New York Car Accident Lawyers Holding Reckless Drivers Accountable

The consequences of a severe car accident can be swift and catastrophic. When one driver causes you to suffer extensive medical costs, lost income and property damage, they should also be responsible for covering those costs. In order to get the fair and full compensation you deserve, you may need the help of a skilled personal injury attorney.

At Kaston & Aberle, LLP, we fight to help our clients secure the best possible compensation for their motor vehicle accidents. In the decades we have been representing clients throughout the New York Metro Area and Nassau and Suffolk Counties, we have secured multimillion-dollar settlements, judgments and verdicts.

Guidance Following A NY Car Crash That You Can Trust

Getting the settlement you need is not easy, especially if the driver who hurt you is uninsured or underinsured. Regardless of the liable party’s insurance, we can help you recover from injuries involving:

• Truck crashes
• Uber/Lyft rideshares
• Motorcycles accidents
• Mass transit
• Car accidents

The outcome of any personal injury claim can shape how well the victim is able to recover from their injuries. Our goal as your legal representation is to see that you receive fair and full compensation for all of the expenses tied to your injuries, including the emotional suffering that you experienced from your accident.

What Are The Common Causes Of Motor Vehicle Accidents in NYC?

Understanding what factors contribute to vehicle accidents can help drivers remain vigilant on the road. While some accidents are unavoidable, many result from preventable behaviors and conditions.

• Distracted driving: Using cell phones, adjusting entertainment systems or eating creates significant risk. Even a momentary distraction can lead to catastrophe.
• Speeding and aggressive driving: Drivers who exceed posted limits have less time to react to hazards. Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating and frequent lane changes increase accident risk.
• Impaired driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence severely compromises judgment, coordination and reaction time. Despite strict laws, impaired driving remains a leading cause of serious accidents.
• Fatigue: Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as impaired driving, impairing concentration and slowing reaction times.
• Weather conditions: Rain, snow, ice and fog reduce visibility and traction, making accidents more likely.

These factors often combine to create particularly dangerous situations on New York roads. Our experienced attorneys can identify all contributing factors in your accident.

Types Of Injuries You Can Sustain From A Serious Auto Accident

Motor vehicle accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to catastrophic. The type and severity of injuries often depend on the collision’s force, vehicle safety features and victim positioning.

• Whiplash and neck injuries: Sudden acceleration-deceleration forces commonly damage soft tissues in the neck and shoulders, leading to pain and reduced mobility.
• Traumatic brain injuries: Even with seatbelts and airbags, occupants may strike their heads during a collision, causing injuries ranging from mild concussions to severe trauma.
• Spinal cord damage: Back injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain and limited mobility. These life-altering injuries often require extensive rehabilitation.
• Broken bones: The impact forces in crashes frequently fracture ribs, arms, legs, hips and facial bones. Complex fractures may require surgical intervention.
• Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma can damage organs and cause internal bleeding that may not be immediately apparent after an accident.

Understanding the full extent of your injuries is crucial when seeking compensation. Our attorneys work with medical experts to document all current and future medical needs resulting from your accident.

What Are The Immediate Steps To Take After A Car Accident In New York?

If you have been involved in a car accident in Long Island or any of the five boroughs of New York City, it is important to take the right steps immediately to protect your health, your rights and any future insurance or legal claims:

• Check for injuries and move to safety: Your health comes first. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 immediately. If it is safe and the vehicles are drivable, move them to the side of the road to avoid further collisions.
• Call the police: In New York, you must legally report any accident involving injury, death or property damage over $1,000. Even in minor cases, having a police report can be crucial when dealing with insurance.
• Exchange information: Get the names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, license plates and insurance information of everyone involved.
• Document the scene: Take clear photos of the damage, your injuries, traffic signs, weather conditions and any skid marks. These can serve as key evidence later.
• Speak carefully: Avoid admitting fault or making statements that can be used against you. Stick to the facts when talking to police or others.
• Report the accident to your insurer: Even if you were not at fault, your insurance provider must be notified immediately.
• Seek medical attention: Visit a doctor even if you do not feel hurt immediately. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not show symptoms immediately.

Taking these steps can help you stay protected under New York’s no-fault laws and prepare you for any legal action that may follow.

