Long Island Car Accident Lawyer
Experienced Car Accident Attorneys in Long Island
Why Partner with a Long Island Car Accident Lawyer at Our Law Firm?
At William Mattar, we have represented injury victims for over 30 years. We know that filing a claim for compensation can be a stressful process, especially when trying to recover from a serious injury. Our personal injury attorneys help our clients through every step of the process to ease as many burdens as possible.
When pursuing compensation for a serious injury, you may find yourself up against multiple insurance adjusters and companies who do not necessarily have your best interests in mind. There are also many laws and statutes that dictate this process. The accident attorneys at William have the knowledge and experience to negotiate on your behalf and ensure all legal deadlines are met.
What to Do After a Car Accident on Long Island
If you’ve been involved in a Long Island car accident, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. The steps you take in the days following the crash can significantly impact your health, well-being, and potential legal car accident claim. Here’s a detailed guide on what to do after a car accident:
Seek Medical Attention
Your health should be your top priority. Even if you feel fine or believe your injuries are minor, it’s crucial to get a thorough medical examination as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately. Seeing a doctor ensures that you receive proper treatment and establishes a record of your injuries, which is essential for your legal claim.
Contact the Police
If you haven’t already done so, report the accident to the police. They will create an official accident report, which can be valuable evidence in your legal case. When speaking with the police, provide them with the facts of the accident, but avoid admitting fault or liability.
Collect Information Regarding the Accident
Gather as much evidence as possible at the accident scene. Take photos of the damage to the vehicles, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. Obtain contact and insurance information from the other driver(s) involved and collect names and contact details of any witnesses. If you’re unable to do this at the scene due to your injuries, ask a friend, family member, or your attorney to assist you in the days following the accident.
Notify Your Personal Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company to report the accident. Provide them with the basic facts of the incident but refrain from giving a recorded statement or accepting any settlement offers without consulting with an attorney first. Remember, insurance companies may try to minimize their payout, so it’s essential to have legal representation to protect your interests.
Get Help from a Long Island Car Accident Lawyer
Consult with an experienced Long Island car accident attorney as soon as possible. They can help you navigate the complex legal process, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve. An attorney can communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, gather additional evidence to support your claim, and ensure that you meet all legal deadlines.
Remember, the aftermath of a car accident can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. By taking these steps and working with a skilled car accident attorney, you can focus on your recovery while your legal team handles the process of securing the compensation you deserve.
Long Island Car Accident Statistics
There are thousands of car crashes on Long Island each year. In Nassau County alone (one of four counties that makes up the island), 7 residents die every month in traffic incidents.
These accidents often occur as a result of aggressive, reckless, and distracted drivers that create unsafe conditions on the road for themselves and others. In the blink of an eye, a bad driving decision can change a person’s life forever. That’s why it’s so critical to be aware of how a potential collision can occur.
Common Causes Long Island Car Accidents
Car accidents on Long Island can happen for a variety of reasons, and understanding these causes can help you protect your legal rights if you’ve been injured in a crash.
Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:
Speeding
Driving above the posted speed limit or too fast for road conditions is a leading cause of car accidents. When a driver is speeding, they have less time to react to hazards, and the impact of a collision is likely to be more severe. Speeding is especially dangerous in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, such as school zones and residential neighborhoods.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has become increasingly common with the widespread use of smartphones and other electronic devices. Distractions can include texting, making phone calls, using social media, eating, or adjusting the radio. When a driver takes their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, they may fail to see a hazard in time to avoid a collision.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal but also incredibly dangerous. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and difficulty maintaining control of their vehicles. If you suspect that the other driver involved in your accident was under the influence, it’s crucial to report this to the police and your attorney.
Bad Weather
Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain, fog, or snow, can make driving more challenging and increase the risk of accidents. When roads are slippery or visibility is reduced, drivers must adjust their speed and following distance accordingly. Failing to do so can lead to hydroplaning, skidding, or rear-end collisions.
Mechanical Issues or Defects
Sometimes, car accidents are caused by mechanical problems or defects in the vehicle itself. This can include issues with brakes, tires, steering, or other critical components. If a mechanical issue contributed to your accident, the vehicle manufacturer or a negligent mechanic might be liable for your injuries.
Other common causes of Long Island car accidents include:
- Reckless driving, such as weaving in and out of traffic or running red lights
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Inexperienced or elderly drivers
- Road rage or aggressive driving
- Poor road conditions or inadequate signage
Types of Car Accidents That May Cause Injuries
There are many different types of Long Island car accident that can lead to serious, life-changing injuries. A few common accident types include intersection car accidents and side-impact (or broadside) collisions. Both can have severe and long-lasting effects on the people involved.
