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Accident Attorney in Manhattan

If you suffer injuries from an accident, you may find your life turned upside down. You may see medical bills pile up at the same time that you lose wages. Severe injuries may have a lengthy recovery period and can have long-term impacts. Emotional trauma can also be hard to recover from. When another party’s negligence causes the accident, you deserve and should expect fair compensation. However, what you may receive is likely not at all acceptable.

Insurance companies are notorious for trying to get out of paying for damages. They may offer a quick settlement for a low-ball amount in hopes you’ll take the bait, or they may outright deny your claim. An accident attorney in Manhattan can help you pursue a legal claim to obtain just compensation.

The Role of an Accident Attorney in Manhattan

An accident attorney plays a critical role in pursuing a personal injury claim. When insurance doesn’t compensate you for the full extent of your losses, a lawyer provides the support, advice and legal counsel you need to recover damages through the legal system.

We understand that the idea of a lawsuit can be intimidating, but when you have someone on your side who does the heavy lifting for you, you can concentrate on the hard work of recovery. Here are the ways an experienced personal injury lawyer in Manhattan helps.

Assesses the Merits of Your Case

It can be devastating to have an accident that results in serious injury. Wanting compensation for damages is understandable. However, there is no point in pursuing a legal claim if the facts of your case do not justify legal action. An accident attorney should always provide a case review to determine the merits of your case. Several factors contribute to whether your case qualifies and has the potential for satisfactory results.

Serious Injury Threshold

You can’t file a claim unless you meet the state’s serious injury threshold. A serious injury leads to:

  • Disfigurement
  • Dismemberment
  • Fractures
  • Limited use of a body part, organ, function or system
  • Permanent loss of a body part, organ, function or system

Death and loss of a fetus also qualify.

Damages Threshold

You need to demonstrate that you incurred losses that exceed what the insurance company can or is willing to pay or that you suffer damages not covered under insurance. For instance, New York’s auto insurance law stipulates that your injuries must result in combined wage loss and medical expenses of more than $50,000.

Insurance policies never compensate for non-economic damages. If you experience emotional trauma or physical pain and suffering, no insurance company pays for those genuine harms. The only way to obtain financial compensation is to pursue a legal claim.

Time Threshold

You have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury lawsuit. States establish time limits — known as a statute of limitations — for filing legal claims. New York’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is three years from the accident. The law is strict, so if you don’t file before the deadline, you lose the opportunity to use legal avenues to obtain a fair settlement.

Liability Threshold

You can only recover damages if the other party holds some liability for the accident. New York follows a pure comparative fault law, which means you are not barred from compensation even if you share some blame for the accident. However, your degree of fault determines how much of the settlement award you are entitled to. If you are 99% liable, you will only receive 1% of the awarded damages.

A Cellino Law accident attorney in Manhattan evaluates your case for evidence of liability. We offer advice on how to proceed, identifying your available options. Even if your case meets all thresholds, it is up to you to determine whether pursuing a lawsuit is a step you want to take.

Gathers Supporting Evidence

When you file a personal injury lawsuit, you need evidence to support your claim. You must be able to establish the extent of the damages you sustained and the costs associated with them. You also need proof that demonstrates the other party bears responsibility for your injuries.

An accident attorney knows what type of proof is required and how to get ahold of it. Examples of the types of evidence often needed include:

  • Doctors’ reports
  • Medical bills
  • Police reports
  • Professional opinions
  • Photos and videos
  • Accident investigation reports

Some evidence is relatively easy to obtain, while others are much more challenging. Lawyers have the resources to persist when evidence is difficult to get ahold of. Additionally, attorneys often have access to information victims are unable to attain.

Handles the Communications and Negotiations

When you file a lawsuit, your legal team and the defendant’s counsel enter negotiations before your case goes before a judge and jury. Defense attorneys often make it a point to create an antagonistic atmosphere. Additionally, they may attempt to get the claimant to make statements they can use against them.

A Cellino Law accident attorney in Manhattan has the experience to stand up to the other side. With a lawyer on your side handling the communications with the defendant’s representatives, you won’t have to worry about inadvertently saying the wrong thing. Your lawyer will also look out for your best interest in negotiations and protect your rights.

