One example of such a precaution, and something our Long Island auto accident lawyers cannot stress enough, is wearing a seat-belt while driving.  And this doesn’t just mean the driver of the car should wear one; it applies to all  passengers in the vehicle.  This is particularly the case if you consider that in the event of a crash, if not wearing a seat-belt, passengers in the back seats of a motor vehicle can be thrown forward, colliding  with the seats of the passengers in the front.  In some cases, the impact can prove fatal for passengers in the front of the car.  No one wants to be responsible for such a tragic loss of life, particularly if it could be avoided.

One of the prime causes of auto accidents is distracted driving.  Distracted driving accounts for a significant amount of road accidents that happen in the US.  Shockingly in a recent survey, 63% of interviewees confessed to using a cell-phone while driving.  Cell-phone use at the wheel accounts for a large amount of accidents attributed to distracted driving road accidents.  While not illegal in the US, cell-phone use while operating a vehicle in other countries counts as a criminal offence that carries a heavy fine.

In speaking to car accident attorneys, Suffolk County based, and those in other parts of New York State, the running of red lights has become a real problem, particularly in causing motor vehicle accidents at intersections.  In Nassau County for example, new incentives backed by members of the Senate are in fact being implemented, aimed at reducing this type of accident.

We hope that some of the points mentioned here may inspire you to take a look at your own driving and perhaps give you some food for thought about the importance of practising the right road safety measures.   And if you or a loved one have had the misfortune of being injured in an accident you feel was not your fault, lawyers at our firm experienced in auto accident personal injury law can give you a free case evaluation to determine if you could be entitled to financial compensation.

Unfortunately, automobile accidents can occur at any time. In fact, they are the main cause of death for teenagers and young people in the state of New York, including Manhattan. Have you got into a car accident in your area? If so, a car accident lawyer in Manhattan can help you.  Manhattan car accident lawyers always support their clients, paying special attention to their cases and car accident – related circumstances. They understand the turmoil that severe accidents can cause injured victims and their families.

Are you searching for a car accident lawyer? Staten Island automobile accident attorneys offer their legal assistance to the victims of car accidents as well as to people, who may have lost a loved one due to an auto accident (wrongful death claims may be filed in this situation). All personal injury and automobile accident claims in Staten Island are regulated by civil Tort Law, in which specific circumstances constitute grounds for filing a lawsuit. That is why seeking the assistance of Staten Island car accident lawyers, well-versed in this kind of law, is often well-advised.

If you or your loved one were injured in a car accident, we can help you file a claim and or lawsuit that sees you get the compensation you deserve. Please fill out our online form or call 1-800 LAW INFO (1-800-529-4636) to discuss your case with one of our car accident attorneys today.

People who operate motor vehicles must exercise “reasonable care under the circumstances.” Failure to use reasonable care is considered negligence and any person who negligently operates a motor vehicle may be required to pay any damages affecting a person or property if he or she is involved in a car accident. In auto injury accidents, the burden of proof is on the injured party to prove someone else’s negligence caused their injuries.

While many believe their instincts can automatically determine who’s at fault in a traffic accident, courts look to a number of factors to decide negligence. Therefore, an experienced attorney is often helpful in identifying whether these factors are applicable in your situation. Some factors that often come into play are:

• Were traffic signs or signals disobeyed?
• Did a driver fail to signal while turning?
• Was a driver exceeding the posted speed limit?
• Were weather or traffic conditions disregarded?
• Was any driver involved under the influence of drugs or alcohol?

Some other common causes of auto accidents include reckless driving. A driver who doesn’t operate a motor vehicle in a safe, responsible way can be held liable for an accident if they’re shown to have displayed clear disregard for the probability that their driving may cause an accident. Some factors that are often involved in aggressive driving, as defined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, include:

• Speeding
• Improper or excessive lane changing, as well as failure to signal or see that movement can be made safely
• Improper passing caused by failure to signal intent, using an emergency lane to pass or passing on the shoulder
• Drunk driving

In a lawsuit involving injuries arising from an alcohol-related crash, in addition to an intoxicated driver being held liable, a bar or social host may also be held liable if they serve a guest who appears obviously intoxicated. Anyone who suspects someone else might be liable in an alcohol-related crash should consult an experienced attorney, as they’re aware of many laws governing legal responsibility.

