Introduction
Car accidents can leave you shaken, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do next. Your first instinct might be to check for injuries, call the police, or exchange insurance details. But once the dust settles, the reality of medical bills, car repairs, lost wages, and uncooperative insurance companies sets in. That’s when you might ask yourself—do I need a car accident attorney?
New York is a no-fault insurance state, meaning that in most cases, your own insurance covers your medical expenses and financial losses, regardless of who was at fault. However, there are certain situations where hiring an experienced car accident lawyer can be the difference between securing the compensation you deserve and walking away with nothing.
Here’s when you should consider calling Lockamy & Associates to protect your rights and fight for fair compensation.
1. When the At-Fault Driver is Uninsured or Underinsured
New York law requires all drivers to carry auto insurance, but that doesn’t mean everyone follows the rules. If you get into an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, your case becomes more complicated.
Why you need a lawyer:
• Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage may not be enough to handle all your expenses.
• You may need to file an uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) claim through your own policy.
• An attorney can explore alternative ways to recover compensation, including a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Without legal representation, you risk missing out on compensation that could help with medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care.
2. When You Suffer Serious or Permanent Injuries
New York’s no-fault insurance covers economic losses, such as medical bills and lost income, but it does not provide compensation for pain and suffering unless your injuries meet the serious injury threshold under state law.
Types of injuries that may qualify:
• Fractures or broken bones
• Permanent loss of a body function
• Significant disfigurement or scarring
• Injuries requiring long-term medical treatment or surgery
• Injuries that prevent you from working or returning to daily activities
Why you need a lawyer:
• A lawyer can determine if your injuries qualify for a lawsuit beyond the no-fault system.
• An attorney can help you pursue compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and long-term disabilities.
• Legal experts can calculate future medical expenses and lost earning capacity, ensuring you don’t settle for less than what you need.
If your injuries have long-term effects, having an attorney on your side is crucial.
3. When the Insurance Company Delays or Denies Your Claim
Insurance companies protect their profits, not accident victims. If your insurer delays, denies, or undervalues your claim, they may be acting in bad faith to avoid paying what you deserve.
Signs the insurance company isn’t playing fair:
• They offer a low settlement that doesn’t cover all your expenses.
• They delay payments, hoping you’ll give up.
• They deny your claim without a clear reason.
• They pressure you to settle quickly, before you understand your full medical prognosis.
Why you need a lawyer:
• A car accident attorney can negotiate aggressively with insurers and ensure they pay what you deserve.
• An experienced lawyer can recognize bad faith tactics and take legal action if needed.
• If the insurance company refuses to settle, your lawyer can take your case to court.
Don’t let an insurance company decide what your case is worth—let us fight for you.
4. When the Other Driver Disputes Fault
Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, the other driver might claim otherwise to avoid responsibility. Without strong evidence, you could find yourself blamed for an accident you didn’t cause, which could reduce or eliminate your ability to recover compensation.
Why you need a lawyer:
An attorney can conduct an independent investigation to gather evidence proving who was at fault.
They work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze crash details.
They collect witness statements, dashcam footage, and surveillance videos to support your claim.
If liability is unclear, a lawyer can protect your rights and ensure you aren’t wrongfully blamed.
Do You Need a Car Accident Lawyer? Let’s Talk
Not every accident requires legal intervention, but if you’re facing serious injuries, financial losses, or uncooperative insurance companies, an attorney can make all the difference.
At Lockamy & Associates, we fight for car accident victims across New York City. Whether negotiating a settlement or taking your case to trial, we work to get you the compensation you deserve.
Call us today for a FREE consultation.
