Important Initial Advice For Car Accident Victims
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, taking the right steps early on is vital to protect your health, rights, and future claim. Seeking legal representation as soon as possible can significantly strengthen your case. Follow these steps:
- Get Proper Medical Care: Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not be apparent right away.
- Stay Off Social Media: Avoid posting about the accident or your injuries online, as insurance companies could use your posts against you.
- Don’t Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company: Initial settlement offers are often low. Consulting with a lawyer before accepting any offer ensures you’re not shortchanged.
- Be Careful with Language Used in Communications with the Insurance Company: Be cautious about what you say. Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be misinterpreted and used to weaken your claim.
- Document Everything: Gather evidence at the scene, including photos of the accident, witness contact information, and the police report. This documentation is invaluable for building a strong case.
- Contact Our Long Island Accident Lawyer: Early legal representation can make a critical difference. Contact Ajlouny Injury Law’s experienced personal injury lawyers to guide you through the process and advocate for fair compensation.
- Follow Up on Your Medical Treatment: Track all treatments and follow your doctor’s recommendations. Consistent care not only aids your recovery but also strengthens the evidence of your injuries.
Acting quickly and involving a skilled Long Island accident lawyer early on ensures that your rights are protected and your case is positioned for success.
Deadlines to File A Personal Injury Case
In New York, you have a limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit. This period is known as the statute of limitations, and being aware of it is crucial to protecting your legal rights.
For most personal injury cases, including car accidents, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, certain cases, such as those involving claims against a government entity, may have shorter deadlines. Missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to seek compensation entirely.
Here’s why acting promptly is essential:
- Preserve Evidence: Starting your case early allows you to collect critical evidence, such as accident scene photos, police reports, and witness statements, before they become harder to obtain.
- Avoid Complications: Delays can make it more difficult to prove your case, especially if evidence deteriorates or witnesses become unavailable over time.
- Maximize Recovery: Early legal intervention gives you an advantage in handling complex legal procedures and negotiations, increasing your chances of obtaining fair compensation.
Don’t wait until the deadline approaches. Contact our skilled Long Island accident lawyer from our firm immediately after an accident on Long Island to ensure you meet all required deadlines and protect your right to compensation for your injuries.
Gathering Evidence After a Car Accident on Long Island
To build a strong case after a car accident, gather the following evidence as soon as possible:
- Police Report: Obtain a copy to document the accident details officially.
- Medical Records: Keep all records of treatments, diagnoses, and any future medical needs.
- Eyewitness Statements: Collect contact information and statements from witnesses at the scene.
- Photo/Video Evidence: Capture the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
- Examples of Driver Negligence: Document signs of the other driver’s fault, such as traffic violations or distracted driving.
- Insurance Information: Exchange and record the insurance details of all involved parties.
- Accident Scene Details: Note the location, weather, road conditions, and any other contributing factors.
Our experienced auto accident lawyer on Long Island can assist in gathering and preserving this critical evidence. For example:
- We can secure official police reports and accident scene documentation.
- Our team interviews witnesses and ensures their statements are detailed and preserved.
- We work with accident reconstruction experts if needed to strengthen your claim.
- We handle communications with insurance companies, ensuring nothing is overlooked or misrepresented.
Gathering evidence can be overwhelming, especially while recovering from injuries. Let our Long Island auto accident lawyer team manage these details, so you can focus on healing while we build a strong case for your compensation.
No Upfront Costs: Contingency Fees for Long Island Auto Accidents
When you work with our firm, you can benefit from our contingency fee model. Here’s what this means for you:
- No Upfront Costs: You won’t need to pay any legal fees until we win your case.
- Percentage of Settlement: Our payment comes as a percentage of the compensation we secure for you, ensuring our interests align with yours.
- No Win, No Fee: If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us any legal fees. You only pay if we achieve a successful outcome.
This approach allows you to access quality legal representation without financial risk when injured in an accident, focusing on your recovery rather than upfront costs.
Why We Are the Best Long Island Auto Accident Lawyers
Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your car accident case. Our commitment to personalized service, extensive experience, and proven results sets us apart from other Long Island car accident attorneys.
Here’s why we are the right choice for your case:
- Personalized Attention: We treat each case with the individual care it deserves, ensuring you get the attention and dedication you need.
- Proven Track Record: Our firm has a history of securing substantial settlements and favorable client outcomes.
- Experienced Attorneys: Our team comprises skilled attorneys with extensive experience handling car accident cases and dealing with insurance companies.
- Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize clear communication and support, guiding you through every step of the legal procedure.
- Aggressive Representation: We are committed to fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve, not settling for less.
- Free Case Reviews: We offer complimentary consultations to assess your case and advise you on the best course of action.
Contact us today to see how we can help with your car accident case and car accident injuries.
General Information on Car Accidents on Long Island
Long Island Car Accident Statistics
Each year, car accidents result in hundreds of millions of dollars in hospitalization and emergency department visits throughout Long Island. Tragically, most of the accidents are preventable.
In a report published by Newsday, the following data was reported regarding Long Island car accidents:
- There were 934 deaths caused by car accidents on Long Island from 2016 to 2020.
- The majority of Long Island traffic fatalities occur in Suffolk County.
