Each day in Queens and all over New York City, motor vehicle accidents happen, and speaking with a motor vehicle accident attorney Queens residents trust can make all the difference. Whether a fender bumper or a bad truck crash, knowing what to do and what not to believe could make a massive difference in your financial and legal outcome. Victims frequently fall prey to widespread myths that lead to lost compensation, legal complications, or costly delays.
If you’ve been involved in a big wreck, whether with a car or a semi, speaking with an auto accident attorney in Queens is one of the most important things you can do. Here are the five most prominent myths you can perhaps seriously damage your case and how to avoid doing them.
1. “I Don’t Need a Lawyer If the Accident Was Minor.”
This is likely the most dangerous of illusions. Just because your wounds appear minor initially doesn’t mean they won’t deteriorate at a later time. Specific injuries, like whiplash or soft tissue trauma, can take days to materialize.
Even small claims can become complex, especially when insurance companies start playing hardball. An experienced motor vehicle accident attorney in Queens knows how to protect your rights, properly evaluate your claim, and ensure you’re not taken advantage of.
2. “The Insurance Company Will Take Care of Everything.”
It’s easy to take for granted that your insurer is there to protect you, but they’re a company, and companies put profit above all else. Insurance companies like to make low offers or deny claims, especially when commercial trucks are involved.
A New York truck accident lawyer can level the playing field if you are hit by a commercial truck. Trucking companies and their carriers are known to use shady methods, and you’ll need someone aware of state and federal transportation laws.
3. “If I’m Partially at Fault, I Can’t Recover Anything.”
Not true! New York has a comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you’re partially to blame. Your award will only be reduced by your degree of fault.
Suppose you are found 20% at fault for a truck accident in Manhattan. Under New York’s comparative negligence laws, you can still recover compensation for your damages, but your recovery would be reduced in proportion to your level of fault. A Manhattan truck accident lawyer can minimize your share of fault and maximize your award.
4. “I Have Plenty of Time to File a Claim.”
Wrong again. In New York, personal injury lawsuits must usually be commenced within three years of the accident. However, if a government car were involved, you would have as little as 90 days to file a notice of claim.
Delays may start to make you lose your entitlement to compensation. Early consultation with a local lawyer, especially an experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer in Queens, can ensure deadlines are observed, the proof is not compromised, and your claim is solid from the beginning.
5. “Truck Accidents Are Handled the Same Way as Car Accidents.”
Tractor-trailer wrecks are a whole different beast. They usually involve more than one party, from truck drivers to trucking companies to mechanics, and the injuries are more severe. Federal regulations also come into play, which are not part of the typical car wreck.
Because of the complexity, hiring a New York truck accident lawyer or a Manhattan truck accident lawyer with experience handling such cases is significant. A basic personal injury attorney may not have the resources or knowledge to investigate and achieve maximum recovery properly.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been injured in a crash, don’t let myths guide your decisions. The truth is that having the right legal help can mean the difference between a lowball settlement and a life-changing compensation package. Whether it’s a car collision in Queens or a semi-truck crash in Manhattan, speak to a qualified motor vehicle accident attorney in Queens or a specialized truck accident lawyer to protect your rights and your future.
