New York Car Accident Lawyers

Automobile Accidents on Long Island, New York City & the Surrounding Areas

Every year, millions of Americans are injured and hundreds of thousands more are killed in motor vehicle accidents. In New York, traffic-related fatalities actually increased in 2020 and again in 2021, according to various reports.

It can be difficult to get back on your feet after a serious auto accident. Right now, you are likely facing numerous physical, emotional, and financial challenges. But, if you have suffered a severe injury, or if someone you love died due to a fellow motorist’s negligent, reckless, or wrongful conduct, you don’t have to navigate these challenges on your own. Our New York car accident lawyers at Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, LLP can help you fight for the fair compensation you are owed.

For compassionate, personalized legal representation, call (800) 675-8556 or contact us online. 
Your initial consultation is completely free.

When to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in New York

After being in a car accident, knowing when to hire an experienced New York car accident attorney is a critical decision. While every case is different, the following questions can help you determine if you should contact an attorney:

• Are you injured? – If you have suffered significant injury or property damage from a car accident, seeking legal representation as soon as possible can be extremely beneficial. On average, people who hired a lawyer after an accident received nearly three times the compensation (verdict/settlement) than those who did not.
• Was the other driver at fault? – Because of New York’s no-fault accident laws, your own personal injury protection insurance coverage (PIP) will be used to compensate you for damages, even if the other driver is at fault. However, if your injuries are considered “serious” or your PIP does not fully cover your losses, you may be able to bring a claim against the other driver. An experienced attorney can investigate the circumstances and vehicle damages associated with the accident to ensure that you get all the compensation you deserve.
• Is your insurance company pushing back? The sad reality is that your insurance company is not your friend. Even the best ones still want to make a profit, which often means minimizing your claim as much as possible. An attorney can explain your legal rights and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf so that you can be confident your best interests are represented at all times.

Ultimately, consulting an experienced attorney will serve you best after a car accident in NY.

The Importance of Legal Representation After a Car Accident

Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience, and it’s essential to understand the importance of seeking legal representation to protect your rights and interests. Our team of New York car accident attorneys at Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, LLP is dedicated to helping clients navigate the complex legal process and obtain the compensation they deserve.

Here are Some Reasons Why Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer is Crucial:

• Knowledge and expertise: Our attorneys have in-depth knowledge of New York car accident laws and regulations. We can help you understand your rights, assess the strength of your case, and guide you through the legal process.
• Maximizing compensation: Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim or offer a low settlement. Our skilled attorneys will fight to ensure you receive full and fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
• Investigation and evidence gathering: We have the resources and expertise to thoroughly investigate your accident, gather crucial evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. This includes obtaining accident reports, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts when necessary.
• Negotiation and settlement: Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and will strive to reach a favorable settlement with the insurance company. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court and advocate for your rights in front of a judge and jury.
• Peace of mind: Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. By hiring a car accident lawyer, you can focus on your recovery and leave the legal complexities to us. We will handle all communication with insurance companies, opposing counsel, and other parties involved in your case.

Don’t navigate the legal process alone. Contact Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, LLP today to schedule a FREE consultation with one of our auto accident lawyers in New York.

How Do New York’s No-Fault Car Insurance Laws Affect Your Auto Accident Case?

New York is one of several states to follow a no-fault car insurance system. Under this system, all drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP) and medical payments (MedPay) insurance in certain minimum amounts. These forms of insurance automatically cover accident victims, regardless of fault, for certain losses, or “damages.”

In New York, No-fault Insurance Provides the Following Coverage:

• Medical Expenses: No-fault insurance covers all “reasonable and necessary” medical costs related to the accident.
• Lost Income: No-fault insurance provides compensation for 80 percent of one’s lost wages (up to $2,000 a month) for up to three years
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: No-fault insurance pays up to $25 a day for “reasonable and necessary” expenses related to the accident, such as in-home assistance and transportation
• Death Benefits: No-fault insurance provides $2,000 to the estate of anyone who dies due to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident

No-fault insurance doesn’t just cover the driver; vehicle passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians are also all covered by no-fault insurance in New York.

If you are injured in a car accident, you can file a PIP and/or MedPay claim with your auto insurance provider without having to prove that the other party was at fault for the accident. However, you cannot receive any compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, through no-fault insurance. Additionally, various coverage limits could mean that you are not fully compensated for your accident-related damages if you rely solely on no-fault insurance.

Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION today.

 Call (800) 675-8556to get started.
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How Do I Get Full Compensation After a  New York City Car Accident?

In some cases, it may be possible to go outside the no-fault system and bring a claim against an at-fault driver’s insurance company—or even sue an at-fault driver for damages. To be eligible to file a third-party personal injury claim, you will need to prove that your injuries are “serious,” as defined by New York law.

Under NY State’s “Serious Injury” Threshold, an Injury is Considered “Serious” if it:

• Is a broken bone/fracture
• Causes significant disfigurement
• Results in permanent impairment of a body organ or member
• Leads to significant limitation of a bodily function or system
• Involves substantial, full disability for at least 90 days

If you have suffered a “serious” injury, you can seek compensation by filing a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance provider or by suing the negligent driver directly.

In addition to proving that your injury meets the “serious injury” threshold, you will also need to prove the following:

• You were injured and suffered measurable, compensable damages
• The other driver (or defendant) owed you a duty of care but failed to uphold it
• The defendant was at least partly responsible for the accident that led to your injuries

If you were partly to blame for the accident, you could still be entitled to compensation. However, the amount you can recover will be reduced by the percentage of fault you are found to have. For example, if the insurance adjuster assigns you 25 percent of the fault for the crash, you can only recover 75 percent of the amount you are seeking in damages.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents In New York?

The Most common causes of car accidents in New York include:

• Distracted driving. Drivers who are talking on the phone, texting, or eating while behind the wheel are more likely to get into a crash.
• Driving while impaired (DWI). Drugs, alcohol and certain prescription medications can affect on our ability to process information and slow our response times. This can lead to serious accidents, which is why driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal.
• Speeding. Speed limits are in place for a reason – to ensure everyone’s safety on the road. When drivers exceed these limits, they are more likely to be involved in a crash.
• Aggressive driving. Tailgating, weaving in and out of lanes, running stop signs, and other aggressive actions can all lead to a collision.
• Bad road conditions. Poor road surfaces, poor lighting, and other environmental hazards can all contribute to serious collisions. Certain municipalities or agencies may be responsible for any injuries that occur if negligent road maintenance was involved in the crash.
• Defective vehicle parts. Manufacturers of vehicles, parts, and tires may be liable for a crash if the accident was caused by a faulty part.
• Failure to obey traffic signs and signals. Drivers who run red lights, fail to yield the right of way, or otherwise disobey traffic laws can cause serious car accidents.

What Should You Do After a Car Accident?

Being involved in an accident is a frightening, stressful experience. Dealing with the aftermath of the crash can be just as challenging. In addition to seeking medical attention and preserving any evidence you have, including the name and contact/insurance information of the other parties involved, one of the best things you can do after a car accident is to reach out to an experience personal injury lawyer.

At Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, LLP, our New York car accident lawyers are here to guide you through the legal process, from understanding your options when it comes to pursuing compensation to communicating with the insurance company and advocating for the maximum settlement you are owed. If necessary, we can even represent you and your case at trial.

Our team is known for our meticulous approach to case preparation, our innovative and collaborative litigation strategies, and our impressive track record of success. With more than $1 billion recovered for our clients, we have what it takes to effectively advocate for you.

Trust our team to be your voice; call (800) 675-8556 
Contact us online for a FREE consultation!
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