New York Car Accident Lawyer

We Serve Injured Clients In New York

Thousands of people are seriously injured or killed every day in car accidents in the United States. Automobile accidents are one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. This grim statistic might lead you to conclude that auto accident litigation is no more than a routine court case. It’s not. In fact, determining legal responsibility in an auto accident is anything but open-and-shut. Without experienced legal representation, dealing with the aftermath of a serious auto accident could be one of the most traumatic experiences of your life.

If you or someone you care for has been injured in a car accident, the law could be on your side. It’s important that you speak with an experienced New York car accident lawyer who can help you navigate the process of filing a claim and seeking compensation for your damages.

After a serious collision, rely on a New York car accident lawyer to fight for the recovery you deserve. Call (800) 817-5029 or reach out online.

Why It’s Important To Work With A New York Car Accident Lawyer

There are many complex factors involved in pursuing compensation after an automobile accident. Determining legal responsibility for a car accident in court requires careful accident reconstruction analysis and the ability to explain the often very technical findings of this analysis to a jury.

Beyond the courtroom, skilled legal assistance also includes navigating insurance claims, gathering compelling evidence, and managing medical records. A dedicated lawyer will know how to effectively communicate and negotiate with insurance companies, ensuring your injuries and losses are accurately represented. Furthermore, an attorney can help calculate your total economic and non-economic losses, including future medical needs and pain and suffering, guaranteeing no aspect of your recovery is overlooked. By choosing an experienced car accident attorney in New York, you position yourself better for a fair recovery.

How Our New York Car Accident Lawyer Supports You

When you turn to the experienced car accident attorneys at Simonson Goodman Platzer PC, our focus is on managing the legal and insurance aspects of your case so you can concentrate on recovery. Our support typically includes:

• Pursuing financial compensation: We work to resolve money damages related to pain and suffering and to address potential lost wages resulting from your injuries.
• Assistance with medical treatment and billing: We help locate a convenient medical treatment facility and assist with completing and processing the appropriate forms for medical bill payment.
• Handling insurance and property damage issues: We help resolve property damage claims and assist with completing and submitting required insurance claim forms.
• Direct communication with insurance companies: We work directly with insurance companies on your behalf. The at‑fault party’s insurer—and sometimes even your own—may attempt to dispute or deny claims, so leaving communication and negotiation to an experienced legal professional helps protect your interests.
• Procedural oversight and deadline management: We make sure deadlines are met and legal documents are filed correctly, reducing the risk that procedural errors could negatively affect your claim.

By handling these responsibilities and keeping the process organized, our goal is to strengthen your personal injury case while providing clarity and peace of mind as you move forward.

What If You Were Partly To Blame For The Accident?

In many car accident cases, fault is not entirely one‑sided. It is common for both drivers to share some degree of responsibility for what happened. Importantly, being partly at fault does not automatically prevent you from recovering compensation in New York.

• New York’s comparative negligence rule: New York follows a rule known as pure comparative negligence. Under this system, an injured person may still recover compensation even if they were mostly at fault for the accident.
• Reduction based on fault percentage: While you can pursue compensation regardless of your level of fault, your total recovery will be reduced by the percentage of blame assigned to you.

For example, if you were injured in a New York City accident where another driver ran a red light, but you were found to be speeding, and a jury determined you were 50% at fault, you could recover up to 50% of the total damages awarded.

Because fault allocation directly affects the value of a claim, understanding how comparative negligence works is critical. When there are conflicting accounts of how an accident occurred, experienced legal guidance can play an important role in challenging fault allegations, minimizing your assigned responsibility, and protecting your ability to recover fair compensation.

Representing Victims Of All Types Of Motor Vehicle Accidents in New York

At Simonson Goodman Platzer PC, we have a long track record of success in handling complex car accident claims in New York. We also represent clients who have been injured in other types of motor vehicle collisions, including those involving motorcycles, delivery trucks, semi-trucks, motorized scooters, and recreational vehicles. In addition, our firm has successfully represented numerous clients who were harmed in pedestrian and bicycle accidents involving negligent motorists, as well as those harmed in subway and train accidents.

These diverse experiences allow us to tackle a broad spectrum of accident scenarios, applying our comprehensive understanding of traffic laws and regulations across different vehicles and contexts. We understand that each accident presents unique challenges, and our team is committed to addressing these intricacies with tailored strategies. Whether it's dealing with intricate accident reconstructions or complex liability issues, we ensure that our clients receive a robust defense and representation.

