If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Buffalo, New York, you may be feeling overwhelmed. Car accidents bring on a rush of emotions—confusion, fear, and even anger as you try to make sense of what happened and figure out what to do next. During this difficult time, it’s common to be flooded with questions, and it’s important to understand that you’re not alone. If you’re wondering how to approach your car accident claim or seeking the help of a lawyer to guide you through the legal process, you’re in the right place. At Friedman & Ranzenhofer, we understand your worries and are here to provide the support you need in making the best decisions for your case.
Robert Friedman
Michael Ranzenhofer
Sam Alba
Justin Friedman
John Dracup
When it comes to car accident claims, there is a lot of misinformation out there, and it’s easy to become confused. Many people fall victim to myths that can negatively affect their claims. In this post, we will clear up some of the most common myths surrounding car accident claims in Buffalo, New York, and provide you with the correct information to help you move forward.
You Don’t Need a Lawyer if the Accident Was Minor
One of the most common misconceptions people have after a car accident is that they only need a lawyer if the accident was severe or if injuries were obvious. It’s easy to think that a minor fender-bender doesn’t require legal action, but that is not necessarily the case. Even a seemingly minor accident can result in hidden injuries, such as soft tissue damage or whiplash, which may not show symptoms immediately. Additionally, insurance companies can be difficult to deal with, and they might try to offer you a settlement that is far lower than what you deserve. A lawyer can help you protect your rights and ensure that you’re compensated fairly, even if the accident seems like a small matter.
Even if you don’t feel injured right away, it’s still wise to consult with a car accident lawyer. What seems like a simple accident could turn into something much more complex. A lawyer can help you understand your options and guide you through every step of the claim process, helping to ensure that you don’t miss out on critical compensation for potential injuries or damages.
Insurance Companies Always Offer Fair Settlements
Another myth that many people believe is that insurance companies always offer fair settlements. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. Insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to minimize their financial losses. They may try to settle your claim quickly with an offer that seems reasonable on the surface but is often far below what you are entitled to. Insurance adjusters are trained to settle claims for as little as possible, and without a lawyer advocating for you, it can be difficult to know if you’re getting a fair offer.
You may think that negotiating with the insurance company is straightforward, but the process is often more complicated than you expect. It can involve detailed negotiations, and you may need expert advice to understand the full scope of your injuries and damages. Having an attorney who understands the tactics used by insurance companies can make a huge difference in the outcome of your claim.
Your Case Will Take Years to Resolve
Many people mistakenly believe that car accident claims take years to resolve. While it’s true that some cases may take time, the idea that every claim takes an inordinate amount of time is a myth. In reality, the length of time it takes to resolve your case depends on various factors, such as the complexity of your injuries, the amount of evidence involved, and whether there are any disputes about who is at fault.
In some cases, car accident claims can be resolved relatively quickly through negotiation with the insurance company or a settlement agreement. If the case goes to court, it may take longer, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be a prolonged process. An experienced attorney can work to expedite the process and keep you informed about what to expect at each stage.
You Can Only Receive Compensation for Physical Injuries
Another common misconception is that car accident claims only cover physical injuries. While it’s true that physical injuries are a major part of many car accident claims, they are not the only damages that can be compensated. In addition to medical expenses and pain and suffering related to physical injuries, you may also be entitled to compensation for other types of harm, such as emotional distress or property damage.
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If you’ve missed work due to your injuries, you can seek compensation for lost wages. Additionally, if your car was damaged or totaled in the accident, the costs of repair or replacement are also part of the claim. It’s essential to understand that you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages, not just physical injuries. A skilled attorney will be able to help you evaluate all of your potential damages and ensure you are seeking full compensation for everything you’ve suffered.
You Don’t Have a Case If You Were Partially at Fault
Many people believe that if they were partially at fault for the accident, they cannot pursue a claim. However, this is not always the case in New York. Under the state’s comparative negligence law, you can still file a claim even if you were partially at fault, as long as your degree of fault is not greater than 50%. The amount of compensation you are awarded will be reduced in proportion to the percentage of fault assigned to you, but you are still entitled to pursue damages.
For example, if you were involved in an accident where both drivers were partially at fault, and the court determines that you were 30% responsible for the accident, you can still receive 70% of the compensation you would otherwise be entitled to. It’s important to speak with a lawyer to determine how this law applies to your case and to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
You Can Handle Everything on Your Own
While it’s certainly possible to handle your car accident claim on your own, it’s often not in your best interest. Many individuals assume that they can navigate the legal and insurance processes without professional help, but the reality is that personal injury law is complex, and car accident claims involve many details that can be overwhelming to manage alone.
Having a lawyer on your side can help ensure that you don’t overlook important aspects of your claim and that you are making informed decisions at each step. From negotiating with the insurance company to filing necessary paperwork, an attorney can take on the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
At Friedman & Ranzenhofer, we understand the confusion and worry you may be experiencing after a car accident. We are here to help you navigate the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Whether your case is straightforward or involves complex factors like partial fault, our team will work with you to ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your car accident claim and want the guidance of an experienced team, we encourage you to reach out to us today. Together, we can help you secure the results you need to move forward with your life. Don’t face this challenge alone—let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
To learn more about this subject click here: Can You Sue a Government Entity for Personal Injury in Buffalo, NY?