Staten Island Car Accident

Along with slip and fall accidents, vehicle accidents are among the most common types of accidents that result in serious injuries to the victims. While are many reasons for car accidents, more often than not an auto accident is caused by negligence. Because of the size and weight of even small cars, and because they are often traveling at high speeds at the time of the accident, victims of car accidents tend to suffer from serious, life-threatening injuries such as back injuries, bone fractures, internal bleeding , and head trauma. Such injuries are not only physically and emotionally painful, they also can cause the victim financial stress since the victim may have to miss a substantial amount of work. If you have been seriously injured in a car accident, it is important that you immediately contact an experienced Staten Island car accident lawyer who will work closely with you to ensure that you receive compensation for your losses.

Causes of auto accidents

There are many causes for car accidents. While the causes may vary, the vast majority of accidents are preventable because they are caused by negligence.

• Distracted driver: Distracted driving is quickly becoming the top cause of car accidents. Under New York law it is illegal to use a cell phone to text while driving. Doing so causes the driver to avert his or her eyes from the road leading to accidents.
• Road hazards: Potholes cause traveling in a car to be bumpy. They can also lead to drivers losing control and colliding with other cars, and cause drivers to swerve in an effort to avoid the pot, leading to an accident.
• Defective vehicle: Each year thousands of cars are recalled because of some sort of defect. While in many cases the defect would not cause an accident, in far too many cases defects have led to braking problems, acceleration problems, gas tank explosions and a variety of other problems that ultimately caused accidents.
• Negligence: Drivers who operate their vehicles in a negligent manner put other drivers, and pedestrians at risk. Negligent driving includes speeding, drunk driving, texting while driving, running through red lights, tailgating, and any breaking any other traffic law.
• Driving under the influence: Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol remains a significant problem, leading to thousands of injuries and deaths each year.

Damages for car accident injuries

Under New York law if you are seriously injured in a car, SUV, minivan or truck accident that was caused because another person acted recklessly, you have the legal right to name that person as a defendant in a personal injury lawsuit. In the lawsuit you can demand compensation for your medical expenses, your lost wages, and your pain and suffering.

• Medical expenses: All past and future medical expenses related to treating the injuries that you suffered in the case accident. For example, if you suffered a broken leg, your bills may include the emergency room, hospital, surgery, x-rays, prescription medication, medical equipment and physical therapy.
• Lost wages: Whether you are paid weekly, biweekly, or monthly, whether you have an annual salary or get paid by the hour, whether you work for someone else or are self-employed, you have the right to demand payment for the income you lost because of the injuries you suffered in the accident.
• Pain and suffering. Serious injuries mean physical pain for the victim. In many cases it also means permanent injuries such as difficulty walking, chronic pain, amputation and scarring. Such injuries also often mean psychological problems as the victim tries to cope with the injuries.

Contact the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates

Proving negligence in a car, SUV, minivan or truck accident case can present a number of complex legal challenges such as conflicting witness statements. Even if you are unsure as to who was at fault in your car accident, it is important to not delay in contacting an attorney. The staff at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates is experienced in handling personal injury cases stemming from auto, truck, motorcycle, boat, and construction 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.

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