looking for a car accident lawyer in NYC online. Consider both the total rating and the number of reviews to get a good sense of how satisfied clients are with the lawyers, and keep in mind that people are more prone to submit negative evaluations than positive ones. Not that bad reviews should be ignored, but don't let one or two unfavorable reviews turn you off from an attorney who appears to be a good fit.

Are they experts in car accident law?
As evidenced by our ratings, accident lawyers can and do pursue a variety of situations.

While some lawyers focus solely on vehicle accidents, others are generalists who practice personal injury law and handle other cases such as workers' compensation. You can deal with any, but make sure your attorney has experience with your type of case, even if they have a broad practice.

What is their fee structure?
Car accident lawyers in New York should operate on contingency, which means they are only compensated if you receive a settlement or verdict.

Their salary is a proportion of your compensation, so be sure the fees are in accordance with industry standards of 33% to 40%. Settlement amounts normally include these fees to ensure that you are not losing money by having a lawyer work for you, but if someone charges more than the standard, this may begin to eat into what you receive from the settlement.

Do they have courtroom experience?
Most car accident claims are settled outside of court because lawyers can bargain directly with insurance companies.

That's not to say you shouldn't hire an attorney who is ready and able to take your case to court. Knowing that your attorney has fought and won in court may make settlement easier. And if the opposing party refuses to settle, you'll feel better knowing you're represented by an experienced attorney.

Why Do I Need a Car Accident Attorney in New York City?

If you have been in an automobile accident in New York City, you understand how stressful and difficult the aftermath may be. You may have to cope with not only physical discomfort and financial stress but also with an insurance company and the legal system. Having a competent attorney during this difficult time might be critical to your financial and physical recovery. Here's how an attorney can help:

Determine your rights and legal options.

Negotiate with insurers on your behalf.

Handle the documentation and legal procedures for your case.

Represent you in court if necessary.

Hiring a vehicle accident lawyer in NYC is especially vital if there is a lot at stake, such as a severe or permanent injury, high medical bills, lost wages, or other damages. A qualified vehicle accident attorney can assist you in obtaining the justice and recompense you deserve.

What Car Crash Damages Can You Sue For in NYC?

If you are injured in an automobile accident in New York City, you may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. What you can collect will be determined by the details of your vehicle accident case. You can claim for one of three types of damages: economic, non-economic, or punitive.

Economic damages are direct financial losses you incurred as a result of the accident and injuries and may include:

Healthcare costs. You could recover all medical expenses, including hospitalization, surgery, drugs, and rehabilitation therapy.

Wages were lost. If you were unable to work as a result of the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and future earning capacity.

Property damage. You may be entitled to repair or replace any property lost or destroyed in the accident, including your car, phone, laptop, and other items.