Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of injury-related death for New York State residents. An annual average of 1,098 deaths, 12,093 hospitalizations and 136,913 emergency department visits occur in New York State each year due to motor vehicle injuries.
Brooklyn sees the highest number of motor vehicle collisions of any borough, accounting for 33% of all accidents citywide. With 32,788 crashes annually, driving in Brooklyn can be treacherous. Traffic congestion, poor driving habits and poorly designed roads are likely reasons this borough is so dangerous for drivers. The intersection of Flatbush Avenue and Coney Island has been cited as one of the most high-risk intersections in all of New York City.
Distracted driving is a major contributor to collisions in New York City. In 2022, 28,753 vehicles were involved in crashes due to driver inattention or distraction. With distractions rampant, drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists are all at risk.
According to the NYC car accident attorney Jay S. Knispel, with so many accidents occurring on New York’s streets and highways, it’s important to get help from an expert and know your options if you are injured in a car crash. If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, a car accident lawyer can advise you on the best course of action. Here are 5 key things to consider when choosing an attorney after a crash:
Experience Handling Car Accident Cases
Choose a lawyer who focuses specifically on auto accident injury cases, not other areas of law. Ask about their success record with previous clients and cases similar to yours. An experienced car accident attorney will know how to build the strongest argument for maximum compensation.
Resources to Take on Insurance Companies
Car insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize payouts. Your attorney needs the staff, time and financial resources to advocate for you and combat insurance company tactics. Make sure they have the bandwidth to dedicate to your case.
Contingency Fee Structure
Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay them unless they succeed with your claim. Typical contingency fees range from 33-40%. Ask upfront about their precise contingency fee percentage.
Reputation for Ethics and Professionalism
Choose an attorney known for fighting passionately yet ethically for their clients. Verify they are licensed in your state and in good standing with no history of disciplinary issues. You want an assertive litigator, not an overly aggressive bully.
Strong Communicator
Opt for an attorney who clearly explains your options, keeps you updated on your case and makes you feel comfortable and confident each step of the way. You’ll likely be working closely together, so make sure you choose someone who is responsive and personable.
With the right car accident lawyer, you can feel fully supported while focusing on your recovery. Do your research and thoughtfully choose an attorney to build the strongest case possible. The compensation you receive can help pay medical bills, replace lost income and get your life back on track after an accident. With so much at stake, take the time to find the best legal representation.
