Dealing with the aftermath of a personal injury accident can be difficult enough, let alone when you are injured on the property of a friend. Being injured on a friend’s property can make for an uncomfortable situation, as no one ever really wants to sue their friend for compensation. It is important to know that you do not necessarily have 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?

After an accident takes place on a friend’s property and you become injured, the property owner is not responsible for providing you with compensation. This is for any medical expenses, lost wages, or suffering. Instead, it is the job of their homeowner’s insurance company. This is because a homeowner’s insurance policy has the “duty to defend.” This means the company is required to defend a homeowner if a claim is brought against them. This means you do not have to sue a friend because their 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?

After being injured on a friend’s property, there are steps that can be taken to protect your claim. This includes:

• 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?

Injured parties must file a claim within a certain amount of time, otherwise they can lose their chance to do so. This is required under the statute of limitations. In the state of New York, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the injury. 

Contact our Firm

A personal injury accident can have a great impact on your life and your bank account. At Katter Law Firm, we believe that everyone should be held liable for his or her own negligence; you should not have to bear the burden of someone else’s mistakes. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, visit us online or call us today!