Long Island Passenger Vehicle Accident Lawyer

In the aftermath of a passenger vehicle accident, victims often deal with treatment costs for their injuries and missing time from work. They can be uncertain about what steps to take to handle their financial circumstances.

You do not need to face this situation alone. A Long Island passenger vehicle accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to handle your case while you focus on your recovery. We represent drivers and passengers who were injured by another driver’s negligent actions.

For a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our team, call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800. Because we offer representation on a contingency fee basis, there are no upfront payments required to start working with our firm.

A Lawyer May Help You Determine Liability in a Car Accident Case

Any time another driver violates a traffic law and causes an accident, they may be held liable for the damages they caused. This type of violation might include:

• Running a red light or a stop sign
• Changing lanes where it was illegal or unsafe to do so
• Not leaving a safe following distance, which might lead to a rear-end accident if the car in front stops suddenly
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Speeding
• Not using a turn signal when making a turn
• Driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol
• Driving while texting

Other times, another party might be held liable for a car accident. For example:

• A negligent municipality that left hazards in the road failed to maintain working traffic signals or failed to install adequate signage to safely direct the flow of traffic
• A negligent auto mechanic who failed to install or maintain a vehicle safety system, leading to a breakdown on the road
• A landscaping company that failed to properly secure their equipment on one of their vehicles, allowing it to spill into the road and cause an accident
• A shipping company that pressured drivers to work longer hours than the federal limits for commercial motor vehicles, causing a drowsy truck driver to crash their vehicle

Morelli Law Firm is prepared to take on any liable party whose negligence harmed our clients. We may be able to launch an investigation into the cause of your accident and identify the liable party or parties. From there, we can build a case for compensation against them.

If you believe that another party’s negligence caused your passenger vehicle accident, call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800. A member of our car accident team is standing by to discuss your case in a free initial consultation.

You May Recover Damages in a Car Accident Case

Proving another party’s liability for your injuries might allow you to collect compensation in a personal injury insurance claim or lawsuit.

The potentially recoverable damages in your case may depend on a number of factors, including your injuries and their impact on your life. In general, the following damages may be recoverable in a car accident case:

• Current and future costs of medical treatment, including emergency care, doctor’s appointments, therapy, and medications
• Lost wages for the time you were unable to work during your recovery period
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Scarring or disfigurement

A Long Island passenger vehicle accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm can help you identify your damages. We may also be able to collect evidence of their value to help us calculate a fair compensation range for your case. Such evidence might include:

• Your medical bills
• Car repair or replacement invoices
• Income documentation from your job
• Medical expert testimony on your estimated future costs of treatment

Certain New York Laws Might Affect Your Car Accident Case

The following New York laws might impact your personal injury case:

Comparative Negligence

According to the New York Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) §1411, New York practices a comparative negligence system in personal injury cases. This law means that accident victims may be able to recover compensation for their damages even when they were partially at-fault for the accident. The catch is that the court may reduce their compensation by their percentage of liability.

For example, if a judge decides that you were 30 percent at fault for the accident and your damages are worth $100,000, the judge may reduce your payout by 30 percent to $70,000.

The Statute of Limitations

Per CVP §214, there is a general three-year statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits in New York. However, certain circumstances might require you to file sooner, such as if your case involves a government agency.

Failure to initiate legal action by the specific deadlines that pertain to your case might lead your lawsuit to get dismissed.

New York’s No-Fault Auto Insurance System

Per New York’s Department of Financial Services (DFS), New York is a no-fault state, which means drivers are required to maintain a minimum of $50,000 of personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. In general, your first claim after a car accident is with your own PIP policy, regardless of fault.

You may be able to pursue further compensation from the responsible party if your injuries are serious (according to New York law) or if your damages exceed the limits of your PIP coverage. Morelli Law Firm understands how to navigate New York’s insurance rules and help our clients pursue compensation through all available channels.

Call Morelli Law Firm Today

A Long Island passenger vehicle accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm can manage the legal work in your case when we represent you. Our services include:

• Communicating with the involved parties on your behalf
• Collecting evidence of liability and your damages
• Filing your insurance claim and/or lawsuit
• Negotiating with the responsible party’s insurance company for a settlement
• Taking your case to trial, if necessary

We can also be available throughout this process to answer your questions and keep you updated on your case’s progress.

Morelli Law Firm offers representation on a contingency fee basis, so our clients are not obligated to pay us attorney’s fees unless we win their case.

To get started with a free consultation on your case, call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800.