Car Accident Attorney in NYC
New York City and its surrounding metropolitan area are known for many things, including their traffic. Driving in New York City is notoriously difficult, as the busy roads are shared by cars, trucks, buses, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and any other vehicle one can imagine. When car accidents happen, they can result in serious injuries that have a lasting impact on the victim’s life. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a New York City car accident, it is important to consider your legal options. At Katter Law Firm, we can effectively fight on your behalf to help you recover maximum compensation. Attorney Katter has proudly represented clients throughout New York City for nearly 30 years. To discuss your situation with an experienced New York City car accident lawyer, contact Katter Law Firm today.
Personal Injury Protection in NYC
The state of New York offers a form of no-fault insurance coverage known as personal injury protection. PIP will cover certain medical bills and other immediate expenses for someone who was involved in a car accident, regardless of whether they were at fault. However, there are certain situations in which PIP will not cover all of your expenses, so it may be best to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney about your legal options going forward.
What is comparative fault?
New York is a pure comparative fault law state, operating under N.Y.C.P.L.R. § 1411. This means that while anyone who plays a role in an accident has the opportunity to recover compensation, the court can adjust your compensation award to reflect your degree of fault. You may be able to recover compensation from another negligent passenger vehicle driver, truck driver, bus driver, motorcyclist, bicyclist, pedestrian, employer, or company who provided you with a defective product. It is important to have a New York City car accident lawyer on your side to help you understand how your degree of fault will impact any damages you may recover.
Causes of NYC Car Accidents
There is a wide range of factors that can cause a car accident to occur in New York City. Often, negligence is a major cause of car accidents, but many other factors should be taken into consideration when investigating the true cause of an accident. According to the NYPD Motor Vehicle Collision Report Statistics in June 2020, the leading causes of New York City fatal or injury car accidents include the following, with the number of accidents citing the cause in parentheses:
- Aggressive driving/road rage (61)
- Alcohol involvement (126)
- Backing unsafely (254)
- Cell phone (3)
- Distracted driving (2127)
- Driver inexperience (172)
- Illegal drugs (12)
- Eating or drinking (1)
- Failure to keep right (112)
- Failure to yield right of way (484)
- Drowsy driving (11)
- Falling asleep at the wheel (28)
- Following too closely (577)
- Illness (20)
- Loss of consciousness (10)
- Outside car distraction (20)
- Passenger distraction (14)
- Improper passing or lane usage ((311)
- Passing too closely (243)
- Physical disability (3)
- Traffic control disregarded (233)
- Turning improperly (138)
- Unsafe lane changes (167)
- Speeding (293)
Injuries Sustained in NYC Car Accidents
At Katter Law Firm, we have years of experience guiding clients through a wide range of personal injury matters, including being seriously injured in a car accident. We can fight on your behalf to recover compensation for any injury you may sustain due to the negligence of another party, including:
- Limb amputation
- Broken bones
- Back injuries
- Burns
- Chest or neck injuries
- Concussions
- Eye injuries
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Paralysis
- Whiplash
- Wrongful death
Breakdown of Car Accidents by NYC Borough
According to the NYPD’s Motor Vehicle Collision Report Statistics, there were a total of 7,456 motor vehicle collisions in June 2020. The breakdown of motor vehicle accidents by borough is as follows:
- Manhattan – 1,048 motor vehicle collisions in June 2020, 384 of which resulted in injury or a fatality
- The Bronx – 1,532 motor vehicle collisions in June 2020, 521 of which resulted in an injury or fatality
- Brooklyn – 2,478 motor vehicle collisions in June 2020, 916 of which resulted in an injury or fatality
- Queens – 2,086 motor vehicle collisions in June 2020, 717 of which resulted in an injury or fatality
- Staten Island – 312 motor vehicle collisions in June 2020, 106 of which resulted in an injury or a fatality
Katter Law Firm proudly handles car accident lawsuits in all five boroughs of New York City. To learn how we can represent your accident case, contact our firm today.
After an Accident
If you have been involved in a New York City car accident, it is important to contact 911 immediately, as long as you are still physically capable of doing so. Law enforcement and an ambulance will be sent to the scene of the accident, where they will begin writing up an accident report, documenting your injuries, and determining the official cause of the accident. You should also contact a New York City car accident lawyer who can help you recover any compensation you may be entitled to. Additionally, in the wake of the accident, be sure to be careful about what you post on social media because insurance companies will be looking to prove that you are not as injured as you claim to be when you are involved in a claim against them. Katter Law Firm can help you navigate every step of the way after an accident.
Recovering Compensation After an Accident
If you have suffered serious injuries in a car accident, it is important to discuss your opportunities for compensation with an attorney. If the other driver’s negligence caused the accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial burdens that you faced as a result of the accident. With the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, you may be able to recover the compensation you need to help cover the cost of your medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and more. It is important to note that you must file your claim within three years of the date of the accident, in accordance with the New York State statute of limitations.
Katter Law Firm Case Results
Katter Law Firm is comprised of proud New York City car accident lawyers who have a proven track record of success. Over our decades of experience, we have recovered millions of dollars for individuals who were injured by the negligence of another party. A few examples of our success with motor vehicle accident cases include:
- $1.5 million awarded to a pedestrian who lost a toe when her foot was run over by a bus
- $805,000 awarded to a motorcyclist who was injured in an accident with a tractor-trailer
- $777,500 awarded to a pedestrian who was struck by a taxi
Contact a New York City Car Accident Attorney
If you have been seriously injured in a car accident that was caused by another party’s negligence, you must consider your legal options. At Katter Law, we understand how challenging the burdens of a car accident can be on your life, which is why we are here to help. We are prepared to explore all legal avenues to help you recover the compensation you deserve. For quality legal representation when it matters most, contact Katter Law today to discuss your case.