New York Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents happen every day in New York City. Car accident cases can be complicated, so you need a NYC car accident lawyer in your corner.

At Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we advocate for car accident victims in NYC. You might have suffered serious injuries in a car accident, so always see a doctor first. Then, rely on our NYC car accident attorneys. 

A New York City car accident lawyer from our team can file a lawsuit to help you recover compensation for your injuries. Learn more about car accident claims below. Then, contact our car accident lawyers for help after a car crash.

Our New York Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

Every injured driver deserves a chance to recover and get their finances under control after being in a crash. Auto insurance companies might argue otherwise, though. 

Do not be surprised if you get into a tough situation with an insurance company when you try to start or file a claim. It is not personal; it is just business to the insurer.

By teaming up with Davidoff Law, you can stand up for yourself and your right to compensation. Our New York car accident attorneys can help you understand your options and find the best way to build your claim from the ground up. We want to ensure you can secure every penny you owe to regain stability.

PROTECTING OUR CLIENTS IN A VARIETY OF CASES

Our New York car accident attorneys aim to ensure clients feel protected and confident when their case is in our hands. We can use our truly extensive collective legal experiences to make any case the best it can be. Our team can work on virtually any car accident case thanks to our extensive backgrounds and many years of practicing injury law.

Let us know if you need help with a case involving:

• Distracted driving accidents: Drivers need to pay full attention to the road. Looking at a smartphone or talking with a passenger for a few seconds can be all it takes to cause a devastating and fully preventable collision. Distracted driving is a major issue in New York.
• Drunk driving accidents: A single alcoholic beverage is all it takes to destroy a driver's ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. Tell us if the driver who hit you mentioned having "just one drink." Such a simple phrase could be what undoes their chances of stopping your case. Drunk driving is never okay.
• Rear-end collisions: Many auto insurance companies try to pass off rear-end collisions as insignificant because they "aren't serious." The truth is that many serious, life-changing injuries, like whiplash, can be caused by a rear-end collision.
• Multi-vehicle accidents: Deciding who owes you what compensation after a multi-vehicle accident can be tricky, but less so if you hire our law firm. We can make sense of intricate cases involving several parties and potential defendants.

The Types of Car Accidents We See in New York

The bustling streets and diverse traffic conditions in New York lead to various car accidents, ranging from minor fender benders to severe multi-vehicle collisions.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident in New York. They often occur when a vehicle abruptly stops, leading the following car to crash into its rear. These frequent accidents in heavy traffic areas can result in whiplash or other neck injuries.

Drivers can mitigate the risk of rear-end collisions by maintaining a safe following distance and staying alert to traffic changes.

Side-Impact Collisions

Side-impact collisions, or T-bone accidents, typically happen at intersections when one vehicle fails to yield to the right-of-way. These accidents can be extremely dangerous, particularly for passengers on the side of the struck vehicle.

The severity of injuries in side-impact collisions often depends on the speed at impact and the presence of safety features like side airbags. New York's busy intersections require drivers to be vigilant to avoid these high-risk collisions.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions are among the deadliest types of accidents, occurring when two vehicles collide front-to-front. These often result from a driver veering into oncoming traffic, sometimes due to distraction, impairment, or fatigue.

The outcomes of head-on collisions can include catastrophic injuries or death due to the high speeds involved. Drivers should pay strict attention to road signs and markers to prevent wandering into opposing lanes.

Single-Vehicle Accidents

Single-vehicle accidents in New York often involve collisions with road barriers, trees, or buildings. Factors like slippery roads, poor visibility, or driver distraction can lead to these accidents.

Even though only one vehicle is involved, injuries can be severe, especially if the vehicle rolls over. Drivers must adapt their speed and driving style to match road conditions to prevent these accidents.

Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups

Multi-vehicle pile-ups can occur on New York's highways, especially under fog, heavy rain, or ice. These accidents start with a single collision that quickly escalates as the following vehicles cannot stop in time.

Pile-ups are particularly dangerous due to the multiple impacts and potential for secondary collisions. Drivers should maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and reduce speed according to weather conditions to help prevent these chaotic scenes.

STEPS TO TAKE AFTER A CRASH

The actions you take after a car accident are important. In the first hour or so, you can gather the best evidence to support your claim later. However, you also risk missing that evidence if you do not know what to do.

After being in a car accident, you should always:

• Dial 911: If someone is seriously injured or a vehicle is substantially damaged in a crash, call 911. The reports from the first responders could be incredibly useful for proving your argument later.
• Exchange information: Filing an auto accident claim against another driver in New York can be more complicated than you think due to the state's personal injury protection (PIP) insurance requirements. But it is downright impossible if you do not identify the other driver. Always exchange insurance and identification information with every other motorist involved.
• Talk to eyewitnesses: If a third party witnesses your accident, you should speak with them to find out what they saw. If they cannot stop, get their contact information and give a statement.
• See a doctor: No matter how you feel after a car accident, you should see a doctor within an hour. Go to urgent care if necessary. A checkup will determine if you have any underlying injuries and validate that the accident did happen.

