Car Accident Lawyers in Manhattan
Helping Get Victims the Justice and Compensation They Need
No one gets into their car expecting to experience an accident. However, with NYC’s bustling streets, car accident injuries are all too common. When you or a loved one is suddenly injured in an NYC car accident, you can be left reeling with the pain and frustration of the incident, the cost of medical bills, and the annoying calls and demands from the insurance company.
The good news is that you don’t have to navigate this confusing, complex process alone. With the help of a New York car accident lawyer, you can get excellent legal advice and counsel on how to proceed in your unique case. An experienced car accident lawyer can help fight for your best interests when it comes to negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company. If the other party refuses to cooperate, your attorney can represent you in court in a car accident lawsuit.
Dealing with car accident injuries is hard enough without taking on a legal battle on your own. Our car accident lawyers have helped countless victims with their car accident cases. We have spent decades helping those suffering from unjust injuries get the financial compensation they need to recover fully. We’ll leverage that experience and knowledge in your favor as we take on your New York City motor vehicle accident claim. Call Rizzuto Injury Firm today at 516-604-5496 to learn more about how you can benefit from our legal services.
What Are Some Common Causes of Car Accidents in Manhattan?
Car accident injuries have many different causes. Some wrecks occur for reasons that were not preventable, such as an animal entering the roadway or bad weather. However, the majority of car accident cases come down to one driver not following their duty and engaging in behavior that puts others’ lives in danger. Simply looking at one’s phone or driving a little too fast can make all the difference and cause a life-altering crash.
If you are suffering because of a wreck due to someone else’s negligence, you have a good chance of being eligible for compensation. The best way to determine the cause of your crash and learn whether you should take legal action is by calling a personal injury law office like Rizzuto Injury Firm. We’ll investigate the crash to see whether you are eligible for monetary damages and help you maximize your claim.
Some examples of negligent or reckless behavior that causes car accidents in New York City include:
- Failing to signal when turning or changing lanes
- Ignoring or violating traffic stops and lights
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Failing to yield the right of way, including to pedestrians
- Distracted driving, which may include texting, making phone calls, or using other devices behind the wheel
- Driving while intoxicated
- Driving while under the influence of mind-altering drugs
- Driving too fast in inclement weather
New York City might be known for its busy and hectic streets. However, this is no excuse for drivers to put others in danger by violating the law. When someone is hurt due to another person’s neglect, the victim should be protected by law. Call our legal team for help collecting damages in full for your injuries.
What Car Accidents Are the Most Deadly?
While any car accident can cause severe injuries, some car accident cases are more dangerous in general than others. Some of the most deadly motor vehicle accidents include head-on collisions, T-bone crashes, accidents involving a semi-truck, and drunk driving accidents.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are some of the most deadly car accidents. These wrecks occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide. The force of the impact can cause severe property damage and result in catastrophic injuries for all occupants involved.
Some of the main reasons these crashes happen are distracted driving and drunk driving. When someone doesn’t see a collision coming because they are looking at a phone or are impaired by mind-altering chemicals, they may not be able to swerve or stop and avoid the crash. The ensuing damage can cause years of heartache for victims and their loved ones.
If you are the victim of a head-on collision or lost a loved one in a wreck, please seek counsel from car accident lawyers like those at Rizzuto Injury Firm.
T-Bone Crashes
T-bone wrecks get their name from the shape the vehicles form when they collide. These accidents often occur in intersections when cars traveling in perpendicular directions experience a crash. Usually, these wrecks are the result of someone violating a stop sign or traffic light.
T-bone crashes can cause severe damage and injury, especially to the person on the side of the car that was impacted. If you’ve been hurt because someone negligently caused a T-bone crash, please call our legal team for help bringing a car accident claim.
Accidents Involving Commercial Vehicles
Another example of severe car accidents is when passenger cars get hit by commercial vehicles. With the size and mass of semi-trucks, it is not very surprising that many victims suffer severe car accident injuries or are killed in semi-truck accidents. Some examples of injuries that might occur in trucking wrecks include traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, blindness, lacerations, burns, and broken bones.
