After you’re in a car accident, you may be overwhelmed with bills, questions, and concerns, all while you’re trying to recover from your injuries. It may feel like too much to deal with on your own, leaving you struggling to cope. That’s where our Melville car accident lawyers come in.
At Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC, we have more than 85 years of experience. When you choose us to represent you in your car accident claim, you will have legal advocates by your side who have decades of experience winning high settlements and verdicts for accident victims.
From our first conversation, our Melville personal injury lawyers will be available to answer your questions as we lead you through the settlement process. Our goal is to seek maximum compensation in your car accident claim. We won’t stop until our goal is met. Contact us today by calling us today or contact us online.
What Is The Average Settlement For a Car Accident in NY?
There is no average car accident settlement in New York. The amount your case could settle for will depend on factors that include the seriousness of your injuries, how much work you have missed, and whether or not you will require ongoing care.
The following are some of the case results we’ve achieved for our car accident clients. Depending on the specifics of your claim, your results may differ.
- $7,900,000 settlement after a one-week trial in the case of a client who suffered permanent brain damage when his car was broadsided during a police chase.
- $1,550,000 settlement for a client who suffered a traumatic brain injury and numerous other serious injuries in a car crash.
- $1,500,000 settlement for a client who suffered a traumatic brain injury and multiple other injuries when they were a passenger in a drunk driving accident.
- $1,380,000 settlement for a client who suffered brain damage and severe injuries when her vehicle was broadsided by a police cruiser.
- $1,300,000 mediated settlement for a client who was injured in a rollover accident after the investigation showed the defendant was texting while driving.
When another person’s carelessness causes you to endure harm bodily, emotionally, or monetarily, that person needs to be held accountable. Our car accident lawyers in Melville will negotiate with the insurance companies to make sure you get adequate compensation.
Why You Should Choose The Melville Car Accident Lawyers At Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC
When you’ve been injured in a car accident, choosing the right legal representation is crucial. Here’s why you should trust the Melville car accident lawyers at Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve:
More Than 85 Years of Experience
As a team of lawyers with over 85 years of combined experience, we have the knowledge, skills, and resources to handle even the most complex car accident cases. Our decades of experience have equipped us with the strategies and insights needed to effectively advocate for our clients and achieve successful outcomes.
Dedicated to Securing Fair Compensation
Our primary goal is to help injured people like you obtain fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a car accident can take, and we work tirelessly to ensure you receive the full amount you’re entitled to under the law.
Prepared to Take Your Case to Court
While many car accident claims can be settled through negotiations with insurance companies, we are always prepared to take your case to court when necessary. Our trial-ready approach sends a strong message to the opposition that we are willing to fight for your rights in front of a judge and jury, which can often lead to better settlement offers.
Free Consultations and Contingency Fees
We believe that everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we offer free consultations to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Additionally, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront, and we only collect a fee if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
Don’t settle for less than you deserve after a car accident. Let us fight for your rights, your recovery, and your future. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward securing the justice you deserve.
What Compensation Can I Receive With A Car Accident Claim?
When you file a car accident claim in New York, the compensation you may be entitled to receive is divided into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages. The purpose of this compensation is to help you recover the losses you’ve incurred due to someone else’s negligence.
Economic damages, also known as special damages, are designed to reimburse you for the quantifiable financial losses you’ve suffered as a result of the accident. These may include:
- Medical expenses: This covers the cost of all medical treatment related to your accident, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and any future medical expenses you may incur.
- Lost wages: If your injuries have forced you to miss work or have reduced your earning capacity, you can seek compensation for the income you’ve lost as a result.
- Property damage: This includes the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property that was damaged in the accident.
- Other out-of-pocket expenses: You may also be able to recover costs such as transportation to and from medical appointments, home modifications to accommodate a disability, or the cost of hiring someone to perform household tasks you can no longer do yourself.
Non-economic damages, also known as general damages, are intended to compensate you for the subjective, non-monetary losses you’ve suffered due to the accident. In New York, you can only recover non-economic damages if your injuries meet the state’s “serious injury” threshold.
New York’s Serious Injury Threshold
In order for an injury to meet New York’s serious injury threshold, your injuries must result in at least one of the following:
- Death
- Dismemberment
- Significant disfigurement
- Bone fracture
- Loss of a fetus
- Permanent limitation of use of a body organ or member
- Significant limitation of use of a body function or system
- Substantially full disability for 90 days
If your injuries meet this threshold, you may be able to recover non-economic damages such as:
- Pain and suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain and discomfort you’ve experienced as a result of your injuries.
- Emotional distress: If the accident has caused you to suffer mental anguish, anxiety, depression, or other psychological trauma, you may be able to recover damages for emotional distress.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries have prevented you from participating in activities you once enjoyed or have diminished your overall quality of life, you can seek compensation for this loss.
- Loss of consortium: This compensates your spouse for the loss of companionship, support, and intimate relations as a result of your injuries.
It’s important to note that every car accident case is unique, and the specific damages you may be entitled to will depend on the circumstances of your accident and the extent of your injuries. An experienced New York car accident attorney can help you assess the full value of your claim and fight to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
A Melville Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You With Complex Claims
After a car accident, filing a claim for compensation can quickly become complex – especially if you don’t accept the at-fault party’s insurance company’s first settlement offer. Our dedicated team of attorneys can help take the pressure off you during this difficult time.
Here are some situations when it is advisable to contact a New York car accident lawyer:
- You suffered any injury, even if it initially seems minor. Some injuries worsen over time.
- Your accident-related medical bills exceed $1,000. Costs add up quickly.
