Car Accident Lawsuits
Car accidents can cause irreparable property damage and serious, even fatal, injuries. When you are involved in a car accident with another automobile driver, you may have difficulty in getting the situation resolved using your insurance or filing a claim with the other driver's insurance carrier. When insurance companies won't give you the compensation you deserve for your injuries or the damage to your property, it may become necessary to contact a personal injury lawyer who is experienced in handling car accident cases. An experienced attorney can evaluate your case to determine the best course of action to pursue.
There are several things you should do after a car accident for the best results. Do not leave the scene of the accident, as this could lead to your being charged with a hit and run or leaving the scene of an accident. If anyone has been injured, provide as much first aid as you are comfortable in giving and ensure that emergency personnel are called to the scene. If the other driver isn't severely injured, you should exchange your information. The information you gather should include the driver's name and insurance information, names and license plate numbers of witnesses, notes or pictures of the accident scene, contact information for the investigating police officer, and notes about how the accident occurred. Do not admit that you caused the accident, even if you believe that you were at fault.
There are many circumstances to consider when an attorney is evaluating a car accident case to determine if it is possible to file a claim successfully. One of the first things to consider is the type of accident that occurred and who was involved. Car accidents can involve two cars, a car and a bicycle, a car and a pedestrian, a car and a motorcycle, or a car and a truck. The type of accident that occurred and the parties involved will have a major impact on the viability of a car accident claim. Your attorney will also ask for information about the road conditions at the time of the accident, the circumstances surrounding the accident, and other details about what occurred.
There are several special issues that can come into play when evaluating a car accident case. Sometimes, road design contributes to the occurrence of an accident. If this is the case, it may be necessary to file a claim against the party responsible for creating the design flaw or obstacle in the roadway. If a vehicle defect caused the car accident, your attorney may want to explore the possibility of filing a product liability claim against the manufacturer or a negligence claim against a mechanic or car customization professional who installed faulty equipment. If the person in the other car was the employee of a company and operating a company vehicle for work purposes, it may also be necessary to name the driver's employer in any claim that is filed.
At Napoli Bern Ripka Shkolnik LLP, we have the experience and knowledge needed to successfully handle car accident cases. Contact us immediately after a car accident and we will discuss the situation with you and come up with a plan of action to help you get compensation for your injuries or property damage.
Cases and Settlements of Note
Car Accident Lawsuits & Settlements
- Radi v. Mbaye. The trial court’s decision to dismiss our client’s claim for serious physical injuries suffered in a rear-end collision was reversed.
- Sam Sanclemente v. J Young’s Paving et al. The firm represented, Sanclemente, a limo driver, who was driving on the Long Island Expressway. A box truck collided with a dump truck, became airborne, and landed on Sanclemente’s car. Sanclemente had knee and neck injuries, requiring knee surgery and epidural injections. A verdict of $7.3M was awarded in March 2010.
- Buckley v. Charles K. Goldner, LLC, Abranham Colton. The firm represented Buckley who was a guest in the building, who leaned against an elevator door, believing it to lead to laundry facilities. The elevator door swung open from below, and Buckley fell down the shaft, breaking part of his spine, tearing his urethra, and dislocating his shoulder. The Verdict of $1.9M was awarded in May 2010.
- Jermaine Rhoden v. NYC Transit Authority et al. The firm represented Rhoden who was bicycling on White Plains Road when he attempted to pass between a parked vehicle and a public bus. Rhoden became wedged between the bus and vehicle, and injured his knee, which required knee surgery to fix. A verdict of $550,000 was awarded in September 2009.
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