# When Should You Contact a Lawyer After a Car Accident in New York? | Edelman, Krasin & Jaye **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Right After a Severe Injury 2. The Insurance Company Delays or Denies Your Claim 3. When Fault Is Disputed 4. If You Suspect Long-Term Injury or Expenses 5. Before Talking to the Insurance Company 6. Speak To Our New York Accident Lawyers Today ![Woman on the phone looking out driver side door after car accident.](https://ekjlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/EKJCarAccident.jpg) # When Should You Contact a Lawyer After a Car Accident in New York? Car accidents are a traumatic experience for anyone involved. From medical appointments to scheduling repairs, it may take weeks or even months for life to return to normal. If you’ve recently been in this scenario, you’re probably wondering if hiring an accident lawyer might be the right move. Here are a few scenarios when contacting one may be the best move for you: ## Right After a Severe Injury While most car accidents are minor, some may result in long-term injuries that require extensive medical care and some time away from work. All of this can cause financial trouble if you handle everything on your own. The earlier you can get legal help, the easier it’ll be to receive a settlement that covers your expenses. Some serious medical conditions that almost always lead to a lawsuit include: - Fractures - Head trauma - Back or neck damage - Internal injuries - Spinal cord damage - [Traumatic brain injuries](https://ekjlaw.com/long-island-ny/brain-injury-lawyer/) (TBIs) Even if your injuries are severe, most insurance companies won’t have your best interests in mind. For this reason, having an attorney can help you negotiate fair compensation for your recovery. For a free legal consultation, call [(800) 469-7429](tel:+18004697429) ## The Insurance Company Delays or Denies Your Claim Insurance companies may act like they’re on your side, but their goal is to make sure they pay you as little as possible. If they delay your claim, offer a lower settlement, or downplay your injuries, it may be time to seek legal assistance. A good accident lawyer is familiar with insurance company tactics and will step in to negotiate for a more favorable settlement. ## When Fault Is Disputed Not every case is an open-and-shut situation with a clear party at fault. Some accidents, especially those involving multiple vehicles, could make things a lot more complicated. Unclear police reports or witness statements can also make things more difficult. The last thing you want is to handle these cases alone. A lawyer can help you gather evidence to prove what really happened. They can also work alongside expert witnesses who can explain any unclear details and protect you from taking on more liability than you need to. [Click to contact](https://ekjlaw.com/contact-us/) our attorneys today ## If You Suspect Long-Term Injury or Expenses Some conditions, such as back pain or nerve damage, may take days or even weeks to develop symptoms. Other conditions may require long-term care and may take years before you fully recover. If you have serious injuries, never take the first settlement. A lawyer will calculate long-term costs and make sure you receive a settlement that covers your needs. Complete a [Free Case Evaluation form](https://ekjlaw.com/contact-us/) now ## Before Talking to the Insurance Company It might seem okay to speak to an insurance adjuster and answer questions. But remember, they’re not your friend. One wrong statement or fact could be enough for them to reduce or outright deny their claim if you’re not careful. Before answering any questions, speak to a lawyer. They’ll handle any communication and prevent you from saying anything that could hurt your claim. ## Speak To Our New York Accident Lawyers Today Have you recently been involved in an accident and are looking for legal help? Our [New York attorneys](https://ekjlaw.com/long-island-ny/car-accident-lawyer/) have decades of experience helping accident victims seek justice for their injuries. We’ll negotiate with insurance companies and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Please [contact us](https://ekjlaw.com/contact-us/) at (866) 574-0809 to schedule a free case review with our experts today. 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You can bask in the sun. Gaze out over the ocean. Enjoy --- Source: https://ekjlaw.com/faqs/when-should-you-contact-a-lawyer-after-a-car-accident-in-new-york/