Common Mistakes To Avoid After A NYC Auto Accident

In the confusion and stress following a crash, it is easy to make decisions that could hurt your ability to get compensation. Mistakes people make after an accident are:

• Leaving the scene: This can lead to criminal charges, especially if someone is injured. Always stop and wait for authorities to arrive.
• Failing to call the police: Even in minor accidents, a police report adds legitimacy to your claim and may be required by your insurer.
• Not seeking medical care: Delaying treatment or ignoring symptoms can not only harm your health but also make it harder to prove your injuries were accident-related.
• Admitting fault: Terms like “I am sorry” can be misinterpreted. Let investigators and insurance companies determine who is liable.
• Not gathering evidence: Without photos, witness statements or proper documentation, it can be harder to prove your case later.
• Talking to the other driver’s insurer: These conversations can be risky. It is best to speak with a lawyer before giving a recorded statement.
• Delaying legal help: Waiting too long to consult an attorney could cause you to miss critical deadlines or weaken your claim.

Consulting a Long Island motor vehicle accident attorney can help you avoid these mistakes to preserve your legal rights and make sure you can make the most of the compensation options available under New York law.

Types Of Auto Insurance Coverage In New York

New York drivers must carry specific types of car insurance due to the state’s no-fault insurance system. The primary types of auto insurance coverage available in New York are:

• No-Fault/Personal Injury Protection (PIP): PIP pays for medical expenses, lost wages and other necessary expenses, regardless of who caused the accident. In New York, every driver must carry a minimum of $50,000 in PIP coverage. It applies to you and any passengers in your vehicle.
• Liability Coverage: This covers damages if you are found at fault for injuring someone else or damaging property. New York’s minimums are $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident and $10,000 for property damage. However, higher limits are recommended for greater protection.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): It protects you if you are hit by a driver who does not have insurance or whose policy does not cover your losses. This coverage is especially important in densely populated areas like Queens or the Bronx, where accidents with uninsured drivers are more common.

These coverages work together to provide financial protection, regardless of whether the accident occurs in a quiet Long Island neighborhood or the busy streets of downtown New York City.

New York Motor Vehicle Accident FAQs

Our New York City auto accident attorney has helped many clients navigate the challenging aftermath of car accidents. Below, we have compiled answers to the questions we hear most frequently.

What steps should I take immediately after a motor vehicle accident in New York?

First, try to ensure everyone is safe and call 911 if there are injuries. Document the accident scene with photos and collect contact information from witnesses. Seek medical intervention even for seemingly minor injuries because some symptoms tend to delay before manifesting. Finally, notify your insurance company about the accident, but avoid making statements about the fault.

What types of damages can I seek after a car accident in New York?

You may pursue compensation for:

• Economic damages: Medical expenses, lost wages, property damage and future medical costs
• Noneconomic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life

Our New York car accident lawyer can review your case to determine which accident compensation you can pursue.

How is fault determined in a New York motor vehicle accident?

The Empire State follows the pure comparative negligence rule, meaning responsibility can be shared among multiple parties. Fault is established through:

• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Physical evidence
• Traffic laws
• Expert testimony

We can analyze your case to help ensure you are not assigned a higher percentage of fault than you are responsible for.

What is New York’s no-fault insurance law, and how does it affect my ability to sue after a car accident?

New York operates under a no-fault insurance system, requiring all drivers to have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This means your own insurance pays for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident.

However, you can pursue accident compensation if you meet the “serious injury” threshold, which includes:

• Significant disfigurement
• Bone fracture
• Permanent limitation of body organ or member
• A significant limitation of body function
• Substantially full disability for 90 days

We can help you understand these car accident laws to help ensure you have an informed legal journey.

Do Not Settle For Less In Your Claim

Insurance companies often pressure victims into accepting lowball settlement offers or accepting liability for the accident. We know how to identify bad offers and shady negotiation tactics, and stop them in their tracks. Instead of taking the first offer you receive and having to pay the rest of the costs yourself, let us handle your claim while you focus on your health.

If you are ready to meet with a lawyer who will fight for every penny that you deserve in your personal injury case, contact our offices in Garden City or Brooklyn today. Call 516-879-7280 for your free initial consultation or email us here. Se habla español 24/7