Long Island Car Accident Lawyer

Unexpected car accidents can be anything from a small annoyance to a catastrophic experience. In the wake of a recent car accident, you can be faced with expensive medical expenses, missed income, and excruciating injuries.

While attempting to heal from their injuries, most people cannot handle all the paperwork and phone calls that must be made. They are also unprepared for the financial consequences of a serious injury.

If you’ve suffered injuries from a car accident, The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm can assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve for your losses. Our team of dedicated car accident lawyers will thoroughly assess the total cost of your damages, guide you through filing an insurance claim or lawsuit, and relentlessly advocate for your rights and interests at every step.

We recognize the immense stress you are under and are committed to simplifying the legal process for you, allowing you to focus entirely on your recovery.

Get Compensated With the Help of Our Long Island Car Accident Attorneys

While an initial offer from the insurance company may only address your immediate needs, your Long Island car accident lawyer will consider your long-term requirements and the full extent of funds needed for your ongoing care. Keep in mind that insurance companies are profit-driven and aim to minimize payouts.

Insurance adjusters may not have your best interests at heart, so having a dedicated advocate is crucial for negotiating the best possible settlement. In assessing your claim, we ensure that the compensation you receive thoroughly covers all financial costs resulting from the accident and compensates for the impact on your quality of life:

• Coverage for current and future medical expenses
• Costs for car repairs or replacement
• Fees for physical or emotional therapy
• Compensation for lost wages and future earnings
• Compensation for pain and suffering
• Reimbursements for emotional distress and any disfigurement
• Compensation for loss of enjoyment in life

Why Should You Reach Out to Our Long Island Car Accident Law Firm?

Let’s say you were partially to blame for a car accident on Long Island. In that situation, it’s essential to think about working with a personal injury attorney to assist with overcoming the challenges of submitting a claim.

Dealing with the aftermath of an accident may be extremely difficult, and getting fair compensation can also be challenging.

Here are some reasons why seeking the advice of the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm could be advantageous:

• Insurance providers are known to aggressively minimize or deny claims. Our experienced car accident attorney has the expertise to negotiate with these companies and ensure you receive a fair settlement.
• If there are attempts to place partial blame for the accident on you, your ability to secure full compensation could be at risk. Our skilled lawyer can help protect your interests and work to counter any claims that you share the fault.
• In some cases, multiple parties might be responsible for your injuries. Our dedicated lawyer can identify all potential sources of liability and pursue claims against all responsible parties, increasing your chances of a comprehensive settlement.
• Estimating the actual value of your claim involves understanding the nuances of your immediate and future medical needs, lost wages, and other damages. Our lawyers have access to experts who can provide accurate assessments, ensuring that your claim is properly valued.
• Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case. This arrangement allows you to seek legal assistance without any upfront costs, providing access to justice even if you face financial difficulties.

When you work with the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, you can concentrate on getting better while they take care of the legal nuances of your case and work to get you the money you are entitled to.

Where Do Most Car Accidents on Long Island Happen?

On Long Island, driving can be particularly hazardous in both Nassau County and Suffolk County. Despite drivers’ best efforts to adhere to traffic laws and remain vigilant, the risk of accidents persists, often due to the unpredictable behavior of other road users, including bicyclists and pedestrians.

Understanding the most dangerous locations for traffic accidents on Long Island can help drivers minimize their risk. According to a comprehensive study by the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, which analyzed three years of crash data, certain roads and intersections are notably perilous.

The study identifies the following locations as high-risk areas:

• Jericho Turnpike / State Route 25
• North County Rd / SR-25A
• New York Avenue / SR-110
• Route 24
• Montauk Highway
• The intersection of Lakeview Rd, Marcus Ave, and Northern State Parkway
• The intersection of New Hyde Park Rd and Northern State Parkway
• The intersection of Roslyn Rd and LIE South Service Rd
• The intersection of Old Country Rd and Wantagh Pkwy
• The intersection of Hempstead Turnpike and Wantagh Pkwy
• The intersection of Round Swamp Rd and Northern State Pkwy
• The intersection of Connetquot Ave and Sunrise Hwy

Awareness of these high-risk areas allows drivers to avoid or exercise increased caution when going through them, potentially reducing the likelihood of accidents.

4 Most Common Types Of Car Accidents

Car accidents in New York exhibit a wide range of scenarios, but certain types recur more frequently. Based on accumulated data and experience, the most common categories of car accidents include:

Head-On Collisions

These collisions typically occur when a driver veers over the center median or drives through an intersection incorrectly, often due to intoxication or distraction. The direct frontal impact makes head-on collisions particularly hazardous.

Common injuries from these accidents include severe bone fractures, internal bleeding, burns, and road rash.

Rear-End Collisions

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rear-end collisions are statistically the most common type of car accident, accounting for about 29% of all traffic accidents. While they might seem less severe than head-on collisions, rear-end impacts can still cause significant injuries, such as spinal cord damage and whiplash, which may not become apparent until years later.

