Sections: Accidents | Damages | Evidence | Injuries | Insurance | Legal | Liability | Settlements

Accidents

• What Happens in a Rear-End Accident?
  Safety experts consider read-end collisions to be one of the worst forms of trauma a person can experience…
• What Happens When a Car is T-Boned?
  When a vehicle is hit broadside or T-boned, the results are often horrific…
• What Should I Do After a Hit and Run Accident?
  In all hit and run cases, the guilty party has committed a serious crime and should face the penalties for their actions…
• What Should I Do If I’m in an Accident with a Truck?
  Collisions between cars and trucks often involve serious injuries or fatalities…
• Who Is at Fault in a Car Accident When Backing Up?
  When two drivers back up into each other, fault will depend on the circumstances—specifically, which driver had the right of way…
• Who Is at Fault in a Car Accident When Changing Lanes?
  Improper lane changes account for thousands of fatalities and serious injuries each year…
• Who Is at Fault in a Multi-Car Accident?
  Determining fault in a multi-car accident is complex. Multiple parties may prove liable, and only a complete analysis based on the evidence reveals who is responsible…
• Who is at Fault in a Rear-End Collision in New York?
  Usually, the rear vehicle is legally to blame in a rear-end collision, but this is not always the case…
• Who Is at Fault in a T-Bone Accident?
  It may be easy to assume the vehicle that strikes the side of another car is always at fault. However, liability in a T-Bone crash is rarely so straightforward…
• Does Car Insurance Cover Me if I Hit a Pedestrian?
  Due to the enormous size difference between a motor vehicle and a pedestrian, the potential for severe injuries is significant when the two collide…
• Do I Need a Lawyer If I Was Rear Ended?
  Few topics are as simple as they may first appear. In no case is this more true than when it comes to auto accident law…
• Can I Sue if I was a Passenger in a Car Accident?
  If you have suffered injuries in a car accident, you have the right to bring a civil lawsuit against the negligent party responsible for the crash…
• Is Hit and Run Worse Than a DUI?
  With so much at stake, it is not uncommon for an intoxicated driver to risk leaving the scene of an accident rather than stick around and face arrest for DUI…
• Is Leaving the Scene of an Accident the Same as a Hit and Run?
  Leaving the scene may expose you to legal penalties later unless you’re able to prove that you had a compelling reason.
• Will Car Insurance Pay if I Hit a Pedestrian with My Car?
  Pedestrian accidents with vehicles account for the largest share of traffic deaths in New York…

Damages

• Are Pain and Suffering Always Awarded After a Car Accident?
  A car accident often takes a toll in many ways– physically, financially, and even emotionally…
• Can I Claim Lost Wages After a Car Accident?
  Millions of Americans live paycheck to paycheck– this means that losing one’s job or other sources of income can have a significant effect on household finances.
• Can I File a Claim for Loss of Consciousness?
  Your ability to file a lawsuit seeking compensation after a car accident depends upon a doctor’s ability to diagnose injury and your ability to demonstrate a loss…
• Can I Get Punitive Damages After a Car Accident?
  Punitive damages are not awarded to reimburse losses suffered by an injured party in an accident. Instead, the courts use them primarily to punish grossly negligent conduct…
• Can I Sue for Emotional Distress From a Car Accident?
  From a legal standpoint, your ability to receive compensation for emotional distress will hinge upon the ability of your personal injury attorney…
• Does Pain and Suffering Include Emotional Distress?
  The legal differences between “emotional distress” and “pain and suffering” may be subtle, but could impact how much compensation you are able to receive…
• How are Lost Wages Calculated in New York?
  After a serious car accident due to another driver’s negligence, many people are unable to work…
• How Do I Know If My Car Accident Case Is Worth Anything?
  Issues that may affect the value of the claim may include recovery length, long-term prognosis, and the actions of the at-fault party…
• How Much Will I Get for Pain and Suffering From a Car Accident?
  The amount of damages that you would receive after a collision depends on several factors…
• Is Pain and Suffering Awarded After a Minor Car Accident?
  Whether pain and suffering can be awarded after a minor car accident depends on where the accident occurs and how “minor” is defined…
• What Happens if I Lose My Job Due to a Car Accident?
  The injuries that you suffer in a car accident can prevent you from performing the regular duties of your job…
• What is the 90/180 Day Rule in New York?
  If you are injured in a car accident in New York, the compensation available under your no-fault policy may not seem like enough to cover your losses…
• What is the Average Payout for Whiplash in a Car Accident?
  Whiplash is one of the most common injuries in a car accident– so it’s no surprise that many people ask about the average payout…
• Who Pays for My Vehicle Damage After an Accident in New York?
  New York is a “no-fault” insurance state, but those laws apply only to injuries in a car accident and not vehicle damage…
• Who Will Pay My Medical Bills After a Car Accident in New York?
  Most of the time, your insurance will cover the cost of your injuries. Of course, the system doesn’t always work as planned…
• Will My Car Insurance Pay My Medical Bills After an Accident?
  The no-fault auto insurance system has its upsides as well as its downsides…
• Can You Sue for PTSD After a Car Accident?
  Car accidents often cause devastating bodily injuries. Broken bones and soft tissue damage can take weeks or months to heal, while some scars can last a lifetime…

