ALBANY CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS

Involved in a Car Accident? Hire an Experienced Albany Car Accident Attorney at D’Orazio Peterson

Car accidents can have long-lasting consequences, leaving victims overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take next. At D’Orazio Peterson, we help injured individuals in Albany, NY, seek the compensation they deserve after a car wreck. Many clients come to us confused about insurance claims, deadlines, and what steps to take next.

Call us today for a free consultation. Our seasoned Albany car accident attorneys will listen to your story, evaluate your case, and begin building a strong claim if your case has merit.

What Should You Do After an Accident?

Your car accident claim begins at the scene of the crash. Taking the right steps can have a big impact on your ability to receive compensation. After an accident, you should:

• Stop your vehicle immediately as required by law.
• Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver.
• Call the police to report the accident and provide your location so an officer can investigate.

Additionally, documenting the accident can help strengthen your case. To gather crucial evidence, you should:

• Take photos of the vehicles involved, showing the points of impact and their final positions.
• Speak with witnesses who saw the crash and collect their contact information.
• Avoid making any statements that imply you are at fault.
• Visit a hospital as soon as possible to assess your injuries.

Your Rights to Compensation

Car accidents can cause serious injuries, even if safety features like seatbelts and airbags are used. Your right to compensation depends on who is at fault for the collision. In New York, fault can be shared, and you may seek compensation as long as your share of fault is not greater than 50%.

At D’Orazio Peterson, we rely on strong evidence to prove fault. This is why gathering photographs and witness information at the scene is essential. We also search for other types of evidence, such as video footage from nearby businesses, and negotiate with the responsible driver’s insurance company to secure a fair settlement.

Car Accident Damages

A car accident settlement should compensate you for both economic and non-economic damages, such as:

• Economic damages: Vehicle repairs, medical treatment costs, and lost wages due to an inability to work.
• Non-economic damages: Pain, suffering, emotional distress, and disfigurement.

If you are less than 50% responsible for the crash, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your claim is worth $100,000 but you are 40% at fault, your settlement will be reduced accordingly. Insurers often try to place as much blame as possible on you to minimize the payout.

Why Hire an Albany Car Accident Attorney?

Obtaining compensation is rarely straightforward. Insurers may delay your claim or attempt to blame you for the accident. They may also try to gather information by asking for a recorded statement, which you should always decline.

When you hire D’Orazio Peterson, we will:

• Handle all communication with the insurance companies.
• Accurately estimate the value of your claim.
• Collect additional evidence to establish fault and reduce your share of blame.
• Answer your questions and keep you informed throughout the process.
• Ensure you are treated with respect and that your claim is handled in good faith.
• File a lawsuit if necessary.

While litigation is not always required, we are prepared to take legal action if an insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement. In New York, you must file your claim within the statute of limitations, which is typically three years from the date of the accident.

Contact an Albany Car Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation

If you were injured in a car accident, don’t navigate the legal process alone. D’Orazio Peterson is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.