Car Accident Attorney in Queens, NY
Injured in an auto accident? Schedule a free consultation with an experienced Queens car accident attorney at Shaevitz & Shaevitz. Let our experience work for you.
When you’re injured in a car accident, you deserve to be treated with compassion and respect, and to receive fair compensation for injuries, damage, and losses incurred as a result of the accident. Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t care about you. Their goal is to pay out as little as possible on your claim.
In the aftermath of your accident, you may not find it strange for insurance providers to contact you to get your side of the story. However, you need to know that anything you say could impact your ability to claim the compensation you’re due.
What you need is a qualified and experienced Queens car accident attorney to act as your advocate, ensuring full financial recovery. At Shaevitz & Shaevitz Law Offices, we put our considerable knowledge and experience to the task of fighting insurance companies to secure the compensation you deserve, delivering needed funds to cover your medical costs, lost wages, and more, and providing you with peace of mind.
Car Accidents in Queens, NY
If you’re been involved in a car accident in Queens, you’re not alone. The New York City Police Department posts monthly stats regarding vehicle collisions, and in September of 2020 alone, there were over 2,600, involving over 5,000 drivers and nearly 400 passengers, not to mention over 150 cyclists and more than 130 pedestrians.
Vehicle collisions in Queens accounted for more than a fourth of total accidents (9,431) in the city of New York. In other words, the streets of Queens can be a dangerous place, and it’s easy to see why so many insurance providers are trying hard not to pay out on claims.
It’s always wise to seek out an experienced car accident attorney immediately following an accident to ensure the best chance to secure a claim for compensation. However, if you want any chance of recovery, you need to understand that the statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits in the state of New York is three years, starting on the date of your accident.
If you don’t file before the statute of limitations expires, you give up the right to collect damages, and this is precisely why insurance providers will expend considerable resources to string you along until you settle for less than you’re due or give up completely. The dedicated car accident attorneys at Shaevitz & Shaevitz are very familiar with insurance tactics and we have the knowledge and experience to fight them and secure maximum compensation.
What Are The Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?
Car accidents may occur for any number of reasons. Some of them, like inclement weather, may be beyond the control of drivers. However, there are also plenty of times when drivers are at fault. Some of the most common causes of accidents in Queens include:
- Driver inattention or distraction (i.e. distracted driving)
- Following too closely (i.e. tailgating)
- Failure to yield right-of-way
- Unsafe or improper passing, lane change, or lane usage
- Speeding
- Driving while intoxicated
- and more
Although New York is a no-fault state, which means each person involved in an accident must first turn to their own insurance provider for compensation, you can hire a car accident attorney to sue a negligent driver in certain instances, as when your policy won’t cover the extent of injuries and damages, or if significant injury (disfigurement, dismemberment, etc.) or death occur, for example.
Even if you share some portion of blame for the accident, it doesn’t prevent you from seeking compensation from others deemed at fault. Your trusted car accident lawyer from Shaevitz & Shaevitz can help you determine if additional compensation is due in your case.
What Are The Most Common Car Accident Injuries?
When vehicle collisions occur, a wide range of injuries could result. Some people walk away without a scratch while others suffer only minor scrapes, cuts, and bruises. However, it could be much more serious. Some of the most common injuries resulting from crashes include:
- Whiplash and other soft tissue damage
- Head or traumatic brain injury (such as concussion)
- Broken bones (ribs, arms, legs, etc.)
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Amputation
- Death
- and more
In many cases, personal insurance will cover your medical costs, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. However, when you suffer significant harm, especially if it is permanent or keeps you from working for an extended period of time, your financial losses may far exceed what your insurance will cover, and you may find yourself seeking a car accident attorney and fighting for compensation to cover actual expenses, including:
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- and more
You may also seek compensation for non-monetary damages such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment
- and more
At Shaevitz & Shaevitz, we know all the tactics insurance companies use to get out of paying, and we’re not afraid to fight back, even if it means going to court. You deserve a fair settlement that covers your expenses following a personal injury, and you need a qualified car accident attorney to help you secure financial recovery.
What Should You Do If You’re Involved in a Car Accident?
The aftermath of an accident can be a blur, especially if you’re injured. However, the steps you take could determine how easy or difficult it is for you or your car accident attorney to seek compensation for your injuries. The first thing you need to do is stop at the scene of the accident – leaving the scene of an accident is considered a hit and run, and it’s a misdemeanor crime.
You can, however, attempt to move your vehicle out of harm’s way, such as off to a shoulder and out of traffic. The next thing you should do is dial 911 to report the accident. This is required in the state of New York any time someone is injured in an accident.
Next, you’ll want to collect evidence if you’re able, or ask a passenger or witness to do it for you. This includes collecting names, contact information, and insurance information for others involved in the accident, as well as contact information for witnesses. Never admit fault on the scene of an accident. It’s normal to feel guilty when an accident occurs, but these incidents happen quickly, and you may not have the wherewithal in the moment to understand exactly what happened.
Be sure to take pictures of the scene, including damages to vehicles and perspective shots that show intersections. This can help you to recall details later on, especially if you retain a car accident attorney and your case goes to court. When authorities arrive, be as truthful as possible. Finally, contact your own insurance provider to report the accident.
From there, you should contact your car accident attorney to discuss next steps. Never speak to other insurance providers, who will try to find ways to put you at fault for the accident, in order to deny any claims for compensation down the line.
Schedule A Free Consultation With An Experienced Queens Car Accident Attorney
When you’re suffering from an injury, you’re unable to work, and you’ve got a stack of medical bills piling up, you may be tempted to take any settlement offered by insurance providers, but this is a mistake. You need a car accident lawyer to fight on your behalf and ensure you get the compensation you’re due.
At Shaevitz & Shaevitz, our services start with investigating the accident to determine fault. From there, we’ll consult with experts to find out what sort of compensation you’re due for personal injury, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more, so we can go after liable parties for compensation. We’re not afraid of insurance companies and we have the expertise and resources to fight them head on.
With over 65 years of experience, Shaevitz & Shaevitz Law Offices have the legal expertise to successfully fight insurance companies on your behalf. Contact us today at 718-291-3400 or 718-LAW-SUIT to schedule your free consultation with an experienced car accident attorney and let us help protect your rights.