Car accidents happen daily in Brooklyn, from fatal head-on collisions on the Belt Parkway to severe T-bone accidents on South Fourth Street. These incidents cause injuries to thousands of drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists in Brooklyn, often leading to substantial disabilities and enduring pain and suffering.
If you’ve been in a car accident, having a knowledgeable Brooklyn personal injury lawyer advocate for your interests and ensure you receive fair compensation for damages is essential. When an insurance company refuses to cover car repairs or medical expenses, or if you’re looking for compensation for lost income due to an accident or injury, specialized legal help becomes essential.
The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm offers a complimentary first meeting to discuss your situation and initiate your compensation claim. Our legal team delivers expert advice and responds to all your questions, no matter how serious the accident is.
We promise to remain by you every step of the way while we work to get you the best settlement possible. Our firm’s well-known standing in the personal injury litigation community of New York results from our extensive legal expertise, skill, and proven record of success.
Discover below how a Brooklyn car accident lawyer can assist you on your journey to recovery after an accident.
How Does a Brooklyn Car Accident Attorney Help Your Case?
If you’ve been injured in an accident, your primary concern should be your recovery, not the stress of securing compensation. During this challenging time, financial stability is crucial, especially if you cannot work and face mounting bills.
At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our experienced personal injury attorneys in Brooklyn understand your struggles. We are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing.
Our Brooklyn car accident lawyers are here to support you by:
- Providing clear answers and guiding you through the legal process
- Conducting thorough investigations to determine the cause of your accident
- Identifying all parties responsible for the incident to ensure they are held accountable
- Collaborating with top experts, such as accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and financial analysts
- Gathering essential evidence, including police reports and video footage
To begin, please contact our NYC law offices. We are pleased to assist clients in Brooklyn, New York, and throughout the city.
Why Choose Our Brooklyn Car Accident Law Firm?
The consequences can be severe if you were in a car crash in Brooklyn and suffered major injuries, including shattered bones, soft tissue damage, or traumatic brain injury.
You are likely juggling several appointments, managing your injuries, arranging medical treatment, and informing your employer about your plans to return to work. A car accident attorney can provide crucial assistance at such a stressful moment.
Our area of expertise at The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm is offering victims of auto accidents complete legal assistance. How we may help you is as follows:
- We will examine the details of your accident and all contributing factors.
- Our team will gather essential evidence to establish who is liable for your injuries.
- We’ll review your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy and explain your options beyond New York’s no-fault insurance rules.
- We will collaborate with your healthcare providers to ensure a complete understanding of the extent of your injuries.
- Our attorneys will document all damages to strengthen your claim.
- We aim to secure a fair settlement that compensates for your current and potential future losses.
- We’ll advise you to accept a settlement or proceed to court based on the compensation offered.
Get in touch with us immediately to learn how the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm can help in your rehabilitation and guide you through the challenging process of filing a claim following an accident with a car.
How Common Are Car Accidents in Brooklyn?
Car accidents are frequent in New York City, with Brooklyn experiencing the highest rate of automobile incidents among the boroughs. According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), in September 2023, Brooklyn reported 2,822 vehicle collisions. These accidents resulted in 1,545 injuries and five fatalities within that single month.
The NYPD maintains detailed records on traffic incidents city-wide and hosts an online forum dedicated to traffic safety. For the year 2022, Brooklyn saw 28,553 collisions, with 69 of these incidents proving fatal.
Urban areas with dense populations and mixed traffic, including pedestrians and bicyclists, tend to see higher rates of car accidents. Brooklyn’s blend of residents and commuters contributes to its elevated traffic-related injuries and death risk.
What Injuries Are Caused by Brooklyn Car Accidents?
A car accident in Brooklyn can result in a variety of injuries, from minor abrasions to severe, life-changing conditions. You may be entitled to financial compensation if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries.
The experienced attorneys at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm are ready to assist 24/7 and is one of the rapidly expanding in handling cases involving injuries such as:
- Head injuries
- Broken bones
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Amputations
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Burns
- Wrongful death & more
It’s essential to seek medical attention quickly after a car accident in Brooklyn, as symptoms of some injuries may not appear immediately. A healthcare professional can provide essential diagnosis and treatment.
After obtaining medical care, contact the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm at the same time.
What Are the Main Causes of Brooklyn Car Accidents?
Car accidents are a significant road hazard today, particularly in busy urban areas like Brooklyn. Understanding the primary causes of these accidents can help formulate prevention strategies and improve road safety.
One of the leading causes of car crashes is distracted driving. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 3,000 people lost their lives in a single year due to distractions while driving.
In Brooklyn, distractions and inattentiveness were responsible for 878 motor vehicle accidents in just one month. Common distractions include texting, using GPS devices, and interacting with passengers, all of which significantly increase the risk of an accident.
Poor weather or road conditions also contribute to numerous accidents. The likelihood of accidents increases in places like New York, where snowy winters and wet conditions prevail for parts of the year.
