If an individual is a victim of a major car accident, the result typically involves minor to life-threatening injuries. An example of a major car accident is one causing severe injuries, including potential internal injuries, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and other major injuries up to and including death. According to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, crashes were rated on a scale of unknown severity to fatal.
Unfortunately, there is no clear definition between a minor and severe auto accident. The main reason is that when an accident appears severe, sometimes victims still walk away from them. There are other instances where the accident appears minor, like in the case of a fender bender, and victims experience painful symptoms hours or even months after.
At-Fault Drivers and Adequate Insurance
Another unfortunate reality is that some at-fault drivers do not have or are not carrying enough insurance following a major accident. That means their insurance policy might not offer adequate coverage for compensating the victims of the car crash.
If this is the case, insurance companies might allow victims to use their policy. These instances typically arise when:
- There is no insurance policy coverage for the negligent driver.
- Negligent drivers have a minimum or inadequate insurance coverage.
If victims have “uninsured motorist coverage” or “UM/SUM,” through their policy, that means they could have a source of compensation if the at-fault driver does not have coverage. When at-fault drivers do not have the coverage victims need following an example of a major car accident, that does not mean compensation is not available. Instead of going after the at-fault driver’s insurance company, attorneys can look at options, including recovery through the victim’s insurance policy.
Car Accident Injuries in New York
There is a wide range of injuries that could result from a major car accident, including those leading to death. Some New York car accident injuries include:
- Abdominal or chest injuries
- Back injuries or paralysis
- Broken bones or fractures
- Burns
- Contusions or lacerations
- Neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car accidents account for some of the causes of severe personal injury that lead to hospitalizations in the country.
Time Limits for Filing a New York Traffic Accident Claim
According to New York’s Civil Practice Law and Rules § 214, victims of an example of a major car accident have three years to file an action. That rule is in place to ensure injured parties with property damage and personal injury claims can receive the much needed and deserved compensation. That date of this statute starts on the date of the major accident; therefore, victims must work with attorneys to file an action immediately.
Failing to file within the timeframe specified could lead to attorneys being barred from courts regarding filing an action. That is why you should act as soon as your injuries stabilize. Do not let a negligent motorist get away with causing you injuries or losses through an accident. You have a right to seek legal representation when taking legal action, either through an insurance claim or a lawsuit.
Turn to Morelli Law Firm for Help Seeking Recovery for Losses
When you work with our team at Morelli Law Firm, we can help you pursue recoverable damages that are available. We handle major car accident cases involving:
- Car malfunction or defect
- Driver error
- Drunk driving accidents
- Highway defects
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Pedestrian accidents
- Speeding
- Whiplash and other common car accident injuries
We thoroughly understand the long-term effects victims can suffer following a major car accident in New York. That is why our team makes it their goal to ensure victims pursue compensation for past and future economic losses. In addition to that coverage, we also fight on your behalf for the following recoverable damages:
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of wages or employment
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disabilities
If you suffer from injuries following a major car accident, we are available to help recover compensation that you deserve.
We also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no up-front fees for our legal work. Call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800, so we can review your case today.