Category: Personal Injury

Whether you’ve been in a motor vehicle accident or suffered medical malpractice, each personal injury case follows the same filing process. Your lawyer must follow each step with care to protect your rights.

Here’s a closer look at how to file a personal injury claim so you can be a more informed client.

Steps to File a Personal Injury Claim in Queens, NY

The personal injury case process begins immediately after the accident. There’s plenty of preliminary work before your legal team can file a lawsuit, from investigating what happened to working with insurance companies.

Remember that once you hire an attorney, they will handle the process for you. Your recovery should be your top priority.

Seek Medical Treatment

Even if you think your injuries are minor, you should still seek medical attention right away after the accident. This step isn’t just for your health and well-being. It also enters your injuries into your medical records.

Medical records document what injuries you sustained and the treatments you’re receiving for them. If you delay medical attention, it could both harm your long-term health and weaken a potential legal claim.

Be sure to follow all of your doctor’s recommendations and keep appointments with them and the specialists they refer you to. You should also get copies of medical reports and bills related to the accident in case you need to reference them later.

Gather Evidence

Collect and preserve as much information as possible about the accident, including the following:

• Photos of the accident scene
• Witness contact information
• Police reports
• Surveillance or dashcam footage
• Medical documents
• Documentation of lost wages

Only do this step yourself if you are able. You can also have someone you trust handle it for you while you receive medical treatment. Once you retain a lawyer, they can also find evidence that may be harder to secure. The more comprehensive your proof is, the stronger your claim will be.

Hire a Personal Injury Attorney

The legal process is not easy to go through on your own. You deserve an experienced personal injury attorney to work on your behalf. A few of the ways they can help you include:

• Evaluating your case’s strength
• Filing complex legal paperwork
• Handling insurance claims and appeals
• Representing you in settlement negotiations
• Going to trial if necessary
• Tracking and meeting all legal deadlines

Many injury law firms offer complimentary case reviews. They may also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if you win your case.

Determine Liability and Negligence

For a strong case, your personal injury claim lawyers must identify who hurt you, establish that they acted negligently, and show that their actions directly caused your injuries.

The evidence gathered at the accident scene is only one component of a larger investigation. Your lawyer will obtain additional documentation, gather eyewitness accounts of what happened, and consult with medical experts on your current and future healthcare needs.

Calculate Your Damages

There are two types of losses in a personal injury claim. Some, called economic losses, have a fixed dollar value, including:

• Medical expenses, both now and in the future
• Rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Property repairs and replacement
• Alterations to your home for accessibility

There are also non-economic losses with no fixed dollar value, such as:

• Physical pain
• Emotional distress
• Lost enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium (spousal companionship)
• Disability or paralysis
• Disfigurement or scarring

Your lawyer will calculate your possible damages using receipts, bills, and special methods to ensure you pursue a fair amount of compensation.

File an Insurance Claim

Since New York is a no-fault state, personal injury claims for car accidents have a different process. No matter who caused the collision, your liability insurer can compensate you for medical bills and some of your lost wages. You can only file a lawsuit if your losses exceed the policy limits or your injuries meet a legal threshold.

For other types of injuries, such as product defects or slips and falls, the no-fault system doesn’t apply. Once your lawyer has concluded their investigation, they’ll write a demand letter to the responsible party’s insurer.

Negotiate a Settlement or Go to Court

Most successful personal injury lawsuits settle before the trial phase. Your lawyer will represent you in negotiations and try to reach a fair settlement. Sometimes, both sides agree to hire a third-party mediator who guides the case toward a resolution.

Insurance companies may try these tactics in the negotiation process:

• Making lowball offers
• Misrepresenting what they cover
• Blaming you for what happened
• Withholding information from their own investigation
• Ignoring evidence from your legal team’s investigation
• Delaying your claim
• Making a bad-faith denial

However, negotiations aren’t always successful. A good lawyer can hold insurers accountable when they aren’t willing to negotiate by taking your claim to trial. 