It’s important to note that some accidents are caused by factors not connected to a particular driver’s conduct. Situations in this category can include an automobile defect. In such cases, a manufacturer or supplier may be held liable for injuries caused by a defect under the laws governing product liability. An individual has grounds for a product liability lawsuit if they can prove a defective product caused injury to a consumer or user. In such cases, a manufacturer can be liable for an injuries caused by a defective product, even if there was no negligence on the part of the manufacturer.

Factors such as improperly maintained roads, malfunctioning traffic signals and a variety of other highway defects can also cause serious accidents. In these situations, the government entity responsible for maintaining a road or highway can be held liable. It’s important to note that special rules pertain to lawsuits involving governments, making it critical for anyone who suspects this situation may apply to them to hire a qualified car accident lawyer.

• Stay at the scene: Never leave a car accident until it’s appropriate. If you leave the scene, particular when injuries or deaths are involved, you may face serious criminal penalties. If you’re hit by another car in a deserted area, use caution before stopping and getting out of the vehicle. Unfortunately, there have been incidents where a person was bumped by a car in a deserted area and was robbed or killed after leaving their vehicle. When in doubt, drive to the nearest police station.

• Check on drivers and passengers: Before examining your vehicle, check to see everyone involved in the accident is not hurt. If there are injuries, get immediate medical attention, taking care not to move anyone who’s unconscious or complains of neck or back pain unless you feel their current location is unsafe. In those cases, take extreme care when moving them and make sure to support critical areas, such as the neck and back.

• Call the police: In accidents involving physical injury, death or significant property damage, it’s important to call the police so that a police report will be filed.

• Exchange information with all drivers: Get the names, phone numbers, addresses, drivers’ license numbers, license plate numbers and basic insurance information for all drivers involved. If there are passengers, get their complete contact information as well. When talking to other drivers, it’s important to remain cordial yet avoid admitting fault or making an apology.

• Talk to witnesses: Ask every witness to recount their description of the accident. Also, get their contact information when possible. Ask witnesses who may work or live nearby whether they’ve witnessed similar accidents in the area.

• Inform your insurance company: As soon as possible, notify your insurance company of the accident. Cooperate fully and tell the truth about what happened, as well as the extent of your injuries. Obtain a police report so you can let the insurance company know who might have broken traffic laws or was determined to be at fault. It’s in your best interest to follow up with your insurance carrier even if they receive a police report directly, as this will ensure your rights are protected and force the insurer to seriously consider your situation.

• Note all medical treatment: Take care to keep track of any medical professionals who treat you as a result of the accident. Maintaining a written diary of treatment will help itemize medical expenses and treatment for your insurance company. A treatment diary is also helpful to any attorney you may use and the court hearing your case.

• Take photos: Having photographic proof of any damage to your vehicle will help your insurance adjuster determine how much you should be compensated for your vehicle’s damage. Also, it may help your court case. If possible, have pictures of your car both before and after an accident.

• Get a damage estimate: As soon as it’s available, obtain a damage estimate from your insurance carrier. If you’re unsatisfied with the value an insurer has assigned to your vehicle, get two repair estimates from reputable shops or have two auto dealers provide a quote for replacing your car in the event of a total loss. If you can’t agree on a car’s value, consider alternative dispute resolution or consult an attorney.

• Be wary of early settlement offers: Carefully review any settlement offer from an insurance carrier. Make sure that any physical injuries you may have suffered have been treated and that you obtain a doctor’s diagnosis. This is important because some injuries may either remain hidden or not cause substantial pain until days, weeks or months following an accident. Therefore, it’s important to consult an experienced car accident lawyer before signing any settlement.

Individuals involved in car accidents who think they might need medical treatment should seek it immediately. Anyone who has a problem paying for care should speak with their attorney about getting medical providers agree to take a lien against the proceeds of their case. A lien is essentially a legal claim against any proceeds received and is considered separately from any damages paid as a result of any settlement or award.

Another source of medical coverage may come through no-fault insurance provided by states that covers payment of medical and hospital bills if certain conditions are met, regardless of who is at fault in the accident. Victims may also qualify for state-run disability programs or programs that cover injuries that occur as a result of a hit-and-run accident or a situation where the defendant has no insurance.
Regardless of how you secure medical care, it’s important to focus more on quality than cost. In personal injury law, failure to secure proper care can hurt your case later since it can make a judge or jury feel that your case isn’t as severe as you claim. Finally, realize that car accident attorneys aren’t doctors, so you shouldn’t look for them to give you advice on medical care. Take charge of your own medical care and chart a course that not only helps you completely recover but also strengthens your legal case.