Holding the liable party accountable in a trucking crash can be difficult because of the many potential at-fault parties. For example, the truck driver could be held liable if they were speeding, driving while distracted, driving under the influence, or otherwise breaking the law. In other cases, the trucking company could be held liable for unsafe practices or failure to train their drivers. The cargo crew could be liable if the cargo were not properly loaded.
Call Rizzuto Injury Firm immediately for help proving liability and collecting the damages you deserve for your truck accident injuries.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Finally, drunk driving accidents often cause accident victims severe pain and suffering. Many of these crashes result in fatalities that could have been prevented if the person had not violated the law and put others’ lives at risk.
Drunk driving accidents are so dangerous in part because the intoxicated driver usually lacks the reaction time to avoid an accident. They may not even realize they were driving on the other side of the road or heading toward another car until it was too late.
If you or a loved one was injured by a drunk driver, you could be eligible for compensation, including punitive damages. Reach out to our car accident lawyers immediately for help getting the compensation you need in a car accident lawsuit.
What Should I Do if I’ve Been Injured in a Manhattan Car Accident?
If you’ve experienced a car accident in New York City, you may be wondering what to do next. Dealing with the pain of your injuries and worrying about covering the expenses of your accident can be extremely stressful. One of the best things you can do after a crash is to reach out to a New York City personal injury firm to see if you’re eligible for a claim. Your attorney can help you collect evidence and get the money you need to move on after the accident.
Some other immediate actions you can take to get as quick a recovery as possible are to:
- Stay at the scene of the accident. Fleeing the accident scene can result in criminal charges for a hit-and-run. Protect yourself legally by staying at the crash scene
- Exchange information with any other drivers, including contact and insurance information
- Call the authorities immediately. The police report can help sort out the cause of the accident and be a vital part of a strong legal case against the at-fault party
- Remove yourself from the flow of traffic. In New York City, life doesn’t stop because someone has an accident. Getting to safety is crucial so you don’t cause a pile-up or suffer more injuries
- Get medical attention. The adrenaline rush from the crash often masks internal injuries, which could become severe without urgent treatment. Even if you think you haven’t been badly hurt, please get medical treatment for yourself and any other victims
- Gather evidence. You can help build your case by taking photos of the crash scene and gathering contact information for eyewitnesses
- Not making any statements to the insurance company. Insurance agents are notorious for hammering down on victims to get them to admit fault. You can protect yourself by deflecting these calls to your attorney
Please remember that the insurance company does not have your best interests at heart. You need an ally who is dedicated to you and will fight for you to make a full recovery. Call Rizzuto Injury Firm to learn how we can help maximize your personal injury claim.
What Are My Legal Rights as a Car Accident Victim?
When you’ve been hit by a negligent driver, you may feel confused about your rights and duties. Please remember to report the incident and seek legal counsel regarding your unique car accident claim. You should also remember that you have rights that must be respected.
For example, you do not have to accept a payment from the insurance company, no matter how tempting it may appear. Insurers typically offer a lowball payout at the beginning of the claims process in the hopes of saving money and quickly closing the case. These settlements often exclude valuable items such as lost wages, future medical bills, and emotional distress. The best way to recover compensation in full is by speaking with NYC car accident lawyers as quickly as possible.
You also have the right to view any evidence related to your crash and to get legal representation. A New York City car accident lawyer can help uncover evidence illustrating who caused the accident and why. You can use this information to fight for compensation in full, including monetary damages for physical and emotional injuries.
What Injuries do Car Accidents Typically Cause?
Car accident victims may suffer a wide range of injuries. Even so-called “minor injuries” can result in months or years of pain and suffering, such as whiplash. If your physical injuries are causing you to miss out on time at work or other essential activities, you may be eligible to seek compensation.
Please keep in mind that seeking medical attention immediately after a car crash is crucial in many cases. If you seek medical attention right away, you can avoid permanent injury or even death. Getting medical treatment also demonstrates to the insurance company that your serious injuries are causing you pain and suffering.
