Long Island is a densely populated island in southeastern New York State, stretching east from the city. The LIRR makes it possible for many commuters to get to work in the morning. However, thousands still drive, and during rush hour, the highways are congested and can become dangerous. Unfortunately, car accidents do happen here on Long Island, and some of them cause serious, life-changing, or even fatal injuries. If this has happened to you, please contact us at Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley, P.C. for a free consultation.
What Causes Motor Vehicle Crashes?
There are many potential causes of a car accident, but some of the more common are:
- Speeding
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Unsafe lane changes
- Following too closely
- Bad weather
- Road hazards
- Mechanical failures
- Distracted driving
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Car Accident Victims May be Seriously Injured
Some car accident victims may only suffer minor injuries, but for others, their lives may never be the same. Some of the injuries commonly associated with automobile crashes include the following:
- Lacerations and cuts
- Sprained or strained ligaments
- Broken or fractured bones
- Burns
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Neck, spine, and back injuries
- Head injuries such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Permanent disfigurement or scarring
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Death
Types of Damages You May Pursue in a Car Crash Claim
The legal system cannot undo your crash, but it does provide an avenue for financial compensation. Here are some of the types of damages you may be eligible to receive in your claim:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
Insurance Companies
Shortly after your accident, you may receive a phone call from an insurance adjuster. Their primary objective is to limit– or even completely deny– your financial recovery. As a result, they may present a low settlement offer. Because so many car accident victims are financially stressed, they may accept this guaranteed lump sum.
However, if you accept it, you will forego all future legal rights. These early offers are almost always much lower than the true market value of your claim. Instead, we advise that you consult with an experienced Long Island car accident lawyer before agreeing to anything. Your Long Island personal injury lawyer can explain the strengths, and weaknesses of your claim, any looming legal deadlines and provide an estimated financial value of your claim.
You Can Still Receive Financial Compensation Even if You were Partially Responsible
Some accident victims who contact us are concerned that they may not be eligible to file a claim because they may have been partially responsible. New York is a pure comparative negligence state, which means that any victim– who was less than 100 percent at-fault– can still receive financial compensation. However, the amount of damages you receive will be reduced in proportion to your fault.
For example, even if you suffered $1 million worth of damages and were found to have been 90 percent responsible for the accident, you would still receive $100,000.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
At Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley, P.C., we have been fighting for justice for injured victims for more than half a century. One of our clients was a front-seat passenger in a vehicle that was rear-ended. They suffered leg, ankle, and spinal injuries as a result. Our lawyers secured a jury verdict of $4,980,000 for them.
If you have been injured in a car accident here on Long Island, call us, 24 hours a day to schedule a free case review with a car accident attorney in Long Island. Because we work on a contingency fee basis, there are no upfront legal fees.
