Although cars, trucks, SUVs, buses, motorcycles, and other types of motor vehicles play an incredibly important and fundamental role in our everyday lives, these modes of transportation remain a dangerous cause of serious personal injury and even death. According to statistics, there are over 10 million motor vehicle accidents in the United States each year. These motor vehicle accidents result in approximately 35,000 fatalities. More than 1,100 of these fatalities occur in New York. An additional 116,000 victims suffer non-fatal personal injuries each year within New York.
When you are injured in a motor vehicle accident due to the negligence of another, you have the right to seek compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, lost earnings, property damage, and other damages. This entails navigating New York’s No-Fault laws by working with an insurance carrier, but also requires you to recognize when you can step outside of the No-Fault laws to seek compensation through litigation.
There are many different types of motor vehicle accidents that require the attention of an attorney, such as the following:
Car Accidents – Any car accident resulting in a personal injury should be evaluated by an experienced attorney before you begin to speak with insurance carriers.
Motorcycle Accidents – Even seemingly innocuous motorcycle accidents can result in significant personal injuries to a rider and his or her passenger due to the inherent fact that motorcycles lack the protection and stability other motor vehicles possess.
Truck Accidents – Truck accidents involving tractor trailers can cause catastrophic personal injuries. Matters involving truck accidents can become complex very quickly because of state and federal regulations which mandate the conduct of truck drivers and trucking companies and affect liability.
Defective Roadway Designs – All accidents should be evaluated not just on the conduct of those involved, but also on the design and maintenance of the roadway and the liability of the State or municipality in charge of such roadway. Many times defective roadway designs unnecessarily enhance the risks drivers take without their knowledge. Thus, the law charges the State and municipality with the responsibility to guard against these dangerous roadways and can result in liability.
Bus Accidents – Due to the sheer size of the vehicle, bus accidents can easily result in significant injuries even at low-speeds. These matters are also complicated because of the special rules regarding liability of municipalities and more involved No-Fault application process.
Bicycle Accidents – Individuals struck by a motor vehicle in bicycle accidents may suffer serious physical injury because they are not afforded the same protections as other motor vehicles and are often missed or overlooked on the roadways.
Pedestrian Collisions – Whether you were in a cross-walk or not, any injuries sustained in a pedestrian collision is covered under No-Fault law and permits you the right to seek compensation.
The statute of limitations for a motor vehicle accident in New York State is three (3) years from the date of an accident, but in some instances legal papers must be filed within ninety (90) days when the State or a municipality is involved. Additionally, No-Fault claims must be made within thirty (30) days of the incident.
The Hudson motor vehicle accident attorneys at Greenberg and Greenberg handle cases throughout New York State, including Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, and Albany County. We have earned a reputation for dedicated service to our clients injured in New York personal injury accidents. Please contact us today to receive a free case evaluation by calling us at 518-828-3336.