How a Queens Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

Each step of the personal injury claim process requires precision. Some forms of evidence are hard to obtain on your own. Insurance companies may take advantage of someone’s inexperience in negotiations. Ultimately, going it alone is stressful, and it reduces the chance you’ll secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

By hiring an attorney you trust, you’ll have an advocate with the knowledge, resources, and experience to handle every aspect of the process. They’ll also understand Queens’s unique legal landscape and the needs of its diverse population.

Get in Touch with Our Queens Personal Injury Lawyers for Help

The team at The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. can answer your questions about filing a personal injury claim and evaluate your case. We have years of experience helping injured clients pursue justice against negligent parties. Since we limit our caseload, we can take a personalized approach that addresses your unique circumstances and concerns. As one client recently wrote:

“Thank you to Tadchiev law for making this process as smooth as possible! Great customer service and attention to detail.” – Christian Acuña

Contact our office today to get started with a free consultation.

Have you recently suffered an unexpected injury and hired a personal injury lawyer, only to find out that they are not the right fit for your needs? This can be frustrating, but know that you have options if it happens to you. The process can be complicated, but you have the right to change your personal injury lawyer if you need to.

At The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C., we understand the importance of having a solid and trustworthy legal team on your side. Our experienced attorneys have helped many clients like you navigate the complexities of personal injury cases. We are here to help you, too.

If, for any reason, you don’t believe your attorney is right for the job, you have the right to terminate the relationship and retain new legal counsel. The difference between the right attorney and the wrong one can also mean the difference between a successful settlement and endless frustration. So don’t let an unsuitable lawyer stand in the way of getting the justice you deserve. Contact The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. today to discuss your legal options.

Reasons for Changing Your Personal Injury Lawyer

Just because you have a minor disagreement with your attorney doesn’t mean immediately jumping ship is the best course of action. However, sometimes changing lawyers is the right decision, even if you don’t have a clearly defined reason for making the switch.

Some reasons that you might want to change personal injury lawyers include having an attorney who:

• Isn’t being responsive or is taking too long to reply to your calls
• Has a personality that does not mesh well with yours
• Doesn’t keep you up to date and informed about the progress of your case
• Refuses to take your case to trial despite your preferences
• Doesn’t have enough experience in the right practice area
• Pushes the case onto staff members or assistants instead of handling it themselves
• Ignores your case in favor of different, higher payout cases
• Prolongs negotiations and settlement discussions unnecessarily

If you have any concerns about the quality of representation you are receiving, you should contact a local Queens personal injury lawyer from The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. We can provide a second opinion to help you determine whether your attorney is up to par, and, if necessary, walk you through the process of switching to a different lawyer.

Is Changing Your Personal Injury Attorney Legal?

Yes. There are generally no restrictions on firing or changing the attorney representing you in a personal injury case. Even if a trial is ongoing, you have the right to swap attorneys if you think it’s necessary.

The most important things to consider before switching personal injury attorneys are the particulars of the contract you signed with your initial lawyer. Depending on the contract, you might be on the hook for legal fees for your initial attorney’s services while they were handling your case. If you switch lawyers partway through, your new attorney can help you identify these financial obligations and determine the best course of action.

How to Change Your Personal Injury Lawyer in New York

Changing a personal injury lawyer is not usually complicated, and it doesn’t have to be confrontational. If you reach out to a new prospective law firm to discuss your case, you might decide to change attorneys right there and then. If so, you can simply inform your new attorney about your intent to change and fill out any necessary paperwork.

After that, if you don’t want to have any contact with your previous attorney, your new attorney can communicate the change. They can contact your previous lawyer, let them know about the situation, and begin the process of taking over your case. This process might involve:

• Requesting information regarding your case from the previous law firm
• Negotiating any previous contract fees and settlement contingency fees
• Changing the listed attorney with the court, if your case is already before a judge or jury

Possible Challenges When Changing Your Personal Injury Lawyer

Changing your attorney is easier the closer you are to the beginning of your case. If you try to change attorneys later in the process, you’re more likely to encounter complications.

