New York Traffic Accident FAQ's

Question: Do I need a lawyer?

Answer: No matter what kind of accident you have been involved in, you should get a competent legal opinion on your rights and responsibilities that were affected by the accident. Legal rights are affected by any accident and it is in your best interests to have a knowledgeable attorney review the facts of your case before deciding what course of action to pursue. An experienced attorney can evaluate your case and tell you what to expect. The attorney can recommend appropriate medical treatment, negotiate a replacement automobile, negotiate to have your automobile repaired, and negotiate a fair and full settlement with the insurance company that takes into account all of your damages, including your pain and suffering. And you can find out all this in an initial, no-cost, no-obligation consultation.

The other option open to you is to attempt to negotiate for yourself. Against the battery of lawyers and claims adjusters employed by the insurance company. Who get paid, praised and promoted for keeping their side's costs down. Who know the business, know what to look for that might be hidden, waiting to be discovered only after the settlement check has been cashed and your rights to a full and fair compensation for your injuries, to yourself and your car, irretrievably thrown away.

Question: What will this cost me?

Answer: Using an experienced attorney can actually increase the amount of money you will be paid to compensate you for the accident, so that even after the attorney's fee is paid you will have more money in your pocket than if you attempted to represent yourself. An experienced trial attorney knows what you are entitled to receive as compensation. He or she knows all that you should receive to put you back in the position you were in immediately before the accident, and the insurance companies know this. Having an experienced trial attorney on your side, representing only you, tells the insurance company that you are serious about protecting your rights. They know better than to try a low-ball offer, misrepresent their obligations or tell you that you have to take whatever they offer. Peace of mind from knowing your interests are being protected allows you to get back to your life with as few delays as possible and with a settlement that fairly compensates you for the accident.

Question: What is a contingency fee?

Answer: A contingency fee has been called the poor man's key to the courthouse. You agree to pay a percentage of the amount your attorney obtains for you in exchange for the legal representation and expertise of the attorney. This fee is paid from the proceeds of the settlement, so you do not have to pay any money out of your own pocket to get aggressive protection of your rights. If there is no recovery, there is no fee.

Question: Will I have to sue?

Answer: Sometimes a lawsuit is the only option when the insurance company offers an unfair settlement amount. It is then necessary to sue to protect your rights to full and fair compensation. An experienced trial attorney can calculate the value of your case so you will know whether the offer from the insurance company is adequate or not.

Question: Isn't it better to take the insurance company's settlement offer instead of risking a trial where I might lose and get nothing?

Answer: Your attorney can advise you but it is your claim and your injury so you have to make the final decision of whether to settle or go to trial. Your attorney's experience can guide you in making your decision. He or she knows the chances of success at trial and how far below a full and adequate settlement the insurance offer is.

Wingate, Russoti & Shapiro, New York Auto Accident Lawyers, have successfully represented 1000's of people injured in automobile accidents and traffic collisions. One such case involved a $2.5 million recovery for a 57 year-old man who was struck by a car while walking his dog on the side of a roadway. He suffered a fractured ankle, ruptured spleen, internal bleeding and an aggravation of a long standing kidney insufficiency. In another case we recovered $1 million for an 18 year old student who was injured when a car driven by his friend drove off the road and hit a tree. His injuries consisted of fractures of his femur, facial bones and ribs which required several operations. This experience has resulted in giving us the legal expertise and financial resources to handle our clients' cases in the most effective manner. We have the dedication and commitment to making sure we do everything possible to achieve the maximum results in each client's case.

IF YOU HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT IN NEW YORK, CALL WINGATE, RUSSOTI & SHAPIRO - NEW YORK MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT LAWYERS - TODAY FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION OR CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT OUR CONVENIENT AND CONFIDENTIAL ONLINE AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT CASE EVALUATION FORM.

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Suite 2750
New York, NY 10170

Telephone: 212-986-7353
Fax: 212-953-4308
E-mail: wrs@wrslaw.com