If you have suffered serious injuries in an accident in Rochester. because of someone’s negligence (or misconduct), you can file a personal injury claim. Proving a claim, however, isn’t the easiest task. To win a claim, you must prove two important things –
- The other party’s negligence is the direct cause of your injuries
- The other party owed you a duty of care
In this post, we are discussing whether you should hire a Rochester personal injury attorney, along with facts that can help your claim.
Statute of limitations in NY
New York’s statute of limitations gives a deadline of three years to file a personal injury claim after an accident. If you don’t take action in time, your case will be dismissed by the court. Also, the statute of limitations doesn’t extend to insurance claims. If insurance is involved, you are required to inform the insurer within a reasonable time.
Reasons to call a personal injury attorney
You can choose to work on your personal injury claim on your own. Hiring a lawyer is more about harnessing their expertise. Insurance companies make money through claims, and not by paying settlements. The claims adjuster may try very hard to minimize what they pay, and you need an attorney to negotiate on your behalf. While most personal injury lawsuits in NY are settled outside of court, you will need a lawyer if your matter ends up in trial. Lawyers can also handle the procedures, ensure that they gather enough evidence for the case to win a fair settlement.
How much do lawyers cost?
In NY, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee, but it also depends on the facts of the case. If the lawyer is working on a contingency fee, they only get paid if they win. The fee is a fixed percentage of the settlement received, ranging from 25% and 40%. Experienced attorneys often charge more, but a lot rides on the circumstances and work involved.
Meeting a personal injury lawyer in Rochester
Attorneys usually offer free initial consultation for personal injury lawsuits, and this can be a good opportunity to know the lawyer. Ensure that you know the experience and work profile of the lawyer, and if needed, ask for references. A good attorney will always have positive reviews online. Also, ask the lawyer about how they can help with other case expenses.
Look up on Google to find personal injury lawyers in NY.
