Manhattan Car Accident

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of accident injuries and death in New York. In fact, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles reports that there are nearly 300,000 vehicle accidents each year in New York, resulting in nearly 100,000 injured victims, and 1000 fatalities. While there are many reasons that car accidents occur, nearly all are caused because of someone's negligent act. For example, drivers who exceed the speed limit, fail to stop at red lights, make illegal lane changes, or fail to yield risk causing an accident. Car injuries can be serious, such as injuries to the back, neck, head, or spinal cord. Such injuries are not only physically and emotionally painful, they also can be financially challenging because the victim will likely be unable to work for an extended period. If you have been seriously injured in a car accident that was caused by another person's negligence, it is important that you immediately contact an experienced Manhattan car accident Lawyer who will work closely with you to ensure that you receive compensation for your losses, including your medical expenses and lost wages.

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: In recent years distracted driving has become a leading cause of auto accidents. It usually refers to using an electronic device such as a cellphone to text while driving.
• Road hazards: One of the most frightening and dangerous things to face while driving is something flying off the back or top of a car or truck and landing in your path. When debris is in the road, drivers are more likely to lose control of their vehicles or swerve to avoid the object. This can easily lead to collision.
• Defective vehicle: Each year thousands of vehicles are recalled because of some sort of defect. In some cases the defect results in accidents and serious injuries. For example, car accidents have been caused by defective tires, faulty ignition systems, and problems acceleration. In such cases the manufacturer of the car or the manufacturer of the faulty part may be legally liable for injuries that occur because of the defect.
• Reckless driving: Reckless driving is the leading cause of car accidents. Reckless driving can mean any of a number of negligent driving behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, making an illegal lane change, failing to stop at stop signs, or failing to yield.
• Driving under the influence: Driving while under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs and prescription drugs is a contributing factor for a considerable number of accidents each year, include about 33% of fatal car accidents.

Under New York law victims seriously injured in car accidents can shift the burden of both economic and non-economic losses to the person whose negligence caused the accident. Through a personal injury claim you can demand compensation for your medical expenses, your lost wages, and your pain and suffering. If a loved one died in the accidents, family members have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim.

• Medical expenses: All past and future expenses related to treating the injuries that you suffered in the car accident. Future medical expenses refer to an estimate of the medical bills you expect to incur in the future. For example, if you suffered a spinal cord injury that left you with paraplegia, you can expect to have significant medical expenses for the rest of your life.
• Lost wages: Victims of serious injuries miss work. In some cases it may be a few days, while in other cases it may be weeks or months. In cases where the victim's injure are so severe, such as when an amputation or paralysis is involved, the victim may not ever be able to make as much money as he or she otherwise would have. A compensable damage is lost income including paychecks, vacation, sick and comp time used while recovering, missed bonuses, and missed promotions.
• Pain and suffering. Pain and suffering compensation is non-economic damage award designed to address the fact that along with serious injuries such as brain injuries or back injuries, come both physical trauma such as pain and disfigurement as well as emotional suffering such as depression and fear.

Proving negligence in a car, SUV, minivan or truck accident case can present a number of complicated legal challenges. 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.