Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Albany

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Albany, New York?

  If you need assistance with any non-emergency concern in Albany, New York, you may call 518-438-4000.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Albany, New York?

  Directly email the Albany Police if you wish to get a copy of the police incident report related to your case.

• How can you ensure you are eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit in Albany?

  To be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit in Albany, you must show that someone else owed you a duty of due care, failed to live up to that duty, and that you were injured as a result. To determine whether you have a valid claim, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer who can evaluate the specific circumstances of your case.

• When is the right time to file a personal injury claim in Albany?

  The right time to file a personal injury claim in Albany is as soon as possible. According to New York state law, you have only three years to file a lawsuit in New York State. This law is known as the statute of limitations. It is crucial to act quickly because waiting to start on your case can put your ability to sue or recover damages at risk.

• What are the benefits of getting a personal injury lawyer in Albany?

  Personal injury lawyers in Albany have the legal expertise, experience, knowledge, and resources. They can investigate all relevant facts surrounding the incident, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, represent you in court if necessary, and seek maximum compensation for damages incurred. A personal injury lawyer can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

• Do you have to go to trial for your personal injury lawsuit in Albany?

  Going to court for a personal injury lawsuit in Albany is only sometimes necessary. Most cases are settled before or during the legal process through alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation or arbitration. A deposition, where the plaintiff answers questions from the defendant's lawyer, may be required before trial. Afterward, both sides can better understand the situation and assess their chances.

• What is the basic steps in filing a personal injury claim in Albany?

  To file a personal injury claim in Albany, you must seek medical treatment and inform the insurance company. Meet with a personal injury lawyer to discuss your claim, and prepare and submit a demand letter backed by evidence. You can either accept a settlement or file a lawsuit. The discovery process allows both parties to gather information about the case. Then it goes to trial, where attorneys argue their respective cases.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.