Sideswipes

This type of accident occurs when the side of one vehicle makes contact with the side of another. Sideswipes can happen when vehicles travel in the same or opposite directions.

These accidents often result in victims experiencing unusual sideways impacts, leading to potential head trauma from hitting a window or car pillar, severe lacerations, and nerve damage. Establishing fault in sideswipe accidents can also be challenging.

Side Impact or T-Bone Accidents

In these accidents, one vehicle crashes into the side of another, typically at intersections where paths cross perpendicularly. Like sideswipes, proving fault in T-bone accidents can be difficult, highlighting the importance of having a skilled car accident lawyer to help gather evidence and secure eyewitness accounts.

What You Should Do After a Long Island Car Accident?

If you are involved in a car accident on Long Island, following specific steps to safeguard your well-being and legal rights is crucial.

Firstly, prioritize your health by seeking immediate medical attention, regardless of the apparent severity of your injuries. This ensures you receive the necessary treatment and formally documents your injuries concerning the accident.

Secondly, if law enforcement is present at the scene, provide them with a concise account of the incident, focusing strictly on the facts. This police report is a vital document that your attorney can later utilize to strengthen your case.

Thirdly, if you’re able, gather essential information from the scene. Note down the other driver’s license plate, contact details, and insurance information, along with the contact information of any witnesses.

Use your smartphone to take comprehensive photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any physical injuries you sustained. This visual evidence is critical for building your case.

Fourthly, keep your comments about the accident to a minimum. Avoid admitting fault or speculating about the incident. If a claims adjuster approaches you, avoid discussing the accident until you consult an attorney.

Lastly, arrange a free initial consultation with a car accident lawyer in Long Island. This meeting is an opportunity to narrate your experience and receive personalized legal advice.

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning there are no upfront fees, and they only receive payment if they secure compensation for you.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Long Island

Common causes of car accidents in Long Island largely stem from driver errors, which include:

Distracted Driving

Many drivers engage in activities that divert their attention from the road, such as texting, eating, adjusting radio or GPS devices, or talking to passengers. These distractions often lead to serious injuries, as the inattentive driver might fail to brake or swerve in time to prevent a collision.

Speeding

Traveling over the speed limit or too fast for road conditions can hinder a driver’s ability to stop promptly, increasing the severity of an accident. Speeding has been a consistent factor in roughly one-third of all vehicle-related fatalities for over two decades, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Drunk Driving

It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above 0.08 percent. Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both continues to result in frequent accidents, with an alcohol-related crash fatality occurring every 48 minutes in the U.S., according to NHTSA data.

These incidents can lead to both civil and criminal legal actions.

Drowsy Driving

Driving while fatigued or sleepy can significantly impair reaction times and decision-making abilities. These accidents typically occur at high speeds, making them particularly devastating.

Tailgating

Following another vehicle too closely is a common cause of rear-end collisions. Tailgating leaves insufficient room to react and avoid a crash if the leading car suddenly stops or turns.

Reckless Driving

Accidents can also result from aggressive behaviors such as road rage, erratic lane changes, ignoring traffic signals, excessive speeding, or dangerous overtaking.

Dangerous Road Conditions

Poor road conditions, such as those caused by adverse weather, construction zones, or obstacles like potholes and animal crossings, can also lead to accidents. In certain cases, liability may fall on a government entity responsible for the road.

Vehicle Defects

Accidents may be caused by issues within the vehicle itself, such as maintenance failures, mechanic errors, or manufacturing defects.

Every year, car accidents in the United States cause injuries to over 2.5 million people, sending them to the emergency department.

What Kinds of Injuries Can You Receive Compensation For?

You can potentially receive compensation for a wide range of physical or emotional injuries resulting from incidents like car accidents. To successfully claim such compensation, it’s crucial to establish a clear link between the injury and the accident.

Common injuries from car accidents include:

• Crushed or amputated limbs
• Broken limbs
• Spinal injuries
• Head trauma
• Muscle sprains
• Whiplash
• Fatal injuries
• Brain injuries
• Burn injuries

Most of these injuries can be directly connected to the accident. However, some injuries may take weeks, months, or even years to become apparent.

When this delay occurs, it may complicate the victim’s ability to secure compensation.

Subtle and delayed injuries might include closed head injuries, whiplash, and neck injuries. Closed head injuries can be particularly severe, potentially causing long-term changes in vision, memory, and cognitive function.

In such cases, a skilled car accident attorney in New York can help gather medical evidence that links your symptoms to the accident, even during delays. This process might involve hiring expert witnesses, obtaining testimony from your doctor, or presenting medical records to establish the injury’s connection to the accident.

Long Island Car Accident Settlements and Lawsuits

After an initial free consultation, your lawyer will begin investigating your car accident case by interviewing witnesses, examining medical records, obtaining the accident report, and reviewing any photos or videos of the crash scene. This thorough investigation helps build a strong claim for damages, categorized into three types: economic, non-economic, and, in rare cases, punitive.