Regardless of the complexity of your situation, we are ready to fight for you and the justice you deserve. Our New York car accident attorneys have recovered more than $200 million for our clients, and we offer contingency fees. This means that you do not have to pay any out-of-pocket expenses; instead, we only collect attorneys’ fees when we successfully secure compensation for you.

New York Auto Accident Laws and Regulations

Understanding the specific laws and regulations surrounding auto accidents in New York is crucial for anyone involved in a collision. New York operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means that, regardless of who is at fault for the accident, your insurance company is responsible for covering your medical expenses and certain other financial losses up to a specific amount. This typically applies through your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. However, if your injuries exceed what the PIP covers, you may pursue further legal action against the responsible party.

The state's 'serious injury' threshold plays a pivotal role in such scenarios. If your injuries are severe and meet this threshold, you have the right to file a liability claim against the at-fault driver for additional compensation. Serious injuries often include fractures, significant disfigurement, dismemberment, loss of a fetus, or permanent loss/use of a body organ, member, function, or system. Having an experienced car accident lawyer in New York, like those at Simonson Goodman Platzer PC, can be invaluable to navigate these complexities effectively and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.

Common Causes Of Car Accidents In New York

Car accidents in New York can arise from a range of factors, often involving driver negligence or unsafe driving conditions. Common causes include speeding, distracted driving (such as texting or other smartphone use while driving), and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Additionally, New York's bustling streets and heavy traffic can increase the likelihood of accidents related to aggressive driving, failure to observe traffic signals, and improper lane changes.

Another significant factor in car accidents is weather-related conditions. New York experiences a variety of weather patterns, from snowy winters to rainy springs, each contributing to increased accident risks. Slippery roads, reduced visibility, and longer stopping distances during such weather conditions necessitate extra caution from drivers. Understanding these common causes can aid in accident prevention strategies. Equally, knowing them is essential when building a compelling argument in your injury claim, drawing from the experience and guidance provided by legal teams like Simonson Goodman Platzer PC to hold negligent drivers accountable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do Immediately After A Car Accident?

In the aftermath of a car accident, ensuring the safety of all involved is paramount. Begin by checking for injuries and moving to a safe location if possible. Call 911 to report the accident and request an ambulance if needed. Document the scene meticulously—take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. It's also vital to exchange information with the other driver(s), including contact information and insurance details. Finally, avoid making statements about fault at the scene, and consult with a car accident lawyer in New York as soon as possible for guidance on your rights and next steps.

How Is Fault Determined In A Car Accident?

Determining fault in a car accident involves extensive evidence gathering and analysis. This can include reviewing police reports, witness testimonies, and any photographic or video evidence from the scene. Fault can also be influenced by traffic signals, signs, and road markings. An experienced auto accident attorney in New York will assist in reconstructing the accident through analyses, such as road conditions and vehicle mechanics, to establish liability accurately. Given New York's comparative negligence rule, fault can be shared, and having professional representation can effectively argue your level of fault if applicable.

Can I Pursue Compensation If The Other Driver Is Uninsured?

Yes, you can pursue compensation if the other driver involved in the accident is uninsured. Your insurance policy may have Uninsured Motorist Coverage, designed to protect you in such events. This coverage can compensate for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident. Consulting with a lawyer in New York can help you better understand the process of filing an uninsured motorist claim and identify potential options for pursuing compensation, such as taking action against the at-fault driver directly, so you can make more informed decisions about your financial situation.

What Types Of Compensation Are Available in Car Accident Claims?

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident involves seeking proper compensation for various incurred damages. Common types of compensation include medical expenses for immediate and ongoing treatment, lost wages due to inability to work, and pain and suffering for physical and emotional distress. Property damage repairs or replacements also form a part of compensatory claims. Additionally, compensation for loss of future income or reduced earning capacity might be applicable if the injuries impact long-term employment prospects.

Is Hiring A Car Accident Lawyer Worth It?

Hiring a car accident lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of your claim. Professional legal representation helps to ensure that all nuanced details, such as evidence collection, insurance negotiations, and legal documentation, are managed correctly. Lawyers understand staunchly defending your rights and walking you through complex legal procedures, potentially increasing the compensation you receive. Beyond financial recompense, having a lawyer alleviates the stress of dealing with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on recovering from your injuries. At Simonson Goodman Platzer PC, our commitment to personalized client representation sets you on a path toward comprehensive recovery.

After a serious collision, rely on our New York car accident lawyer to fight for the recovery you deserve. Call (800) 817-5029 or contact us today.