Many people are hurt each year in New City because of car accidents. These crashes can lead to painful and debilitating injuries that restrict peoples’ abilities to perform work and enjoy their lives. Victims’ roads to recovery can be very tiresome and complicated.
Fortunately, if you suffered a car accident injury, then you may be able to bring a claim against the at-fault party. Our legal team will help gather evidence, file your claim, and fight for the full extent of damages available to you.
In the aftermath of a collision in New City, NY, seek support from our experienced car accident attorneys by calling The Martello Law Firm at (914) 600-3391.
What Damages Are Available to Plaintiffs in New City, NY Car Accident Lawsuits
There are multiple different types of economic and non-economic damages that you may pursue payment for after suffering a car accident in New City. Our car accident lawyers can help determine which of the following forms of compensation may be available to you during your free case review:
Medical Expenses
You may acquire monetary damages for any medical bills related to your car accident injury. This includes the cost of all treatment you received since your accident and all of the treatment you will require in the future. Typically, these damages are established using your medical records and bills.
It is important to visit a doctor quickly after suffering a car crash. You will need official documentation of your injuries in order to recover payment from another party. Therefore, if you wait for your injuries to heal before seeing a physician, then you may complicate the settlement process.
Lost Wages
Some car accident injuries cause victims to spend time away from work while recovering. If you had to miss work because of your injury, then you may be awarded compensation for the lost income you incurred. These damages will usually be calculated using a plaintiffs’ average weekly wages.
Furthermore, if your injury prevents you from performing work in the future, then you may be able to recover damages for your lost earning capacity. Still, pursuing payment for lost future income can be a complex process. Support from our team can be valuable when seeking these damages in your lawsuit.
Property Damage
Property damage is another form of compensation available to plaintiffs in car accident lawsuits. For example, if your car was damages as a result of your collision, then you may sue the at-fault party for the cost of your vehicle’s repair or replacement.
Some defendants may attempt to argue that plaintiffs’ property damage is actually not related to the accidents at issue. Therefore, you should take photos of your damaged vehicle immediately after your accident if possible. These photos can be used to establish the harm caused by your collision.
Pain and Suffering
Many car accident injuries can cause victims to endure debilitating physical pain. As an example, burn injuries, soft tissue injuries, broken bones, and back injuries can all be especially excruciating. Fortunately, you may obtain financial compensation for the pain caused by your car accident injuries.
Additionally, car accident injuries can also cause potential plaintiffs to undergo intense emotional suffering. For instance, a parent who incurs a spinal cord injury may be unable to partake in hobbies with their child after their crash. Further, someone who suffers a brain injury may have trouble communicating with family members because of their collision. Thankfully, plaintiffs in car accident lawsuits may also be awarded damages for their emotional anguish.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
There are also a wide range of out-of-pocket expenses that can be compensated through a car accident claim. As an example, you may need to pay for help with transportation to and from court dates and doctor’s appointments. Further, if you are an injured parent, then you may need to pay for assistance with child care while your injuries heal. Such expenses may be accounted for in your case against another motorist.
These damages are usually proven using receipts and other financial documents. You should try to keep the receipts you receive for any expenses that stem from your car accident injuries.
Filing a Car Accident Case in New City, NY
Deadlines to file specific types of lawsuits are governed by states’ statutes of limitations. According to C.V.P. Law § 214, you will generally have three years from when your crash occurs to bring your case to court. If you do not file your lawsuit on time, then the defendant will likely move to have your case dismissed.
Still, you should begin working on your potential lawsuit as soon as possible. The evidence needed to support your case can become hard to gather and preserve as time passes. For example, witness can forget pertinent details, documents can be lost, and physical items can deteriorate. The sooner you start building your claim, the more efficient your evidence collection will be.
Additionally, there are several other conditions that should be satisfied when bringing your case to court. For instance, you will need to file your claim in the right court, pay any required filing fees, attach necessary supporting information, serve defendants, and make sure you your claim is complete. If you any one of these conditions is not satisfied, then you may need to file your lawsuit again.
Considering Settlement Offers in New City Car Accident Lawsuits
The defendant in your car accident lawsuit will most likely attempt to settle your case before going to trial. If you accept a settlement agreement, then the defendant will pay you a certain amount of damages and your claim will be dismissed. There are some advantages to settling early.
Still, many defendants try to settle their cases for less than they are worth. If you are not presented with an adequate settlement offer, then you will need to go to trial to obtain the financial compensation you deserve. Guidance from our legal team can be immensely helpful when considering a settlement offer in your case.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in New City
There are many different forms of negligence that can lead to harmful car crashes. For example, the following are all common causes of car accidents in New City:
Speeding
Speeding is a common cause of car accidents where drivers exceed the posted speed limits or drive too fast for the road conditions. This form of negligence can result in reduced reaction times and increased stopping distances. For instance, a driver traveling well above the speed limit may struggle to brake in time when a car suddenly merges into their lane.
