Finding yourself in a car accident can be a deeply distressing experience that leaves you feeling uncertain about what steps to take next. In such moments, remember that you are not alone.
If you have been injured in Poughkeepsie, our firm can be an invaluable resource in helping you navigate the aftermath of the accident. We can offer you a clear-eyed assessment of your situation and advise you on the best course of action to take to achieve a successful outcome. With our compassionate and knowledgeable lawyers by your side, you can increase your chances of obtaining the compensation you need to recover from your injuries, repair or replace your vehicle, and move forward.
Our car accident lawyers can provide you with a free case review by calling The Martello Law Firm, PLLC at (914) 685-6950.
Injuries Our Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You Recover Compensation for in Poughkeepsie, NY
Car accidents can have devastating consequences, resulting in a variety of injuries that can range from physical harm, such as broken bones, to profound psychological trauma. If you have recently been involved in a car accident, it is crucial to work with our knowledgeable car accident attorneys. With our guidance, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of your legal rights and receive the compensation you rightfully deserve for the damages you have suffered. The following are common injuries we help clients recover compensation for in Poughkeepsie:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Car accidents can result in one of the most severe injuries, known as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs can vary in severity from mild concussions to severe brain damage, which can lead to long-term impairments in cognitive and physical functions.
The road to recovery can be long and challenging for TBI victims, with the need for extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. It can also result in significant financial strain on the victim and their family. During such challenging times, it is crucial to have an experienced lawyer on your side who can help you secure a fair settlement or judgment that covers your medical expenses.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Car accidents can result in severe spinal cord injuries, including quadriplegia/tetraplegia and paraplegia. These injuries can lead to either partial or complete paralysis, which can significantly impact a person’s life and require lifelong care and assistance. In addition to the physical and emotional trauma, victims might face significant financial burdens because of medical expenses, loss of income, and ongoing rehabilitation needs.
Neck and Back Injuries
Car accidents can result in a variety of injuries, but neck and back injuries are among the most common. Whiplash, caused by a sudden back-and-forth movement of the neck, can result in symptoms such as neck pain, headaches, and stiffness. Herniated discs, on the other hand, can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the back, arms, or legs.
These injuries can be particularly severe and might require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Moreover, they can cause chronic pain and limit mobility, making it difficult for victims to perform their daily activities, work, or enjoy life.
Chest Injuries
Car accidents often result in chest injuries, which can range from broken ribs to internal organ damage. The force of impact from a collision can cause the chest to absorb significant trauma, leading to serious and life-threatening injuries.
Broken ribs can cause significant pain, difficulty breathing, and even punctured lungs. Meanwhile, internal organ damage can cause life-threatening internal bleeding, leading to shock and loss of consciousness. Therefore, if you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention to assess and treat any potential chest injuries.
Burn Injuries
Car accidents can sometimes result in fires, which can cause severe burn injuries to the victims. Burn injuries can be excruciatingly painful and can affect multiple layers of the skin, including the dermis and subcutaneous tissue.
Treatment for burn injuries can be lengthy and might involve extensive medical intervention, such as skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and physical therapy. Additionally, burn injuries can leave lasting scars and disfigurement, which can have a profound impact on a person’s physical and emotional well-being.
Internal Injuries
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, including internal injuries. These injuries occur when organs, blood vessels, or the abdominal cavity sustain damage because of the impact of the accident.
Internal injuries can be difficult to detect immediately after an accident as they might not be visible on the surface. However, they can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Some common types of internal injuries include internal bleeding, ruptured organs, and damage to the spinal cord. Symptoms of internal injuries might include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.
Broken Bones
Car accidents are often associated with broken bones. Fractures can be caused by the tremendous impact that occurs when a vehicle collides with another object or vehicle. The severity of the injury can vary greatly depending on the location, direction, and force of impact.
Simple fractures are those where the bone breaks but remains in place, while complex breaks involve the bone shattering into multiple pieces. In some cases, surgery might be required to realign the bone, insert screws, plates, or rods, and ensure proper healing. After surgery, extensive rehabilitation might be necessary to restore the affected area to its previous function.
Facial Injuries
Car accidents can also result in facial lacerations and dental injuries. These injuries can be particularly traumatic, as they can impact a person’s appearance and self-image. For example, a facial fracture might require surgical intervention and can result in significant scarring, while lacerations might require stitches and can leave visible marks.
Dental injuries can also be severe, with teeth being knocked out or fractured, which can impact a person’s ability to eat, speak, and even breathe. The emotional toll of these injuries can be just as significant as the physical trauma, as they can affect a person’s confidence and self-esteem.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD is a debilitating mental health disorder that can arise as a result of experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event such as a car accident. It can cause a range of distressing symptoms, such as vivid flashbacks, intense nightmares, and overwhelming anxiety, that can significantly interfere with a person’s daily life.
