Traffic lights and other traffic signals exist to make sure that all drivers can safely navigate the roads. Unfortunately, not everyone obeys these signals, which can put others at risk of injury or, in worst-case scenarios, death.
If you or your loved one was injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver, a New York accident caused by failure to obey traffic signals lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to help. Call the office at (212) 751-9800 to speak with a member of our team and get a free case review.
Drivers Can Miss Traffic Signals for a Variety of Reasons
Drivers have to keep an eye out for many different things while on the road. There are other vehicles all around. Pedestrians or animals may enter the roadway at any time. In adverse weather conditions, drivers might have more trouble noticing traffic signals. On top of all that, a driver may be influenced by:
- Distractions: According to the New York State Police, distracted driving is the leading cause of accidents that result in an injury. A driver may be distracted by anything, such as their cell phone, another passenger, or even food and drink.
- Bad decision making: For example, if a driver decides to exceed the speed limit, they may not be able to stop in time, even if they see you coming.
- Faulty parts: For example, if a brake fails at the wrong moment, either due to poor manufacturing or poor maintenance, this might cause the vehicle to crash into another vehicle, object, or person on the road because the driver was unable to stop.
- Bad weather: Rain, fog, and snow can affect a person’s driving. Even after a storm ends, the roadway may remain slippery for a while, putting inattentive or unlucky drivers at risk of losing control.
The cause of your accident may not seem relevant at first. It certainly does not change the pain you are in or the weight of your loss. However, knowing who or what is responsible for your accident is important if you decide to sue for compensatory damages.
A New York Lawyer May Help You Fight for Compensation
Per the New York Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) §214, accident victims like you generally have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you lost a loved one in the accident, you generally have two years after the decedent’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit on their behalf, according to the New York Estates, Powers, and Trusts Laws (EPT) §5-4.1.
Below is a quick summary of the types of compensation commonly associated with each. For more detailed and personalized information, you can speak with a legal representative at our law firm.
Personal Injury
You may file a personal injury lawsuit if you suffered a “serious injury” in the crash. The New York Civil Insurance Laws (ISC) §5102(d) defines a “serious injury” as a type of permanent wound (e.g., loss of a fetus or dismemberment) or a non-permanent wound (e.g., injuries that leave you incapacitated for at least 90 days).
If you meet this threshold, you may seek compensation for your physical injuries, including any emotional or financial harm the accident caused. Some examples include:
- Pain and suffering: Your injuries caused or continue to cause physical or emotional pain.
- Quality of life: You had to give up engaging in your favorite activities, whether temporarily or permanently, or you are no longer able to live independently.
- Medical costs: You sought medical treatment for your injuries.
- Loss of wages: You had to take time off from work to recover from your injuries, or your injuries continue to make you unable to work.
Wrongful Death
You may file a wrongful death lawsuit if your loved one passed away because of the accident. Surviving family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit if their loved one’s death happened during the accident itself or sometime later due to accident-related injuries.
Wrongful death damages may have similar damages seen in personal injury cases.
- Pain and suffering: Your loved one’s injuries caused them physical or emotional pain.
- Funeral expenses: You had to pay for your loved one’s burial, funeral service, or other final expenses.
- Loss of companionship: Your loved one’s passing has affected their family, too. Their spouse is now deprived of their affection, and their child(ren) cannot turn to them for advice.
New York Failure to Obey Traffic Signals Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
How Legal Representation Can Help
Not sure if you want to file a personal injury lawsuit? Call Morelli Law Firm at (212) 751-9800. We can review your case to see if you qualify for a personal injury lawsuit and explain what a New York accident caused by failure to obey traffic signals lawyer can do for your case. The initial consultation is free. If you decide to hire us, here is what you can expect us to do for you:
Investigate the Accident
Accidents do not happen in a vacuum. They often leave behind traces of evidence, such as police reports, surveillance video, and eyewitnesses. Your lawyer may use any available evidence to back up your claims and figure out who might be legally responsible for your accident.
Calculate Damages
Figuring out what your injuries and losses are worth may be difficult to calculate on your own. Your lawyer may study your case and come up with appropriate dollar amounts. They may even be able to point out things you can sue for that you had not considered.
Advocate for You
The insurance company might contact you, hoping to offer you a settlement. Your lawyer can make sure all offers are fair and do not involve sacrificing your rights. If their offer does not meet your needs, your lawyer may be able to negotiate for a better deal. Still, what if the insurance company does not agree to your demands? We are willing to represent you in court.
Work on a Contingency Fee Basis
A contingency fee gives clients some flexibility in how they pay for their lawyer’s services. They do not have to pay attorney’s fees unless and until their lawyer helps them win compensation. You pay nothing upfront, and if you do not get paid, then neither do we.
Being in an accident is bad enough. Having to pay for another driver’s mistake is unacceptable. Call Morelli Law Firm at (212) 751-9800 to take the first step toward getting your life back. Let a New York accident caused by failure to obey traffic signals lawyer get started on your case.