Queens Freeway Crash Lawyer

We aim to help you recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our team works hard to ensure that your car accident claim is handled effectively and efficiently. Let us take the burden off your shoulders and help you focus on your recovery.

Common Causes of Freeway Crashes in Queens

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Speeding and reckless driving are major causes of freeway crashes in Queens. Drivers who exceed the speed limit or drive aggressively often struggle to react to sudden changes in traffic. When a driver speeds, they reduce their ability to stop in time for a red light, a stopped car, or road hazards.

Reckless driving, such as tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, or driving too close to other vehicles, increases the chances of an accident. These actions make it harder to predict what the driver will do next, leading to collisions.

If you’ve suffered car accident injuries due to speeding or reckless driving, you have the right to seek compensation. A Queens car accident lawyer can help investigate the crash, prove fault, and ensure that the driver who caused the accident is held accountable.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents on Queens freeways. Activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio take a driver's attention away from the road. Even a moment of distraction can lead to serious crashes.

Drivers who are distracted may fail to notice traffic signals, slowing vehicles, or sudden obstacles in their path. As a result, accidents may occur, often causing major injuries. If you’ve been involved in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, it’s essential to take action.

A car accident attorney can help you gather evidence, such as police reports or eyewitness statements, to support your case. This can help ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries and damages.

Drunk or Drug-Impaired Driving

Drunk or drug-impaired driving is a serious issue on Queens freeways. Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and ability to focus on the road. Drivers under the influence may swerve between lanes, fail to stop at red lights or drive at unsafe speeds. These behaviors significantly increase the likelihood of a crash.

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a drunk or drug-impaired driver, you must take immediate action. Not only could you be dealing with medical expenses and lost wages, but you may also have the right to compensation for pain and suffering.

A Queens car accident lawyer can help you file a car accident lawsuit and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. They can also gather key evidence, such as police reports and eyewitness testimony, to strengthen your case.

Poor Weather and Road Conditions

Weather and road conditions play a big role in freeway crashes. Rain, snow, or fog can reduce visibility and make roads slippery. Drivers often fail to adjust their speed or drive too aggressively in bad weather, which leads to accidents.

Poor road conditions, such as potholes, construction zones, or uneven pavement, also increase the risk of crashes. Vehicles can lose control or collide with barriers when driving on damaged roads.

If your car accident occurred due to poor weather or road conditions, you may be entitled to compensation. A Queens car accident attorney can help determine the cause of the accident and ensure that all factors, such as road maintenance or weather reports, are taken into account when pursuing your claim.

Truck and Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Truck and commercial vehicle accidents are often more severe than typical car crashes due to the size and weight of these vehicles. When trucks are involved in accidents, they can cause considerable damage and severe injuries, especially to smaller vehicles.

Truck drivers have a responsibility to operate their vehicles safely, but many factors can lead to crashes, such as driver fatigue, poor vehicle maintenance, or improper loading. Accidents involving commercial vehicles often require a thorough investigation to determine liability.

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, contact a Queens car accident attorney. They can help identify the cause of the crash, whether it was due to the truck driver’s actions or the trucking company’s negligence. With their help, you can file a car accident claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Merging and Lane Change Collisions

Merging onto a freeway or changing lanes requires full attention and care. When drivers fail to signal, don’t check their blind spots, or make sudden lane changes, accidents can happen. Merging and lane change collisions are common on Queens freeways and often lead to serious injuries.

These accidents occur when a driver collides with another vehicle while trying to merge into traffic or switch lanes. The lack of visibility or failure to yield the right of way increases the chances of a crash.

If you’ve been injured in a merging or lane change accident, a Queens car accident lawyer can help. They can gather evidence, such as police reports or dash cam footage, to show who was at fault. Your lawyer will help ensure you receive compensation for your car accident injuries.

Common Injuries in Freeway Crashes

• Whiplash: A neck injury caused by sudden jerking motions, often resulting from rear-end collisions. It can cause pain, stiffness, and headaches.
• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis or long-term mobility issues. These injuries are often severe and require extensive treatment.
• Fractures: Broken bones, especially in the arms, legs, or ribs, are common in car accidents. They can range from minor to severe.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): TBIs can occur from a blow to the head. They may cause memory loss, dizziness, and long-term cognitive issues.
• Internal injuries: Damage to internal organs, like the liver or kidneys, can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
• Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and bruising are common after accidents. Though not always severe, they can cause discomfort and require physical therapy.

Determining Liability in a Queens Freeway Crash

Who Can Be Held Liable?

• The driver: If the accident was caused by the driver's actions, such as speeding, distracted driving, or drunk driving, they are typically held liable.
• The employer: In truck accidents, the trucking company may be held liable if the driver was working at the time of the crash or if company policies contributed to the accident.
• Vehicle manufacturers: If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure, the manufacturer of the vehicle or its parts may be held responsible.
• Government agencies: If poor road conditions, like potholes or improper signage, caused the accident, a government agency responsible for road maintenance could be liable.