Disobeying Traffic Signals
Disobeying traffic signals involves ignoring stop signs, red lights, or other signals meant to control traffic flow. This negligence disrupts the expected pattern of traffic and can lead to dangerous collisions. Imagine a driver running a red light at an intersection and colliding with another vehicle that had the right of way.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving occurs when a driver diverts their attention away from the road, often due to activities like texting, eating, or adjusting the radio. This negligence impairs a driver’s ability to notice and react to changing road conditions. For instance, a driver who is texting might fail to notice a pedestrian crossing the street in front of them.
Improper Lane Changes
Improper lane changes involve switching lanes without signaling or checking blind spots, causing collisions with adjacent vehicles. This form of negligence disrupts the flow of traffic and can lead to side-swipe accidents. A driver who abruptly changes lanes without checking their blind spot could collide with another vehicle that was already occupying the adjacent lane.
Illegal Left Turns
Illegal left turns occur when a driver makes a left turn at an intersection or location where it is prohibited. This negligence can lead to head-on or side-impact collisions with vehicles traveling straight through the intersection. Consider a driver attempting an illegal left turn at a busy intersection, colliding with an oncoming vehicle.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving involves operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, impairing a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time. This form of negligence significantly increases the risk of accidents due to impaired driving skills. A driver who is intoxicated might swerve across lanes and collide with other vehicles on the road.
Tailgating
Tailgating is the act of following another vehicle too closely, leaving inadequate space to react to sudden stops. This negligence reduces the following driver’s ability to respond to changes in traffic flow and can lead to rear-end collisions. For instance, a driver tailgating the car in front might be unable to stop in time if the lead vehicle suddenly brakes.
What if You Share Fault for Your Car Accident in New City, NY
There are situations where car accident victims can share blame for their crashes. For instance, a speeding driver may share fault for a collision where they were struck by a drunk driver who ran a red light. Thankfully, if you share fault for your car accident, you can still pursue financial compensation for the damages you sustained.
New York courts will abide by the rules of “pure comparative fault” when awarding damages in car accident lawsuits. This means that damages are apportioned based on parties’ percentages of blame. For example, if you are considered to be 20% responsible for your accident while the defendant in your case is 80% at fault, then they will be ordered to pay for 80% of the damages you sustained while you must account for the leftover 20%.
In some other states, victims are restricted from pursuing monetary damages if their share of blame exceeds 50%. However, no such rule exists in New York. You may acquire payment for your car accident injuries regardless of your share of fault.
Areas We Serve in Rockland County
Our experienced car accident attorneys are ready to help crash victims in New City as well as many other parts of Rockland County. For instance, our legal team can offer support if you suffered a collision in any of the following locations:
New City
Situated at the heart of Rockland County, New City stands as a central hub for legal matters. Our specialized focus on car accident lawsuits allows us to navigate the intricacies of cases originating from this vital location. We are dedicated to advocating for the rights of car accident victims and helping them secure the compensation they deserve.
Nyack
Nestled amidst picturesque surroundings, Nyack is another area where we can offer support. Residents of Nyack who have experienced car accidents can rely on our experienced car accident lawyers to guide them through the legal process and pursue the best possible outcome for their cases.
Spring Valley
Our commitment to justice also reaches Spring Valley, where we stand ready to assist those who have been injured in car accidents. Our legal team is well-versed in handling car accident lawsuits, and we are passionate about ensuring that Spring Valley residents receive the support they need during challenging times.
Pearl River
The close-knit community of Pearl River deserves dedicated legal representation when it comes to car accidents. Our attorneys understand the unique dynamics of car accident cases in Pearl River and are prepared to fight for the rights of those who have been injured due to negligence.
Suffern
Our legal services also extend to Suffern. Whether it’s navigating insurance claims or pursuing legal action, our experienced lawyers are here to guide Suffern residents through every step of the process.
Haverstraw
We take pride in extending our legal services to Haverstraw, advocating for the rights of those who have been impacted by car accidents. Our personalized approach and deep understanding of car accident law allow us to provide effective representation for Haverstraw residents seeking compensation and justice.
Stony Point
In Stony Point, our skilled car accident lawyers offer knowledgeable guidance and unwavering support to those who have suffered injuries in car accidents. We are committed to helping our clients achieve favorable outcomes and recover the compensation they deserve.
Clarkstown
The legal team at our firm is dedicated to serving Clarkstown residents who have been involved in car accidents. Our expertise in car accident law equips us to provide tailored solutions and effective representation for accident victims in Clarkstown.
Car Accident Victims in New City, NY Can Call Our Lawyers for Assistance
Get help from our experienced car accident lawyers at The Martello Law Firm by dialing (914) 600-3391.
