Introduction
Car accidents are a common occurrence in New York, with over 180,000 reported each year. In 2022, these accidents resulted in over 11,000 injuries and 254 fatalities. If you have been injured in a car accident in New York, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. An experienced car accident attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, and they can fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Table of Contents
What to Do After a Car Accident in New York
After a car accident, it is important to take certain steps to protect your legal rights. These steps include:
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Check for injuries and call 911 if necessary. If you or anyone else is injured, get medical attention immediately.
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Exchange information with the other driver(s). This includes your name, address, insurance information, and driver’s license number.
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Take photos of the accident scene. This includes the damage to the vehicles, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries.
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File a police report. This is especially important if there were any injuries or if there is any dispute about who was at fault for the accident.
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Contact an experienced car accident attorney. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, and they can start investigating your case.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in New York
There are many factors that can contribute to car accidents, but some of the most common causes include:
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Distracted driving. This includes using a cell phone, eating, or talking to passengers.
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Speeding. Driving too fast for the conditions is a major cause of car accidents.
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Drunk driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences.
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Reckless driving. This includes driving erratically, weaving in and out of traffic, and ignoring traffic signals.
Types of Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe. Some of the most common types of car accident injuries include:
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Whiplash. This is a soft tissue injury to the neck that is caused by the sudden back-and-forth motion of the head and neck.
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Head injuries. These can range from mild concussions to severe brain injuries.
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Spinal cord injuries. These can cause paralysis or other serious disabilities.
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Broken bones. These can be very painful and require surgery.
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Internal injuries. These can be difficult to diagnose and can be very serious.
Compensation for Car Accident Injuries in New York
If you have been injured in a car accident in New York, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. The amount of compensation you may be entitled to depends on the severity of your injuries, the length of your recovery, and the extent of your economic losses.
Hiring a Car Accident Attorney in New York
If you have been injured in a car accident in New York, it is important to hire an experienced car accident attorney. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, and they can fight to get you the compensation you deserve. An attorney can also help you with the following:
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Investigating your accident. This includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing medical records.
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Negotiating with insurance companies. Insurance agencies will try and settle your case for as little money as viable. An legal professional assist you to negotiate a honest agreement.
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Filing a lawsuit. If you are unable to reach a fair settlement with the insurance company, your attorney may file a lawsuit on your behalf.
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Representing you in court. If your case goes to trial, your attorney will represent you in court and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Finding a Car Accident Attorney in New York
There are many car accident attorneys in New York, so it is important to find one who is experienced and reputable. You can ask for recommendations from friends, family, or other attorneys. You can also search for attorneys online or in the phone book.
When you are interviewing potential attorneys, be sure to ask about their experience handling car accident cases. You should also ask about their fees and how they will be charged.
Conclusion
If you have been injured in a car accident in New York, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries. Hiring an experienced car accident attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.