Some of the most serious injuries often caused in a New York City car accident include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – Some of the most serious damage that can occur in an NYC car accident is when a person receives a brain injury. These injuries include concussions, brain bleeds, penetration wounds, and other damages. A brain injury can impact how a person thinks and their ability to perform critical functions. Some lasting damages might include memory loss, mood disorders, and learning disabilities
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) – Damage to the spinal cord is another example of an excruciating injury that can impair an individual’s ability to work and experience enjoyable recreational activities. Neck and back injuries may include whiplash, herniated discs, fractures, and ruptured discs. If you are out of work or can’t enjoy your life because of an SCI that occurred due to another person’s negligence, please call our New York City law firm today
- Broken bones – Bone fractures can cause a great deal of discomfort and often require lengthy recoveries. Drivers often experience fractures in their hands and feet as they brace for impact. Severe cases may require surgery to correct, which can be costly and painful
- Lacerations – Cuts and abrasions that occur during car accidents can lead to extreme blood loss and infection. If you or a loved one received a laceration in connection with an auto accident caused by someone else’s negligence, reach out to our experienced car accident lawyers today
- Internal organ damage – Internal damage in an NYC car accident can include crushed, pierced, or lacerated organs. Resulting injuries may include bleeding, loss of organ function, and death. Internal injuries can be challenging to diagnose without proper medical equipment. Please get the medical care you need and then call a car accident attorney like those at Rizzuto Injury Firm for legal advice
How Is Liability Determined in Manhattan Car Accident Claims?
One critical question that the insurance company will need answered is that of liability. The liable party caused the crash and is responsible for damages. It is important to note that, in New York City, both parties can be assigned part of the blame. For example, if one driver was speeding but the other driver changed lanes without signaling, a judge could hold both parties liable.
According to New York personal injury laws, you may only claim compensation for a portion according to the other party’s liability. For example, if you were 40% liable for the accident, you could only collect 60% of the total costs of your serious injuries. The risk of losing out on compensation makes it critical for parties to determine liability.
Our NYC car accident lawyers are ready to fight for you in your car crash case. We’ll investigate to uncover evidence that proves you have minimal liability for your injuries. An experienced car accident attorney at our firm will go over every detail to build the strongest case possible in your favor. We’ll use evidence such as the police report, medical records, surveillance footage, and expert testimony to back up your version of events. Call 516-604-5496 now to get started!
What Compensation Am I Entitled to in My NYC Car Accident?
Recovering physically is only one part of recovering following a New York City car accident. Seeking financial compensation is crucial to help the victim and their family make the financial and emotional recovery they deserve. For example, if a family member was a provider and is no longer able to work due to their auto accident injuries, their loved ones could need help making house payments and having enough money to put food on the table.
Future medical bills and non-economic damages are very important to many victims and are often ignored by the insurance company. This is where NYC car accident lawyers step in. Our car accident attorneys will use their powerful negotiating skills to get maximum compensation in an auto accident claim so you and your loved ones don’t have to stress over finances at this already difficult time.
Some examples of damages we can recover in a successful car accident claim or personal injury lawsuit include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost income, including lost wages, salaries, bonuses, and vacation time
- Lower income-earning capacity from permanent injuries that make returning to your profession less lucrative or impossible
- Catastrophic injuries, such as limb loss, paralysis, scarring, and mental disabilities arising from the crash
- Medical equipment, such as a wheelchair
- Home renovations to accommodate disabilities from injuries sustained in the crash
- Emotional and mental distress, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD
- Funeral and burial expenses, within reason
- Punitive damages if the at-fault party was guilty of criminal negligence or other crimes
Injury victims often mistakenly think that insurance coverage will compensate them adequately for their injuries. However, most victims are lucky to receive coverage for property damage and some medical expenses. Don’t sell yourself short. Contact our Manhattan car accident attorneys for legal counsel and representation in this crucial matter.
