Rochester Personal Injury FAQ

The stress and uncertainty that comes after you’ve been hurt by someone else’s negligence are difficult, especially when your finances, your emotions, and your well-being are impacted. Your next step should be to seek compensation through a personal injury claim, but dealing with all the intricacies that come with your case alone could cause additional problems.

The last thing you want while you’re recovering is to deal with a lengthy and overwhelming legal procedure. For this reason, it’s recommended to discuss your case with a personal injury lawyer, like those at Brown Chiari LLP. Staying informed about the frequently asked questions regarding cases similar to yours can increase your chances of success and get rid of doubts. 

What’s the most important element of my case?

Personal injury claims exist on the basis of negligence. This term, in the legal field, refers to a failure to exercise a reasonable amount of care that another individual would have exercised under the same circumstances. If the evidence gathered can attribute this element to the defendant, it will be the first step towards considering them liable for what happened. 

Do I have to report an accident?

Reporting an accident allows you to receive written proof of what happened. This is considered evidence and will be an important element for your compensation. This document contains specific information about the circumstances and the dynamics of your accident, which can be used to understand who’s at fault. Skipping this step could negatively impact your claim’s value. 

Another important thing to remember is that in New York, in certain scenarios, you’re required by law to report an accident as soon as possible. The most common example is represented by car accidents that result in severe injuries and considerable property damage. Negotiation with insurance companies will also be easier after you obtain an accident report.

When should I consider filing a personal injury claim?

While taking some time to elaborate on what happened and how it will change your life is understandable, you must not forget that all cases are subject to time limits. These are also known as a statute of limitations. In New York, you have three years from the date of an accident to take legal action. Anything done after this deadline will be quickly dismissed. 

Keep in mind that building an effective claim with strong evidence that can back it up while simultaneously proving your innocence and the defendant’s negligence can’t be done in a few days. That’s why it would be in your best interests to seek advice from a personal injury lawyer as soon as you’re able to. 

Is a lawyer necessary?

There’s no law that forces you to seek legal representation, but following this path may be bad for your claim. Personal injury cases are complex, and all it takes is a single mistake for your claim to lose all its value. That’s not to mention that insurance companies will use a plaintiff’s lack of knowledge against them. 

The chances of properly calculating your claim’s true value while being awarded both economic and non-economic damages without a qualified attorney’s help may be low. Their knowledge is vital to your case’s outcome, as they’re able to recognize a lowball settlement offer at first glance. If you want to protect your finances, an injury lawyer is your best option.

Is medical care important for my personal injury case?

Seeking prompt medical treatment is a priority after any type of accident. Delayed symptoms are common when head trauma is involved, and healthcare professionals are the only experts who can take action before complications cause life-long consequences. 

A doctor’s appointment will not only protect your health but your case too. This step allows you to obtain medical records which explain the nature of your injuries and how they were caused by another individual’s negligence. Your treatment and how your injuries evolve will also be taken into consideration, especially if constant assistance is required in the future. 

Connect with a New York Personal Injury Attorney 

If you’re still having doubts and want answers to additional questions, you’ll be happy to know that an experienced Brown Chiari LLP personal injury lawyer is ready to assist you in the best way possible. We can file a claim on your behalf and work towards a positive outcome before insurance adjusters take advantage of your situation. 

All it takes is a phone call to get in touch with our firm. You can schedule your free case evaluation by calling 716-681-7190 or completing the online contact form on this website.