New York Car Accident Attorneys

Every day in the U.S. innocent people are injured by negligent drivers. The NHTSA or National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reported that 3 million drivers were injured or killed on our roads and highways last year. If you or a loved one has suffered serious physical injuries due to involvement in an auto accident, you may be able to recover monetary compensation for your injuries and other accident related costs. Contact the New York auto accident attorneys at Myers, Singer & Galiardo today to receive a free consultation regarding your case.

The leading cause of injury and death in the United States is motor vehicle accidents. As a whole, Americans drive approximately 3 trillion miles each year. With so many people on the road, being involved in a serious accident almost seems inevitable. The NHTSA (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration) compiles statistics regarding motor vehicle accidents and some of the results are alarming. For example, in 2001:

• 41,300 fatalities in motor vehicle accidents.
• 7,500 young drivers (16-20) were involved in fatal crashes.
• 3,000 motorcyclists were killed.
• 4,700 pedestrians were killed.
• Improper use of seat belts accounted for 63% of the fatalities.
• 40% of the fatalities were alcohol related.
• 2,600 children under the age of 15 were killed in motor vehicle accidents.

The State of New York requires every driver to carry adequate auto insurance while operating a motor vehicle. Unfortunately there are some drivers that do not obey this law, putting other drivers at risk of financial hardship if involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist. Always assume that the other driver does not have adequate insurance; be prepared by purchasing a policy that includes "uninsured motorist” and "underinsured motorist" coverage.

Following a New York auto accident, make sure you protect yourself by taking these measures:

• Call the police immediately.
• Get the other driver’s name, address, phone number, license number, registration, and proof of insurance.
• Gather the names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses who can be contacted by your attorney at a later date; and try to convince them to remain at the scene until the police arrive.
• Always carry a camera to take pictures of the vehicles involved, the accident scene, and so on.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible even if you don’t have obvious physical injuries. (Even the most serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injury, may not be immediately apparent.)
• Report the accident to your insurance company and, if required, to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Cooperate with your insurance company but do not volunteer any theories about the circumstances leading up to the accident.
• Never discuss the accident with the other driver’s insurance company.
• Always consult with an attorney experienced in the practice of New York personal injury law before you attempt to recover your losses.
• Once you have hired your attorney, redirect anyone who contacts you for information about the accident to your attorney.

If you have been involved in an auto accident in New York caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be able to file a claim against them for property damage, personal damage (medical expenses, pain and suffering, future losses, etc), and, in certain cases, punitive damages.

As the plaintiff in a motor vehicle accident, you must support your claim by proving the following three elements:

• Negligence – The driver failed to use due care.
• Causation – The negligence of the driver caused the accident.
• Damages – You suffered damages as a result of the accident.

Never proceed with a negligence claim without first obtaining legal advice. A New York auto accident attorney who has experience in personal injury law knows the court system, can cut through insurance company red tape, and will make sure you are fairly compensated for all accident related damages.