Poor weather can impair visibility and make roads slippery, leading to difficult driving conditions.
Aggressive or reckless driving is another major factor. This includes speeding, making erratic lane changes, and disregarding traffic rules.
In one particular month, road rage and aggressive driving were linked to 33 car accidents in Brooklyn, while speeding was responsible for 92 collisions. Notably, speeding is associated with a significant proportion of fatal traffic accidents, accounting for more than 25 percent of traffic deaths in a recent year.
Drunk driving remains a critical issue as well, despite strict legal limits on blood alcohol concentration (BAC). In New York, it’s illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, yet alcohol-related crashes continue to occur.
For instance, 31 car accidents involving drunk drivers were recorded in Brooklyn over the course of a single month.
These factors highlight the importance of attentive, sober, and cautious driving. Legal assistance can also play a crucial role in handling the aftermath of an accident, helping to clarify the often complex interplay of factors leading to each incident.
Dangerous Intersections in Brooklyn
Certain intersections in Brooklyn are particularly dangerous and more likely to be sites of vehicular accidents:
- Atlantic Avenue and Flatbush Avenue
- Tillary Street and Flatbush Avenue
- Atlantic Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue
- Erskine Street and Seaview Avenue
- Atlantic Avenue and Conduit Boulevard
- Flatbush Avenue and Empire Boulevard
These areas are known for their higher incidence of traffic mishaps, making them crucial spots for drivers to exercise increased caution.
Types of Car Accidents in Brooklyn
T-Bone Crashes (Side-Impact Collisions)
T-bone crashes, also known as side-impact collisions, occur when the front of one vehicle impacts the side of another, forming a “T.” These accidents make up over 20% of vehicle collisions in the United States and can result in severe injuries due to the limited protection offered by the sides of vehicles.
Rear-End Accidents
These occur when a driver crashes into the vehicle directly in front of them. Often resulting from inattention or tailgating, rear-end collisions are among the most frequent accidents on the road.
Head-On Collisions
Although less common, head-on collisions are particularly dangerous and account for more than 10% of auto accident fatalities. These crashes happen when the fronts of two vehicles collide.
Rollover Accidents
Rollovers can happen during particularly forceful impacts or sharp maneuvers that tip a vehicle over onto its side or roof. These types of accidents are dramatic and have a high potential for serious injuries.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists face high risks on the road. Frontal collisions, occurring when another vehicle obstructs the path of a motorcycle, comprise nearly 75% of motorcycle accident scenarios.
Pedestrian Accidents
In Brooklyn, pedestrian accidents are on the rise, frequently caused by distracted or speeding drivers. These incidents often result in serious injuries or fatalities due to the vulnerability of pedestrians.
Hit and Run Accidents
Hit and run, or leaving the scene, accidents are not only common but also pose significant challenges for victims seeking justice and compensation due to the absence of the at-fault driver.
Fatal Car Accidents
Fatal accidents are tragically transformative events. The ensuing financial pressures, including medical expenses and loss of income, compound the sudden loss of a loved one.
Compensation in Brooklyn Car Accident Claims
Car accidents are unique events, each influenced by different circumstances. Despite this variability, the consequences often result in similar challenges for the victims involved.
Pursuing a car accident claim with the aid of a qualified Brooklyn attorney can be a crucial step towards addressing these challenges and obtaining necessary compensation. The financial remuneration from such claims is generally classified as “damages.”
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to monetary compensation awarded to cover direct financial losses resulting from a car accident. These typically include:
- Costs for vehicular repairs or other property damages.
- Expenses for immediate medical care.
- Anticipated future medical expenses.
- Lost earnings due to inability to work.
- Long-term diminished earning capacity.
Accurately assessing these losses often requires the expertise of seasoned car accident attorneys, who can help determine the full extent of your claim.
Non-Economic Damages
Beyond financial losses, car accidents often inflict intangible harm. Non-economic damages aim to provide compensation for these less quantifiable effects, which may include:
- Physical pain and emotional suffering.
- Mental distress and anguish.
- Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Decreased enjoyment of life.
In tragic circumstances where the accident results in death, non-economic damages may also cover the profound loss of companionship and support, a concept legally termed as “loss of consortium.”
The New York Insurance Process & Car Accidents
If you’re considering filing an insurance claim after a car accident in Brooklyn, it’s important to understand the steps involved.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Reporting the Accident: You should inform your insurance company immediately after the accident. This is the first step in initiating a claim.
- Claim Evaluation by an Adjuster: After you file your claim, an insurance adjuster will assess the damage to your vehicle and any medical expenses incurred due to the accident. The adjuster’s evaluation will determine the worth of your claim. Keep in mind that this process can be time-consuming, so patience is essential.
- Settlement Offers: If the insurance company offers a settlement quickly, and it seems lower than expected, it’s advisable to consult with a car accident lawyer in Brooklyn. A lawyer can review the settlement offer and if necessary, help you generate a demand letter to claim the full value you are owed.