For example, suppose your case is already far along, and a trial or settlement deal is right around the corner. In that case, a new attorney might be uncomfortable taking on your case because they won’t have much time to review your situation or formulate a solid legal strategy.

You might have concerns about the quality of legal services your old attorney provided. They might have made critical errors that hurt your chances of getting substantial compensation. A new attorney might be able to do better, but they might also struggle to overcome any hurdles that arose due to your previous lawyer’s mistakes.

No matter when you swap lawyers, you should review your previous contract with a new prospective law firm before you do so. They can help you understand the exact terms and calculate any fees you might incur by breaking the agreement. Often, the legal fees are split between all of the attorneys that work on your case, even if you fire one of them before you receive the money.

Contact Our Experienced Queens Personal Injury Attorneys for Help

You shouldn’t settle for insufficient legal counsel or an attorney that won’t give you the attention you deserve. If you have problems with the personal injury lawyer representing you, The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. is ready to help.

We take pride in our talented attorneys and support staff. You can count on us to give your case the attention it deserves. Our initial consultations are always free, so contact us now to learn how we can help you change personal injury lawyers in Queens and take on the legal system with confidence.

The use of social media has become common in our society. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and others provide new ways to communicate and stay in touch with family, friends, and the wider world. But being active on social media while pursuing a personal injury claim can have adverse consequences. The comments, photos, and videos that you post online may be used to challenge your credibility and discredit your claims.

The Negative Effects of Using Social Media During Personal Injury Claims

Social media platforms are powerful tools for connecting with others. But online posts, pictures, and videos may be taken out of context to contradict your statements or claims in a personal injury case and ultimately cost you money.

Before posting anything online after an accident, consult an experienced Queens personal injury lawyer who can provide the guidance and legal knowledge to protect your rights throughout the claims process.

Social Media’s Negative Impacts on Personal Injury Claims

After an accident, staying off social media is essential until you resolve your claim. Any comments, photos, or videos you post on social media may serve as evidence in court.  When gathering evidence, insurance companies and lawyers may search social media accounts for evidence that suggests you are not as seriously injured as you claim or that the accident was your fault.

For example, suppose you post pictures of yourself attending a concert with friends days or weeks after your accident. In that case, the insurance company might argue that the photos demonstrate that you are not as injured or traumatized as you claim.

Similarly, suppose you post pictures or videos of yourself performing certain physical activities like running, hiking, or traveling on vacation. An insurance company could argue that your injuries are not as limiting as you claimed. Even if you make posts completely unrelated to the accident, the opposing lawyer or insurance company could still use them against you in court.

Social media posts have played a role in many injury cases. Courts have ruled that some online posts are admissible evidence.

Even if you believe your posts are private and secure, courts have determined that certain online information is not privileged and can be made public in a court of law. Anything you post online may be obtained and used to question your credibility and minimize or deny your claim. It’s essential to think twice before sharing anything online.

Prejudice

Social media posts can also introduce prejudice in a personal injury case. Insurance companies may use claimants’ online posts to discredit them and their claims. For example, insurance companies could use social media updates, photos, or videos to show that claimants engage in activities that paint them in a negative light.

Additionally, any information on social media could be used against you. This can be especially damaging if a post contains inflammatory comments or images. It is best to take an extended break from being active on social media until you resolve your personal injury claim.

Privacy

Commenting on your claim on social media can compromise your privacy and confidentiality. Even if you delete a post, the other side could still access it with a subpoena and present it in court as evidence.

Something as simple as a photo of a family vacation or a post expressing your joy at returning to work could serve as evidence that your injuries are not as severe as you claimed. That’s why you must stay mindful of what you post online when you have a personal injury case.

In Conclusion: When You Don’t Need to Use Social Media?

Limiting your social media use when filing a personal injury claim is a good idea. Staying off of social media altogether is an even better idea. Posting on social media can have severe consequences for your case. If avoiding all social media isn’t a realistic choice, be sure not to post anything personal. Do not accept friend requests from people who you do now know. One may be an investigator seeking to monitor your social media activity. Limit yourself to liking or sharing other people’s content.