Evidence

• Can Social Media Posts Affect My Car Accident Claim?
  After a car accident, you may want to let friends and family know what happened and how you’re feeling…
• How Do You Prove Emotional Distress After a Car Accident?
  Like any type of injury, proving emotional distress requires evidence. Evidence is easier to come by when it comes to proving a physical injury than a mental injury…
• Is Apologizing After A Car Accident Admitting Fault?
  Apologizing after a car wreck may seem like the right thing to do. However, it can backfire…
• What Information Do I Need After a Car Accident?
  So much happens in the aftermath of a car accident, but getting certain information from the other driver is critical…
• Can Car Insurance Companies Request Medical Records?
  If your insurer requests records that have nothing to do with the injury, then you have the right to challenge the request…
• Should I Release My Medical Records to an Insurance Company?
  Should you sign a release, granting authorization to the insurance company? Not without speaking to a trusted attorney first…
• Do I Need a Police Report After a Car Accident?
  TV shows would have you believe that most legal matters are decided solely on eyewitness testimony. However, this is rarely the case…
• Can Vehicle Damage Determine Fault in a Car Accident?
  Vehicle damage after a car accident can provide important information. It may not prove fault entirely on its own, but it can add credence to other evidence…

Injuries

• Can a Car Accident Cause a Traumatic Brain Injury?
   The physics of a crash offers the perfect conditions for TBIs. The early symptoms can be subtle or even invisible, but the long-term consequences are very serious…
• Can I Sue for a Concussion from a Car Accident in New York?
  When you suffer an injury in a New York car accident through no fault of your own, you are entitled to seek monetary compensation… 
• Can You Get PTSD From a Car Accident?
  PTSD can take many forms. Many people associate this disorder with flashbacks, nightmares, or traumatic memories… 
• How Do I Overcome Driving Anxiety After an Accident?
  Many times, the trauma caused by an accident goes beyond physical injuries. It can manifest with long-term emotional suffering as well…
• Should I See a Chiropractor After a Car Accident?
  Chiropractic care is an effective way to treat many forms of back and neck pain, including injuries caused by car accidents…
• What Counts as a Serious Injury in a Car Accident?
  Having your injury classified as serious matters greatly in how much compensation you are allowed to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering…
• What Happens If You’re Paralyzed in a Car Accident?
  According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, traffic accidents are responsible for nearly 40 percent of all paralysis cases…
• What if my accident injuries don’t show up right away?
  Unfortunately, not all car accident injuries are immediately identifiable. Often, these injuries only become apparent days, weeks, or even years after a crash…
• What is a Soft Tissue Injury in a Car Accident?
  The impact of a crash can create soft tissue injuries–one of the most overlooked but potentially damaging types of bodily harm…
• What Kinds of Injuries Happen in Car Wrecks?
  Car wreck injuries run the gamut from minor to catastrophic, with serious injuries allowing the victim to file a lawsuit…
• What Should I Do if My Neck Hurts After a Car Accident?
  It’s common to experience neck pain, often referred to as “whiplash,” after a car accident…
• What Should I Expect Physically After a Car Accident?
  The answer depends on the type of accident and its severity…
• What Types of Injuries are Associated with T-Bone Accidents?
  Side-impact or “T-Bone” accidents can cause more serious injuries than head-on or rear impact crashes…
• I’ve Been Injured in a Car Accident, What Do I Do?
  A seriously injured motorist or a passenger is not just wondering what to do immediately after an accident, but what to do to maximize a personal injury lawsuit…
• Should I See a Doctor After a Car Accident?
  If you believe that your car accident injuries are minor, you might be tempted to avoid seeing a doctor…