How Should I Interact with the Insurance Company Following a New York City Car Crash?
One of the most difficult aspects of recovering from a car crash is dealing with the insurance company. Many personal injury victims find that the insurance company pesters them constantly with requests for statements, hoping to catch the victim in admitting some portion of the blame. Receiving calls day in and day out regarding a matter that you just want to be settled can be infuriating. However, with Rizzuto Injury Firm on your side, you can turn these calls over to your personal injury law firm and let a top car accident lawyer handle these questions and requests.
If you’ve suffered injuries in a wreck, the last thing you need is to hassle with an insurance agent. Let us handle the nuances of your case so you can rest and recover. We’ll take your side as powerful allies who won’t rest until you’ve received every cent you deserve. We know how insurance companies work and are not afraid to go toe-to-toe against their agents in auto accident cases and other personal injury claims.
Please remember not to make any statements about your well-being or your role in the accident. You should also not accept any payments or sign any paperwork without consulting with your personal injury lawyer. Call our personal injury attorneys right away when you or a loved one has experienced an automobile accident in Manhattan or the surrounding areas.
What Are the Basic Steps for Bringing a Claim Following an NYC Car Accident?
Traffic accidents happen almost daily in NYC, but this doesn’t mean every victim has experience handling a personal injury claim. If you aren’t sure what to do following a Manhattan automobile accident, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to go through this process without professionals by your side to guide you. A personal injury lawyer at Rizzuto Injury Firm can help you navigate the complex NYC legal system and get the results you need for a full recovery.
When you are ready to recover compensation for your traffic accident injuries, you can expect to take the following steps:
- Submit your claim – You’ll need to file a claim with the proper authorities, including against your own insurance company if the crash was a hit-and-run or requires uninsured motorist coverage. Your personal injury lawyer can help you determine where to file the claim and how to submit the forms
- Discovery period – When someone makes a claim for an automobile accident, they must also submit evidence to prove liability and the extent of damages. Your NYC car accident attorney can help by gathering evidence such as eyewitness testimony, police reports, expert witness testimony, medical records, and more
- Negotiation period – You’ll have the chance to negotiate with the other party or their auto insurance provider to seek a fair settlement. Having an experienced car accident attorney can help get you the best chances of a favorable outcome during negotiations
- Personal injury lawsuit – If the other party refuses to cooperate and offer a reasonable settlement, you may need to take matters to court in a car accident lawsuit. Call the New York car accident attorneys at Rizzuto Injury Firm for help throughout the legal process
How Can an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Help with My New York City Car Accident Case?
Going it alone after you’ve been injured in a wreck can be extremely stressful at a time when you should be resting and recovering. The same is true if you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident. Pursuing wrongful death or other compensation is crucial for your recovery, but it might be too much on your shoulders at this difficult time. However, you don’t have to go it alone and hope that the insurance coverage is enough. You can hire a personal injury firm like Rizzuto Injury Firm to represent your interests and handle your legal case.
When you hire our New York City motor vehicle accident lawyers, you’ll get the following benefits and more:
- Personalized legal advice to match your unique needs and goals
- Answers to your questions and hope for the future
- Powerful negotiators to help you get a fair deal
- Help with gathering evidence and building a strong case to get you maximum compensation
- Assistance in proving liability
- Representation before a judge or jury if your case goes to court
- Emotional comfort and support from others who understand what you’re experiencing
Our legal team has helped countless accident victims recover compensation in personal injury cases over the decades. We know that each case is unique and are ready to work diligently to get the best results possible following your motor vehicle accident. We’ll fight for damages such as past and future medical expenses, lost wages and other income, loss of enjoyment of life, catastrophic damages, wrongful death, and more. Call now for the representation you need in your car accident injury case.
How Does Distracted Driving Impact Car Wrecks in NYC?
Sadly, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents in New York City. Many of these wrecks could be avoided if drivers took their duty of driving seriously. Driving while distracted is illegal in New York and can lead to serious fines and punishments. Drivers are legally prohibited from using electronic devices while driving because this behavior is so dangerous.