The safest option is to lock down your profiles and stop posting until you resolve your claim. It’s also good to caution friends and family about what they say or share about you online. Their posts could appear in court, too. It is always best to err on the side of caution and refrain from using social media when you have a personal injury claim. If you have questions about social media usage while in a personal injury lawsuit, you can get reliable answers from a personal injury attorney in Queens.

Get the Help You Need from Our Experienced Queens Personal Injury Lawyers

If you have grounds for a personal injury claim, the proper legal representation can increase your chances of obtaining the compensation you need for your losses. At The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C., our injury attorneys are highly experienced and ready to guide you through the legal process from start to finish.

Our team of Queens personal injury lawyers has the knowledge and experience to build a strong case on your behalf. We offer our clients personal attention and aggressive advocacy in our pursuit of maximum compensation on their behalf. We don’t charge a legal fee unless we secure compensation for you. Our clients don’t have to worry about the expense of standing up for their rights.

Ready to find out what an experienced Queens personal injury lawyer can do for you? Then contact us today for a free legal consultation and learn what your case could be worth.

Are electric scooters legal in NYC? Can you ride an electric scooter on the sidewalk in NYC? Our attorneys will answer these questions and other queries you may have about NYC scooter laws and regulations.

An e-scooter accident can change your life in the blink of an eye, potentially leaving you with debilitating wounds like a traumatic brain injury, a spinal cord injury, or serious burns. If you were struck by a motorist and seriously injured while riding an e-scooter in NYC, an experienced Queens personal injury lawyer with The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. can help you seek compensation to recover financially. If you were injured in a collision caused by an e-scooter, our attorneys also can determine who is financially liable for the accident.

Our attorneys have years of experience handling vehicle accident claims and are prepared to seek maximum compensation for you if you have been seriously injured by someone else’s negligence. The Tadchiev Law Firm offers a free initial consultation to discuss your legal options. You pay no fees unless we win for you. For your no-obligation case review, contact us today.

What Is an Electric Scooter or E-Scooter?

Since being made legal in New York City in June 2020, electric scooters and e-bikes have become common in New York City streets, with varying levels of skill and safe use among riders. Numerous e-scooter accidents and injuries have been reported, many involving pedestrians. More recently, additional injuries have been attributed to fires caused by the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that power e-scooters and e-bikes.

Electric scooters are two-wheeled vehicles that users typically rent to ride. Under New York state regulations, a legally operated e-scooter weighs less than 100 pounds and:

• Has handlebars, a floorboard or a seat that can be stood or sat upon by the operator, and an electric motor. Riders typically stand on a narrow metal blade to operate e-scooters.
• Can be powered by an electric motor
• Has a maximum speed of no more than 20 miles per hour on a paved level surface when powered by an electric motor.

NYC Electric Scooter Laws: Everything You Need to Know

New York City actually has very few regulations regarding the use of e-scooters. They are:

• You must not operate an e-scooter in excess of 15 mph.
• E-scooters may be ridden in bike lanes and on streets with speed limits no greater than 30 mph.
• E-scooters are prohibited on NYC sidewalks.
• Helmets are recommended for all e-scooter riders and are required for 16- and 17-year-olds.

Riding E-Scooters in New York Parks: Regulations and Restrictions

When in a New York City park, in addition to following city regulations – and not riding an e-scooter on the sidewalk, in particular – you should check signs or the city parks website for additional restrictions.

