When you're involved in a car accident in New York City, your life can change in an instant. You may find yourself dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and the stress of figuring out the legal process to pursue compensation for your damages.
The good news is that the law gives you permission to go after compensation for a motor vehicle accident. For instance, you can seek compensation for the pain and suffering you're experiencing.
With that being said, as you physically and emotionally recover from the car accident, do you also have the time and energy to fight with the insurance companies and defense law firms? The stress of dealing with them on your own can make the recovery process that much more difficult.
It's time to get in touch with an experienced NYC car accident lawyer who can go after compensation on your behalf. At William Mattar Law Offices, we feel we have some of the best car accident lawyers who can give you the ultimate chance at getting the justice you need to move forward with your life.
Why Choose Our NYC Car Accident Attorneys?
William Mattar law offices has fought to obtain millions of dollars in financial compensation for injury victims over the years. With decades of experience representing the best interests of our clients, we have the knowledge and dedication to tackle any NYC accident case.
The NYC car accident lawyers at William Mattar represent clients who have suffered injuries due to the negligence of another driver. Whether you’ve sustained minor or life-altering injuries, we provide an experienced staff that’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer your concerns and questions. Call today at (844) 444 - 4444 to schedule a free consultation regarding your New York car accident case.
What to Expect After a New York City Car Accident
After a car accident, you should expect to visit your doctor or receive medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you have been seriously injured. This is an important step after being involved in a car crash as some injuries may go unnoticed for a period of time. Your medical provider can also start a record of your injuries which may be critical in the event that you choose to file a claim.
Following the car crash, you may also hear from a representative hired by the at-fault driver’s insurance company (or the insurer of the driver that is responsible for your accident). They may attempt to give you an offer of monetary compensation, which is often just a few thousand dollars.
While this may seem attractive in the moment, the offer is likely less than you deserve given the circumstances. Not only that, but by accepting this settlement, you are effectively forfeiting your legal right to file a claim. Be wary when interacting with any insurance company giving you an offer before you contact a personal injury lawyer for legal guidance.
What to Do After a Car Accident in NYC
If you've been involved in a car accident in New York City, 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 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, concussions, 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. Keep all medical records, bills, and receipts related to your accident injuries.
Report the Accident to the Police
If you haven't already done so, report the accident to the police. In New York City, you are required to report an accident if there are injuries, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. The police 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 Evidence and Information
Gather as much evidence as possible in the days following the accident. If you were unable to do so at the scene due to your injuries, ask a friend, family member, or your attorney to assist you. 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. Keep a record of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, repair costs, and lost wages due to missed work.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney
Consult with an experienced NYC 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. They can also advise you on the value of your claim and help you make informed decisions about settlement offers.
In the days following the accident, it's essential to:
- Follow your doctor's treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments
- Document your pain levels, emotional distress, and how the injuries have impacted your daily life
- Refrain from posting about the accident or your injuries on social media, as this information could be used against you by insurance companies
- Direct all communications from insurance companies to your attorney
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.
The attorneys at William Mattar law offices are here to guide you through every step of the process and work tirelessly to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Common Causes of NYC Car Crashes
Whether or not motorists on the road obey traffic laws can increase the likelihood of a car crash. Other common factors can also contribute to certain types of motor vehicle collisions. These include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving (i.e. texting while driving)
- Poor weather conditions
- Drunk driving
- Vehicle mechanical failures
- Hazardous roads
NYC Car Accident Statistics
New York City drivers navigate traffic jams, aggressive driving, and confined streets on a daily basis. As one of the largest cities in the world, it's no wonder there are so many cars on the road eager to get to their destination. Unfortunately, as a result, serious motor vehicle accidents happen in NYC every day. There were roughly 7,456 car accidents in New York City in a recent year alone. Of those collisions, 2,644 involved an injury or fatality.
Types of Car Accidents in NYC that May Cause Serious Injuries
There are many different types of car crashes in NYC that can serious injury and even death. Rollover accidents, lane departure crashes, unsafe vehicle collisions, and multi-car pileups are just a few of the most common types of NYC car accidents.