- Your injury caused missed work and lost wages.
- The insurance companies are disputing fault or being difficult to work with.
- The claims adjusters are pressuring you to accept a quick settlement.
- There are questions about contributing factors like poor road conditions or mechanical failures.
- An insurance provider denied your injury claim.
- You are making a claim with your own insurance provider under uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
- The accident involved a commercial vehicle like a big rig or company-owned vehicle.
- Your accident resulted in permanent disability or impairment.
- The case may warrant demanding punitive damages for gross negligence, like DUI.
Our team of car accident lawyers has experience handling these types of cases and can level the playing field against insurance companies that are aiming to minimize payouts. Protect your rights by contacting us before you sign any agreements or make any statements that can be held against you.
Melville Car Accident Lawyer Faqs
How Much Do Car Accident Lawyers Charge in Melville, NY?
When you choose a lawyer from Trantolo & Trantolo, you won’t need to pay until your case’s successful conclusion. We know car accidents can happen to anyone, and not everyone can afford lawyer fees right away. That’s why you only pay us if we win your case and get you money for your injuries. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.
How Can an Attorney Help Prove a Melville Car Accident Claim?
If you get into a car accident near Melville, it’s a good idea to talk to our car accident lawyers as soon as possible after the wreck. New York’s car accident law can be complex, and a lawyer can help you avoid mistakes.
Getting a lawyer quickly can help make your case stronger. We’ll gather evidence and information, talk to witnesses who saw the accident, and even call in expert witnesses when necessary. It might sound complicated, but a complimentary consultation with a lawyer from our firm can help you get started and increase your chances of getting the money you deserve.
Does a Car Accident Claim Need to Go to Trial?
Most car accident cases are settled without having to go to court. The two sides negotiate and try to agree on a solution that works for both parties. Once they agree and sign a deal, you can’t take the issue to court. That’s why it’s important to ensure your compensation is fair and adequate before agreeing to anything.
At Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC, our Melville car accident lawyers study your case and determine how much compensation you should get. If we can’t negotiate a fair settlement, we’re ready to go to court for you.
The Deadline To File A Car Accident Claim In Melville
The statute of limitations for car accident claims in New York is generally three years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this three-year window, you’ll likely lose your right to seek compensation through the court system.
It’s crucial to understand the statute of limitations for several reasons:
- Preservation of evidence: As time passes, evidence related to your accident may become harder to obtain or disappear altogether. Witnesses’ memories may fade, and physical evidence may be lost or destroyed. By filing your claim within the statute of limitations, you improve your chances of gathering the necessary evidence to support your case.
- Timely resolution: The statute of limitations encourages plaintiffs to file their claims promptly, which can lead to a quicker resolution of the case. This is beneficial for both parties, as it helps avoid the uncertainty and stress of a prolonged legal process.
- Compliance with the law: Understanding the statute of limitations is essential to ensure that you file your claim within the legal timeframe. If you miss the deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you’ll be barred from seeking compensation through the legal system.
Given the importance of the statute of limitations, we recommend you consult with a Melville car accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident. We can help you understand the specific deadlines that apply to your case and ensure that your claim is filed in a timely manner to protect your right to seek compensation.
Protect The Value Of Your Car Accident Claim By Avoiding These 5 Mistakes
Did you know what you do in the aftermath of a wreck can lessen the value of your Melville car accident claim? In fact, there are mistakes that could cause your claim to be denied entirely. The five biggest mistakes plaintiffs can make during a car accident claim are:
Mistake #1: Failing to Seek Medical Attention Promptly
It can be human nature to automatically say, “I’m okay,” and try to tough it out after a wreck. But it’s not a good idea. One of the most critical steps after a car accident is to seek medical attention, even if you don’t believe you’ve been seriously injured. Failing to do so can not only jeopardize your health but also harm your legal claim. It’s essential to have a clear record of your injuries and treatment to support your claim for damages.
Mistake #2: Admitting Fault or Apologizing at the Scene
In the aftermath of an accident, it’s natural to want to apologize or express regret, even if you don’t believe you were at fault. However, any admission of fault or apology can be used against you by the other party’s insurance company to deny or reduce your claim. It’s best to avoid discussing fault at the scene and instead focus on exchanging necessary information and seeking medical attention.
Mistake #3: Accepting a Quick Settlement Offer
Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for the lowest amount possible. They may contact you soon after the accident, offering a settlement that seems generous at first glance. However, accepting an initial offer without understanding the full extent of your damages can be a serious mistake. Once you accept a settlement, you typically waive your right to seek additional compensation, even if your injuries turn out to be more severe than initially thought.
Mistake #4: Failing to Gather Evidence
To build a strong car accident claim, you’ll need evidence to support your case. Failing to gather critical evidence at the scene or in the days following the accident can make it harder to prove liability and damages. This evidence may include photos of the accident scene, witness contact information, and police reports. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be when negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in court.
Mistake #5: Talking About Your Car Accident on Social Media
Another part of modern human nature is wanting to share our lives online, especially when something unexpected happens. You may want to tell your friends and family about your accident, your injuries, or how you’re feeling, but you should do so privately if you’re involved in a claim. In fact, it’s best to stay off social media entirely until your claim is settled.
By avoiding these common mistakes and working with a skilled car accident attorney, plaintiffs can improve their chances of securing a fair settlement or verdict that compensates them for their injuries and losses.
Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer In Melville, New York
Reach out to our Melville car accident attorneys to learn more about how we can help you. Our team is ready to take the weight off your shoulders as we advocate for you. Let Our Family, Help Your Family.