Brooklyn Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions
Car accidents in Brooklyn, NY, can leave victims dealing with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. If you or a loved one are navigating the aftermath of an accident, understanding your rights and options will be important. Our Brooklyn car accident lawyers can help you recover and answer frequently asked questions.
Contact Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation at (212) 514-5007 with a Brooklyn car accident attorney and learn about your options after a Brooklyn, New York collision.
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How Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers Will Help After a Car Accident in Brooklyn
Our Brooklyn car accident lawyers bring over 40 years of experience in every case. We have helped clients injured in Brooklyn, New York, recover tens of millions of dollars in total compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Our Brooklyn personal injury lawyers will handle all aspects of your case, including:
- Investigating the cause of your car accident
- Gathering accident reports, witness statements, and other evidence
- Identifying potentially liable parties and proving negligence
- Valuing your economic and non-economic damages
- Filing insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits
- Negotiating settlements for maximum compensation
Schedule a free consultation with a Brooklyn personal injury attorney if you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident.
What Steps Should I Take After a Car Accident in Brooklyn?
The steps you take after a car accident in Brooklyn are important for protecting your health. They may also be instrumental in building a strong personal injury case.
If you or a loved one have been injured, be sure to:
- Prioritize safety: Move to a safe location and check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is injured or if the accident caused significant property damage.
- Call the police: Report the accident to the police so they can complete a police report documenting the accident and key facts.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of the accident scene and any injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and exchange details with the other drivers.
- Seek medical attention: Visit a doctor to be checked for injuries, even if you feel fine. Medical records can prove your condition after a car accident and support a potential injury claim.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurer, but avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you.
- Consult a Brooklyn car accident lawyer: Schedule a free consultation with a lawyer to discuss your case and whether other parties may be liable for your damages.
These steps can help you preserve important evidence and increase your odds of recovering compensation.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Brooklyn Car Accident?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Brooklyn, you may be entitled to recover various damages to compensate for your losses. The exact compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and how you pursue a claim.
Common types of compensation include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts for damages by disputing the severity of your injuries or treatments. A Brooklyn personal injury lawyer can help negotiate on your behalf for fair compensation.
Is New York a Fault or No-Fault State?
New York is a no-fault insurance state, meaning if you are involved in a car accident, you must generally rely on your insurance coverage for compensation, regardless of who was at fault. Under New York’s no-fault system, all drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance as part of their auto insurance policy. PIP covers a certain amount of medical expenses, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses after an accident.
The no-fault system provides a simplified way of recovering compensation for minor injuries but does not prevent you from pursuing a lawsuit in certain situations. You can step outside the no-fault system and file a claim against at-fault parties if you sustained a serious injury.
What if I’m Partly Responsible for My Car Accident?
Multiple parties may share fault for a car accident, including yourself. New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule in these situations, which allows you to recover compensation, even if you are partially responsible. However, your damages will be reduced by the share of fault attributed to you. For example, if you were found 30 percent at fault for the accident and your damages total $100,000, your compensation would be reduced to $70,000.
Proving liability and minimizing your percentage of fault is important to maximize your recovery. An experienced Brooklyn car accident lawyer will gather evidence to support your case and counter any claims that unfairly shift blame to you.
How Long Do I Have to File A Personal Injury Lawsuit in New York?
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident in Brooklyn is three years from your accident date. You will lose your right to pursue compensation in court if you miss this deadline, so it is important to act quickly. Consulting with a Brooklyn car accident lawyer as soon as possible can help you preserve your ability to seek compensation.
Contact Our Brooklyn Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Car accidents can lead to devastating injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and lost income. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Brooklyn, NY, working with an experienced Brooklyn car accident lawyer can help you protect your rights and recover potential compensation. Our team can handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the cause of your accident to negotiating settlements with insurance companies. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your options.
