Car accident victims frequently find out the hard way that your life can change forever in a split second, often through no fault of your own. Knowing what to do and where to turn after a serious crash in Westchester can help you and your family rebuild your lives.

For more than half a century, the attorneys at Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley, P.C. have been aggressively pursuing full and just compensation for accident victims here in New York. We zealously fight for our clients’ legal rights. Call us today for a free and confidential consultation.

Two wrecked cars after a head-on collision

What You Should – and Should Not – Do Following Your Accident

As you can imagine, the physical, emotional, and financial trauma caused by these injuries can be devastating for you and your family. The legal system cannot do anything to turn back time and prevent your accident from occurring, but it does provide the opportunity for you to recover financial compensation by means of filing a car accident lawsuit with the help of a Westchester County personal injury lawyer. In order to maximize the amount of financial compensation that you receive, there are some crucial steps you should take in the aftermath of your crash if at all possible:

  • Call the police and make sure an accident report is filed
  • Get medical attention no matter what – even if you are not feeling any pain at that moment. Our attorneys at Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley, P.C. have seen plenty of cases over the years where an accident victim was in fact seriously injured in the crash, but did not feel any symptoms until hours later when the adrenaline subsided or even days later due to the nature of the injury. If you delay seeking medical attention, you will be opening the door for the defendant to undermine the severity – or even the cause – of your injuries and thereby minimize the amount of financial compensation that you receive.
  • Take pictures of all your injuries, any property damage caused by the crash, the exact location of the collision, the area surrounding the accident scene, and the road, traffic, and weather conditions at the time of the crash.
  • Were there eyewitnesses to your accident? Write down their names and contact information.
  • Consult with an experienced auto accident lawyer Westchester County depends on for world-class representation and winning results. We can step in to make sure you do not accept a lowball settlement offer from the insurance company that is far below the actual market value of your claim.
  • Take a break from social media. If you are unable to do this, then at the very least, make sure that nothing is posted online by you or anyone else that discusses your accident, your lawsuit, or your injuries. Also, make sure that no one posts any updates, pictures, or videos that may undermine your claim. For example, if you claim to have seriously injured your leg, you would not want to be seen in a video two days later that shows you dancing with your friends.
  • Assume at all times while your lawsuit is ongoing that you are being followed by a private investigator, and live your life accordingly. If you claim that a severe neck injury has rendered you homebound, do not go for a jog in your neighborhood, as any pictures or videos of this activity could significantly undermine the value of your claim.

Most Common Causes of Car Accidents

Many collisions between two or more vehicles can be attributed to driver error. However, factors outside the driver’s control can also lead to a crash. These could include weather conditions, road defects, or vehicle part failures.

Some of the most common causes of car accidents include the following:

  • Impaired driving. Drunk drivers are a significant threat to anyone they share the road with. The use of drugs and alcohol does not mix with driving for many reasons. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction time and are more likely to engage in risky behavior behind the wheel. Altogether, this can increase the odds of a crash.
  • Distracted driving. Another common cause of motor vehicle accidents is distracted driving. Drivers can be distracted by a range of things, from texting to grooming while behind the wheel. The dangers are similar to those of drunk drivers. Distracted drivers often fail to react quickly to prevent a crash because their attention is not on the road.
  • Defective vehicles. Some accidents occur because of defective cars or car parts. In these cases, an accident could occur even though the drivers were not negligent. Some common types of defects that could lead to a collision include issues with headlights and braking systems.
  • Extreme weather. Dangerous weather is another common cause of motor vehicle accidents. This can include heavy rain, snow, or accumulated ice. While it is impossible to control the weather, drivers who fail to safely operate their vehicles in dangerous conditions could be liable if they cause an accident.
  • Poor road conditions. The condition of the road can also increase the risk of an accident. This can occur in more than one way. In some cases, the design of the road is inherently dangerous. For example, a roadway could be designed with a grade that is so steep that it is unsafe. Poor road maintenance can also be a factor in many car accidents. This could include crashes due to slick roads, missing stop signs, or potholes.
  • Fatigued driving. Fatigued drivers are more likely to cause a crash than well-rested drivers. They also have reduced reaction time, which can lead to a collision. Fatigued drivers are dangerous due to the risk of falling asleep behind the wheel.

Understanding the common causes of car accidents is helpful for anyone considering legal action following a crash. While the facts of each accident can vary, what’s important is that there is evidence that negligence played a part. Our firm could help you build a strong case for your car accident. This is true whether it resulted from faulty braking systems, intoxicated drivers, or poor road design. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

Injuries Suffered by Car Crash Victims

Unfortunately, automobile accidents can cause serious, life-changing, or even fatal injuries. Injuries that are commonly sustained in a car crash include:

  • Broken or fractured bones
  • Severe cuts or lacerations
  • Internal bleeding
  • Organ damage
  • Torn ligaments
  • Permanent scarring or disfigurement
  • Head injuries, including Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
  • Neck, spinal cord, and back injuries
  • Amputations
  • Paralysis
  • Death

Being Partially Responsible Does Not Prevent You from Winning

Some car accident victims that contact our attorneys at Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley, P.C. express concern that they may not be eligible to file an automobile crash claim because they were partially at-fault for the accident. New York is a pure comparative negligence state, so you can still recover financial compensation as long as you were less than 100 percent responsible for the accident. Your total damages incurred will be reduced in proportion to your share of the fault. For example, if you sustained $1 Million worth of damages, but were found to have been 25 percent responsible for the accident, you would still end up with $750,000.

Westchester Car Accident Lawyers You Can Count on for Results

Injured in a car accident? Call Friedman, Levy, Goldfarb, Green & Bagley, P.C. 24 hours a day to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer Westchester residents trust for honesty, integrity, transparency, and top results. We do not charge any attorney fees unless you win your case. Reach out today to see how we can help!