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If you were injured in a car accident in Garden City and the crash wasn’t your fault, speaking with a personal injury lawyer can be a critical step toward protecting your rights. Insurance companies often offer quick settlements that fall short of covering your full losses. An experienced Garden City car accident attorney can evaluate your claim, deal with insurers, and pursue the compensation you’re entitled to under New York law. This article explains when hiring a lawyer makes sense, what benefits legal representation offers, and how The Saul Law Firm supports injured drivers in Garden City.
Why You Should Consider a Lawyer After a Not-at-Fault Accident
Even when you’re clearly not at fault, insurance companies are focused on minimizing what they pay. Many drivers in Garden City are caught off guard when insurers downplay injuries, delay processing claims, or push low settlement offers to close the case quickly.
A personal injury lawyer can step in to protect your interests. They know how to challenge these tactics and pursue the full value of your claim. Without legal help, you may accept a settlement that doesn’t cover future medical care, lost income, or long-term effects of your injuries.
For example, a Garden City driver is rear-ended at a stoplight and sustains a back injury. The insurance company makes an initial offer of $5,000, calling it a “generous” settlement. However, the driver consults an attorney before accepting the offer. The lawyer reviews the case and advises that the driver’s damages are worth far more than $5,000. The insurance company had not included compensation for physical therapy, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Legal representation can make the difference in receiving a fair settlement for the full value of damages versus accepting a low offer.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer in Garden City?
Hiring a lawyer after a not-at-fault accident offers several key advantages, especially under New York’s no-fault insurance rules and Nassau County court procedures:
- Full claim valuation: A lawyer can assess the total value of your claim, including current and future medical costs, lost income, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
- Handling legal requirements: Your attorney will manage all filings, deadlines, and procedural steps to keep your case on track.
- Proving liability: A lawyer can collect police reports, witness statements, and expert evaluations to establish fault and strengthen your case.
- Negotiating with insurers: Insurance companies are more likely to take your claim seriously when a lawyer is involved. If needed, your attorney can take the case to trial.
- Local legal insight: A Garden City-based attorney understands how Nassau County courts operate and how local insurers handle claims, which can help move your case forward more efficiently.
These services not only reduce your stress but also improve your chances of receiving a fair and complete settlement.
When Is It Essential to Contact a Lawyer?
While not every accident requires legal help, certain situations make it especially important to speak with an attorney. You should contact a lawyer if:
- You suffered injuries that required medical treatment
- The other driver was uninsured or underinsured
- There is a dispute over who was at fault
- You’re being blamed for the accident
- The insurance company is pressuring you to accept a quick settlement
In these cases, having a lawyer ensures your rights are protected and that you don’t settle for less than your claim is worth.
What It’s Like to Work with The Saul Law Firm
At The Saul Law Firm, we focus on making the legal process as straightforward and supportive as possible. Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:
- Free consultation: We’ll evaluate your case at no cost and explain your legal options clearly.
- No upfront fees: We work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we recover compensation for you.
- Direct access to your attorney: You’ll work with a local Garden City lawyer who understands your case and your community.
- Proven results: Our firm has a strong track record in personal injury and car accident claims.
- Clear, consistent communication: We keep you informed at every stage and provide honest, practical advice.
Our goal is to handle the legal work so you can focus on your recovery.
What Are Your Rights Under New York’s No-Fault Insurance Law?
New York is a no-fault insurance state. This means your own insurance policy covers basic medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident, so long as the proper paperwork is filed timely. Additionally, if your injuries meet the state’s “serious injury” threshold, such as broken bones, significant disfigurement, or long-term impairment, you may file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for additional damages.
Timing also matters. In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
Speak with a Garden City Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been in a car accident in Garden City and weren’t at fault, don’t risk settling for less than you deserve. The Saul Law Firm is ready to help you understand your legal rights and pursue full compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Garden City personal injury attorney.