Economic damages cover direct financial losses, such as:

• Property damage
• Lost wages
• Decreased earning capacity
• Medical expenses
• Future medical treatments

Non-economic damages address intangible losses, including:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Scarring and disfigurement

In instances where a death occurs due to the accident, a wrongful death claim may be pursued. This claim aims to compensate for losses related to the death of a family member, like funeral expenses and loss of companionship.

Once the investigation phase is complete, your lawyer will draft a demand letter to the insurance company outlining the facts, the applicable laws, and a compensation request based on your calculated damages. The insurance company typically responds with a counteroffer, initiating negotiation.

Your lawyer may file a personal injury claim if negotiation fails to produce a favorable settlement. Negotiations typically last the entire pretrial stage, and your attorney will fight passionately to get the most money feasible for your injuries throughout this procedure.

Time Is Running Out to File Your Long Island Car Accident Lawsuit

You have a three-year window from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York. This statute of limitations applies to actions against the party responsible for the accident.

Under New York’s no-fault insurance laws, you must initially file any damage claims with your own car insurance provider. This coverage typically includes medical expenses, out-of-pocket costs, and compensation for lost wages.

However, it generally does not cover compensation for pain and suffering unless the injuries are serious.

Specific deadlines for claims involving lost wages vary depending on the circumstances of your case. Consulting with experienced legal professionals, such as those at a reputable law firm, can guide the correct procedures and timing for these claims.

If you’re considering pursuing a personal injury case, gathering all pertinent information related to your accident is essential. This includes the police report, medical documentation, proof of lost income, and contact details for any witnesses.

If you cannot obtain a police report, a lawyer can assist you in acquiring it.

Seeking advice from a knowledgeable attorney can ensure you understand your rights and options, helping you secure the compensation you deserve. Many law firms offer free consultations to discuss the specifics of your case and determine the best course of action.

Important Information to Gather at the Scene of a Crash

If you’re able to do so safely and without compromising your health, try to collect the following details while at the accident scene:

1. The specific location of the accident.
2. Details of each vehicle involved, including make, model, year, and license plate number.
3. Please provide all drivers’ contact and identification information: names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, vehicle registration and insurance details.
4. Information about the responding officer, including their name, badge number, and the division or precinct they represent.

Who Will Be Liable for My Car Accidents and Injuries?

If you’re involved in a car accident on Long Island, you might be eligible to pursue compensation from various parties responsible for your injuries. Under New York state law, any party even minimally responsible, such as 5 or 10 percent, for the accident may be liable for damages if their negligence contributed to your injuries.

Potential parties from whom you can seek compensation include:

• Other drivers
• Bicyclists
• Pedestrians
• Employers of negligent individuals
• Transit companies
• Government entities
• Companies responsible for defective products

At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our skilled personal injury attorneys are committed to thoroughly investigating your case. We aim to uncover the causes of your accident and identify all parties at fault.

We aim to effectively pursue compensation on your behalf, striving to secure your fullest possible compensation.

How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?

The value of a car accident claim is influenced by several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the likelihood of permanent disability, and the responsible party’s insurance coverage. For instance, someone with spinal cord injuries from a rear-end collision usually receives a higher settlement than someone who experiences minor injuries like bruises and fractures but is expected to make a full recovery.

Consider scheduling a free consultation with a car accident attorney in Long Island to estimate your claim’s value precisely. During this meeting, the attorney can provide an initial estimate, which may be adjusted as more details about the case emerge.

You can contact the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm to arrange a consultation and speak with a team member.

Get in touch With Our Long Island Car Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been involved in a car accident on Long Island, consider seeking legal representation from The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm. Our firm is devoted to fighting for people who are hurt in car accidents.

Dedicated to achieving the settlement and money you are due, our attorneys work hard to make sure your case is explicitly handled for you. At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we ensure you do not incur upfront or out-of-pocket expenses during the legal process.

Reach out to us for a free legal consultation at (516) 689-1132. A team member will review your case, assess the potential for driver negligence, and outline the subsequent steps to pursue your car collision claim.

FAQs:

• Why Should I Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer After My Long Island Car Accident?

Hiring a Long Island personal injury lawyer ensures expert knowledge of the law and adept negotiation with insurers to avoid unfair settlements. Firms like the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm effectively counter insurance tactics to maximize compensation, often avoiding trial. They work on a contingency basis, charging fees only if you receive compensation.

• Who’s Liable For My Car Accident And Injuries?

Liability in a car accident depends on proving negligence. You must demonstrate that the other driver owed a duty of care, breached it, caused the accident, and that the accident resulted in injuries and losses. The negligent driver is liable for your injuries if these elements are established.

• What to do after a car accident in NY?

After a car accident in NY, secure your vehicle and check for injuries. If the car cannot be moved or medical help is needed, call “911” for assistance. Follow any instructions emergency operators provide to ensure safety and proper documentation of the incident.