New York Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents are perhaps the most common sources of personal injuries in New York. Even at low speeds, car wrecks have the potential to cause serious, life-changing injuries. Every car crash in the State of New York is someone’s fault; there is no such thing as a no-fault accident.
The at-fault driver is responsible to pay for all the damage that they cause, whether this is damage to another’s vehicle, their physical health, or their wages.
A New York car accident lawyer may be able to help injured victims in their claims against negligent drivers and their insurance companies. Seasoned personal injury attorneys handle every part of the claim from the initial filing, to gathering the evidence, to providing written statements, to engaging in settlement negotiations. Using this method, most cases end with a satisfactory settlement without ever needing to go to court.
Drivers’ Responsibilities to Others
Whenever a person gets behind the wheel, they assume a legal duty to protect all other people that they may encounter. Of course, this extends to other drivers, but also protect pedestrians, bicyclists, and even their own passengers. As a result, if they are at-fault in an accident, and one of these people is injured, the driver is responsible to provide compensation for all damages.
Plaintiffs in these cases typically pursue their claims using the legal theory of negligence. To win these cases, plaintiffs need to prove that actions taken by the at-fault driver breached the duty discussed above. Examples of behavior typical in car accidents include:
- Speeding
- Failing to yield
- Improper lane changes
- Texting while driving
It is important to note that many accidents are caused by violations of the rules of the road. In fact, if a plaintiff is able to introduce evidence that a police officer cited the defendant for a moving violation related to the accident, the court can assume that the defendant is at-fault for the accident.
This concept, known as negligence per se, can be an express route to a successful claim. A New York car accident lawyer could help injured people to demonstrate defendant negligence.
Common Injuries Suffered in Car Accidents
All car accidents and personal injury cases, in general, are centered on a physical injury. The exact nature of this injury does not matter so long as it requires some form of medical treatment.
However, there are some types of injuries that typically result from car accidents. These are:
- Neck and spine strains
- Severe cuts and bruises
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- Burns
In addition to the costs associated with treating the injury, plaintiffs can also claim other types of damages. One common example is any lost time at work due to the accident. Even minor accidents can often require a person to miss a few days at work to make their recovery and attend appointments. Proper claims should provide a listing of all time missed and the resulting lost income.
In many cases, the mental anguish can accompany physical injuries. If a plaintiff can provide proof that they have sought mental health counseling or have endured intense pain associated with the accident, they can demand compensation for this experience. A New York car wreck attorney could work to ensure that a claim makes demands for the full value of the damages suffered in the accident.
Let a New York Car Accident Attorney Assist You
The immediate aftermath of a car accident can be a chaotic time. Not only will an individual need to make a physical recovery, but they may be missing time at work and dealing with repairs to their car. All the while, the defendant’s insurance company is trying to get that plaintiff to sign damaging statements or to accept low-ball settlement offers.
A New York car accident lawyer could help you to concentrate on the things that matter while taking on the insurance companies. Their goal is to get you the maximum possible settlement while handling all the details. But be sure to act quickly.
According to New York Civ. Prac. Law & Rules §214, all cases must be filed within three years of the date of injury. Do not delay; let a New York car collision attorney get to work for you.
