Were your car accident injuries serious?

A low settlement offer for a car accident can be problematic when injuries are serious. Being saddled with high medical bills or continued treatment is stressful. Perhaps you pointed out that the settlement offer would not cover costs, but the insurance adjuster told you this was the most you could get. What should you do?

When to speak with an experienced car accident attorney

An experienced accident lawyer can tell you about types of settlements other people have recovered. These would be people with injuries comparable to yours. While each case is different, attorneys can discern whether the insurance company’s offer is fair. In many cases, offers are unreasonably low. Keep in mind, some insurance companies place profits above accident compensation. In such instances, it is vital to have an attorney who can protect your rights. This is especially true when your injuries are serious.

What are serious injuries?

No-fault car insurance covers accident expenses in many cases. However, the State of New York also has a serious injury threshold for victims. The serious injury threshold includes:

• Basic economic loss exceeding $50,000
• Death
• Dismemberment
• Significant disfigurement
• Fracture
• Loss of a fetus
• Permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function or system
• Permanent consequential limitation of a body organ or member
• Significant limitation of use of a body function or system
• Medically determined injury or impairment of a non-permanent nature which prevents the injured person from performing usual and customary daily activities for 90 days or more. This applies to the period of 180 days immediately following the injury or impairment.

When damages meet the serious injury threshold, no fault insurance will not cover your expenses. However, you can sue the at-fault party for damages. Furthermore, an attorney can help you determine whether you meet the serious injury threshold. Attorneys also assist with gathering evidence to prove who was at fault for causing the accident.

Do you need legal help with a low settlement offer for a car accident?

When someone causes a car accident that seriously harms you, you should seek legal help. A lawsuit can help you recover fair compensation for damages. To arrange a free consultation, contact Sackstein, Sackstein & Lee, LLP. Call us at 516-248-2234 or 718-539-3100 or reach out to us through our contact form.