If you’re injured in an accident; going to the hospital, getting checked out is the first and most important thing that you can do.
Car accidents often cause more damage and consequences than people expect. You often have to deal with property damage requiring you to repair or replace your vehicle, and you may suffer severe injuries impacting your ability to work and engage in daily activities. Fighting the insurance company places further strain on victims who simply want to focus on their recovery and get the support they need.
At Meirowitz & Wasserberg, you will find a team of experienced and skilled car accident lawyers who help victims navigate the claim process, negotiate with insurance companies, pursue litigations, and fight for fair compensation for their damages. If you’ve been injured in an accident in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Florida, we can help. Contact us for a free case evaluation today.
What to Expect From the Car Accident Legal Process
Car accident cases can often be too challenging to handle alone. If you decide to file a claim and seek compensation for damages, there are numerous pitfalls to avoid. In addition, insurance companies won’t make it easy for you—they are motivated solely by their bottom lines and will not look out for your best interests.
An experienced car accident lawyer knows the legal process and the tactics insurers use to minimize your claim. Meirowitz & Wasserberg has an award-winning team that provides full-service legal representation to handle the legal process while you focus on your recovery. That process involves the following steps:
Consultation and Assessment of the Case
At Meirowitz & Wasserberg, our car accident attorneys start with a free consultation.
At the initial consultation, our knowledgeable and skilled lawyers will assess your claim and provide basic information about your rights and how you can pursue them.
Filing the Claim
Your lawyer will file a claim on your behalf, including a demand package that lays out the damages you sustained and how much compensation you seek.
Investigation of the Accident
Our attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident and gather evidence to prove your case, including the following:
- Witness statements
- Statements from both drivers
- Police Reports
- Physical evidence, including skid marks and debris
- Photos from the accident scene
- Any video footage of the accident
- The damage to both vehicles
- Injuries and medical records
Settlement Negotiations
Your lawyer and the insurance company will negotiate toward a settlement that fairly compensates you for all the damages you sustained in the accident. Car accident claims often involve multiple rounds of negotiations.
Lawsuit and Trial
If you cannot reach an agreement with the insurance company through negotiation, the next step is taking the case to court. Your lawyer will file the legal paperwork, engage in discovery, and represent you in court. If you do not receive a settlement offer that fully compensates you for your damages, our award-winning trial attorneys won’t hesitate to try your case before a jury.
The Benefits of Hiring Meirowitz & Wasserberg for Car Accidents
At Meirowitz & Wasserberg, you will find award-winning car accident attorneys that handle NYC, Bronx, Newark, Fort Lauderdale, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Houston, Chicago and Wilmington car accident cases. Our lawyers have the expertise to guide you through your claim and help you maximize the compensation you can recover.
Our past case results show our proven track record of negotiating settlements and winning verdicts for our clients for a wide range of injuries. When you hire our attorneys, you can feel confident we will passionately fight for the compensation you deserve.
Free Consultation and Assessment of Your Case
We provide a free consultation to analyze your case, assess your damages, and determine who bears liability for your accident. Connect with one of our experienced car accident lawyers and learn more about your rights.
No Legal Fees Unless the Case is Won
Don’t worry about affording the legal support you deserve. We work on a contingency basis. We do not charge legal fees unless we win your car accident case.
Personalized Service and Responsive Communication
We provide personalized support at every step of the process and regularly communicate to update you about your case.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Most car accidents occur because of negligence. All drivers have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care when operating their vehicles. When they fail to meet that duty, accidents can happen. Some common reasons for accidents include the following:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving claims more than 3,500 lives annually. Common distractions include texting, cell phones, eating, drinking, applying makeup, and conversations with passengers.
Illegal Turns
Making a turn that violates the rules of the road raises the risk of an accident.
Speeding
Not only does speeding make it more difficult to control a vehicle, but it also increases the amount of force behind an accident, causing more severe injuries.
Failure to Yield
When another driver has the right-of-way, failure to yield causes vehicles to collide.
Improper maintenance
Ignoring necessary maintenance on a vehicle, from changing tires on time to taking care of brakes, engines, and steering, increases the risk of a malfunction that will cause an accident.
Untrained or Undertrained Drivers
Young drivers have a higher risk of causing an accident than older drivers due to their relative inexperience.
Sleep-Deprived or Fatigued Drivers
Drowsy driving has many of the same effects as driving while intoxicated and increases the risk of an accident.
Poor Road Conditions
Dangerous road conditions, including damaged roads, weather conditions, and debris, increase the accident risk.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accident injuries take many forms, including the following:
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Scrapes and cuts
- Soft tissue injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Emotional injuries, including increased anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, seeking legal representation as soon as possible is important. Meirowitz & Wasserberg has extensive experience handling car accident cases.
Our team of dedicated attorneys is committed to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you.
CONTACT USCar Accident FAQs
What Should I Do if I Am Injured in a Car Accident?
If you suffer injuries in a car accident:
- Report the accident
- Get medical care
- Contact a lawyer as soon as possible
- Follow your medical care provider’s instructions
- Keep track of all medical bills and related expenses
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Car Accident?
Often, the driver who engages in negligent behavior bears liability for a car accident. However, other parties may share liability, such as:
- The employer of a driver on the clock
- The manufacturer of a faulty vehicle
- A mechanic who provided shoddy maintenance
- The owner of a vehicle who failed to properly maintain it
- Government entities and property owners responsible for hazardous road conditions
Can I File a Lawsuit for a Car Accident?
You can file a lawsuit for a car accident within your state’s statute of limitations.
How Is Liability Determined in Car Accident Cases?
The insurance company and your lawyer will examine all evidence from the accident, including the police report, witness statements, and the damage to the vehicle, to determine liability.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Car Accident Case?
In a case accident case, you can recover economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages compensate for the quantifiable losses you have suffered. Non-economic damages cover the harder-to-value effects on your life. Some typical losses you can seek compensation for include:
- Medical costs
- Property damage
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Lost earning capacity
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit for a Car Accident?
You have until the statute of limitations expires to file a car accident claim. The statute of limitations varies by state.
Do I Need a Lawyer to handle my car accident case?
A lawyer can help you get maximum compensation for your claim. The attorneys at Meirowitz & Wasserberg have the skills and experience to try your case if needed. Consider hiring a car accident attorney if you suffered injuries or financial losses.
How Much Will It Cost Me To Hire a Lawyer for My Car Accident Case?
At Meirowitz & Wasserberg, we start with a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay unless we win.
How Long Does it Take for Settlement of Car Accident Claims?
It takes several months or longer to settle most car accident claims. If the case proceeds to trial, it can take over a year.
What Sets Meirowitz & Wasserberg Apart in Handling Car Accident Cases?
At Meirowitz & Wasserberg, our nationally recognized trial attorneys have a proven history of results you can count on. Our lawyers fight aggressively to help you recover the compensation you deserve while maintaining communication with our clients.
Will I Have To Go to Court if I File a Lawsuit for My Car Accident?
Most car accident claims settle out of court. However, having a lawyer on your side is critical if you do have to go to court.
About The Author
Samuel Meirowitz
Founding Partner
Samuel Meirowitz, a founding partner of Meirowitz & Wasserberg, has been recognized by New York Metro Super Lawyers annually since 2016. A Cardozo School of Law graduate and former prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney's Office, he won the first multimillion-dollar asbestos verdict in a New York federal court in over 20 years.
