Car Accident Lawyers in Queens, NY
Car accident victims are deserving of compassionate, experienced legal representation. Prioritizing your health and recovery should be your primary focus, and that often means leaving the claims and legal processes in the hands of a car accident attorney you can trust.
New Yorkers in Queens have been counting on Mark E. Seitelman Law Offices to advocate for them and protect their rights for over 30 years.
When you’re injured in a truck, car, bus, or other motor vehicle accident, you need someone in your corner to fight for you. The reality is that insurance companies do not have your best interest at heart. These for-profit companies prioritize their shareholders and their profit over you and your injuries. Relying on insurers to do what’s right for you can be a costly mistake. An injury lawyer is on your side and can negotiate with the insurance company to stop them from taking advantage of you.
Car Crashes in Queens
Collisions in Queens happen every day. Over 1,000 people are injured in Queens car accidents in a single month. If you are among these many people who have suffered due to someone else’s negligence, you are not alone in your search for justice.
Primary Causes of Car Accidents
Queens is home to millions of people, and many more visit or pass through on a regular basis. The congestion and traffic on the borough’s streets make accidents common, and some of the most common causes of these collisions are as follows:
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Distracted driving
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Tailgating
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Speeding
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Failing to yield the right of way
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Driving while intoxicated
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Running red lights
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Improper lane changes
Insurance Requirements in Queens, NY
New York requires each driver to carry liability insurance with minimum coverage amounts. In addition, the state follows a no-fault system, which means you must file a claim with your own insurance regardless of who caused the accident. This doesn’t mean that you must rely only on your insurance policy to cover your injuries and damages. You may be able to pursue legal action against the person who caused the accident when your policy isn’t enough.
Another important element of your Queens car accident claim to understand is New York’s comparative fault policy. This says that even if you share blame for the accident, you can still recover damages for your injuries. If you are found to be partially at fault, the amount of compensation you receive will be decreased by your percentage of fault.
Frequent Injuries from Car Collisions
Some car accidents result in injuries like minor bruising or scrapes, while others cause catastrophic injuries. The following are among the most common injuries caused by car accidents:
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Whiplash
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Traumatic brain injury
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Concussion
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Internal bleeding
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Organ damage
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Broken bones
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Spinal cord injuries
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Amputations
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Paralysis
If the costs associated with your injuries and damage exceed the limits of your personal insurance coverage, you may be able to seek compensation from the at-fault party to make up the difference. You may be entitled to financial damages for medical bills, property repair, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Thinking clearly immediately following an accident is not easy, but knowing what steps to take in the direct aftermath of a collision can be helpful to an injury claim later on. Plus, New York has legal requirements that every driver must follow after they are involved in a crash.
Do Not Leave the Scene
Leaving the scene of an accident is a hit-and-run, and it’s a crime in Queens and everywhere else in New York.
Move Your Vehicle
It is sometimes the safest option to move your vehicle to the side of the road or out of the flow of traffic to prevent any further collisions.
Call 911
Notifying the police and emergency services of the accident ensures everyone can receive the appropriate medical attention. Additionally, if there are injuries, you are required to notify the police of the accident.
Exchange Information
You will need to provide your name, contact details, and insurance information with the other driver, as well as collect this information from them.
Speak to Witnesses
If anyone witnessed the accident, collect their name and contact information.
Contact Your Insurance Company
You must report the accident to your insurance company as a first step in recovering compensation.
Obtain Legal Representation
Protect your interests by having an experienced car accident attorney on your side.
Free Consultations for Queens Car Accident Victims
Seitelman Law Offices provides free consultations so that anyone needing representation can learn more about their legal options. Communicating with the insurance company on your own is a risky move, and people with an attorney almost always receive higher settlement offers than those who go it alone.
Our car accident attorneys have been advocating for New Yorkers in their accident claims for decades, and we understand the tactics insurance companies use to try to take advantage of injured accident victims.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation and discuss your accident case with one of our experienced attorneys.