Proving Fault in a Freeway Accident

Proving fault in a freeway accident requires gathering evidence and presenting a clear case. The key to establishing liability is determining how the crash occurred and who was responsible for causing it.

One of the first steps is reviewing police reports. These reports often contain essential details, such as statements from witnesses and officers' observations of the accident scene. Photos or video footage, including dashcam footage, can also play a huge role in showing the circumstances leading up to the crash.

In addition, medical records documenting the injuries you suffered can help link the accident to the harm you sustained. Statements from expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists, may also be used to explain how the crash happened and who is at fault.

A Queens car accident lawyer will guide you through this process, ensuring all relevant evidence is collected and presented to support your claim.

Compensation for Freeway Crash Victims

Victims of freeway accidents in Queens may be entitled to various types of compensation. This includes both economic and non-economic damages.

Here are more details on these types of compensation:

Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to the financial losses you encounter due to a car accident. These damages are easier to calculate because they are based on receipts, invoices, and other documents. The most common types of economic damages are:

• Medical expenses: These cover the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, and other necessary treatments for car accident injuries.
• Lost wages: If the accident left you unable to work, you can claim compensation for the income you lost during your recovery.
• Property damage: This includes repair costs for your car and any other property damaged in the crash.

A Queens car accident attorney will help ensure all of your economic damages are properly accounted for in your claim.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address the emotional and psychological effects of a car accident. While harder to calculate, they are just as important as economic damages. These damages compensate victims for the pain and suffering they experience as a result of the crash.

• Pain and suffering: This includes the physical pain caused by injuries and the emotional distress that comes with recovery. Chronic pain or long-term disability can significantly affect your quality of life.
• Emotional distress: Victims often go through anxiety, depression, or trauma following an accident. These psychological effects can linger long after physical injuries heal.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from engaging in activities you once enjoyed, you may be compensated for the loss of enjoyment in daily life.
• Loss of consortium: If the accident affects your relationship with a spouse, you may also be entitled to compensation for the emotional loss.

A Queens car accident lawyer will help you identify and seek appropriate non-economic damages as part of your compensation.

Punitive Damages (For Gross Negligence Cases)

Punitive damages are awarded in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter others from committing similar acts. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages are not tied to the victim's losses. Instead, they are meant to address particularly reckless or malicious behavior.

In car accidents, punitive damages may be awarded if the driver was acting in a grossly negligent manner, such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or engaging in extreme reckless driving. If the driver’s behavior was especially harmful, punitive damages could be added to your compensation.

A Queens car accident attorney can help determine whether punitive damages apply in your case. They will also work to ensure that the driver’s reckless actions are held accountable and that you receive the justice you deserve.

How a Queens Freeway Crash Lawyer Can Help

Investigating the Accident

One of the first tasks a Queens car accident attorney will do is investigate the crash. This includes gathering evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and eyewitness testimonies. They will also examine the accident scene for any potential clues, such as skid marks, damaged property, or traffic camera footage.

The lawyer will work to determine who was at fault for the accident. By thoroughly investigating the circumstances, they can strengthen your case and help ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable.

Handling Insurance Claims

Dealing with insurance companies after a car accident can be challenging. Insurance companies often try to minimize the payout or deny claims. A Queens car accident lawyer will handle communication with the insurance company on your behalf. They will ensure that your claim is processed correctly and work to secure a fair settlement.

If the insurance company offers a low settlement, your lawyer can negotiate or take the case to court. They will fight to protect your interests and help you recover the full amount of compensation you are entitled to.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your lawyer may recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit. A personal injury claim allows you to seek compensation in court. Your attorney will file the necessary paperwork, gather evidence, and represent you throughout the legal process.

By having a lawyer on your side, you ensure that you have the best chance at a favorable outcome. They will work hard to help you secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

What to Do After a Freeway Crash in Queens

• Ensure safety: Move to a safe location if possible. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If you're able to, check for injuries before taking further steps.
• Call 911: Always report the accident to the police. They will document the scene and file a police report, which is crucial for your claim.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention. Injuries from freeway accidents can be hidden, and a doctor’s evaluation is important for your health and your case.
• Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Collect the names and contact information of any witnesses.
• Avoid admitting fault: Do not apologize or admit fault at the scene. Leave it to the police and your lawyer to determine liability.
• Contact a Queens car accident lawyer: Reach out to a skilled attorney as soon as possible. They can guide you through the legal process and help with insurance claims or a car accident lawsuit.

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Contact Our Queens Car Accident Lawyer

Our team understands the challenges that come with car accident cases and will work to the best of our abilities to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. From medical expenses to lost wages and pain and suffering, we’re committed to getting you the best possible outcome.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you focus on your recovery while we handle the legal side of your case. Reach out now and let our Queens car accident attorney fight for your rights.