Intersection Car Accidents
Intersection accidents can happen when a motorist does not stop for a red light or stop sign or makes a sudden turn in front of an oncoming vehicle. Many intersection crashes occur in urban areas where traffic is heavy because, when traffic is light, drivers may assume nobody is coming the other way and will barely stop to check for oncoming cars.
Drivers or passengers hurt in intersection crashes can suffer serious injuries that require extensive medical care. Even if an intersection collision happens between vehicles traveling at lower speeds, occupants can suffer neck, spine or head injuries due to the impact.
Whiplash frequently affects drivers and passengers of intersection collisions, causing debilitating pain that can prevent them from working or performing simple daily tasks. A serious brain injury can also limit the ability of victims to function. In some cases, permanent neurological damage may occur, requiring long-term medical assistance for maintaining the overall health and well-being of the victim.
Side-impact Collisions
Side-impact or broadside collisions occur when a vehicle is struck at a perpendicular angle. Sometimes called a “T-bone” collision, this type of car crash involves the front of one vehicle making contact with the side of another, where this is little safety protection to the occupants. For this reason, a passenger or driver who is hit in a broadside collision can suffer serious injuries.
The severity of injuries suffered in a broadside crash may vary depending on the size and speed of the oncoming vehicle. A large commercial truck, for instance, could potentially cause more damage than a small passenger car. Some injuries caused by a T-bone car crash include head trauma, internal organ damage, and broken bones.
Many T-bone accident-related injuries can lead to long-term medical treatment. Medical expenses, including hospital bills, rehabilitation services, or personal nursing care should not be paid by the victim of a T-bone car crash. Our injury attorneys will work for you to receive maximum compensation after your car accident.
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Long Island Car Accidents
Long Island car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which may have long-lasting effects on your life. Understanding these common injuries and their potential costs can help you make informed decisions about seeking legal representation and pursuing compensation.
Some of the most frequently seen injuries in Long Island car accidents include:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end collisions, caused by the sudden jerking motion of the head and neck. Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness. Treatment for whiplash can involve pain medication, physical therapy, and chiropractic care. The average cost of treating whiplash in New York can range from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the severity of the injury and the duration of treatment required.
- Head Trauma and Brain Injuries: Head injuries can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Symptoms may include headaches, memory loss, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Treatment for head injuries can involve hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care. The average cost of treating a mild concussion in New York can range from $5,000 to $15,000, while severe TBIs can cost upwards of $1 million over a lifetime.
- Internal Organ Damage: The force of a car accident can cause damage to internal organs such as the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Treatment for internal organ damage can involve surgery, hospitalization, and ongoing medical care. The average cost of treating internal organ damage in New York can vary widely depending on the specific injury but can easily reach tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.
- Broken Bones: Fractures are common in car accidents, particularly in high-impact collisions. The most frequently broken bones include arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones. Treatment for broken bones can involve surgery, casting, and physical therapy. The average cost of treating a broken bone in New York can range from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the complexity of the fracture and the treatment required.
It’s important to note that these are just average costs, and the actual expenses you incur may be higher or lower depending on your specific situation. Additionally, these figures only account for direct medical costs and do not include other damages such as lost wages, pain and suffering, or diminished quality of life.
Am I Entitled to Compensation After a Long Island Car Accident?
If you’ve been seriously injured in a Long Island car crash as a result of a negligent driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
The type of compensation you’re entitled to will depend on the nature and extent of your injuries. “Types” of compensation refer to the various reasons and legal justifications for compensating an individual who has been injured in a car crash.
A serious injury affects every person in a different way. One person may find themselves struggling to cover their medical bills. Another may find it difficult to cope with the physical and emotional pain associated with sustaining a serious injury.
A few types of compensation you may be entitled to receive include, but are not limited to:
- Current medical expenses
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages or income
- Diminished quality of life
- Pain and suffering
No matter what your circumstances are, a financial recovery may be possible. Consider contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer at William Mattar to help you through this process.
CONTACT A CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY SERVING LONG ISLAND
When you’re injured in a Long Island car accident, William Mattar can meticulously and thoroughly gather details of your accident case to get you the results you deserve.
When you’re represented by a Long Island car accident attorney, you will have the peace of mind of being are in good hands. Don’t wait to seek compensation for your accident injuries–call (844) 444-4444 now to speak to one of our attorneys or submit our online free initial consultation form.
