Car accidents are common, often resulting in catastrophic injuries. Victims may be entitled to significant compensation if another party’s carelessness or negligence is the reason for a collision. That’s where The Saul Law Firm comes in.
We have extensive experience handling car accident claims throughout Long Island and all New York City Boroughs. We are also well-versed in the applicable No-Fault insurance laws and have the knowledge, skills, and determination to go up against insurance companies that put profits before people and deny valid claims. Our legal team also has a proven history of helping accident victims of serious injuries. We have recovered millions of dollars for clients just like you!
No matter the circumstances facing you, we understand your physical, emotional, and financial burdens and will charge no attorney’s fees until we recover for you. Contact our office today to get started with an experienced car accident attorney.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Garden City
Most car accidents are the result of driver errors, including:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI)
- Running stop signs/red lights
- Driver fatigue
- Improper turning/Unsafe lane changes
- Tailgating
- Reckless driving
Additionally, when car accidents are caused by defects in the road, a curb or median, inoperable streetlights, or a faulty traffic signal, a personal injury claim can be filed against the government agency responsible for road and highway maintenance. Similarly, an accident due to vehicle defects may be grounds for a product liability claim against a negligent automaker or parts supplier.
Regardless of the cause, we will explore all your options for obtaining the compensation you deserve! While many car accident claims settle through negotiations, we prepare each case for trial to give our clients leverage at the bargaining table.
What You Need To Know About Car Accident Claims on Long Island
Car accident claims generally fall under the State’s No-Fault Insurance System, meaning that you must file a claim with your own insurance carrier to obtain compensation for lost wages and medical expenses, regardless of which driver is at fault for the accident. Also, your claim must be filed within 30 days of the accident.
Notably, car accidents in New York fall under the rules of comparative negligence. Even if your actions contributed to the accident, we can still recover money damages for you. However, while you can still recover damages if your actions contributed to the accident, the amount of your award will be reduced by the percentage of blame assigned to you.
For example, if your accident was caused by a distracted driver, but you made an improper turn, you may be found 20 percent at fault. Therefore, if your total damages are assessed at $100,000, you will recover $80,000.
Our attorneys will limit your liability and get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
You can depend on us to guide you through the process, handle all the details with the insurance companies, and demand full payment of your claim. If the insurer fails to honor your claim, we will take them to court by filing a full lawsuit in court.
Can I File A Lawsuit After a Car Accident in New York?
To file a personal lawsuit after you’ve been harmed in a car accident, your injury must meet the definition of a “serious injury” under New York law. This is an injury that results in one or more of the following:
- Death
- Dismemberment
- Significant disfigurement
- Fracture
- Loss of a fetus
- Permanent limitation of use of a body organ or function
- A significant limitation of the use of a body function or system
- Substantially full disability for 90 days out of the first 180 days following the crash
You must also prove that you incurred a basic economic loss of more than $50,000, in order to receive additional benefit payments.
Given these challenges, you need an experienced car accident attorney to protect your rights and interests. Trust us to review all the facts of your case, including your medical records, to determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit. When necessary, we will call on a respected medical expert to provide testimony that supports your claim. Above all, we will work strategically to win you the compensation that considers both, your current and future medical and financial needs.
What To Do After A Car Accident
After a car accident, take the following steps:
- Call the police – the police report will be valuable evidence in your claim
- Seek medical attention – the medical record will document your injuries
- Exchange information with the other parties involved in the accident
- Get the names and contact information of any witnesses
- Take pictures of the accident site, the damaged vehicles, and your injuries
- Follow your doctor’s instructions
- File a claim with your insurance company
You will likely be contacted by a claims adjuster from the insurance company shortly after the accident. Although you are required to cooperate, do not speak to anyone from the insurer or sign any papers before you call our car accident attorneys. We will take over all communications with the insurance company and protect your rights and interests.
Why Call The Saul Law Firm?
When you consult with us, we will listen to your version of the accident and handle all the details of your claim. Our legal team will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation
- Inspect and photograph the accident site
- Identify and interview witnesses, including the other driver
- Obtain and examine traffic surveillance footage, if applicable
- Work with accident reconstruction specialists to determine the cause
- Work with your doctor to compile a thorough medical record
- Negotiate with the insurance company and opposing counsel
- File a personal injury lawsuit, if necessary
Above all, we will fight to win you compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a car accident, Better Call Saul! We will provide the aggressive representation you need and the personalized attention you deserve.
Talk To Our Experienced Garden City Car Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
Being injured in a car accident can be a life-altering event. Don’t go it alone. Contact us today for a confidential, no-cost consultation. We have recovered millions of dollars for injured clients just like you! Call us today.
The Saul Law Firm, LLP helps clients throughout Garden City, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Long Island, Queens, Garden City, Brooklyn, New York City, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Westchester County.