Rollover Accidents
Rollovers are accidents where a vehicle turns completely over onto its roof or side. These accidents usually involving cars that are speeding or turning too quickly while driving or carrying a heavy, off-balance load.
In a rollover car accident, vehicles can roll multiple times before coming to a complete stop, making this type of accident particularly dangerous to occupants. These crashes can result in serious injuries such as head trauma and broken bones. Injuries may be even more severe for drivers and passengers who are not buckled in securely at the time of the rollover incident.
If you or your passengers have been seriously injured in a rollover crash, you should consider seeking immediate medical care for your injuries. It’s also recommended that you see a medical provider even if your injuries are minor or aren’t readily apparent.
This is because some car accident injuries can take time to show up, causing you pain and discomfort in the next few days or weeks. In the event that you file a claim for compensation, a medical record that details your injuries will serve to strengthen your case.
Lane Departure Crashes
Driving on the interstate is made dangerous by people who fail to obey speed limits and other traffic laws. One of the worst things a driver can do while driving 65 mph on a four-lane interstate is weave in and out of lanes because they don’t want to slow down during a traffic jam or are simply an aggressive driver.
When you are driving over 50 mph, you may not have time to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting another car that is passing or swerving in front of you. This situation can cause what’s known as a “lane departure crash.”
Lane departure crashes can often result in back and neck injuries, concussions, severe bruising, and lacerations. If you’ve been involved in a lane departure crash in New York City, contact a car accident lawyer at William Mattar for assistance with your personal injury case.
Unsafe Vehicle Accidents
Law enforcement can pull over and ticket motorists for driving vehicles that are unsafe or defective in some way. Examples of unsafe vehicle characteristics include steering issues, gas leaks, bald tires, cracked windshields, and exterior parts that are loose enough to fall off the vehicle at any moment.
Car crashes involving unsafe vehicles can happen due to drivers being unable to see the road clearly, or defective parts such as failing steering components. Pieces of an unsafe vehicle’s exterior can also come loose and hit other cars behind it. It’s a good idea to make sure that your vehicle’s maintenance is up to date to help prevent this type of accident.
People who knowingly drive unsafe cars and cause accidents are typically considered “at-fault drivers”. If you think you’ve been the victim of a negligent driver operating an unsafe vehicle in NYC, call an accident lawyer today.
Multiple Car Pileups
New York City car crashes involving more than two vehicles are sometimes called “multiple car accidents” or “pileups.” This type of accident usually occurs on highways and interstates in foggy conditions or when roads are rainy, snowy, or icy. Semi-trucks that “jackknife”, or fold as a result of a trailer sliding or swinging outward, can also cause a major traffic pile-up.
Depending on the level of traffic on the highway, and the speed vehicles are traveling, a multiple car pile-up can be incredibly dangerous. These accidents can trap people in mangled cars, cause serious injuries, and produce fires due to cars leaking oil and gasoline.
How Can a NYC Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?
If you’ve been seriously injured in a car crash in NYC, a personal injury attorney can help handle many aspects of your case. Your attorney will:
- Conduct an investigation of the accident
- Gather evidence such as photo documentation or witness statements
- Negotiate with insurance adjusters and companies involved
- Work to prove who’s at fault for the accident
- Follow and meet applicable deadlines for legal documents
- Establish a record of your injuries to strength your claim for compensation
In addition to the above, a personal injury lawyer has your best interests in mind— they are there to answer your questions and concerns as you go through the legal process.
Car Accident Injuries? Contact a New York Accident Lawyer Today
If you are looking for an injury attorney for a car accident that occurred in New York City, William Mattar can help. In addition to legal assistance, our attorneys also provide the kind of understanding support you and your family need during this stressful time.
Call us today at (844) 444 - 4444 to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer who will work to get you the compensation you deserve.
Additional New York Car Accident Resources:
- How Do I Obtain the Police Report After My NYC Car Accident?
- Collecting Unemployment After a Car Accident
- New York State Minimum Insurance Coverage