New York streets are some of the busiest streets in the country. Because of this, things can go wrong and car accidents can happen. While people are sometimes able to walk away from an accident, other accidents can result in horrible injuries or even death to more than one person involved. Car accidents can have a detrimental effect on a person’s life forever, leaving them in physical, financial, and emotional hardship. If you have been injured at the fault of another party in a car accident, it is important to seek legal representation.
Types of Accidents
There are many ways that cars may collide on the road. Some of the most common types of accidents in New York may include:
- Rear-end accidents
- Side-impact collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Rollover accidents
- Multi-car pile-ups
- Taxi accidents
Common Causes
Anyone getting behind the wheel of a vehicle should be of sound mind and give the road their undivided attention. Unfortunately, drivers do not always abide by this, leading to accidents. Accidents may sometimes be a result of poor driving decisions or even unmaintained road conditions. Some ways car accidents can happen may consist of:
- Texting while driving
- Using other electronic devices while driving
- Disregarding traffic signs/signals
- Drunk/drugged driving
- Excessive speeding/reckless driving
- Driving distracted
- Driving tired
Burden of Proof
When an injured party wishes to hold someone else responsible for their injury, they must provide what is called the “burden of proof.” The burden of proof requires the injured to find evidence of the other party’s negligence. In order to do so, the evidence collected must prove that the accident and injuries were caused directly by their neglect. Evidence that may be helpful in your case may consist of a police report filed at the scene, any medical documentation of your injury, pictures/videos of the accident, or any witnesses.
Personal Injury Protection
In the state of New York, car insurance policies include a “no-fault coverage.” This is also known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP). PIP covers any medical expenses and lost wages immediately after the accident. This protection is in place to allow victims of an accident to seek medical attention without worrying about any other crushing payments. The coverage is for all parties involved in the accident, no matter who is at fault. It is crucial to apply for the benefits within 30 days of the accident. This may include the following injuries:
- Death
- Scarring
- Fractures
- Permanent injury
- Recovering damages
- Loss of a fetus
- Disfiguring
- Dismemberment
Contact our Firm
If you or someone you know have been injured as a result of a car accident and seek legal representation, contact the Law Offices of George Poulos today.
The Law Offices of George Poulos is an experienced Workers’ Compensation, personal injury, and Social Security Disability law firm with offices in Queens and the Bronx. If you require strong legal representation, contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation.