Were you injured in a car accident on Long Island, New York? Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, PLLC, can help you understand your options and pursue compensation from those responsible. Call (212) 433-3100 to speak with a Long Island car accident lawyer during a free consultation.
Our attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience and have recovered tens of millions of dollars for injured clients. Call 212-CARRION today to discuss your crash and learn how our legal team may be able to help.
How Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, PLLC, Can Help After a Car Accident on Long Island, NY
The days after a crash can be stressful on Long Island, NY. You may be dealing with painful injuries, vehicle repairs, missed work, and calls from insurance adjusters. A Long Island car accident attorney from our firm can manage the legal process while you focus on your health.
When you hire Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, PLLC, our legal team can:
- Investigate the crash and collect available evidence
- Obtain police reports, medical records, and witness statements
- Identify each person or company that may be responsible
- Handle communications with insurance companies
- Estimate the value of your financial and personal losses
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- Prepare your case for trial when necessary
Contact our office for a free consultation with a Long Island personal injury lawyer to learn more about your rights.
What Should I Do After a Long Island Car Accident?
Your actions after a collision can affect your health and any claim you later file. Try to remain calm and move to a safe location when possible.
Important steps include:
- Call 911 and report the accident.
- Seek medical attention, even if your symptoms seem minor.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other drivers.
- Photograph the vehicles, roadway, traffic signals, and visible injuries.
- Ask witnesses for their names and contact details.
- Avoid admitting fault or guessing about what caused the crash.
- Notify your insurance company promptly.
- Keep copies of medical bills, repair estimates, and other records.
New York drivers generally must file a Report of Motor Vehicle Accident (Form MV-104) when a crash causes an injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.
How Does New York’s No-Fault Insurance System Work?
New York is a no-fault insurance state. After most crashes, an injured person first seeks certain benefits through their own insurance policy, regardless of who caused the collision.
No-fault benefits may cover reasonable medical expenses, part of the injured person’s lost income, and certain other necessary costs. New York drivers are generally required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which provides up to $50,000 in basic no-fault benefits.
Deadlines can arrive quickly. Written notice of a no-fault claim generally must be submitted within 30 days, medical bills within 45 days, and lost-wage claims within 90 days. Exceptions may apply, so injured people should act promptly.
Can I Sue the At-Fault Driver for Pain and Suffering?
New York law limits when a person injured in a car crash may recover compensation for pain and suffering. In general, the injured person must meet the state’s “serious injury” threshold.
The law lists several qualifying injuries, including fractures, significant disfigurement, permanent loss or limitation of a body function, and certain medically determined injuries that prevent a person from performing most usual activities for at least 90 of the 180 days after the crash. Whether an injury qualifies depends on the medical evidence and facts of the case.
What Compensation May Be Available After a Car Accident?
Available compensation depends on the seriousness of your injuries, your insurance coverage, and whether you qualify to bring a claim against an at-fault party.
A claim may include compensation for:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Vehicle damage and other property losses
- Out-of-pocket accident expenses
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability or disfigurement
- Reduced quality of life
No lawyer can promise a specific result. Our attorneys can review the evidence and explain the types of damages that may be available in your case.
What if I Was Partly Responsible for the Accident?
You may still be able to recover compensation if you share responsibility for a Long Island crash. New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, a court may reduce your recovery according to your percentage of fault.
For example, a person who has $100,000 in damages but is found 25% responsible may recover $75,000. Insurance companies may use this rule to shift blame and reduce what they pay, making a careful investigation important.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in New York?
Most New York personal injury lawsuits must be filed within three years of the accident. Different deadlines may apply to wrongful death claims, claims involving government agencies, and other special situations.
Waiting can also make a case harder to prove. Video footage may be erased, physical evidence may disappear, and witnesses may forget important details. Contacting an attorney soon after the crash can help preserve available evidence.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Attorney?
Many personal injury firms handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, the attorney’s fee is a percentage of the compensation recovered for the client.
Clients generally do not pay an hourly attorney’s fee at the beginning of the case. The written fee agreement should explain how legal fees and case expenses will be handled. Our team can discuss these terms during your free consultation.
Contact Our Long Island Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A car crash can disrupt your routine in an instant, creating questions about medical care, insurance coverage, and who will pay for your losses. Getting clear guidance early can help you make informed decisions about what comes next.
Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, PLLC, can review your case, explain your options, and help you pursue compensation. Contact 212-CARRION today to schedule a free consultation with a Long Island car accident attorney.
