Certain elements must be proven for your personal injury case to succeed. For instance, you must prove that your accident stems from another party’s negligence and that you suffered injuries because of that accident. Furthermore, you must demonstrate that you incurred damages because of your injuries.
Accordingly, the process for obtaining payment in a personal injury lawsuit is not always straightforward. Defendants may employ different strategies when disputing their claim. Support from our experienced legal team can be highly beneficial when building your case and fighting for the full range of monetary damages you deserve.
If you were injured because of someone else’s negligent conduct in New City, NY, get help from our experienced personal injury lawyers at The Martello Law Firm by calling (914) 600-3391 today.
Common Sources of Personal Injuries in New City, NY
Several different types of accidents can give rise to personal injury lawsuits. The following are all common sources of personal injuries in New City, NY:
Car Accidents
Car accidents are one of the most common sources for personal injuries. In most instances, accidents occur as the result of drivers’ negligence. For example, drivers may cause crashes because they were speeding, driving distracted, driving impaired, or disobeying traffic signals. In any case, negligent drivers can be sued for the accidents they cause.
Truck Accidents
Many people are also injured because of truck accidents. These accidents have a high propensity to cause serious harm because of the size of vehicles involved.
There are multiple parties who may be considered at fault for a truck accident. As an example, a truck driver may be held personally liable for a crash that happened because they exhibited careless conduct behind the wheel. Meanwhile, a trucking company may be sued for an accident that occurred because they did not properly store cargo on their vehicle. Finally, a product manufacturer may be held accountable for an accident that is related to a defective part.
If you suffered a truck accident, our experienced personal injury attorneys can investigate the cause of your collision and determine who to sue.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are also a source of many personal injuries in New City. In many cases, drivers of standard cars cause motorcycle crashes because they simply do not notice riders sharing the roadways. Many motorcycle riders are hit because motorists make improper left turns and illegal lane changes. If you sustained a motorcycle accident that occurred because another driver failed to yield the right-of-way, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for your injuries.
Bus Accidents
Furthermore, bus accidents are another common type of motor vehicle collision that can cause serious harm. Like truck accidents, there are multiple parties who may be responsible for an accident involving a large bus. After your bus accident, our legal team can help review your case and determine the proper course of action.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Many personal injuries happen as the result of slip and fall accidents in New City. In many instances, these accidents occur because property owners fail to properly maintain their premises. For instance, a patron at a restaurant may slip and fall because they stepped onto a loose rug or mat. Furthermore, a grocery store shopper may suffer a harmful slip and fall because they encountered a slippery spot on the floor. In either of these cases, the victim may be able to recover payment by filing a claim against the at-fault property owner.
Construction Site Accidents
Finally, some people are injured as the result of accidents on construction sites. Multiple forms of negligence can lead to such accidents. For instance, a worker may suffer a harmful fall because they were provided with defective safety equipment. Furthermore, a worker may be hurt because of a vehicle accident caused by another contractor on their site. If you were injured as the result of a construction accident, then our team can help evaluate the strength of your claim against the at-fault party.
Proving Fault for a Personal Injury in New City, NY
In your personal injury case, you must be able to prove that your accident happened as the result of the defendant’s negligence. Several forms of evidence may be used to establish this causal link. The following are all examples of evidence that may be utilized in your case:
Eyewitness Testimony
Eyewitness testimony is often one of the most valuable types of evidence used to establish fault in personal injury cases. Eyewitnesses can provide both oral and written statements that help prove why certain accidents happen. For example, after suffering a car crash, a witness may state that the collision happened because another motorist ran a red light. Further, after a slip and fall accident, eyewitness testimony may establish that the victim slipped because of a loose wire strewn across the floor.
Eyewitnesses can offer both written and oral testimony that helps support plaintiffs’ claims. Therefore, you should always attempt to retrieve contact information from potential witnesses to your accident if you can.
Physical Evidence from the Scene
Physical evidence from the scene of your accident can also be used to prove fault. Such evidence may be used in multiple ways. For instance, a defective tool may be brought into court to demonstrate how it contributed to a construction accident. Further, pieces of broken glass found at the scene of a car crash may be matched with a defendant’s headlight in order to identify them as the at-fault driver. Our legal team can help recover and review any pertinent evidence found at the scene of your accident.
Photos from the Scene
Additionally, photos from the scene of your accident can be very useful when establishing fault. For instance, photos from the scene of your slip and fall may help identify the hazard that caused your accident. Further, photos of your crushed vehicle may prove that another driver was speeding when they caused your car crash.
You should always attempt to take photos at the scene of your accident if possible. Afterwards, you may bring those photos with you when meeting our lawyers for a free review of your potential case.