Insurance

• Are Unlicensed Drivers Covered by Insurance?
  Auto insurance is essential, both for the driver’s sake and for the protection of accident victims. But coverage terms can vary from one policy to the next…
• Can I Keep My Car if it’s Totaled?
  Americans love their automobiles. But no mechanical device runs forever. Sooner or later, it’s time to let it go…
• Can You Keep the Money from a Car Insurance Claim and Not Repair Your Car?
  There are several reasons why a person might keep the claim money rather than spend it on the repair…
• Does My Health Insurance Cover Car Accidents?
  Many accident victims are dismayed when disputes between treating doctors and various insurers ensue, leaving them with the added stress of unpaid medical bills… 
• Do I Have to File an Insurance Claim After an Accident?
  You do not always have to file an insurance claim after an accident, but it depends on the extent of damage…
• Do I Have to Pay My Health Insurance Back After a Car Accident?
  If you were seriously injured in a car accident and received compensation, your health insurer will want reimbursement…
• How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim?
  Being deprived of an automobile for even a few days can have a major impact on our quality of our lives. 
• How Long Does It Take to Fix a Car After an Accident?
  How long it takes to fix a car after an accident depends not only on the nature of the damage but the type of vehicle and how long it takes for your insurer to approve the claim. 
• If a Drunk Driver Damaged My Car, Will My Auto Insurance Pay?
  An insurance company will reimburse a motorist for any injuries– no matter who was at fault. However, no-fault insurance does not apply to property damage claims…
• Is There a Time Limit to File an Insurance Claim?
  If an injury has sidelined you, an insurance settlement could relieve some of the financial pressure– but only if you file your claim on time…
• Should I Call My Insurance After a Fender Bender?
  A fender bender may not seem very serious, but these types of accidents often result in injuries that appear a few days later, as well as shockingly high repair bills…
• Should I File a Claim with My Insurance or Theirs?
  After a car accident, you should notify your insurance company and file a claim, and not deal with the other driver’s insurer…
• Should I Give My Insurance Company a Recorded Statement?
  Following a car accident, an insurance company may ask you to provide a recorded statement…
• Should I Sign a Release of All Claims Form?
  If you have a pen in hand paused over the signature box on a “release of all claims” form, do not sign it…
• What Does a Claims Adjuster Do?
  Claims adjusters work for auto insurance companies to investigate accidents and determine the extent of the insurer’s liability…
• What Happens if Your Car Gets Totaled and You Still Owe Money?
  The property damage in a car accident is bad enough, but you’re still likely responsible for paying your car lease or loan…
• What is an Umbrella Policy?
  In serious car accidents and in other circumstances that cause significant losses and injuries, limits on insurance policies can be reached very quickly…
• What Is GAP Insurance?
  If you have recently purchased a new or used vehicle, you were likely offered an opportunity to purchase Guaranteed Asset Protection or “GAP” insurance…
• What is Loss of Use Auto Insurance?
  A loss of use auto insurance claim provides reimbursement for a rental vehicle following an accident…
• What is No-Fault Insurance in New York?
  With no-fault insurance, your insurance carrier is the first source of recovery to pay for the crash losses and injuries regardless of who is liable…
• What is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance?
  You will likely be faced with large bills for medical services after an accident. New York has no-fault and PIP insurance requirements to ease the path to reimbursement…
• What is Supplemental Underinsured Motorist (SUM) Coverage?
  Some motorists may only carry minimum liability coverage, which is not always enough in the event of an accident…
• What Should I Do If My Insurance Claim is Denied?
  If you feel the insurance company is unfairly denying a valid claim, you have every right to review the decision and file an appeal…
• Will Insurance Pay For A Totaled Car?
  Next to treating injuries, replacing a vehicle is among the chief concerns following an auto accident…
• Will My Car Insurance Cover My Crash if I Was DUI?
  While it is reckless and against New York State law to drive under the influence, you may not expect to get into an accident…
• Do I Need a Lawyer Before Talking to a Claims Adjuster?
  After an accident, you can count on fielding phone calls from a variety of insurance adjusters. Your own insurance carrier will want to speak with you immediately…
• What Happens if You Get into a Car Accident Without Insurance in New York?
  Maintaining coverage on your vehicle is one of the responsibilities you assume when you become a motorist…

