Motor vehicle accidents are among the leading causes of accidental death in the United States, and they cause millions of injuries each year. While we all hope we will not become involved in an accident, the fact that we share our roadways with so many other vehicles means that the chances for involvement in a motor vehicle accident are unfortunately high.
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injury from a motor vehicle accident, contact the Syracuse car accident lawyers at Scott C. Gottlieb & Associates, LLP for information and advice about your rights. Our car accident attorneys work with economic and medical experts to help prepare your case. We will also help you decide whether it is more prudent to fight or to settle a case in order to obtain the maximum award.
Contact us for a FREE evaluation at 888-319-8609 or via our online contact form. We respond to all calls and inquiries the same day received.
New York Car Accidents
Among motor vehicle collisions, car accidents are the most common – and studies suggest that a car accident happens nearly once every 10 seconds in this country. Car accidents can be minor, but they can be serious and result in severe injuries with long term repercussions for both victims and their families.
Car accidents are caused by many factors; among the most common are:
- Alcohol;
- Driver inattention;
- Speeding and other forms of reckless driving;
Car accidents that occur because of these or other reasons are said to be the result of negligence – and so the victim or victim’s family may be eligible to file a claim for damages for the resulting injuries. Car accident claims must demonstrate the facts of the accident and illustrate a direct connection between the other driver’s negligence and the victim’s injuries.
NY Truck Accidents
Truck accidents don’t happen as frequently as those involving passenger cars – but they cause 1 out of every 8 traffic fatalities. Most of those victims are the drivers and passengers of other vehicles, because the sheer size and weight of a large truck put the occupants of a smaller, lighter vehicle at a real disadvantage.
Many truck accidents occur because of driver error, as drivers may be encouraged to break regulations and exceed the maximum number of hours allowed on the road. Other contributing factors can include:
- Lack of driver training;
- Driver use of alcohol or drugs (particularly “speed” which drivers may use to stay awake);
- Driver fatigue;
- Truck equipment failure;
- Inadequate truck maintenance.
While any victim of a truck accident should evaluate the circumstances of the accident to consider whether negligence played a role, truck accident claims can be more complex than other vehicle accident lawsuits. Trucking companies employ their own substantial legal teams, and they are quick on the scene to gather their own evidence that will protect their interests.
Whether you are involved in a truck or a car accident, there are several steps you should take if at all possible following a collision. These will help ensure that your rights are protected if and when you decide to pursue any legal claims against another driver or a trucking company.
- Notify police and, if necessary, an ambulance immediately.
- Do not make statements to anyone except a police officer.
- Do not admit liability.
- Obtain all insurance and contact information of all those involved in the accident.
- If you have a camera, take pictures of the cars and the individuals involved.
Within 24 hours of an accident:
- Seek medical attention.
- Notify your insurance company of your accident and make any claims.
In addition, do not give a recorded statement to ANY insurance company, including your own, before contacting an attorney.
New York No Fault Insurance
Whether the injury results from a truck or a car accident, most injury victims of a motor vehicle accident are eligible for no fault insurance benefits. Motorcycle operators qualify for this benefit only if someone else caused their accident. No fault benefits are what their name suggests – compensation for injuries regardless of who was to blame, and they may be payable even if the vehicle was involved in an accident outside the State of New York.
Benefits can include:
- Lost Wages;
- Medical expenses;
- Prescriptions;
- Mileage reimbursement for transportation to and from all medical providers;
- Reimbursement for private health insurance premiums that are paid by the injured person;
- Death benefits in the event of a fatality.
Whether you need help with an accident claim or are confused about your rights to insurance benefits under New York law, an experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer can help.
Contact Our Syracuse, New York Car Accident Lawyers Today
At Scott C. Gottlieb & Associates, LLP, our car accident lawyers work with accident reconstruction and economic experts to help prepare your case. We also provide assistance with other legal problems that arise during the pendency of the case.
Our aim is to provide quality legal services while treating each client with care and respect. If you or one of your family members has suffered a serious injury from a motor vehicle accident, contact our car accident attorneys in Syracuse, New York for a FREE evaluation at 888-319-8609 or via our online contact form. We respond to all calls and inquiries on the same day received.
The New York communities we serve include, but are not limited to, Syracuse, Rochester, Watertown, Elmira and Binghamton.
