When a person is injured on the property of another party, they can pursue legal action against the property owner in order to recover compensation. If they were on a friend’s property, this can prove to be difficult, as no one wants to sue their friend for compensation. However, compensation may be necessary. It is because of this that it can be a relief to know you are not required to. Continue reading to learn more about what can be done and contact an experienced New York personal injury attorney for assistance.
Do I Have to Sue my Friend for Compensation?
When an accident occurs on the property of a friend and you need compensation for your injuries, your friend is not responsible for providing it. Instead, it is the job of their homeowner’s insurance company to give you coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, suffering, etc. This is because the insurance company has the “duty to defend,” meaning they are required to defend the homeowner if a claim is brought against them. This means the friend’s insurance company takes over the claim and pays for the amount up to the limits on their insurance.
What Do I Do After an Accident?
If you become injured on a friend’s property, there are various steps that can be taken in order to protect a future claim. This includes the following:
- Notify the homeowner right away, even though it may feel uncomfortable. This is because you need their insurance information to file a claim.
- Request your medical bills as soon as possible. This can help back up your claim if the insurance company tries to dispute your injuries.
- Document everything about the incident. This includes taking pictures of the property and the hazard that caused your accident, making a list of witnesses, keeping track of medical expenses, etc.
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can assist your case.
How Long Do I Have to Pursue Legal Action?
In order to pursue legal action after a personal injury accident, the injured party must file a claim within a certain period of time. This is required under the statute of limitations. If they fail to do so in time, the individual can lose their right to recover compensation. In the state of New York, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the injury.
Contact our Firm
If you have been injured in a personal injury accident, Swerling Law is here to help. Our firm understands the challenges that many people face after being hurt in an accident and is prepared to help you receive an award of significant compensation to ease some of your burdens. To schedule a consultation with an experienced construction site accident attorney in New York City, contact Swerling Law today.