For example, the High Line prohibits e-scooters along with bicycles, skateboards, and skates. But in New York City, there are currently no additional restrictions on riding e-scooters at Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk or at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

Stay Safe on Your E-Scooter: Top Tips for Riding in NYC

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) offers safety tips for riding e-scooters, including:

• Wear a helmet to help prevent injury in falls and collisions. Knee and elbow pads are also helpful.
• Check for damage to the scooter before riding. You could lose control of an e-scooter that did not work correctly because of damage.
• Test the brakes. You need to know how to use the brakes, including how abruptly or how slowly they stop the e-scooter.
• Ride alone. An e-scooter is for one rider. Additional riders can increase the risk and severity of collisions.
• Keep both hands on the handlebars. Don’t hang or attach items to the handlebars.
• Be alert to others who won’t be alert to you. E-scooters are small, quick, and silent, making it easy for other road users to overlook you. Slow down, look, and plan ahead. Do not make abrupt, unpredictable movements.
• Avoid distractions while riding. Listening to music while riding an e-scooter reduces your ability to hear what is going on around you. Don’t talk on a cell phone, even if it’s a hands-free device.
• Watch out for uneven surfaces, cracks, and debris in the road. Uneven pavement or debris can trip an e-scooter and throw you off of it.
• Ride sober. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

NYC Fire and Burn Injury Danger From E-Scooter Batteries

The New York Attorney General’s Office has published safety tips about the use of lithium-ion batteries, which power e-scooters and e-bikes. The NY Times says the batteries caused 216 fires in the city in 2022, with 147 injuries and six deaths. As of February 27, 2023, they were responsible for 30 fires, 40 injuries, and two deaths, according to the NYC Fire Department.

Experts tell the newspaper that much of the fire and explosion risk is posed by off-market, refurbished, damaged, or improperly charged lithium-ion batteries. A chemical reaction inside the battery can spark a fire.

The Attorney General suggests that you:

• Buy your e-bike and battery from a trusted manufacturer.
• Maintain your battery by carefully checking it from time to time.
• Store your e-scooter in a safe place.
• Charge your battery using only the cord and power adapter provided by the manufacturer.
• Dispose of your battery at a battery-recycling location (find one here). Putting batteries in the trash or recycling them at home is unsafe and illegal.

Involved in an E-Scooter Accident in NYC? Here’s What to Do

If you have been injured in an accident caused by an e-scooter owner or operator, you may have legal recourse to claim compensation for your medical expenses and other losses. As soon as you can, you should:

• Report the accident. Call NYC police to report the accident. Ask how to get a copy of the police report, and get one as soon as possible. If the accident involves your motor vehicle, report it to your auto insurance carrier.
• Document the accident. Take photos or video of the accident scene, your injuries, property damage, and anything else that will help depict what happened.
• Document your injuries. If you are badly injured, call for an ambulance. Otherwise, see a doctor within 24 hours. There are many potentially serious injuries that do not exhibit symptoms right away.
• Contact an attorney. If you have medical bills, lost work time, or other costs because of someone else’s negligence, a personal injury attorney can help you recover the compensation you are due.

Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers in Queens for Legal Assistance

If you have been injured in an electric scooter accident in Queens, contact our personal injury attorneys at The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C., today. We advocate for people who have been injured in e-scooter accidents to be fully compensated for their losses. We know how stressful an accident and dealing with injuries is, and we are ready to do everything we can to take the pressure off you. You can rely on us for the personalized service you deserve.

Call us or reach out online now for your free consultation.

Vehicles often hit pedestrians or bicyclists, while the driver is backing out of a driveway, alley, or parking lot in Queens, N.Y. Backover accidents usually occur at low speeds. But they can still cause serious injuries or fatal injuries.

The cause of a backover accident is usually the driver’s failure to look behind the vehicle sufficiently while moving in reverse. When a backover accident leads to a serious injury, the injured person may hold the careless driver responsible for injuries the accident victim has suffered.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a backover accident that was someone else’s fault and you’ve exhausted your no-fault insurance benefits, you may be entitled to seek financial compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance. A Queens car accident lawyer at The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. can review the circumstances of a backover accident and explain your legal rights.

Our Queens personal injury firm is dedicated to helping people pursue just compensation when they have been harmed by the negligence of others. We take pride in the personal attention and aggressive advocacy we provide each client.

If you are dealing with serious injuries from a backover collision that was not your fault, let our firm guide you through this challenging time. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced backover accident lawyer in Queens. We only charge a legal fee if we recover compensation for you.

