There is no way to know how much money you might get out of your car collision claim following a collision on Long Island. These recoveries depend heavily on the value of the expenses and losses you experienced because of the crash, as well as other factors.
You will need to put a fair settlement value on your case before negotiations begin with the insurance company. Your attorney will help you document your damages if you choose to work with one.
Your Settlement will Depend on the Damages You Sustained
The main factor that will affect how much money you can recover after a collision is the injuries and damages you suffered. The insurance company will base their payout on the estimated value of your documented expenses and losses. At the same time, your attorney will use their own estimated value of your case to accept or reject settlement offers from the insurance company.
If you file a fault-based claim against the other driver, your recoverable damages could include:
Your Documented Economic Costs
Economic damages are likely the first thing you consider when you think about your related losses. These are the bills you owe and the money you lost due to your injuries. It includes:
- Medical treatment and care costs
- Lost wages and other income
- Expenses paid, such as parking at the hospital
- Additional related costs, with receipts
Future Expenses and Losses
You can also recover your probable future-related expenses. This may require expert testimony or other documentation. Examples include:
- Future necessary medical care related to your injuries
- Ongoing care and support costs for catastrophic injuries
- Reduced ability to earn a living and future lost income
Intangible Damages
Compensation is also available through a third-party insurance claim for your intangible damages. These damages may not have a direct monetary value, but they are still significant losses. They include your physical pain and emotional suffering, as well as other non-economic damages.
If You can Only File a Claim Based on Your No-Fault Coverage
New York State requires drivers to carry no-fault insurance in the form of a personal injury protection (PIP) policy. In some cases, you may have limited ability to hold another driver responsible for a collision. This coverage can limit your financial recovery.
If one of our attorneys determines you cannot hold another driver responsible for your collision and injuries, you can recover basic expenses and losses through your PIP policy. This coverage includes:
- Medical bills
- A portion of your lost wages
- Related expenses, such as parking and mileage for your appointments
Other Factors Could Also Affect the Value of Your Car Crash Settlement
There are also additional factors that could increase or decrease the value of your claim. Most of these factors relate to what happened to cause the collision and who is responsible.
- If you shared fault in causing the collision, you may still be able to recover compensation under CVP §1411, although the value may go down based on the proportion of fault assigned to you at trial.
- If the other driver acted intentionally or had a complete disregard for the safety of others, it could increase the value of your case. However, intentional conduct cases can be tricky to navigate as oftentimes insurance companies disclaim coverage for intentional conduct.
Your attorney will consider all of these factors when putting a fair and just value on your claim. If you believe any of these factors could affect your crash recovery, you may not want to continue handling your claim on your own.
How You can Learn More About Third-Party Insurance Claims
Working with a car accident lawyer with our firm is a good way to make sure your rights remain protected and you pursue the best possible outcome in your case. They will:
- Help you calculate how much your case may be worth
- Investigate your crash and document your damages
- Represent you through the claims process and at trial if necessary
Our law firm handles traffic collisions on a contingency-fee-basis, so you don’t need to pay any fees upfront. You can learn more about how third-party insurance claims work during a free consultation with one of these firms.
Act quickly. You generally only have three years to take legal action after a New York collision under CVP §214. Exceptions exist that reduce this time even further. Don’t delay in calling us to see if one of the exceptions applies to your case. The time limit can be as little as 90 days.
Talk to One of Our Team Members About Your Car Crash Claim Today for Free
At Rosenberg & Gluck, L.L.P., our car collision team serving Long Island provides free case assessments for victims. We can meet with you at your home or a hospital in Suffolk or Nassau County or discuss your collision and injuries on the telephone. We may be able to get started right away.
Get in touch with us now. Se habla español.