Legal

• What is the Statute of Limitations on a Car Accident in New York?
  There is a strict time limit on how long you have to file a lawsuit after a car accident in New York…
• Do I Have to Go to Court for a Car Accident?
   If you were not at-fault, rest assured your legal team will try to settle the matter through negotiations outside the courtroom to minimize costs…
• Do I Have to Go to Court For a Ticket?
  Whether you must appear in traffic court for your ticket depends on the specifics of your case…
• Do I Have to Report a Minor Car Accident in New York?
  Fender benders, rear-end collisions, and low-speed sideswipes are common occurrences in New York, especially during peak traffic hours…
• How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in New York?
  It is not necessary to report every vehicle collision. However, when a crash involves personal injury or severe property damage, you must notify the state within 10 days…
• What Do I Do After an Accident If the Other Driver Won’t Cooperate?
  New York’s insurance protects injured parties regardless of fault, but what if the other driver refuses to cooperate?
• What Do I Do if I Hit an Animal in New York?
  New York state law requires motorists who hit an animal to stop, contact either the owner or the police, and file a report…
• What Do You Do When You Are Hit by a Drunk Driver
  Impaired drivers cause some of the more serious car accidents in the United States every year…
• What Should You Do After a Car Accident?
  The steps you take immediately after a car crash will determine how the aftereffects play out…
• What to Do If a Drunk Driver Is Behind You
  When drivers operate a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they put everyone at risk…
• When Should I Get an Attorney After a Car Accident?
  Ultimately, the choice of whether to work with a lawyer after your accident is up to you…
• Why Do I Need to Contact an Attorney After an Accident?
  There are many reasons why it’s a good idea to contact a personal injury attorney after a motor vehicle accident…
• Should I Sue a Friend or Family Member After an Accident?
  Suing a friend or family member to recover damages for the injuries you suffered in a car accident might seem like a bad idea…

Liability

• Are Parents Liable for Car Accidents Caused by Their Children?
  If you have a teen, college-aged, or even an older adult child who drives your car, it is wise to make sure your insurance policy will cover damages related to their use…
• Can Bad Weather Affect Car Accident Liability in New York?
  There is no question bad weather can play a role in car accidents. Still, that does not excuse unreasonable behavior by the at-fault driver…
• Can I Sue A Business if Their Employee Injured Me in a Car Accident?
  When another driver causes an accident that results in your injury, it is common knowledge that you are entitled to pursue legal action…
• What Happens If I Get Hit by an Uninsured Driver?
  New York’s no-fault system was adopted to simplify bodily injury claims and reduce litigation over minor car accidents…
• What Happens If I Get Into a Car Accident With an Out of State Driver?
  New York insurance laws are designed to protect motorists who are injured in a car accident…
• What Happens if I Get Into an Accident in a Taxi?
  Were you involved in an accident as a passenger in one of New York City’s taxi cabs?
• What Happens if I’m Injured in a Rideshare Accident in New York?
  Many Uber and Lyft passengers worry about whether they’re covered in the event of an accident…
• What Happens if Someone Leaves the Scene of an Accident?
  Contacting the police is your best course of action if the other driver has fled the scene after your accident…
• What Happens If You Crash a Rental Car?
  If you get into an accident with a rental car, what happens next depends on the type of auto insurance coverage you have and the circumstances surrounding the crash…
• What Happens When You Get into an Accident in Another State?
  Car accidents are scary enough when they happen in your hometown. But what happens when you’re hurt in a crash while driving out of state?
• What if Someone Else Gets in an Accident in My Car?
  Your insurance policy kicks in when you allow someone to borrow your car. But what if your vehicle is stolen and crashed?
• What is Comparative Fault?
  If you have been injured in an accident, comparative fault may have a very real impact because it impacts the amount of compensation you may receive…
• What Do I Do After a Car Accident That Wasn’t My Fault?
  The one hard and fast rule to follow after any auto collision is to take care of yourself and, if necessary, any passengers in your car…

Settlements

• Are Car Accident Settlements Taxable in New York?
  It is vital that you consider the complete financial picture before agreeing to a settlement amount…
• Can I Get a Settlement in a Hit and Run?
  Fleeing the scene of a car accident is never a good idea, no matter if it’s a minor scrape or a serious collision…
• Can I Still Sue If I Settled With the Insurance Company?
  If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident, do not attempt to settle with the insurance company on your own…
• Do I Need a Lawyer if the Insurance Company Offered Me a Settlement?
   Insurers know that many car accident victims have no idea of a fair settlement amount…
• Should I accept a check from the at-fault driver or their insurance?
  If you’re offered a check after a car accident, should you accept it? It may seem like a quick and easy way solution, but…
• Should I Accept a Settlement Offer From an Auto Insurance Company?
  A few days after a car accident, it is likely you will hear from the auto insurance company with a settlement offer…
• Should I Accept My Insurance Company’s First Offer?
  It is likely an insurance adjuster contacted you shortly after the accident. While they may appear helpful, they are looking out for the insurer’s interests, not yours…