What Is a Backover Accident?

A backover crash occurs when a vehicle backs into a person, such as a pedestrian or a bicyclist, typically while exiting a driveway or a parking spot. Young children and older people are most likely to be killed in a backover accident, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) says.

Studies show that taller vehicles – pickup trucks, minivans, or SUVs – are more likely than smaller cars to be involved in backup accidents. They sit higher off the ground, making it more difficult for drivers to see small children and smaller objects near the rear of the vehicle.

Studies say a 5-foot-8-inch-tall driver in a midsize SUV cannot see an area extending 18 feet behind the vehicle, compared with 13 feet for an average midsize sedan. Rearview cameras, which have been required on new vehicles under 10,000 pounds since May 2018, improve visibility behind a vehicle. An IIHS study found they reduce the zone in which a toddler can’t be spotted by an average of about 90 percent.

Still, a driver must look at their rearview camera – as well as at rearview mirrors and over their shoulder – for such safety devices to be effective. A driver who is distracted, intoxicated, or simply negligent can still back into someone. Sometimes a backover accident is blamed on the driver mixing up the accelerator and brake pedals and accelerating in reverse instead of slowly inching backward from a parking spot or driveway.

Backover Accident Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says backover crashes cause approximately 210 deaths and 15,000 injuries each year. According to Kids and Car Safety, at least 50 children are backed over in the U.S. every week – 48 are treated in hospital emergency rooms and two suffer fatal injuries.

Thousands of children are seriously injured or killed every year because a driver backing up did not see them behind the vehicle. Many elderly people are backed into or over by vehicles, sometimes because they have mobility issues that prevent them from avoiding the accident once a car begins to back up.

Who Is At Fault in a Backover Accident?

The driver is usually liable for a backover accident involving an adult pedestrian or bicyclist. But determining liability after a driveway or parking lot backover accident can be complicated.

Other parties may be legally responsible for a backover accident, including:

• A babysitter/caretaker who did not properly supervise a child who ran into the path of a reversing vehicle
• A babysitter/caretaker or homeowner who allowed a child to play behind a parked vehicle
• Car manufacturers if faulty brakes or acceleration systems prevented the driver from stopping in time to prevent the collision. A car manufacturer may be liable for poor vehicle design that made blind spots unreasonably dangerous to those surrounding the vehicle or for a rearview camera that failed to work properly.
• The property owner responsible for a poorly designed parking lot with issues such as obstructed views, narrow or crowded parking spaces, or walkways running side-by-side with traffic lanes.
• Local government or their maintenance contractors if the driver was unable to see the victim because their view was obstructed by overgrown bushes or lack of proper lighting.

To establish negligence as an accident victim, you must prove that:

• The other party had a legal duty to take reasonable safety precautions around the accident victim to avoid backover accidents
• The driver or other party neglected their duty and acted in a manner that put the plaintiff at risk
• The other party’s actions caused the plaintiff’s injuries
• The plaintiff suffered compensable losses

When one party’s negligence leads to serious injuries as defined by New York law, those injured may seek compensation for their losses, such as for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Lost earning potential
• Property damage, such as to a bicycle or a vehicle
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of consortium

Contact Our Experienced Backover Accident Attorneys in Queens

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a backover accident in Queens, NY, The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. is ready to help you seek financial compensation for your losses. We’ll investigate the circumstances of the accident, calculate your losses and pursue claims against all parties responsible for what you have needlessly been put through.

The initial consultation about your car accident claim is free. If we can help you pursue a claim, we do not charge legal fees unless we recover money on your behalf. Contact us today to discuss your options with a Queens parking lot backover accident lawyer at no cost to you.

Being hurt in a car accident caused by another party’s negligence can be a physically, mentally, and financially traumatic event. You may struggle to pay expensive medical bills if your injuries prevent you from working for a period of time. You may be entitled to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance to cover your medical bills and losses. An experienced Queens personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options and guide you through the legal process.