Damages Available to Plaintiffs in New City Personal Injury Lawsuits
There are multiple forms of economic and non-economic damages that may be compensated through personal injury lawsuits. During your free case evaluation, our team can explain which of the following might be available to you:
Medical Expenses
One of the primary categories of recoverable damages, medical expenses encompass the financial burdens imposed by necessary medical treatments and healthcare services. This can range from surgical interventions and hospital stays to prescriptions and therapeutic regimens. For instance, an individual involved in a car accident may sustain severe injuries that necessitate surgery, post-operative care, and a comprehensive rehabilitation program. In that case, the cost of their treatments could be included in their claim against the at-fault party.
Lost Wages
Another crucial aspect of compensation is lost wages, which account for the income a plaintiff is unable to earn due to their injuries. This not only includes the immediate period of recovery but extends to the future if the injuries result in a decreased capacity to work. For example, if a pedestrian is hit by a reckless driver and subsequently incapacitated, their inability to work during the recovery period and potential long-term effects on their earning capacity can be addressed through lost wage damages.
Property Damage
When personal injuries occur in conjunction with damage to property, plaintiffs can seek property damage compensation. This applies to instances such as car accidents where a plaintiff’s vehicle sustains substantial harm. The expenses required to repair or replace the damaged property can be recovered as part of the lawsuit.
Pain and Suffering Damages
Pain and suffering damages address the intangible toll of physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish resulting from the injury. These damages acknowledge the non-economic hardships experienced by the plaintiff. For instance, a victim of a slip and fall incident that leads to chronic pain, emotional trauma, and anxiety may be eligible for pain and suffering damages.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Beyond medical treatments, other costs may arise due to the injury. Out-of-pocket expenses encompass additional financial burdens like transportation costs to medical appointments, home modifications to accommodate new mobility needs, or expenses related to adaptive equipment. Consider a scenario where a plaintiff sustains injuries that necessitate a wheelchair temporarily, leading to the need for home adjustments and transportation modifications.
Punitive Damages
In exceptional cases, punitive damages may be awarded to plaintiffs. These damages are designed not only to compensate the plaintiff but to also punish the defendant for particularly reckless or malicious behavior. New York has stringent criteria for awarding punitive damages, typically requiring that the defendant’s actions demonstrated a “wanton and reckless disregard” for the safety of others. An illustration could involve a corporation knowingly endangering its employees’ safety, leading to severe injuries. In such cases, punitive damages aim to deter similar misconduct in the future.
Assessing Settlement Offers in New City Personal Injury Lawsuits
If you file a personal injury lawsuit, the defendant will likely attempt to settle your case before going to trial. If you accept their settlement offer, then they will pay you a specific sum of damages in exchange for the voluntary dismissal of your claim. There are potential advantages to settling before trial. For example, by settling early, you may obtain compensation sooner.
Unfortunately, defendants in personal injury lawsuits regularly try to settle their cases for less than they are worth. Our legal team can help negotiate for a fair settlement offer in your case. Still, if an appropriate offer is not presented, then you will likely have to go to trial to obtain the full extent of monetary damages you are owed.
Areas We Serve in Rockland County
Our personal injury lawyers are prepared to assist potential plaintiffs in New City as well as many other areas of Rockland County. For example, you can contact our law firm for guidance if you were hurt because of an accident in any of the following locations:
New City
As the county seat, New City is a hub of legal activity. Our personal injury lawyers are well-versed in navigating the complexities of cases originating from this central location. We stand ready to advocate for your rights and seek justice on your behalf.
Nyack
With its scenic charm and vibrant atmosphere, Nyack is a place we proudly extend our legal services to. If you suffered a personal injury in Nyack, then you can rely on our experienced attorneys to guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you are owed.
Spring Valley
Our commitment to justice also extends to Spring Valley. Our skilled legal team is here to offer compassionate support and expert guidance to Spring Valley residents and visitors who are pursuing personal injury claims.
Pearl River
We can also provide top-tier legal representation to victims in Pearl River. If you’re facing the aftermath of a personal injury in Pearl River, our lawyers are prepared to stand by your side and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Suffern
When residents and visitors of Suffern need legal assistance after suffering a personal injury, our team is here to help. We understand the challenges plaintiffs may be facing, and we are dedicated to helping them navigate the legal system and achieve favorable outcomes in their cases.
Haverstraw
Our legal services also extend to Haverstraw. If you’re a Haverstraw resident seeking justice and fair compensation, you can trust our experienced personal injury lawyers to fight on your behalf.
Stony Point
Whether it’s a car accident, slip and fall, or any other type of personal injury case, our attorneys are here to provide knowledgeable guidance and unwavering support to potential plaintiffs in Stony Point. We understand the unique challenges of personal injury cases in Stony Point and are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.
Clarkstown
Finally, the legal team at our firm is proud to serve the residents of Clarkstown. We are ready to help our clients assess the strength of their potential cases and identify appropriate routes to financial compensation.
If You Were Hurt Because of Someone Else’s Negligence in New City, NY, Call Our Attorneys for Help
Seek support from our experienced personal injury attorneys by calling The Martello Law Firm at (914) 600-3391.