The Challenge Of Recovering Compensation In Auto Accidents In The Bronx

The automobile paired with the freedom to drive has long been associated with what it means to be an American. But automobiles are inherently hazardous, and accidents are common. When you have an accident, you’ll almost always need to file a claim with either your own insurance provider or the insurance provider of the other driver. And that’s when the real challenge starts.

At MJP Injury Law, our Bronx car accident attorneys have seen how insurance companies treat people across New York looking for help with their injuries. We take on the accidents facing our clients and fight to get them a just outcome. We want to act as your advocates in all aspects of your claim.

Types Of Auto Accidents

Car accidents don’t only refer to a collision between two vehicles. Essentially, any accident that involves a car, including pedestrian accidents, can be considered an auto accident.

• Car accidents: One of the most common types of accidents on the roads occurs between two or more cars. This could be a relatively minor fender-bender that occurs when one car rear-ends the other, or it can be a much more serious accident that leads to major injuries or even death.
• Bicycle or pedestrian accidents: When a car strikes a bicyclist or pedestrian, this is also categorized as an auto accident, which could require filing a claim on the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. Unfortunately, cars don’t always respect the rights of cyclists sharing the road and can often cut them off or not give them enough room when passing. This could result in life-altering injuries.
• Motorcycle accidents: Like bicycles, motorcycles can be hard to see by other cars, so drivers should always exercise care and double-check all blind spots. Motorcycle riders are also required to follow the rules of the road and carry insurance in case of an accident.
• Truck accidents: Truck accidents can be some of the most frightening incidents on the road due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. These kinds of wrecks could happen if the truck driver is inattentive, or a passenger car fails to give a truck enough room to pass.
• Rideshare accidents: Lastly, accidents can also involve cars taking part in rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. In these cases, a passenger may be injured even though they had absolutely no hand in causing the accident to happen.

Any one of these accidents can lead to long-lasting, painful injuries. We will be there to help you build the case to hold the responsible party accountable.

The Importance Of An Auto Accident Lawyer In The Bronx

One of the most important steps you can take if you’ve been involved in one of these crashes is to contact an auto accident attorney as soon as possible. In the days and weeks following a crash, you’ll be recovering from injuries, healing from trauma, and trying to negotiate back and forth with an insurance adjuster about your compensation. When you work with an experienced Bronx auto accident lawyer, they can help to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation – whether you’re seeking damages for yourself or a wrongful death settlement on behalf of a loved one who lost their life in an accident.

Understanding auto accident insurance claims can also be extremely complicated. Keep in mind that adjusters are not on your side. In fact, an adjuster will almost always try to close out your case as fast as possible while saving the company as much money as possible. It’s not uncommon for an insurance adjuster to contact you the next day after a crash, trying to get you to issue an official statement and maybe even agree to a settlement. You should never agree to this. Instead, tell them you’re working with a lawyer with whom you’ll be consulting.

Finally, a skilled personal injury attorney can help you stay on the right side of the law and ensure you’re meeting all deadlines regarding the state’s statute of limitations for bringing forward a lawsuit. You will also need to be aware of New York’s comparative negligence rule, which allows liability to be shared between two parties in an accident. If the other party accuses you of having a hand in causing the accident, this could result in you losing a large portion of your much-needed compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions About New York Car Accident Claims

A car accident can leave you struggling and confused about what happens next. Here are some of the questions our attorneys hear most often:

Should I accept an offer from the insurance company?

Not until you are sure that it covers all of your costs. Insurance companies often try to offer lowball settlements, such as a payout that covers your existing medical bills but does not address your long-term costs. Never accept a settlement that ends your personal injury case until you know it addresses everything.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault for my New York car accident?

Yes. New York uses comparative fault laws, and you are entitled to make a claim so long as you are not 100% responsible for the wreck. However, the total amount of compensation will just be reduced to account for whatever percentage of fault you are assigned.

What types of compensation can I seek for my car accident injuries?

If you get injured in a car accident in the Bronx, it’s important to consider all potential related costs. You may be able to seek compensation for immediate medical bills, long-term medical costs, physical or mental rehabilitation, medication needs, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment in life, and more. If your injuries impact your career, you may also want to consider lost wages or a reduced long-term earning capacity.

New York is a no-fault state. What does that mean?

This means that you can still file a claim with your insurance provider, no matter who was at fault and caused the accident. You also need to have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance as part of your policy. You may need to start a third-party lawsuit if you want to sue the other driver directly. Often, your insurance company pays you in accordance with your claim and then seeks compensation from the at-fault driver.

It is also worth noting that no-fault insurance doesn’t extend to everyone. Motorcycle riders and their passengers, for instance, are excluded.

We’re Ready To Fight For You

If you’ve been injured in a car accident – whether you were in another car, a motorcycle or a bicycle – you need to hire an attorney who will stand up for your rights and work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today at 718-557-9693 or send an email to schedule your free consultation. We’re committed to seeing your case through to the very end and won’t quit until we’ve done everything we can to help you move forward.