- Legal Action: Should the insurance company refuse to offer a fair settlement, or if your injuries are severe (as defined by New York law), your lawyer may suggest filing a civil lawsuit against the party at fault to seek adequate compensation.
Knowing these steps can help you manage the insurance claim process more effectively and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for any damages and injuries sustained.
What Essential Steps to Take After a Brooklyn Car Accident?
Experiencing a car accident, whether on a bustling Brooklyn thoroughfare like Atlantic Avenue or a quiet side street, can be traumatic and disorienting. Knowing the right steps to take immediately after an accident is crucial for both your health and any potential legal actions.
Here are some essential steps to follow if you find yourself in a car accident in Brooklyn:
- Call 911: Even if the accident seems minor, it’s important to alert the authorities. The police will document the scene, speak to witnesses, and create a report that doesn’t determine fault but is important for any legal proceedings. This report will be useful for holding the responsible party accountable for any damages or injuries.
- Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health by getting medical attention right away. Even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured, symptoms of certain injuries may appear later. Allow emergency responders to assess your condition and follow up with your primary care physician, who knows your medical history best. This step is crucial not only for your health but also for creating medical records that are important for any injury claims.
- Document the Scene and Gather Information: Use your smartphone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle or other property. Make an effort to talk to witnesses and get their contact details. Statements from witnesses who depart before the police arrive may be essential to comprehending the collision’s circumstances.
- Keep a Recovery Journal: As days pass, your recovery process’s details can blur. Maintain a journal documenting your physical and emotional hurdles after the accident. This record can support your case, potentially increasing the compensation you might receive for your ordeal.
Determining the Value of Your Car Accident Case
Many car accident victims feel pressured to accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer immediately. Usually, though, this is not what’s best for them. It can be challenging to realize your case’s true value.
Our attorneys collaborate with esteemed experts to assess your injuries’ full extent and long-term financial impact. We then create a personalized legal strategy to secure comprehensive financial restitution for you.
If your injuries resulted from a car accident caused by another party, our legal team will pursue compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Future medical treatments
- Diminished earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and other necessary therapies
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of companionship or support in cases of wrongful death
- Property damage
- And potentially more
Insurance companies usually want to pay out as little as possible. Still, our lawyers work hard to make sure you get all the money you deserve to improve your financial and emotional health after the accident.
Time Limits for Filing a Car Accident Claim
Each state sets a deadline, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a lawsuit to seek compensation for injuries from a car accident. In New York, you have three years from the accident date to initiate a lawsuit based on injuries.
However, it is advisable to act much more promptly. Insurance companies have their own deadlines for filing claims, which can differ depending on the specific policy. Additionally, if your accident involved a government entity, the window to notify them of your intent to seek compensation is significantly shorter, just 90 days.
How Does No-Fault Insurance Work in New York? Can I Also Sue the At-Fault Party?
In New York, a no-fault state, car accident victims must initially seek compensation for injuries through their personal injury protection (PIP) policy. Under this system, those injured can recover up to $50,000 for medical expenses and economic losses without proving the other party’s fault.
Claims should be filed within 30 days of the accident with the insurer of the vehicle where the injured person was traveling.
Despite the no-fault rule, if the $50,000 PIP coverage does not fully cover the damages, victims can still file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. This is permissible if the injuries sustained qualify as “serious” under state law.
Legal guidance can be beneficial in assessing whether an injury meets this criterion and devising a strategy for pursuing additional legal recourse.
Call the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm in Brooklyn Today
If you or someone close to you has suffered injuries from a car accident, consider contacting the expert car accident attorneys at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm in Brooklyn. You can contact us today by calling (516) 689-1132 or submitting a case evaluation for free via our online form.
The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm provides a free initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Brooklyn. If we accept your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis; that implies that until they get you compensation, you won’t have to pay any legal fees.
With years of competence in personal injury law in Brooklyn, the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm has won many agreements and verdicts resulting in client recompense. Serving all of Brooklyn, including Prospect Park, Flatbush, Williamsburg, and many more, we offer knowledgeable legal assistance to victims of car accidents.
FAQs:
- When is it necessary to hire a car accident lawyer in New York?
It’s advisable to consult with a New York car accident lawyer if you are injured in the accident. Injuries are crucial for filing claims and potential lawsuits. If you are injured due to another’s negligence, they may be liable for your damages.
- What is the typical compensation for a car accident in New York City?
On average, significant car accident settlements in New York City amount to approximately $287,000, significantly higher than the national average. Settlement amounts can vary widely, from a few hundred dollars to several hundred thousand or even millions, depending on the specific circumstances of the accident.
- How long does it take to settle a car accident lawsuit in New York?
The duration of a car accident lawsuit in New York can vary widely from a few weeks to several months and sometimes over a year. The timeline depends on various factors, such as the complexity of liability, the limits of insurance policies involved, and the severity of injuries. It is important to complete your medical treatment before agreeing to any settlement and to work closely with your legal team without rushing the process.
