Motor Vehicle
Car Accidents Have Increased Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic
Many of us expected that car accidents would decrease during the coronavirus pandemic. After all, we have all witnessed empty streets, even in areas that once had heavy traffic. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), traffic volume decreased by 16% during the first half of 2020. With so many drivers staying off…
Read MoreCan the coronavirus affect your personal injury claim?
If you have a personal injury case in progress, you may be wondering how the COVID-19 pandemic may affect your case. Will it drag on for additional weeks or even months? Could it be put on hold indefinitely? While an indefinite holding pattern is unlikely, increased demand for medical services and amended operating hours for…
Read MoreCan you file a personal injury claim with no medical bills?
If there are no medical bills involved in your case, can you file a personal injury claim? In general, the answer is no. For a personal injury case to be valid, you need to establish who was negligent and what damages you suffered as a result of their actions or omissions. To satisfy the latter…
Read MoreAre remote texters liable for car accidents?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, over 1,000 injured in accidents involving distracted drivers every day in the U.S. Like many states, New York has strict laws about using handheld devices while driving, but people keep sending and reading texts when they should have their eyes on the road. When a distracted driver crashes…
Read MoreWere you hurt in a drowsy driving accident?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that in 2013, drowsy driving contributed to 72,000 collisions that killed 800 people and left 44,000 others injured. It’s an extreme outcome that is, unfortunately, not surprising. Various sleep studies have shown that when you drive after 24 hours without sleep, it is the equivalent of driving with…
Read MoreDocumenting medical expenses after a car crash
When you are injured in a car crash in New York, your insurance provider will cover your basic economic losses in accordance with the state’s “No Fault” insurance law. If you sustained serious injuries (e.g., fractures or permanent loss of a body part) or your medical bills exceed $50,000, then you can sue the other…
Read MoreWhat should you do if a private investigator follows you after your car accident?
Ever since your car accident, which left you in constant pain, you’ve been noticing an unfamiliar car parked near your home. Today, you receive a strange friend request on Facebook. Although there may be a routine explanation for these incidents, it’s equally possible that the negligent driver’s insurance adjuster is using a private investigator to…
Read MoreWho is liable for carpool accident injuries?
Carpooling has been hailed as a convenient and environmentally-friendly way for employees to travel to work. Consequently, many companies across New York have been offering carpool incentive programs that connect workers who live near one another and enable them to enjoy a less-stressful commute. Carpools, however, are like any other form of travel in that…
Read MoreDo you have an ongoing headache after a car accident?
While it’s not unusual to experience headaches after a car crash, chronic pain that persists after a few months is a cause for concern. Some people report ongoing and disabling headaches for years, which can affect their quality of life and even prevent them from maintaining gainful employment. If you are having chronic headaches, it…
Read MoreHow to find out if the driver who hit you is insured
According to the New York Department of Health, between 2012 and 2014, an average of 1,098 people were killed in accidents on state roads per year. There were also approximately 12,093 hospitalizations and 136,913 emergency department visits per year. New York State law requires all cars registered in the state to carry the following minimum…
Read MoreIs New York a contributory or comparative negligence state?
When you’re injured in a car accident, a key issue in recovering damages is identifying who is at fault. Depending on where the collision occurred, a court may determine fault according to the rules of contributory or comparative negligence. What is contributory negligence? The doctrine of contributory negligence prohibits you from recovering damages if you…
Read MoreIce storms are coming: here’s how you can protect yourself from injury
New Yorkers have enjoyed a comparatively mild winter so far, but we are now heading into a season well-known for sudden and fierce ice storms. In January 1998, a now-famous storm devastated northern New York and New England from January 5-9, leaving roads impassable and causing an estimated 40 deaths. Another one gripped the Northeastern…
Read MoreInsomnia after a car accident- should you be worried?
After you’ve been injured in a car accident, your healthcare providers will likely advise you to rest often and get plenty of sleep, but what can you do if it takes you hours to doze off or, even worse, you can’t sleep at all? Instead, you stare at the ceiling until daylight, awake but physically…
Read MorePersonal injury and seasonal workers
When the holiday season begins, many retailers and shipping companies hire seasonal help. Last month United Parcel Service (UPS) hired 100,000 temporary workers to handle an anticipated 32 million packages a day. The activity rate at this time of year goes up by an estimated 60%, so seasonal help is an essential part of making…
Read MoreWho is liable in a single-vehicle accident?
Not all car crashes are between two or more vehicles. Many auto accidents involve a single vehicle and driver, which can raise questions of liability. The most common example is run-off-road crashes, which occur when a car leaves the roadway and goes into the ditch or collides with inanimate objects, such as trees, buildings, telephone…
Read MoreCivil vs. criminal liability in a personal injury case
Imagine that you are riding in a limousine through upstate New York, en route to a loved one’s fall wedding. Suddenly your driver realizes that he’s about to miss the turn leading to the chalet where the ceremony is being held. He hits the brakes, but the asphalt is still wet from this morning’s rain…
Read MoreWhat recoverable damages are available in a New York personal injury case?
If someone else’s negligent conduct caused you to be injured, you may be able to sue for compensation. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, a personal injury attorney could help you recover compensatory damages, which address past and projected economic losses, and punitive damages, which are intended to punish the negligent party and discourage…
Read MoreWhat is the “Dutch Reach” and how can it protect you from injury?
If you regularly ride your bike along New York City streets, then you know what moving cars are always a potential threat. They can stop without warning, make sudden U-turns at intersections, and swerve into your path without signaling first. Cars can even pose a danger when they’re parked, thanks to “dooring.” Dooring is an…
Read MoreWhat is foreseeability in personal injury law?
