Were you injured in a car accident on Long Island, New York? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Call Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, PLLC at 212-CARRION for a free consultation with an experienced Long Island car accident lawyer.
In the aftermath of a collision, dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and insurance companies can quickly become overwhelming. Our law firm is committed to protecting your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, PLLC for Help After a Car Accident on Long Island, NY?
If you have been injured in a crash on Long Island, NY, choosing the right legal team can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, PLLC, our dedicated Long Island personal injury lawyers are committed to providing personalized representation and aggressive advocacy for accident victims throughout the region.
Our legal team brings decades of combined experience to every case and has helped clients recover tens of millions of dollars.
Additionally, we have received the following awards and recognitions:
- Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion
- Super Lawyers Rising Stars
- Avvo Clients’ Choice
- Top 50 Settlements for Motor Vehicle Accidents in New York
No matter the challenges you face after a crash, our attorneys are committed to protecting your rights and pursuing fair compensation on your behalf. Reach out to our Long Island car accident attorneys today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help with your car accident claim.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
After a car accident, having experienced legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. Insurance companies often have teams of adjusters and attorneys working to minimize payouts, making it important to have an advocate protecting your interests.
A car accident lawyer can help by:
- Leveling the playing field with insurance companies
- Accessing expert witnesses when needed
- Protecting you from unfair allegations of fault
- Giving you time to rest and recover while handling your legal issues
You can trust your attorney to handle the complexities of your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not have to pay any upfront attorney fees to hire legal representation. Instead, your lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the compensation recovered in your case. If no recovery is obtained, you generally do not owe attorney fees.
This arrangement allows accident victims to pursue justice without worrying about out-of-pocket legal costs. During a free consultation, a lawyer can explain how contingency fees work and answer any questions you may have about the costs associated with your case.
What Types of Damages Are Available to Long Island Car Accident Victims?
If you were injured in a car accident on Long Island, you may be entitled to compensation for the financial, physical, and emotional losses resulting from the crash. While some losses may be covered through insurance benefits available after a New York car accident, injured victims may also have the right to pursue additional compensation in certain situations.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate car accident victims for the financial losses caused by a crash.
Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills: Costs related to emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, prescription medications, and other treatment
- Future medical expenses: The cost of ongoing treatment, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and other medical care you may need in the future
- Lost wages: Income you lost while recovering from your injuries
- Reduced earning capacity: Compensation if your injuries affect your ability to work or earn the same income as before
- Property damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle and other damaged property
- Rehabilitation costs: Expenses for physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical equipment, and other services that support your recovery
These damages are intended to help you recover the financial losses caused by the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Some losses are not financial. Non-economic damages compensate victims for the physical and emotional effects of a car accident.
Examples include:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries
- Emotional distress: Compensation for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other emotional challenges related to the accident
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Damages if your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed
- Permanent disability: Compensation for lasting physical limitations that affect your daily life
- Scarring or disfigurement: Compensation for permanent scars, burns, amputations, or other visible injuries
These damages recognize the impact a serious injury can have on your quality of life and overall well-being.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, punitive damages may be available when a driver’s conduct was especially reckless or dangerous. Examples may include drunk driving or other behavior that shows a disregard for the safety of others.
Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which are meant to compensate victims, punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar conduct in the future. While uncommon, they can help hold dangerous drivers accountable.
Can I Receive Compensation if I Was Partially At Fault for a Car Accident in NY?
Yes. New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you may still recover compensation for your injuries even if you were partially responsible for causing the accident. Under this system, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but are found to be 20% at fault for the collision, you could still recover $80,000.
Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto accident victims. A personal injury attorney on Long Island can fight back.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in NY?
In New York, the deadline for filing a car accident lawsuit is generally governed by the state’s statute of limitations. In most personal injury cases arising from a car accident, injured victims have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party, and only two years for a wrongful death lawsuit.
Certain exceptions may apply, including claims involving government entities. Additionally, while you may have more time to file a lawsuit, New York requires no-fault applications to be submitted within 30 days of the accident to preserve eligibility for medical and lost wage benefits.
Failing to file before the applicable deadline may result in losing your right to pursue compensation altogether. Because important evidence can disappear and legal deadlines can be complex, it is wise to consult with a car accident lawyer on Long Island as soon as possible after a crash.
Most Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents can happen for many reasons, but most collisions are caused by preventable driver behaviors or roadway hazards.
Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Drunk or drug-impaired driving
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Tailgating
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Drowsy driving
- Poor weather conditions
- Defective vehicle parts
Regardless of the cause of your accident, we can investigate the circumstances of the crash, identify the responsible parties, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from relatively minor conditions to life-altering disabilities. Even low-speed collisions can cause significant harm, and some injuries may not become apparent until days or weeks after the crash.
