With so many drivers on New York roads and public transportation systems that are not able to catch up with demands due to the ever-growing population in major cities in New York, car accidents are on the rise and almost seem inevitable. Accidents do happen, but if you’re a victim of a car accident, your actions immediately following the accident can be incredibly important for your future. Hiring a white plains car accident attorney at the law firm of La Sorsa and Beneventano can ensure you get the justice you deserve and the settlement you need to cover the cost of medical bills, loss of wages, and pain and suffering.
The La Sorsa and Beneventano Law Firm-Top Personal Injury Lawyers in New York
Hiring a personal injury attorney in White Plains can provide the guidance you need throughout the entire legal process and will ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. If you or a member of your family have been involved in an auto accident due to the recklessness or negligence of another party, contacting an experienced car accident lawyer from the La Sorsa and Beneventano law firm for a consultation will guarantee you know your rights and what legal actions must be taken to receive a fair settlement.
Why Do Car Accidents Occur?
With modern features including forward-collision warnings, lane-keep assist, and autonomous braking now available, it’s clear that automobile manufacturers are heavily invested in developing technologies that are designed to prevent car accidents and keep passengers and drivers safe on the road. However, despite the many preventative measures that have been introduced over the years, driving is still considered one of the most dangerous everyday activities. Of course, driver error is one of the biggest contributing factors.
Many car accidents will take place for one of the following reasons:
- Distracted driver
- Recklessness
- Alcohol use
- Drug use
- Unsafe road conditions
- Mechanical defects
Unfortunately, proving negligence in a car accident claim can be very difficult, especially for victims who don’t have the resources needed to clearly show the driver was at fault. Meeting with an experienced White Plains personal injury attorney can make all the difference in your car accident case.
Common Injuries Sustained in a Accident
Following a serious collision, victims deal with damaged vehicles and property loss. However, life-threatening injuries are the most serious consequence of a car accident. An experienced car accident attorney is equipped to handle any type of accident that results in a personal injury in White Plains. Unfortunately, even a low-speed, low-impact accident can lead to serious injuries.
Some of the common types of car accident related injuries include the following:
- Amputation
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Bone fractures
- Internal bleeding
In some cases, a car accident victim may not even feel the full effects of the accident immediately. This is due to the rush of adrenaline that the accident victim will experience.
Immediately following an accident, the victim needs to seek medical attention to determine the extent of their injuries. This type of documentation will be invaluable and will help to prove the victim’s claim.
Monetary Compensation for Car Accident Victims
When a victim is injured in a car accident that was caused by a negligent driver, the victim of the accident is entitled to monetary compensation for their medical bills and other financial losses. The cost of even a minor car accident can quickly add up. An injury can take several months to heal. In severe cases, an injury may take several years and will require ongoing medical treatment.
Victims who have been injured in a car accident may be entitled to the following compensation:
- Specific damages
- General damages
Specific damages will cover lost wages, lost earning potential, and past and future medical costs. It may also cover the cost of vehicle maintenance, vehicle modification, home modification. General damages refer to physical pain and suffering. It will also include emotional distress and loss of consortium.
Identifying the Liable Party
The key to successfully proving a car accident claim lies in identifying the liable party. Depending on the circumstances of a case, there may be several parties liable.
This can include:
- Vehicle owners
- Other drivers
- Manufacturers
When Plaintiffs are Partially at Fault for an Accident
New York is one of thirteen states that follows a system called pure comparative negligence. This system will reduce the compensation that is awarded to the car accident victim based on their degree of fault in an accident. As an example, if the accident victim is found to be 40% at fault for the accident, their total compensation will be reduced by 40%. Accident victims who are partially at fault may quickly settle believing they are not entitled to a large settlement. Additionally, legal representation in cases such as these will be crucial since the defendant’s attorney and insurance company will attempt to place most of the blame on the accident victim.
Statute of Limitations in White Plains Car Accident Claims
In White Plains New York, a car accident victim will have three years to bring a lawsuit concerning a car accident. The victim will only have thirty days to file a no-fault insurance claim. To protect their claim, an accident victim must retain the services of a car accident lawyer to make certain they receive the maximum compensation they’re entitled to. During this time, the victim of the accident must avoid speaking with the defendant’s lawyer or insurance company, without legal representation. How a victim handles the other party’s insurance company will have a major impact on the outcome of their case.
Scheduling a Consultation
A car accident victim’s first step is contacting a qualified personal injury attorney from the La Sorsa and Beneventano law firm. An attorney from our firm can make sure that a victim receives the compensation they deserve in the event the accident is caused by another party or multiple parties involved. These consultations are free and allow the victim to ask important questions regarding their case and what legal action must be taken.