Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Mount Vernon

FAQs

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

  The residents of Mount Vernon can report non-emergency cases to the local police by dialing 914-665-2500.

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

  Police reports in Mount Vernon can be obtained by visiting https://www.nyc.gov/site/nypd/index.page, and crash reports can be requested through https://www.ny.gov/agencies/department-motor-vehicles. In-person requests are accommodated at NYSDMV, MV-198 C Processing, 6 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12228. Requestors are encouraged to provide as many details as they can regarding the case.

• Is it important to seek medical attention after being in an accident in Mount Vernon, even if the victim doesn't feel anything?

  Yes, seeking medical care after an accident in Mount Vernon is important. Some injuries may show symptoms hours or days after the accident, and getting medical attention protects your civil rights as medical records are often used as evidence which helps build a strong case. Also, delaying medical care may be used against you by the other party.

• What is a subrogation lien in a personal injury case in Mount Vernon?

  The amount of money that can be used to aid in your recovery may be reduced by subrogation liens. Other organizations in Mount Vernon, often insurance firms, can legitimately ask for a percentage of your overall financial settlement or award following a personal injury lawsuit. Fortunately, a personal injury attorney may be able to reduce the lien's amount or decide whether you must pay it once your lawsuit is over.

• Are all personal injury cases in Mount Vernon covered by insurance?

  Insurance companies typically include personal injuries, as having a policy is required by law to cover unexpected situations. Besides people having insurance policies, entities such as nursing homes, hospitals, construction companies, and other businesses are also required by the law to carry insurance to cover workplace accidents.

• How is a catastrophic injury defined in Mount Vernon?

  An injury is deemed catastrophic if it is so serious that it has long-term effects. A catastrophic injury in Mount Vernon frequently makes it impossible for a victim to return to work or lead the same quality of life as before the disaster. A lifetime of medical care or rehabilitation may be necessary for catastrophic injuries.

• What are the common types of personal injuries sustained by victims in Mount Vernon?

  In Mount Vernon, common personal injuries include broken or fractured bones, whiplash, burns, internal organ damage, paralysis, and loss of limbs. Aside from physical injuries, victims can also suffer emotional and psychological distress from the accident, which can diminish their quality of life.

• 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.