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What Is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Injury Lawsuits? New York City Personal-Injury Lawyer Explains

On Behalf of | May 23, 2016 | Firm News

In the wake of a serious accident, it may seem impossible to focus on the administrative tasks. However, part of recovering from a collision is restoring financial stability.

If you were injured, then you likely have expensive medical bills. You may have had to take time off work for recovery. If the injury was serious, it may have diminished your quality of life. Although no amount of compensation can undo these hardships, a successful claim may help you avoid financial ruin.

If you sustained injuries in a crash with a negligent driver, contact Antin, Ehrlich & Epstein, LLP. A New York City accident attorney will structure your claim and fight for the maximum settlement on your behalf.

Our attorneys have more than 75 years of combined legal experience. Call 917-730-7151 today to schedule a free consultation.

Until then, read on to learn the answers to three frequently asked questions about car accident injury claims:

  1. What is the statute of limitations for personal-injury lawsuits in New York?

If you sustained injuries in a car accident, then you must file your lawsuit within three years of the date the crash happened. This timeframe also applies to property damage lawsuits.

If someone dies in an accident, the statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits is two years. If the statute of limitations expires, the court probably will not hear your case.

  1. What should I do after a car accident?

Your top priority after a crash is to seek medical attention. As the Department of Motor Vehicles explains, you should call the police immediately if anyone sustained injuries or died.

If possible, try to collect evidence at the scene. Record the contact and insurance details of all drivers involved. Gather contact information from eyewitnesses.

Also, take photos that show the positions of vehicles, injuries, property damage, traffic signs and skid marks. Use your camera’s timestamp function to show the time and date of the photos.

Even if you do not feel injured, you should still undergo a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Sometimes people ignore symptoms until they worsen, but at this point, it may be difficult to tie your injuries to the accident.

Finally, call a personal-injury lawyer. Your attorney can gather evidence, structure your claim, interview witnesses, calculate your damages, and fight for a fair settlement. He or she can also litigate your case if it goes to trial.

  1. Should I provide a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster?

You do not have to provide a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster. However, the insurance company may record your phone calls, and it can use your statements to undervalue or deny your claim. It is best to consult an accident attorney before providing too much information to the insurance company.

If you were injured by a negligent driver, contact a New York City personal-injury lawyer from Antin, Ehrlich & Epstein, LLP. We can evaluate your accident to determine if you may have valid grounds for a lawsuit. Schedule a free initial consultation today by calling 917-730-7151.

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