Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Yonkers

FAQs

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

  You can contact 377-7900, the non-emergency line for the local police department in Yonkers, New York.

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

  Accident reports from 2010 and onwards are only available on the CrashDocs.org website. You can obtain a copy of a police report through the Records Unit located on the Second Floor of the Cacace Justice Center at 104 South Broadway. It is open from 9 AM to 3 PM on Monday through Friday. You can also reach the Records Unit by calling 914-377-7232.

• What are classified as serious injuries in Yonkers, New York?

  Bone fractures, dismemberment, severe disfigurement, and permanent loss of a body organ or system are recognized as serious injuries under New York law, Section 5102(d). Serious injuries may also involve fetal loss, major limiting of a body organ's functions, and non-permanent medically determined disability or impairment that hinders an injured person from doing daily activities for at least 90 of the 180 consecutive days following an accident in Yonkers, New York.

• How are pain and suffering damages calculated in Yonkers, New York?

  The per diem approach and the multiplier method can be used to calculate pain and suffering damages. However, in New York, the multiplier approach is more commonly used. The multiplier approach entails multiplying medical expenditures by a factor ranging from 1 to 5. The per diem technique, on the other hand, involves deciding a daily rate for pain and suffering and multiplying it by the days that the pain and suffering persisted. Since calculating damages may be challenging, it is essential to seek the legal counsel of an experienced Yonkers personal injury lawyer.

• What elements must a claimant prove in a personal injury claim in Yonkers, New York?

  The components a claimant must establish in a personal injury lawsuit involving negligence in Yonkers, New York include: breach of duty, owed a duty of care, breach cause harm, and damage or injuries incurred. The plaintiff must meet the burden of proof by demonstrating that the defendant failed to exercise reasonable care; that the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty to act with reasonable care; that the plaintiff suffered injuries or losses; and that the defendant's failure to exercise reasonable care caused the plaintiff's injuries.

• What is the discovery rule for personal injury cases in Yonkers, New York?

  The discovery rule in New York lasts three years. This implies that the statute of limitations begins when the plaintiff detected the injury or when the plaintiff should have discovered the injury by reasonable diligence. Section 214-C gives a plaintiff more time if he or she discovers indications of a disease but does not know the source of the condition. If you have similar concerns, it is best to speak with an experienced Yonkers personal injury attorney to assist you with your legal options.

• How long do insurance companies have to settle claims in Yonkers, New York?

  Insurance companies in Yonkers, New York normally have 35 business days to settle a claim once it is submitted. However, this can vary depending on the case. Insurance firms have time limits within which they must recognize the claim and decide whether or not to accept it. Your insurance adjuster must acknowledge receipt of your claim within 15 business days under New York law. Insurance companies must launch an investigation within 15 business days. Additionally, insurance companies have 15 days to give acceptance or denial notification.

• 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.