Car Accident Lawyer in Queens
We Fight for Victims of Injury
Even the most cautious of drivers can end up becoming a victim of an auto collision. If you have been injured in an automobile accident due to the negligence of another driver, the Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C. can help you seek compensation for your damages.
With nearly a decade of experience, and having effectively handled hundreds of cases, our Queens car accident attorney has the knowledge and resources to fight for your rights and a fair settlement. Before you speak with the insurance company, make sure you reach out to Seni Popat for reliable legal counsel.
Call (718) 340-3385 or contact us here now to find out how much your car accident claim could be worth. Speak with an experienced Queens car accident attorney at Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C..
No-Fault Car Insurance
After being injured in a traffic crash in Queens, you will most likely need to file a claim under your own personal injury protection (PIP), regardless of who caused the accident. This is because New York is a no-fault insurance state.
PIP insurance covers three basic things:
- Medical expenses
- Economic losses
- Funeral and burial costs
Unfortunately, PIP insurance does not cover non-monetary losses, like pain and suffering. Recovery for these damages must be pursued through filing a third-party insurance claim or lawsuit directly against an at-fault driver. To do so, your injuries must qualify as “serious.”
According to New York state law, serious injuries can involve:
- Bone fractures
- Substantial disfigurement
- 90 days of full disability
- Significant limitation of bodily functions
- Permanent limitation of body members or organs
Helpful Tips After a Motor Vehicle Car Accident
Car accidents are one of the most common forms of personal injury. Currently, for New York residents, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of injury-related death. Since there is no way to predict how an accident could affect you, it’s important to understand what to do if you’ve been harmed by one.
Here are some helpful tips.
Call 911.
It’s important to remain as calm as possible after any personal injury. Contact the police. This is especially crucial in a car accident. Don’t make any rash judgment that could hurt you physically and financially. Don’t take immediate blame for the accident—have the authorities intervene. Remain safe directly following the accident.
Get medical help.
As always, safety first. If you are injured in the accident, your wellbeing is most important. Ensure you cooperate with police or EMS to handle any injury. Medical expenses can be compensated for later. Do not be afraid to prioritize any injury you may have. Assess the seriousness of any harm and keep medical records. You can later turn those documents over to your attorney for proper compensation.
Exchange information.
New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law require you to exchange information with the other driver(s). This includes driver’s license information, license plate number, insurance information, and registration. Be forthright with the other individual(s) affected by the accident so that you are provided with all potentially necessary information. Do not discuss fault or anything outside of basic informational exchange.
Get contact information from witnesses.
Witnesses can be vital in clearing up what actually happened in an accident. Since the majority of the time the only witnesses are the drivers, getting contact information from a third-party witness can be extremely helpful. If both drivers are contesting the fault of an accident, having a strong witness helps the adjustor compare the drivers’ stories to an independent account. It is important though to consider the credibility of the witness. A reliable witness was not alerted to the scene by the sound of a crash, but was at the scene and can recount the full extent of the accident.
Take photographs.
Documenting the accident with photographs is critical. When insurance adjusters are investigating the accident, photographs provide indisputable proof of the damage at the time of the accident. In addition, photographs can also prove the location of the accident and if there were any poor weather conditions. Photographs should not only be of the car, but any images of the surrounding area that help piece together the scene.
Have the car towed, if necessary.
If your car is damaged enough, it may need to be towed. Since fault is not always determined at the moment of a crash, it will not be clear in the moment whose insurance will cover the towing. Instead of calling the insurance company to inquire about towing, you should contact a towing company by yourself and keep receipts of the cost.
Report the accident and contact your attorney first.
Never speak with the insurance company without first contacting our office. They record your conversations and will use anything you say against you during the pendency of your claim. If property damage exceeds $1,000, you are required by New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law to file an accident report to the DMV (MV-104) no more than 10 days after the accident. Before you contact your insurance, it is extremely important to contact an experienced attorney. No-fault insurance and at-fault liability insurance can be confusing. An attorney can help you navigate the route for compensation or sue for personal injury. Insurance companies attempt to settle your case quickly and efficiently with the least amount of expense, but an attorney will ensure your rights are protected through the process.
Car accidents are an unforeseen tragedy. It is imperative to understand the necessary actions to take after an accident so that you can limit long-term impact. This includes understanding the priority of safety, laws, and insurance claims. We are available to help you manage the procedure following a car accident.
If you or someone you know has recently experienced a car accident, or if you have questions about the matter, contact our offices at (718) 340-3385.
Get the Compensation You Deserve
Regardless of whether you need to file a claim for PIP or qualify to bring a lawsuit against an at-fault driver, we can give you the legal assistance you require. Our Queens car accident lawyer is always available to discuss your case.
Contact the Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C. at (718) 340-3385 to schedule your free consultation with a qualified Car accident attorney in Queens.
Car accident faq
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Q:What should I do if I’m in a car accident?
A:If you are involved in a car accident, you should seek necessary medical treatment immediately. Even if you are not injured, it is important that you call the police and file a formal police report which can later assist with insurance claims and any lawsuits which may follow. During this time, you will be required to show your driver’s license and documentation of your insurance coverage. It is important that you obtain this information from the other driver as well. If you have a camera, you should take a photo of the scene or soon after to show any damage to your vehicle. You should also contact your insurance carrier as soon as possible so they can instruct you on the necessary steps to file your claim. To ensure that you receive the greatest settlement possible, contact a personal injury attorney who can initiate an investigation before witnesses forget their testimonials and evidence is lost.
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Q:I was in a minor accident and the other driver and I just exchanged insurance information without calling the police. My insurance company is now giving me a hard time for not having a report. Is a police report necessary for all car accidents?
A:It is always a good idea to call the police at the time of an automobile accident. Although all insurance carriers have different policies regarding the necessity of a police report when filing a claim, many will accept an auto insurance claim without one. Nonetheless, police reports are helpful in determining the involved parties and documenting who was at fault. This information will assist your insurance company in their investigation and may expedite the resolution of the claim.
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Q:I was in a car accident and the other motorist's insurance company just called me for a statement. Am I required to provide one?
A:No! More often than not, the other driver’s insurance company is calling to obtain information which may be used against you as you seek to recover losses. Respectfully decline their request and inform them that if they would like a copy of your statement, they may contact your insurance carrier directly.
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Q:Who is responsible for my medical treatment and expenses?
A:In most cases, the party at-fault (or his respective insurance company) is responsible for paying for medical treatment and other related expenses such as lost work and compensation for vehicle damage. The extent of liability for an injury resulting from a car accident can vary based on jurisdiction. As a result, it is crucial that you hire a personal injury attorney who can help determine fault and recover any financial losses you’ve incurred.
Reviews from real clients
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In my time of need, he and his team was extremely professional.
“I was represented by Seni in a very crucial and sensitive time. In my time of need, he and his team was extremely professional with a work ethic as if they were representing family. The focus, ...”
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- Deandra Lindor C. - via Google -
Mr. Seni Popat and his team, at once, put me at ease, explicitly explaining and preparing me.
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- Former Client - via Google -
Seni Popat and his firm made the entire process so smooth that my initial worries began to dissipate.
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- Daniel De Leon - via Google -
Seni Popat was helpful, informative, knowledgeable and kind.
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Reasons we stand apart
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Calm, Stress-Free Counsel From Beginning to End
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Every Case is Handled by Attorney Seni Popat
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Easily Accessible & Always Available
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Attention to Detail on Every Case
