Many drivers in New York operate passenger vehicles, or vehicles designed to carry between one to nine people. Cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs may all be considered passenger vehicles, though motorcycles are usually excluded from this grouping. These vehicles may be involved in serious accidents in New York, resulting in vehicle damage and severe injuries.
You may be able to secure compensation if you suffered injuries in a passenger vehicle accident in New York. Begin working on a claim right now by contacting Morelli Law Firm to speak with a member of our team. You may call us at (212) 751-9800. You may get help from a New York passenger vehicle accident lawyer today.
Facts About Motor Vehicle Accidents in New York
Many drivers travel the roads in New York every year. A significant portion of these drivers operates passenger vehicles. They may be involved in accidents throughout the state. The New York State Department of Health keeps statistics for motor vehicle accidents. Each year from 2012 to 2014, the Department reported that there were:
- Around 136,000 emergency room visits due to traffic accidents
- Around 12,000 hospitalization due to traffic accidents
- Around 1,000 deaths due to traffic accidents
Motor vehicle accidents in New York may impact drivers, passengers, or even pedestrians walking alongside the road. Bicyclists may also be struck and injured by motor vehicles throughout the state. If you sustained injuries due to the actions of another driver, you may be able to get compensation to cover your medical expenses and other losses.
Take These Steps After a Passenger Vehicle Accident
You may want to take certain steps after your injuries in a passenger vehicle accident in New York. Many of these steps could help you get compensation for your losses. Keeping that fact in mind, make sure that you:
Contact Law Enforcement
You may need to call the police after a passenger vehicle accident, especially if someone was injured. The police may visit the scene of your accident, assess the situation, and file a report. This report may help to corroborate that the accident actually occurred in the way you said it did.
Take Pictures of the Scene
It could be beneficial for you to photograph as much of the scene of the accident as possible following a passenger vehicle accident. You may also take pictures of your injuries and the damage to your vehicle. If any of your passengers were hurt, take pictures of their injuries as well.
Speak With Witnesses
Take the time to gather contact information from anyone who saw your accident. These witnesses may be able to support your account of what happened during the accident. You should also exchange information with the driver who struck you.
Seek Medical Care
Passenger vehicle accidents may leave you facing severe injuries. Make sure you get medical treatment for your injuries as soon as possible. Getting medical treatment soon after may demonstrate that the accident caused your injuries. This action may help you get compensation for your healthcare expenses.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
You may also wish to reach out to a New York passenger vehicle accident lawyer after a collision. A lawyer could begin working to build a claim for you right now. Your lawyer may advise you on the best way to resolve a traffic accident case in New York. You may reach Morelli Law Firm now by calling (212) 751-9800.
New York Passenger Vehicle Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Injuries Associated With New York Passenger Vehicle Accidents
Passenger vehicle accidents in New York could result in serious injuries. The exact injuries you sustain could depend upon the type of accident. You may face different injuries if you were hit head-on, a rear-end collision, or a side-impact collision. However, some of the most common injuries include:
- Head and brain injuries, including concussions
- Neck and back injuries, including whiplash
- Broken bone and fractures
- Internal organ injuries
- Cuts, abrasions, and burns
You may want to get medical treatment right away after an accident. Depending upon your situation, your insurance policy in New York may cover your medical bills. From the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, you are required to carry no-fault insurance for many collisions.
Your no-fault car insurance could cover emergency medical treatment, surgical procedures, a stay in the hospital, medications, and more. However, if you suffer a serious injury as defined by New York Insurance Law §5102(d), such as a broken bone, you may be able to seek additional compensation from the driver who hit you. This may require you to file a personal injury claim with the help of a New York passenger vehicle accident lawyer.
Additional Compensation for Passenger Vehicle Accidents
As we mentioned, you may be able to get compensation if you were hurt in a passenger vehicle accident in New York. In addition to getting compensation for your medical expenses, you could be eligible to receive damages to cover:
- Wages you lost at work
- Lost earning potential
- Repair costs for your vehicle
- Your pain and suffering and mental anguish
In order to secure compensation, your lawyer may advise you to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. Note that you may only be able to file a claim if you suffered a serious injury in the passenger vehicle accident. Your no-fault insurance may handle relatively minor injuries.
Additionally, the state of New York looks at contributory negligence when considering traffic accidents per New York Civil Practice Law & Rules §1411. Contributory negligence means that more than one person could be held responsible for an accident. Your lawyer may be able to take steps to demonstrate that the other driver caused the collision, allowing you to get full compensation for your losses.
Work With a New York Passenger Vehicle Accident Lawyer Now
Take charge of your future if you were involved in a passenger vehicle accident in New York. You may be able to secure compensation for your medical expenses and other losses after a collision. Find out how by contacting a New York passenger vehicle accident lawyer today. You may reach the team at Morelli Law Firm by calling (212) 751-9800 or completing our online contact form.