Represents You in Court

Generally, insurance companies and defendants are eager to settle out of court. As such, nearly all personal injury lawsuits reach a pre-trial agreement. However, you don’t have to settle for less than you deserve. When a satisfactory agreement can’t be reached, your accident attorney represents you in court.

The Types of Cases a Manhattan Accident Attorney Works With

If you have an accident that results in serious injuries, you may benefit from an attorney’s assistance. A personal injury accident attorney works with people who suffered injuries in an accident due to another party’s negligence. While several accidents would qualify, the most common cases involve the following:

  • Traffic accident: Car accidents make up the majority of personal injury cases. Between January and June 2022, 718 people suffered injuries, and one person died in a Manhattan traffic accident. Truck accidents also often result in a personal injury claim.
  • Workplace accidents: New York law requires employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees, and workers are not allowed to sue their employers when they get hurt on the job. However, in some industries, such as the construction field, workplace accidents are often due to third-party negligence. In these cases, the state allows the pursuit of a personal injury claim.
  • Slip and fall accidents: Property owners are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for visitors. If someone slips and falls on their property because they neglected their duty of care, the victim may file a lawsuit to recover damages for serious injuries. An accident attorney would handle this type of case.

If you’ve sustained injuries in one of these types of accidents, a personal injury lawyer may be able to help you obtain a fair settlement.

The Law Firm You Can Count On

Cellino Law accident attorneys in Manhattan have the experience and knowledge you want on your side when pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. Our team provides the personal attention and dedication you deserve, giving you the support you need during this difficult time. If you or a loved one sustained injuries in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Get in touch to schedule a free case review.

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    Testimonials

    • I am writing to let you know what an outstanding job George Gridelli did for me in my personal injury lawsuit. His professionalism and expertise were evident at our first metting and he and his paralegal Diane D'Andrea took care of me as if I was a friend and not merely a client. They both went above and beyond for me in so many ways that it would be too numerous to list and I am grateful to have had such an exemplary team represent me. When working with George and watching him in court he personified to me what a lawyer is supposed to be - an honest, extremely compentent man who helped guide me through the legal system. I could not have obtained better representation anywhere else at any price. To me that says a lot abut you and your firm's integrity. Thank you again for representing me and for having such stellar individuals working for you! I will continue to recommend your firm.

      Carol

    • Now that reality has set in, I want to thank you for all your work and assistance in obtaining my settlement for the pelvic mesh. This money will make my life so much easier in the future. Medicare just isn't sufficient. I know that I will have enough to live on. I truly appreciate of your efforts. Thank you!

      Loraine

    • We'd like to thank you for all the assistance and time you spent on our case. Your professionalism and honesty will always be appreciated. The staff was always courteous and we were always impressed with your accountability. Your passion and dedication will never be forgotten, nor will you.

      Sarah

    • Thank you for all your help. It has been a long journey. At last, the light at the end of the tunnel. Also, thank Tom for the help and work he put in.

      Ron

    • Cellino Law and more specifically my attorney, Gregory V. Pajak, Managing Attorney, and as a whole the Cellino Law Firm and its organization. This is by far one of the most professional law firms and attorney I have ever engaged with and retained in my 35 years. The level of professionalism goes beyond words, the care and constant engagement with me as the client was touching. I was never ever just treated as simply a CASE with potentially a significant dollar number attached to my file. I was engaged regularly, Tracey (Ass’t) and Greg always made sure to remain constant, as well as consistent in overseeing that my case was handled properly and that it did matter in many ways - ensuring that the end result(s) would be fair and reasonable to my case/injury. The regular follow-up calls were very satisfying, knowing that you’re involved in your case matters significantly AND always. One of my main items to recognize Cellino Law and Gregory is that whenever I called, I was able to get through to speak directly to my Lawyer and he would answer any if not all of my questions in a very professional and genuinely caring manner. I always felt cared for and protected legally and more importantly, I was made feel as a human being that was being cared for and always keeping me abreast of all matters connected to the case. There was never a point I felt let down, on the contrary -the level of service was “STELLAR”. Greg is the consummate professional, a ‘role model’, if you will, for what other attorneys should strive to become when dealing with their clients.

      Anthony

    • Tim Cellino handled my case beautifully. He is very knowledgeable and patient with all my questions. He kept in touch with me through out my ordeal. Tim also got a settlement for more than I expected. I highly recommend Tim Cellino!

      Jayne