All injuries are not equal when it comes to deciding whether you need the help of an attorney. There are certainly times when filing an insurance claim yourself will adequately compensate you for minor cuts and bruises sustained during a minor accident. But, many cases are more serious and require the help of a New York City personal injury lawyer to preserve your rights.
Should I pursue a personal injury claim?
The first question you will ask yourself is whether you have grounds for filing a personal injury claim. An initial consultation with an experienced NYC personal injury lawyer will tell you if you have a case.
In general, if you sustained serious injuries that will result in extensive recovery time and therapy, possibly limiting your ability to care for yourself or your family, you need to pursue a personal injury claim against the parties that caused your injuries.
Before you pursue your own case with the insurance company, your attorney will tell you if an insurance case will meet your needs and can help with the insurance negotiations to ensure that you are appropriately compensated for your injuries.
On the other hand, if you have already received (but not yet accepted) a settlement offer from the insurance company, your NYC personal injury lawyer can tell you if the settlement is fair, if the claim is worth more, or if you need to file a lawsuit to get the compensation you need.
Keep in mind that most personal injury lawyers offer a free initial consultation, and they work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay for their services, on a percentage basis, when they win an award for your case.
Can I handle it myself?
In most cases, the simple answer is no. Even a relatively small claim will yield better results if you seek advice or representation from an experienced New York City personal injury law firm. An attorney can help in many ways:
- Advising you of your rights and helping with a strategy, even if you handle the case on your own
- Focusing on all federal and state laws to make sure you meet all deadlines
- Accurately and completely preparing and filing all required paperwork for your case
- Helping you preserve all evidence to support your case
- Handling all negotiations with insurance companies and opposing parties
- Representing you if you take your case to court
The New York City personal injury law firm of Raphaelson & Levine, P.C. has almost two decades of personal injury experience. Our attorneys can help with every aspect of your personal injury case, large or small.