Some other examples of distracted driving that can easily lead to auto accidents include:
- Texting, making phone calls, or other device use
- Eating or drinking
- Applying make-up
- Talking with passengers
- Adjusting the radio or sound system
- Daydreaming while behind the wheel
- Smoking
- Reaching for something around you in the car
Driving demands all of a person’s mental and physical attention. It requires the person to keep their eyes on the road, their hands on the wheel, and their mind on the task at hand. If any one of these is neglected, the driver could cause an accident that seriously kills or injures an innocent victim.
If you or a loved one was hurt by a distracted driver, you may be able to take legal action. Don’t leave your recovery up to the car insurance companies. Call our law firm right away for help getting the money you need to make a full recovery.
What Happens if I’ve Been Hit by a Drunk Driver?
Drunk driving is another example of serious infringement of the law that puts other people at risk. Inebriated drivers may lack the response time necessary to slow down or avoid a crash. With such a slow reaction time, drunk driving accidents often happen at high speeds or as head-on collisions, causing extreme damage.
Victims of drunk driving accidents have the unique ability to seek punitive damages. Often, a judge will award extra compensation that the at-fault party must pay to the victim and their family. These punitive damages compensate for some of the emotional losses the victims face and discourage the person from engaging in drunk driving in the future.
When you have the tragic experience of being hurt or losing a loved one in a drunk driving accident, know that you’re not alone. Our legal team has helped victims in many auto accident cases involving drunk drivers. We will use our investigatory skills to prove that the other party caused your accident due to inebriation or the use of mind-altering drugs and seek maximum compensation on your behalf.
What Other Personal Injury Claims Do Your New York Car Accident Lawyers Handle?
At Rizzuto Injury Firm, we are prepared to help with a wide variety of personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, and more. Due to our decades of practice, we are deeply familiar with New York personal injury law. We’ll apply our honed skills to get you results and emotional support at this critical time.
Some personal injury cases we have handled include but are not limited to:
- Car accident cases
- Trucking accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accident injuries
- Slip and fall claims
- Workplace injuries
- Construction site accidents
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Dog bites
- Medical malpractice
- Wrongful death
- Catastrophic injury
- Bus accidents
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Negligent security
- Premises liability
Call now to schedule a meeting with our helpful, compassionate attorneys to learn how you can recover economic and non-economic damages for your injury.
What Makes Your New York City Car Accident Law Firm Unique?
At Rizzuto Injury Firm, our level of service and dedication set us apart from other New York City personal injury law firms. We provide excellent counsel based on decades of experience practicing personal injury law. We also have a background in handling cases on behalf of insurance companies, which gives us unique insight into how these organizations work.
We understand the goals and strategies car insurance companies use to trap victims and get them to take a lowball settlement. We recognize that our clients deserve far more than what most insurance agents offer, and we take pride in fighting for victims’ rights as they strive to recover and move on after an accident.
If you or your loved one needs a reliable legal team to maximize their payout and protect their legal rights after a car accident, look no further than Rizzuto Injury Firm.
Should You Hire Our Car Accident Lawyers in Manhattan?
NYC car accident victims often struggle to know what steps to take after a motor vehicle accident. They might face mounting medical bills, all while missing out on the income they need because they can’t return to work. Some victims lose their vehicles and homes because they can’t make ends meet after a crash.
Please don’t let this tragic situation happen to you. After you seek medical attention and are recovering, contact our law firm immediately to get started seeking justice and collecting the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Our team of New York car accident attorneys is standing by to discuss your accident and find the best solution for your unique case.
We can help you get the medical care you need by pursuing compensation for past and future medical expenses. We’ll also fight for non-economic damages that car insurance companies so often ignore, including catastrophic injury, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of companionship.
When you are suffering because of someone else’s negligence, you deserve someone on your side to fight for you. Please let us be your allies in your search for justice and compensation. Call Rizzuto Injury Firm today at 516-604-5496 to get started.