Wrongful Death
In the unfortunate event of a loved one passing away because of a car accident, it might be possible for surviving family members to file a wrongful death claim. This type of claim is intended to provide compensation for a range of expenses and losses that the family might have incurred as a result of the tragedy. Such expenses might include the cost of the funeral and burial, medical expenses, and any outstanding debts or bills.
In addition, surviving family members might be entitled to receive compensation for the loss of income that the deceased person would have contributed to the family over time. This could be especially significant if the deceased was the primary breadwinner for the family.
Another important aspect of a wrongful death claim is the compensation for the loss of companionship and emotional distress caused by the loss of a loved one. This can include the pain and suffering that family members experience as a result of the loss, as well as the emotional trauma that can be associated with the sudden and unexpected death of a family member.
How to Protect Your Rights After a Car Accident in Poughkeepsie, NY
Understanding how to protect your rights after a car accident in Poughkeepsie is vital to ensuring you receive compensation for your damages. The following guide will help you gather information for a later legal claim, as well as what to do after the accident to ensure that you do not jeopardize your case:
Contact the Police
The first step you should take after a car accident is to contact the police. A police report serves as an official record of the incident and can provide valuable details that might be important later on. It includes information about the drivers involved, their insurance information, a description of the accident, and any citations issued. It can also note any apparent injuries or damages at the scene.
Visit the Doctor
Regardless of whether you feel injured immediately after the accident, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries might not show symptoms right away, but delaying medical treatment could harm your health and your potential personal injury claim. A timely medical evaluation will document your injuries and establish a link between the accident and your injuries.
Exchange Information with Other Parties
It is also important to exchange information with all parties involved in the accident. This should include names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information. Be sure to get the make, model, and license plate number of all vehicles involved as well. However, avoid discussing the accident’s specifics or admitting fault, as these statements could be used against you later.
Make Records of the Accident Scene
Preserving evidence from the accident scene can be critical to your claim. If possible, take photos or videos of the accident scene, including the positions of the vehicles, any visible injuries, and any relevant road or weather conditions. You should also write down your recollections of the accident as soon as possible while the details are still fresh in your mind.
Contact an Attorney Sooner Than Later
After a car accident, it is wise to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Our firm can guide you through the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and ensure your rights are protected. The sooner you contact our team, the sooner we can start gathering evidence and building a strong case for you.
Methods for Recovering Compensation After a Poughkeepsie, NY Car Accident
If you have been involved in a car accident in Poughkeepsie, NY, there are avenues available for you to seek compensation for your losses. By understanding these methods and seeking the assistance of our team, you can improve your chances of securing the compensation you need and move forward with your life.
Filing with Insurance
One of the primary ways to recover compensation after a car accident is to file an insurance claim. New York is a no-fault insurance state, meaning that regardless of who was at fault for the accident, initial medical expenses and lost wages are typically covered by your own insurance company under the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) part of your policy.
The process of filing a claim with your insurance company involves several steps. First, you must notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. You will then need to cooperate with their investigation, providing them with details about the accident and your injuries. Your insurer will review your medical records and any other relevant documentation to determine the extent of your damages and the amount of compensation you are eligible to receive.
However, dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. They often aim to minimize payouts, and their initial settlement offers might not fully cover your losses. It is important to remember that you do not have to accept the first offer from an insurance company, and it might be beneficial to consult with an attorney before agreeing to a settlement.
Filing a Lawsuit
In some cases, the compensation offered by insurance companies might not be sufficient to cover all your losses, especially if you have suffered severe or long-term injuries. If so, you might consider filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.
In a lawsuit, you will need to prove that the other party was negligent and that their negligence caused your injuries. This generally involves establishing four elements. The first element is duty, which means that every driver has a responsibility to operate their vehicle safely and within the bounds of traffic laws.
The second element is breach, which occurs when the other driver violates their duty by either taking action or failing to take action in a certain way.
The third element is causation, which refers to the fact that the other driver’s breach of duty directly caused the accident and the injuries you sustained as a result.
Finally, the fourth element is damages, which are the physical, emotional, and financial losses you suffered because of the accident, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
However, filing a lawsuit is typically limited to cases where the damages exceed the limits of your insurance policy or if you have suffered a serious injury. A serious injury includes conditions such as significant disfigurement, bone fracture, permanent limitation of use of a body organ or member, significant limitation of use of a body function or system, or substantially full disability for 90 days.
Our Poughkeepsie, NY Car Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help Your Case
For a free case assessment, contact our car accident attorneys at The Martello Law Firm, PLLC by calling (914) 685-6950.
