Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an auto accident, you are likely overwhelmed and focused on recovering from any injuries. It is also important, however, to retain experienced personal injury attorneys such as Held & Hines LLP in order to seek the compensation that you deserve.
New York is a no-fault state, meaning that your own car insurance coverage is the first source of compensation for your injuries and lost income. (Property damage claims can be pursued under the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage or by filing a lawsuit because the state no-fault rules do not apply to vehicle damage.) Sometimes, a settlement from your own insurance company is the beginning and end of your auto accident claim.
When your injuries qualify as “serious,” as defined under New York State law, you can pursue the at-fault driver directly. Examples of “serious injury” include bone fracture, significant disfigurement, permanent limitation of use of an organ or limb, significant limitation of a body function or system or substantially full disability for 90 days. This serious injury threshold is a crucial part of any auto accident case, and our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to advise you properly.
A personal injury lawsuit arising from an auto accident might seek medical expenses and other economic losses as well as damages for pain and suffering and any injury resulting in death. In New York, it is presumed that the driver of a vehicle is operating with the permission and consent of the owner; therefore, the owner of the car (if not the same person as the driver) will also be legally responsible for any negligence.
Drivers have a duty of reasonable care, in other words, to be careful around their passengers, people in other vehicles and pedestrians. This involves actions such as observing speed limits, stopping for red lights, watching for people crossing streets and following other cars at a safe distance. When the duty of reasonable care is breached, the driver is found to be negligent. The next element is whether that breach of duty is the cause of your injuries. Finally, you must have suffered an injury or economic loss of some kind (that can be proven) in order to recover any damages.
It is important to retain attorneys who are familiar with New York laws regarding auto accidents so your rights are protected, your lawsuit is timely and your compensation is maximized. Our attorneys have years of experience handling auto accident lawsuits and are skilled at pursuing these claims efficiently and effectively.
If you have an auto accident case, contact the personal injury attorneys at Held & Hines LLP today. With offices in Manhattan (New York City) and Brooklyn, our attorneys are ready to assist you, evaluate your case and advise you on how to proceed. Call 212-696-4LAW or 718-351-9700 today and visit our website at heldhines.com.
