Car Accident Lawyer in New Hyde Park, NY

Car accidents are overwhelming, and the aftermath can be difficult to navigate. The resulting injuries, property damage, and expenses may majorly disrupt one’s life and make it difficult to move forward. Those recovering from an accident for which they were not at fault should seek advice from professional auto accident lawyers in New Hyde Park, NY. 

Contact the Law Office of Frank J. Cassisi, P.C. today to consult an experienced New Hyde Park car accident lawyer. Read the firm’s client testimonials to learn how it has helped others in similar situations.

The Impacts of Auto Accidents 

Auto accidents happen frequently, with almost 7,000 collisions reported in New York City in just one month (per the NYPD traffic authority). According to the New York State Department of Health, these accidents result in a statewide average of 1,098 deaths, 12,093 hospitalizations, and over 136,000 emergency room visits every year. 

Because these incidents are so common and dangerous, it is important to understand what often causes them and how to respond after an accident. Common causes include negligence, such as distracted or impaired driving and speeding. Accidents can also result from motorists failing to account for bad weather conditions or experiencing mechanical failure. 

While some of these issues are faultless natural occurrences, such as unpredictable mechanical failure, most collisions are preventable. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported in 2015 that in 94% of cases, drivers’ actions are responsible for collisions. Insurance claims rely largely on determining the at-fault driver after a collision. 

It is important to contact an attorney once it is safe to do so after an accident. With legal support, those involved in an accident can more easily navigate the New York legal system. A New Hyde Park car accident lawyer is equipped to assist clients with filing insurance claims, compiling and pursuing lawsuits, providing representation in hearings, and negotiating settlement agreements. 

What Constitutes Fault and Liability in New York? 

New York residents should be aware that the state has a no-fault insurance system, meaning those who get hurt in an accident must first file a claim with their auto insurance provider to seek compensation for medical costs. A car accident attorney in New Hyde Park, NY, can help streamline the process. 

If the accident causes a serious injury that incurs medical costs over $50,000 (the limit for personal injury protection), the injured party can pursue compensation from the at-fault driver. 

Those affected should retain a New Hyde Park car accident lawyer for the possibility of compensation. These attorneys are skilled at holding the responsible party accountable by forming robust cases based on police reports, witness testimony, and even camera footage. 

The state mandates that a driver is as financially responsible as their percentage of responsibility for the accident. This means that a driver who is 75% at fault for the accident will be liable for 75% of the damages (including personal injury and property damage). 

Working with an experienced attorney is essential in proving the degree of liability. Attorneys must prove four elements to win damages at a trial if a settlement fails. These include: 

• The driver owed the plaintiff a reasonable duty of care (as in they were responsible for operating the vehicle safely) 
• The driver breached the duty of care through unreasonable, unsafe, or negligent actions 
• These actions directly caused the plaintiff’s injuries 
• Damages resulted from the accident and injuries 

Those involved in an accident should understand what areas legally qualify as damages. 

Recoverable Damages After a Car Accident 

The goal of legal action following an accident is to recover compensation for harm sustained. A New Hyde Park car accident lawyer may seek damages such as: 

• Medical expenses: Perhaps the most obvious form of damages is medical cost reimbursement. Hospital bills, ambulance rides, and follow-up procedures may be among the awarded damages if they exceed the $50,000 limit. 
• Future medical costs: If the accident leads to lifelong disability or lasting effects, damages may include compensation for future medical coverage. This can include rehabilitation costs covering physical therapy sessions or nursing assistance. 
• Lost wages: As accidents can lead to significant time away from work, any lost wages beyond the PIP limit can constitute damages. Future lost wages and decreased earning ability also contribute to calculating awarded compensation. 
• Pain and suffering: It can be difficult to quantify the weight of pain and suffering that follows a traumatic accident, particularly when disfigurement limits one’s ability to enjoy life. Damages in this area aim to compensate for the experience. 
• Home modifications: If an accident results in mobility changes that require home renovations (for example, installing a wheelchair ramp), these costs may constitute damages. 
• Punitive damages: While rare, some accidents caused by malice or extreme negligence result in the awarding of punitive damages. 

A qualified New Hyde Park car accident lawyer can assess the situation to determine the degree of liability and the most appropriate damages. 

About the Law Office of Frank J. Cassisi 

The Law Office of Frank J. Cassisi, P.C. offers legal counsel to those affected by car accidents. Learn more about our firm to understand how our father-son team of New Hyde Park auto accident lawyers can assist you. 

To start pursuing compensation today, contact us online or call 516-294-5050. 

FAQ About Auto Accidents 

Our firm answers some of the most common questions from car accident victims. 

How Do Lawyers Prove Liability After a Car Crash? 

Following an auto accident, attorneys must prove that the at-fault driver had a reasonable duty of care, that the driver breached said duty through some form of negligence, and that the breach caused injuries and associated damages. The basis of these cases may include police reports, witness statements, and video footage. 

What Should I Do If Injured in a Crash in NY? 

If a car crash in New York leaves you injured, it is vital to contact an accident attorney. A New Hyde Park car accident lawyer makes it much easier to seek compensation for damages following an accident.