If you've been in a car accident in New York, it's important to know when you should get a lawyer involved. Here are some general guidelines:
1. If there are serious injuries or property damage involved, you should definitely consult with a lawyer. This is especially true if the other driver was at fault and doesn't have insurance. A lawyer can help you recover damages from the other driver or their insurance company.
2. Even if there aren't any serious injuries or property damage, you may still want to talk to a lawyer if the other driver was at fault and doesn't have insurance. A lawyer can help you recover your deductible from the other driver's insurance company.
3. If the accident was your fault, a lawyer can still be helpful in negotiating with the other driver's insurance company. For example, if they're trying to low-ball you on repairs or medical bills, a lawyer can help get them to pay what they should.
4. Finally, even if neither driver was at fault, if there is significant property damage or one of the drivers doesn't have insurance, it's worth talking to a lawyer just to be safe and make sure all of your rights are protected.