The Importance of a Car accident Attorney new york city Attorney If you are in a car accident, the first step is to contact the police. They will investigate the incident and complete an incident report. They will also record any injuries and losses. A qualified car accident attorney can assist in negotiations with insurance providers. They know the tactics insurance companies use to deny or devalue legitimate claims. Statute of limitations A statute of limitations is an act adopted by a legislative body. It defines the maximum time frame after an event in which legal action is brought. The laws differ based on the jurisdiction and type however, they all contain provisions for both criminal and civil cases. New York, for example has a three-year period of limitations on the majority of personal injury lawsuits. A lawsuit that is filed after the period of limitation has expired will be dismissed.