- Nassau and Suffolk counties have the deadliest roads in New York.
- About 18% of all New York car accidents occur on Long Island.
- Routes 25 and 27 had the most crash fatalities.
Long Island car accidents can result in serious, debilitating injuries that may incur lifelong expenses and medical care. If you are involved in a traffic collision and suffer harm, contact our office to discuss your case with a Long Island car accident lawyer today.
Causes of Long Island Car Accidents
Many car accidents are caused by negligence, particularly driver inattention. The increased use of cell phones and other electronic devices has exponentially increased distracted driving. Even looking away for a few seconds can have life-changing consequences.
Leading causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted Driving - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 9 people are killed in accidents involving a distracted driver in the United States daily.
- Alcohol - Driving under the influence of alcohol is a problem throughout the United States. The most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that approximately 28% of all fatal traffic accidents involve alcohol-impaired driving.
- Speeding - According to NHTSA, speed is a contributing factor in 26% of all traffic fatalities. Speed-related traffic collisions are also a primary cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Other common causes of traffic collisions include failure to yield, following too closely, aggressive driving, fatigued driving, and operator inexperience.
Common Types of Car Accidents on Long Island
Car accidents on Long Island are a significant concern, contributing to an average of 1,098 deaths annually due to motor vehicle-related injuries in New York State. With 12,093 hospitalizations each year, these accidents have a profound impact on residents, particularly males and those aged 20-24 and 65 and older.
- Rear-End Collisions: Frequent in traffic-heavy areas, these accidents often result in whiplash injuries.
- Side-Impact (T-Bone) Accidents: Common at intersections, leading to severe injuries due to the vulnerability of side impacts.
- Head-On Collisions: Among the most dangerous, these accidents occur on undivided highways and can result in serious injuries or fatalities.
- Hit-and-Run Accidents: A growing issue, with drivers fleeing the scene, complicating recovery and compensation.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Particularly concerning in busy areas, these involve vehicles striking pedestrians, often in crosswalks.
- Rideshare and Taxi Cab Accidents: With the rise of services like Uber, Lyft, and taxis, accidents involving these vehicles have become more common.
- Multi-Vehicle Collisions: Highway pile-ups involve multiple vehicles, leading to complex claims and severe outcomes.
Types of Injuries We See as Lawyers
Car accidents on Long Island often result in a range of serious injuries that can have long-lasting effects on victims’ lives. As experienced car accident lawyers, we frequently encounter the following types of injuries:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Whiplash is common in rear-end collisions. It occurs when the neck is suddenly jolted, causing muscle and ligament strain. Symptoms like pain and stiffness may take time to appear.
- Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries, ranging from mild concussions to severe TBIs, can result from impact or violent shaking. These injuries may lead to long-term cognitive and emotional challenges.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: High-impact accidents can cause spinal injuries, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis due to significant pressure on the spine.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Car accidents often cause fractures, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Some fractures may require surgery and extensive rehab.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to organs and internal bleeding can be life-threatening and aren't always immediately noticeable, requiring urgent medical attention.
- Cuts, Bruises, and Lacerations: Deep cuts from debris can lead to serious issues, such as blood loss, infections, and scarring.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons can cause prolonged pain and limited mobility, often requiring physical therapy.
- Psychological Trauma: Car accidents can also result in PTSD, anxiety, and depression, necessitating long-term mental health support.
If you or a loved one has suffered any of these injuries in a car accident, it's essential to seek legal representation to ensure you receive the compensation needed for medical treatment and recovery.
Other Locations We Serve
Our legal team is dedicated to serving accident victims throughout New York City. Below is a list of areas where we extend our services, but our coverage is not limited to these locations.
Experienced Long Island Auto Accident Attorneys Here to Help
We recognize the profound impact a car accident can have on your life. Our dedicated Long Island car accident attorneys are here to provide compassionate and skilled guidance through every step of your injury claim.
Paul Ajlouny
Paul Ajlouny is a highly regarded personal injury attorney in New York State with extensive experience in cases ranging from car accidents to pedestrian injuries. Paul developed his legal expertise at the esteemed Daniel Galinson firm and has secured more than $150 million in settlements.
Michael Levitz
Michael Levitz is a dedicated personal injury lawyer focused on achieving fair client outcomes. A competitive athlete, Michael is adept at negotiating with major insurance companies and fostering strong client relationships.
A graduate of the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University, Michael has been recognized as one of the Top 40 National Trial Lawyers under 40 and has earned a Rising Star distinction from Super Lawyers Magazine.
Speak to a Long Island Auto Accident Lawyer Today!
If you’ve been involved in a head-on collision, rear-end accident, T-bone accident, or an incident involving a Lyft, Uber, or taxi cab, it’s critical to act quickly and seek professional legal guidance. Hit-and-run accidents, in particular, can be complex and overwhelming to handle on your own.
Don’t face the car accident claims process without support. Our dedicated auto accident lawyer on Long Island is here to provide expert assistance every step of the way. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights, handle the complexities of your case, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Act now and contact our experienced Long Island auto accident lawyers today to start building your case and secure the justice you need.
Contact us today for more information on how our accident lawyers can help you with a free consultation.
