Car crashes can cause serious injuries and property damage, and victims must deal with both their physical recovery and the medical bills that accompany them. You do not need to shoulder these costs on your own. If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses, including medical and rehabilitative bills, lost wages, and non-economic losses such as pain and suffering.
Whether you are trying to collect from insurance or bring a lawsuit, car accident lawyers in Babylon, NY from Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. can investigate the accident, examine the facts, interview witnesses, and seek a good settlement on your behalf.
Call our firm today at (631) 600-0000 to learn more about how a car accident lawyer in Babylon, NY, can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Important New York Vehicle Accident Laws
Your lawyer will understand how New York laws may affect your case and protect you from them. These include:
“No Fault” Laws
New York has what is known as no-fault car insurance and accident compensation laws. This means that anyone who is involved with an accident in New York must first file a claim with their own insurance for resulting injuries.
There are exceptions and caps associated with these limitations. If your damages meet the state’s threshold for severity, you may be able to file a claim or lawsuit against the liable party’s insurance.
Whether your injuries are considered legally “severe” depends upon the specifics of your case, but some examples of potentially qualifying injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Disfigurement
- Permanent impairment of a body organ or limb
- A substantial limitation of a body function or system
- Substantively full disability for at least 90 days
- Wrongful death
If you or a loved one suffered severe injuries, you may be able to recover economic losses—such as medical bills and property damage—as well as non-economic damages, including pain and suffering. Your lawyer can advise you about the options that may be available to you, given the nature of your injuries.
Comparative Negligence
There are times when more than one driver contributed to an accident. New York is a “pure comparative negligence” state, which means that your right to pursue compensation for your injuries is protected even if you are partially responsible for the accident. Your lawyer can review the evidence and explain the role that comparative negligence may play in your case.
Statute of Limitations
There are deadlines associated with filing lawsuits in New York. For personal injury claims, the statute of limitations is three years from the day of the accident. Our car accident attorneys can make sure all paperwork and court filings are done in a timely manner.
Do not put off calling for legal assistance. The sooner you contact us, the faster we can get started collecting the evidence we will need to build a strong case on your behalf. Call Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. today at (631) 600-0000 to learn more.
Types of Potentially Recoverable Damages
Every situation is unique, but the victims of car accidents can typically pursue the following damages:
- Medical Expenses, rehabilitation expenses, and expenses for equipment
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
What To Do After a Car Accident in Babylon, NY
In New York, if your car accident caused $1,001 or more in property damage, you must file a Report of Motor Vehicle Accident form with the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) within 10 days of the accident.
Other steps we recommend the victims of car accidents to take include:
Stopping at the Scene
Do not move your car unless you must do so for safety.
Notifying the Police
If anyone was injured or killed in the crash, the police must be notified. This will generate a police report that may be helpful for demonstrating the liable party’s negligence later.
Get Help for Injuries
Call 911 for an ambulance if there are injuries. Do not move or treat an injured person unless they are in a dangerous position and you are trained to do so.
Exchange Information
Drivers must exchange their name and address and the name and identification number of their insurance company. Copy all license and registration information.
Get Witness Information and Document the Accident
Take photos and/or videos of the accident scene. Get contact information for any witnesses.
Get Medical Treatment
Seek immediate treatment for all injuries, even if they seem minor. Injuries may worsen or not show up right away. Document pain or other symptoms and all medical expenses.
Contact a Lawyer
A New York car accident lawyer can help you preserve your rights and fight for the compensation you are entitled to.
Get Help From our New York Car Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident, you are not alone. The car accident lawyers at Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. in Babylon, NY, know what you are going through and have the resources to fight for the settlement or judgment you deserve. We can take steps to help establish your case, handle communications with insurance companies and lawyers, file appropriate papers in court, gather evidence and interview witnesses, negotiate for a fair settlement, and represent you in court.
Call us today for your free consultation at (631) 600-0000 to get started.