Injuries We See in Car Accidents

• Whiplash. Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end collisions, where the sudden jerk of the head can cause severe neck pain and mobility issues.
• Concussions. Concussions can occur when the head is violently shaken or strikes an object like the steering wheel or window, leading to temporary brain dysfunction.
• Broken bones. Arms, legs, and ribs are frequently broken in auto accidents due to the force exerted upon impact.
• Lacerations. Broken glass or metal can cause deep cuts, requiring immediate medical attention to prevent infection and minimize scarring.
• Internal bleeding. Blunt trauma from car accidents can cause internal bleeding, which might not be immediately apparent but can quickly become life-threatening.
• Spinal cord injuries. Damage to the spinal cord in a car accident can lead to partial or complete paralysis, requiring long-term medical treatment.
• Emotional trauma. Psychological issues such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression are common after serious car accidents, impacting victims' quality of life.

We Can Even File a Wrongful Death Claim on Your Behalf

If a loved one has died due to injuries sustained in a car accident, our law firm can file a wrongful death claim on your behalf. This type of claim seeks compensation for the survivors' loss, such as lost wages from the deceased, lost companionship, and funeral expenses.

Filing a wrongful death claim can be complex, requiring clear evidence of fault and documentation of losses. Our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through every step, ensuring your rights are protected, and you receive the justice you deserve.

CAN YOU FILE A CAR ACCIDENT CLAIM AT ALL?

In New York, drivers are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This type of insurance allows you to file a first-party claim against your auto insurance provider if you get into a crash.

Most PIP insurance policies will pay for medical costs, lost wages, and vehicle repairs, and some can also provide for pain and suffering. The complication many drivers face is that PIP insurance must be used first, and not all injured drivers can file a third-party claim against the other driver.

You are only allowed to file a car accident claim against another driver's insurance if:

• You are considered to be seriously injured in the crash.
• Your PIP insurance does not fully cover your damages.

Under Article 51 of New York State Insurance Law, a serious injury is defined as one that causes you to suffer "economic loss over basic economic loss." Typically, judges have held that experiencing more than $50,000 in medical costs and lost wages justified an injury categorized as "serious."

Additionally, an injury could be considered "serious" if it causes a permanent physical disability or forever impairs the victim's ability to earn gainful income.

Assigning Blame in a New York Car Accident

In New York, determining who is at fault in a car accident involves understanding state traffic laws and analyzing the details of the crash. Multiple vehicles, various witness accounts, and various degrees of negligence can complicate the process.

Insurance companies often conduct investigations to establish fault and determine liability for damages. Collecting as much evidence as possible at the accident scene, including photos, witness statements, and police reports, is essential.

Assigning blame accurately is essential not only for insurance claims but also for any potential legal action. In cases where the fault is shared, New York's comparative negligence law may reduce compensation based on each party's fault.

An attorney can help you navigate these complexities by advocating on your behalf and negotiating with insurance companies and other parties. This ensures that the blame is assigned fairly and you receive your compensation.

We Can Negotiate With the Insurance Company on Your Behalf

Dealing with insurance companies after a car accident can be overwhelming and confusing. Our attorneys have extensive experience negotiating with insurance providers to ensure our clients receive the maximum compensation possible.

We understand the tactics insurance companies may use to minimize their payouts and are prepared to counteract them with strong advocacy and solid evidence.

By having our skilled negotiators handle your insurance claims, you can focus on your recovery without the stress of dealing with insurers. We will handle all communications, submit all necessary documentation, and negotiate aggressively to protect your interests. We aim to make the insurance process as smooth and favorable as possible.

Do Not Accept a Settlement Offer Without Talking To Us

Before you accept any settlement offer from an insurance company, it's important to consult with our experienced attorneys. Insurance companies often offer quick settlements that may only partially cover your accident-related costs and losses.

Our team can assess the fairness of the offer and negotiate for a better deal if necessary. We ensure that the compensation you accept will adequately cover all your current and future needs related to the accident.

We Can Submit a Personal Injury Lawsuit if Necessary

If insurance negotiations do not result in a satisfactory outcome, our law firm is prepared to file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. Through this legal action, we are able to seek compensation in the courts, which may result in higher awards than typical insurance settlements.

A lawsuit can address damages not covered by insurance, such as pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and future medical expenses. Filing a lawsuit involves compiling evidence, presenting a case to a judge or jury, and navigating complex legal procedures.

Our experienced attorneys handle every aspect of the litigation process, from filing the complaint to representing you in court. We work tirelessly to build a strong case that supports your claim for maximum compensation.

Do I Need To Go To Court?

Whether you need to go to court for your personal injury case depends on several factors, including the insurance company's willingness to offer a fair settlement.

Most personal injury cases are settled out of court, but if a satisfactory agreement cannot be reached, going to trial may be necessary. Our legal team will prepare you for the possibility of court proceedings. We aim to resolve your case as efficiently as possible but are fully prepared to defend your rights in court if needed.

Contact Our New York Car Accident Lawyer To Schedule a Free Consultation

If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, you must see a doctor for your car accident injuries. Then, contact us to schedule a free case consultation.

At Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we can help you recover compensation for your medical bills and lost wages. We understand that motor vehicle accidents are always serious, and our experienced New York car accident lawyer is ready to fight for you.

Call us today to schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your car accident lawsuit.

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