The definition of a car accident is an event where:
- Two or more vehicles collide OR
- A motorist hits a pedestrian or another object
Car accidents can cause property damage, bodily injuries, or death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 36,000 people died in car accidents in 2018. Although this is a 2.4% decrease from the previous year, distracted driving, drunk driving, and vehicular malfunctions contribute to thousands of accidents in the U.S. every day.
Causes of Car Accidents
The NHTSA reports that the most common contributor to car accidents is driver error, accounting for 94% of all collisions.
Some examples of driver error include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or fatigue
- Road rage
- Tailgating
- Failure to obey traffic lights and other posted guidelines
- Not properly observing pedestrian and vehicle traffic on the roadway
- Driving without regard to weather conditions
- Operating a vehicle with mechanical defects
There are many different causes of a vehicle collision. If you were involved in an accident where driver error caused serious injuries, you may be able to pursue compensation from the at-fault party. The aftermath of a car wreck can leave you seriously hurt, in pain, and unable to work for a substantial time while you recover.
While the vast majority of car accidents are the result of driver error, there are other circumstances that can cause or contribute to a motor vehicle collision that may be held to be the fault of another party such as:
- Roadway defects in maintenance or design
- Potholes
- Faulty car repair or maintenance by a repair shop
- Missing traffic signs or devices
- Overgrown trees that block traffic signs or devices
- Road construction defects in traffic control or signs
What to Do After Being Involved in a Car Accident
If you are involved in a serious motor vehicle accident, if may be difficult to act in your best interests. It is important to stay calm and know what to do to ensure your rights to the fair and just compensation that you deserve. You should:
- Seek medical attention immediately after the accident
- Retain all evidence relating to your medical care, including bills, receipts, imaging scans, your doctor’s contact information, prescription medications, and other relevant items
- Try to obtain names of any witnesses to the incident
- File a police report if one was not made at the accident scene
- Take pictures of your vehicle and personal injuries
- Do not accept any offers to settle your case from the insurance company until you have spoken to a lawyer
- Do not give any statements by telephone or in-person until you have spoken to a lawyer
- Do not post any statements or photographs about the accident to social media
You should always do what makes sense in your situation. Your health and safety should be your number one priority following a car accident.
For a free legal consultation, call (212) 732-2929
Potential Compensation Available in Vehicle Accident Cases
The amount of compensation you will be entitled to depends on the unique facts and circumstances of your accident and injuries. If you sustained serious injuries that were the result of someone else’s fault, you may be entitled to fair and just money damages for your:
- Pain and suffering as a result of your physical or emotional injuries
- Mental anguish
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Future medical bills or lost wages
- Loss of pension benefits
- Out of pocket expenses
You have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit after a car accident.
Getting Legal Help After an Accident
Many people forgo legal help after an accident because they are preoccupied with their own recovery. When you retain our services, you can concentrate on your own recovery while we fight for you to receive the financial compensation you deserve. If you retain us, you will not have to pay us any money upfront. We will advance all costs associated with the case and will only recover a legal fee if you obtain compensation.
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Dansker & Aspromonte Associates Can Help with Your Accident Case
If you have been seriously injured as the result of someone else’s fault, we will investigate and build your case which may include the following:
- Gathering all incident and accident reports
- Conducting a site investigation
- Obtaining all available photographs and video footage of your accident
- Requesting all EMS, hospital and medical records
- Retaining experts in accident reconstruction and medical causation
- Taking sworn statements of all parties with knowledge of the incident
- Preparing your case for trial before a jury if necessary
The personal injury attorneys at Dansker & Aspromonte Associates have decades of experience in personal injury law and know what measures will promote your case’s success. Our law firm represents claimants who have been involved in injury accidents throughout the New York City metropolitan area. We can handle your accident, regardless of how it occurred.
To get started with a free personal injury case review, call us today at (212) 732-2929.
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