At The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C., we are dedicated to helping people who have been seriously injured in car accidents. We understand how to investigate car accident cases and build a strong injury claim on your behalf. Our knowledgeable and compassionate attorneys have helped numerous car accident victims in Queens seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and other losses. Call now for a free initial consultation.

Here are nine reasons to hire a personal injury attorney after a car accident in Queens:

1. Seek Medical Treatment First, Then Guidance

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, your first concern should be seeking medical treatment for your injuries. If you do not require emergency medical treatment at the scene, you should still make an appointment with a doctor for a medical evaluation. Some injuries such as closed head injuries may not be immediately obvious but may be diagnosed by a trained medical professional. People who are injured in auto collisions in New York initially file a claim against their own Personal Injury Protection insurance for medical costs and certain other expenses. If you have serious injuries, your medical bills may exceed the limits of your no-fault insurance. You may file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. Knowing the right steps to take can seem overwhelming if you are struggling to recover. Once you have begun medical treatment, you should have a knowledgeable injury attorney review the accident and your options.

2. Provide Legal Advice and a Personalized Approach

A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can answer the questions you have about your car accident claim and explain your options for moving forward. New York laws surrounding personal injury claims can be complicated. Our car accident lawyers at The Tadchiev Law Group, P.C. thoroughly understand the law and have a lot of experience handling car accident injury claims. As you recover from your injuries, you should be able to rely on the attorney to deal with the insurance companies and paperwork on your behalf and provide legal advice that is specific to your case.

3. Build and Investigate Your Case

Car accident claims require supporting evidence, such as medical records, police accident reports, photographs, video, and statements from witnesses who saw the crash. Collecting evidence is difficult for an injured person recovering from a car accident. A personal injury lawyer knows the types of evidence needed to build a strong claim and can handle the evidence collection and other important tasks so that you can focus on your health and recover.

4. File a Claim and Expedite It

If you try to handle your car accident claim on your own, you risk making mistakes that could slow down or undermine your case. An experienced personal injury lawyer knows how to file a claim and how to expedite the process, when possible. An attorney will determine when it is appropriate to move to the next step of the claims process. Hiring an attorney from the start will help ensure that you have the most effective car accident claim process possible.

5. Review Your Insurance Policies

An experienced car accident lawyer has extensive experience reviewing auto insurance policies and dealing with insurance companies. A lawyer will work to identify the insurance policies that apply to your case and determine the amounts of insurance coverage available to pay your claim.

6. Negotiate with the Insurance Company

Most personal injury claims result in settlements with the insurance company. Unfortunately, insurance companies are not on your side. They are for-profit companies that are focused foremost on their bottom line. Insurance adjusters will try to convince you to accept the lowest possible settlement offer. An attorney at The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C., will determine the fair value of your car accident case and will use their skills and experience to negotiate for the maximum compensation available.

7. Handle Settlement Talks and Offers

Insurance claims can be difficult and stressful to navigate. A personal injury lawyer can handle all settlement talks with the insurance company on your behalf, while you focus on your recovery. When the insurance company sees that you have an experienced attorney representing you, then the insurer will be more likely to make a settlement offer that covers your losses, rather than risk going to court.

8. Represent You in Court

It’s challenging to fight a legal battle in court against insurance companies. An experienced trial lawyer will be prepared to present your case in court if the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement. It’s critical that you hire an attorney who has litigation experience and will be ready to go to court if necessary.

9. Advocacy

You can count on a good personal injury lawyer to advocate for your rights. Experienced personal injury attorneys are skilled negotiators who know what steps to take to seek the maximum compensation available. They will prepare your case for trial, so they have the leverage to negotiate effectively with the at-fault party’s insurance company. They also have the litigation experience to advocate for you in front of a judge or jury, when needed. From the outset, an attorney will do everything they can to understand your needs and maximize your recovery.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured in a car accident in Queens, contact the experienced car accident attorneys at The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. We are proud to serve as aggressive and compassionate advocates for car accident victims in Queens. We are committed to delivering the personalized attention your car accident case deserves. Contact us now for a free and confidential consultation.