New York has the highest population density in the country. In fact, more than 2 million people live in Long Island. This means that millions and millions of cars, SUVs and trucks travel along Long Island roads each year. As a result of this volume of traffic it is not surprising that there are a large number of auto accidents in Long Island each year. While are many reasons for vehicle accidents, more often than not an auto accident is caused because someone was negligent. Because even small cars are heavy and travel at high speeds, it is not surprising that victims of car accidents often suffer catastrophic injuries. For example, back, neck and spinal cord injuries, as well as head and brain injuries are common car accident injuries. Such injuries are not only physically and emotionally painful they also can cause the victim and his or her family financial problems since the victim may have to miss a substantial amount of work while recovering. If you have been seriously injured in a car accident, it is important that you immediately contact an experienced Long Island car accident lawyer who will work closely with you to ensure that you receive compensation for your losses.
Causes of car accidentsContributing factors for car, SUV, minivan and truck accident vary, but by far negligence is the leading cause of all auto accidents. There are a variety of ways in which a person could drive carelessly. New York has traffic laws that are also known as the "rules of the road." Should a driver violate any of these rules and as a result causes an accident, that person would be legal responsible for losses caused by that accident.
For example, all drivers have a duty to adhere to speed limits, and to drive at a sensible, prudent speed given the weather and road conditions. This means, that if the roads or icy, it would be prudent to driver under the posted speed limit. Despite these speed limits—even high speed limits, people routinely exceed them. The Centers for Disease Control reports that speeding is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents, injuries and deaths.
Other common causes of car accidents are running red lights and stop signs, distracted driving, drowsy driving, and driving while intoxicated.
Pursuing a claimIf you believe that the negligence of another driver led to the auto accident (link to: http://injury.1800nynylaw.com/long-island-auto-accident.html) in which you were seriously injured, you can pursue a claim against that person for damages. In order to be successful in your case, you must have evidence that the driver was negligent. Evidence of negligence includes breaking a traffic law such as driving too fast or running through a red light. You then must be able to show that your injuries were caused by the accident. For example, if you demand compensation based on a back injury and a head injury, you must show that you sustained those injuries in the car accident and that you did not hurt your back and head in a slip and fall accidents the day prior to the car accident.
Your medical records will provide vital evidence to support your claim about the injuries you sustained in the car accident. The negligent driver may ordered to pay for your emergency room visit, hospital stay, surgery, MRIs, rehabilitation, lab work, visits to specialists, medication, assistive equipment and future related medical bills.
In addition, the negligent driver may be financially responsible for other economic losses you sustained such as lost income, lost benefits and loss of earning capacity. The negligent driver may also have to compensate you for damage to your vehicle and other property. A court may also award you non-economic damages such as pain and suffering or punitive damages.
The Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates can helpAll too often victims who suffer serious injuries in car, SUV, minivan and truck accidents lose their careers, have a diminished quality of life, and see their personal relationships suffer. A serious vehicle accident can also cause financial devastation from mounting medical bills coupled with a decrease in income. The staff at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates is experienced in handling personal injury and wrongful death cases stemming from auto accidents. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.