If you have been hurt in a car crash, then you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver with the help of our Melville car accident lawyers. With this type of claim, you can recover financial compensation for all of your losses. This may include money for property damage, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Based in Melville, The Odierno Law Firm fights for the rights of accident victims throughout Suffolk County. We offer free initial consultations and never charge a fee unless we recover money for you. To learn more or to schedule an appointment with a member of our legal team, give our law offices a call.
When Can I File a Claim for an Auto Accident?
If you were hurt in a car accident that was caused by another person, then you may be able to file a lawsuit against them. Generally, these lawsuits are based on a theory of negligence or carelessness. Negligence is often defined as the failure to use the level of care that a reasonable person would use in a similar situation.
Negligence can happen in any number of ways, such as a driver running a stop sign or a red light and smashing into another vehicle. Our law firm handles all types of car accident cases, including:
- Aggressive driving
- Speeding
- Distracted driving (such as texting while driving)
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end accidents
- Single and multi-vehicle wrecks
- Hit-and-run accidents
- T-bone accidents
- Uber and Lyft accidents
We also represent clients who have been hurt in crashes where the at-fault party was more than just careless – they may have acted intentionally or recklessly. For example, a person who causes a drunk driving accident may be held accountable for their reckless behavior.
To recover money for a car accident claim, you will need to prove that the other driver was at fault. Our Melville personal injury lawyers will gather evidence to prove that the other party was responsible for the crash. This may include reviewing medical records, analyzing photos and videos of the accident scene, and interviewing witnesses.
In some cases, proving fault is more complicated than simply showing that another driver was on their phone at the time of the wreck. If poor road conditions led to a collision, for example, then you may be able to file a claim against the local government agency responsible for properly maintaining the roads. If you were hurt in a multi-vehicle accident, then it may be more complex to prove that a particular driver was at fault.
Our car accident attorneys are adept at uncovering the facts of a case to find the true cause of a traffic accident. In each case, our goal is to get our clients maximum compensation for their injuries. We go above and beyond to ensure that our clients can hold the responsible party liable for their losses – and get them the money that they deserve.
Car Accident Compensation and Settlements
In any personal injury claim, the injury victim (plaintiff) may be entitled to three different kinds of compensation or damages. This may include:
- Economic damages, which pay for direct financial losses such as property damage, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, medical expenses, and future medical treatment.
- Non-economic damages, which pay for intangible losses like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring, disfigurement, and emotional distress.
- Punitive damages, which punish a wrongdoer for intentional or reckless conduct (and are therefore not available in negligence cases).
Insurance companies typically focus on economic damages and use a multiplier to determine an amount for non-economic damages. They often undervalue both categories of compensation, with the goal of resolving the case for as little money as possible. It is also important to remember that insurance companies have their own bottom line at heart – not your best interests.
A Melville car accident lawyer will put together a strong claim for damages based on the facts of your case and your losses. They will take everything into consideration, including not just your current medical and mental health needs, but how you will be affected in the future. For example, if you will be permanently disabled and will need ongoing medical care plus therapy to deal with the trauma of the accident, your attorney will include that as part of a claim for damages.
The best way to ensure that you get a fair settlement from the insurance company is to work with a skilled personal injury attorney. Insurers have their own teams of adjusters and lawyers, working to minimize your claim and pay out as little as possible. When you have top-notch legal representation, they know that they can’t just get rid of your claim with a lowball settlement offer – and that you’re ready, willing, and able to go to trial if necessary to protect your interests.
Importantly, the majority of personal injury claims are resolved outside of court. Your lawyer may explain that it is necessary to file a lawsuit in order to protect your rights. That doesn’t mean that your case will go to trial. Instead, it’s an opportunity to continue negotiations and ensure that you get the highest possible settlement for your injuries.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Melville?
In the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident, you may not know what you should say or do. These tips can help to keep you safe – and to protect your rights.
First, you should get to safety. Go to the side of the road or the sidewalk, out of traffic. If you are hurt or the car accident is serious, you should consider calling 911.
Second, even if you don’t call an ambulance, you should still seek medical treatment. This step is important to make sure that you get the proper diagnosis and treatment. It will also be important evidence of the connection between the crash and your injuries.
Third, while you are still at the accident scene, try to take photos and videos if you are able to do so. You should also gather information such as the name, license plate number, and insurance info from the other driver. If there are any witnesses, you can ask for their names and phone numbers as well.
Fourth, while talking to the other driver, witnesses, and/or any law enforcement officers, do not apologize or say that it was your fault. You should also not speak to the other driver’s insurance adjuster, give a statement, or sign any paperwork from the insurance company until you have had a chance to talk to a lawyer. Stick to the basic facts and allow your attorney to handle any more detailed communications.
Fifth, as soon as you are able to do so, reach out to our Melville car accident lawyers for a free consultation. They will help you understand your rights and your options for pursuing a claim. If you decide to hire our law firm, we will get to work right away to help you get maximum compensation for your losses.
Hurt in an Accident? We’re Here for You.
No one expects to be hurt in an automobile accident. In the days and weeks after a crash, you may be confused about what to do and overwhelmed by dealing with things like taking time off of work and getting to doctor’s appointments. We can take on the burden of handling your case for you, dealing with the insurance company, and working hard to get you maximum compensation for your injuries.
The Odierno Law Firm only represents accident victims – never the insurance company – in personal injury claims. We have earned our reputation as fierce advocates for clients throughout Suffolk County. To learn more or to schedule a free initial consultation with our Melville car accident lawyers, call our law offices at 631-295-4149 or fill out our online contact form.
How Can I Afford to Hire a Lawyer?
Personal injury law firms typically work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will pay nothing upfront to hire an attorney. Any fee that you pay will be a percentage of your total recovery, whether it is through a negotiated settlement or a verdict at trial.
The Odierno Law Firm handles car accident cases using contingency fee agreements. We understand that our clients are already dealing with a lot of financial uncertainty after an accident, and may not be able to afford an hourly fee or a retainer. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment with a Melville car accident attorney.
The Insurance Company Is Offering Me a Settlement. Should I Take It?
No. You shouldn’t give a statement, sign any documents, or agree to a settlement without first talking to a lawyer. If you agree to anything or sign paperwork, you may be giving up important rights. Even if the insurance adjuster promises you that they take full responsibility for the accident, the chances of their settlement offer fully covering your losses are very small. It is far more likely to be a lowball settlement offer.
At the Odierno Law Firm, we understand that you may not be sure who to trust and what to do after an accident. We will explain your rights and help you understand the true value of your case. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with a Melville car accident lawyer.
Do I Really Need a Lawyer for My Car Accident Case?
In most cases, yes. You should absolutely have a lawyer to represent your interests and to make sure that the insurance company isn’t taking advantage of you. If your crash was relatively minor and involved no injuries, then you may be able to negotiate a settlement for your property damage on your own. Otherwise, if you suffered any type of injury – and especially if you had severe injuries – then you should absolutely have a lawyer.
The Odierno Law Firm isn’t afraid to take on the biggest insurance companies – and win. We will stand by your side and fight to get you full compensation. Call today to talk to our Melville car accident attorneys.