Common types of car accident injuries include:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Concussions
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Cuts, lacerations, and burns
- Soft tissue injuries
- Shoulder and knee injuries
- Emotional trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The severity of a car accident injury can have a lasting impact on your physical health, emotional well-being, and financial stability.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
The moments following a car accident can be stressful and overwhelming, but the steps you take afterward can have a significant impact on your health, safety, and ability to recover compensation. Taking the right actions can help protect your rights and preserve important evidence for your claim.
After a car accident, you should:
- Check yourself and others for injuries.
- Call 911 and report the accident.
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine.
- Move to a safe location if possible.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
- Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries.
- Obtain contact information from any witnesses.
- Avoid admitting fault or discussing blame.
- Notify your insurance company about the accident.
- Contact an experienced car accident attorney on Long Island.
By taking the appropriate steps after a collision, you can protect your rights and improve your ability to recover compensation for your injuries and losses.
Types of Car Accident Claims We Handle
At Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, PLLC, we represent victims injured in a wide range of motor vehicle accidents throughout Long Island. No matter how your crash occurred, our legal team is ready to help.
Below are some of the most common types of car accident claims our firm handles.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of car accidents in New York. Whether a driver was texting, using a GPS, or eating, the consequences can be devastating. Our Long Island distracted driving lawyers work to hold negligent motorists accountable for the harm they cause.
DUI Accidents
Drivers who get behind the wheel while impaired by alcohol or drugs put everyone on the road at risk. Our Long Island DUI accident lawyers help victims pursue compensation and seek justice from intoxicated drivers whose reckless actions caused preventable crashes.
Speeding
Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to changing road conditions and significantly increases the force of impact during a collision. Our Long Island speeding accident lawyers investigate these cases thoroughly and fight to recover compensation for victims injured by drivers who ignored speed limits.
Head-On Crashes
Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of car accidents on Long Island and frequently result in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. Our Long Island head-on collision lawyers are dedicated to helping victims and families recover after these devastating accidents.
Rear-End Crashes
Rear-end accidents are commonly caused by distracted driving, tailgating, speeding, or sudden stops. Although often dismissed as minor collisions, rear-end crashes can cause serious injuries. Our Long Island rear-end accident lawyers help injured victims pursue compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Multi-vehicle accidents can involve complex questions regarding liability, insurance coverage, and fault allocation. These crashes often occur on busy highways and can result in multiple injuries and extensive damage. Our Long Island multi-vehicle accident lawyers have experience handling complicated accident claims.
Hit & Run Accidents
A hit-and-run accident can leave victims feeling frustrated and uncertain about their legal options. Our Long Island hit-and-run accident lawyers can investigate the crash, work to identify the fleeing driver when possible, and help victims pursue the financial recovery they need.
Is New York a No-Fault State for Car Accidents, and What Does That Mean?
Yes, New York is a no-fault state for car accidents. This means that after most motor vehicle collisions, injured individuals will generally first seek compensation for medical expenses and certain lost wages through their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage, regardless of who caused the accident. The no-fault system is designed to provide accident victims with prompt access to benefits without having to prove fault.
However, no-fault benefits do not cover all losses, and they may be insufficient in cases involving serious injuries. If you suffer a qualifying “serious injury” under New York law, you may be able to step outside the no-fault system and file a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver for additional damages, including pain and suffering.
Because navigating New York’s no-fault laws can be complex, it is often beneficial to consult with an experienced attorney who can explain your rights and help you pursue the full compensation available in your case.
Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?
Most car accident cases are resolved through settlement negotiations and never make it to trial. Insurance companies and injured victims often reach an agreement after the evidence has been reviewed and the extent of the damages has been determined. Settling a case can save both time and litigation costs while providing compensation more quickly.
However, not every case settles. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement or disputes liability, the severity of your injuries, or the value of your claim, filing a lawsuit and proceeding to trial may become necessary.
An experienced attorney can prepare your case for trial while continuing to negotiate for a favorable resolution. By building a strong claim from the outset, your lawyer can position you for the best possible outcome, whether that comes through a settlement or a courtroom verdict.
Call Our Long Island Car Accident Lawyers Today for Legal Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident on Long Island, you do not have to navigate the aftermath alone. The experienced legal team at Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, PLLC, is committed to protecting your rights and helping you pursue the compensation you deserve.
From investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies and litigating when necessary, we are prepared to advocate for you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Long Island car accident attorney and learn how we can help you move forward with confidence.
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