A lot of elements come into play in personal injury cases. Concepts like causation, negligence, and duty of care all determine whether you are entitled to compensation for your injuries and financial losses. With some personal injury claims, an additional concept applies—foreseeability. Foreseeability refers to the issue of whether a reasonable person would have foreseen…
Read MoreNo personal injury attorney will take my case!
We are often contacted by people who say that they have consulted with multiple personal injury attorneys across New York and failed to find one who will take their case. They’re confused and wondering why each consultation ends with a polite, “No.” Let us start by saying that most attorneys genuinely want to help you,…
Read MoreDriving in New York? Be careful on this roadway
In December 2016, three people were killed and five injured in a multi-vehicle pile-up on the Cross Bronx Expressway. The accident, which closed all lanes for nearly six hours, occurred at around 5:45 a.m. near Jerome and Webster Avenues. A Ford pickup truck was caught between two tractor-trailers, crushing it and killing three men inside.…
Read MoreBike sharing injuries in New York
New York winters can be long and difficult, which is why we love summer. We can get from Point A to B without fighting the wind, snow, and freezing rain. Once the sidewalks and park pathways clear, we also start seeing the bright blue bikes offered by Citi Bike and other bike-share programs available across…
Read MoreCan an injured pizza delivery cyclist get workers comp in New York?
New York City pizza is legendary. One pizzeria in California actually pays $10,000 every year to import New York City water, claiming that it makes their dough taste better than local water. Delivering this divine pizza, however, can be one of the most dangerous jobs out there. Citing an estimate made by the Department of…
Read MoreWatch out for motorcycle injuries this summer!
Now that the weather is warmer, motorcycle owners are taking their machines out of storage, donning helmets, and hitting the road. Motorcycling is a great opportunity to get fresh air and enjoy the emerging greenery, but it can be riskier than driving a car. Motorcyclists are easy to miss visually because drivers are used to…
Read MoreSpringtime injuries to watch out for
At the first sign of spring, we start making some lifestyle changes. The heavy winter clothing goes back in the closet for another year. If a destination is within walking distance, then the car stays home. Public parks become busier. Like winter, however, spring has dangerous conditions. There are accidents that appear to occur or…
Read MoreSafe driving tips for this Memorial Day weekend
The Memorial Day weekend is on the horizon. Whether you plan to stay in the city and catch the Soul Beach Music Festival or head up to your cottage in the Catskills, it’s essential that you stay safe while having fun. According to ValuePenguin, Memorial Day weekend is the major holiday weekend with the highest…
Read MoreDoes daylight saving time really cause more accidents?
Although Germany has been credited with being the first nation to institute daylight savings time, the Canadians became the first people to use DST when the people of today’s Thunder Bay, Ontario, turned their clocks forward one hour on July 1, 1908. The concept was not universally adopted until April 30, 1916, when Germany and…
Read MoreMulti-vehicle car crashes- who’s at fault?
On January 30, the New York State Police were called to a multi-vehicle crash and pileup on I-90 near Batavia. The incident, which occurred during a snow squall and involved 21 vehicles (including semis), left one trooper with minor injuries. Earlier that day, a chain-reaction crash in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, damaged 27 vehicles and left 24…
Read MoreExpert witness testimony in a personal injury case
If you file a personal injury claim after an accident in New York, then the witnesses called to support your case can make a pivotal difference in the outcome. Witnesses to the accident can provide relevant testimony that supports your version of how it happened, who appeared to be at fault and any visible damages…
Read MoreWhat about distracted pedestrians?
On any given day, you’ll see thousands of distracted pedestrians on the streets of New York. They’re texting, listening to music, checking Facebook, or indulging in some good old-fashioned daydreaming. There are so many of them that they now have a unique name: “petextrians.” On the surface, this practice seems harmless enough, but when people…
Read MoreWhat is the collateral source rule?
The collateral source rule is a legal principle that prevents someone from recovering compensation twice for the same damages. In other words, the goal is to stop someone from “double dipping” at a defendant’s expense. Let’s look at a hypothetical example. You were rear-ended while driving home on the Cross Bronx Expressway and hurt your…
Read MoreYou hit a deer in New York- who can you sue?
Last November, a 50-year-old woman from Spring Valley died when her husband’s car struck a deer on the Palisades Interstate Parkway. The vehicle swerved onto the grass median and into the woods, where it overturned and hit several trees. If you’ve done a lot of driving outside the city, then you’ve probably seen deer and…
Read MoreMedical liens in personal injury cases
Once your personal injury claim is settled and you get the settlement or award you’ve been waiting for, you will likely feel a sense of relief. The ordeal is over, you can finally move on. Or can you? Some personal injury awards are subject to liens, which are claims made by insurance providers, medical practitioners,…
Read MoreLimousine injuries in New York
Partygoers across New York City rang in 2019 by riding in limos across the city, sipping champagne and enjoying the festive sights. With everyone in a celebratory mood, it’s easy to forget the recent limousine accident that killed 20 people in central New York. This crash, which took the lives of the stretch limousine driver,…
Read MoreA closer look at school bus safety
According to the American School Bus Council, nearly 25 million children take the bus to school every weekday. Each time a parent sends their children off to class, they trust that the trip to and from school take place without incident. Unfortunately, parents in Indiana, Florida, Mississippi, and Pennsylvania have suffered terrible losses in recent…
Read MoreCan you sue a decedent’s estate?
You were in a terrible collision involving a negligent driver who was seen talking on his phone just before he hit you head-on. You broke your arm and collarbone, leaving you in serious pain and preventing you from working at your data entry job. You want to sue the driver, but he was killed in…
Read MoreThe weather did it?
Every year in New York State, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of motor vehicle accidents caused by negligent driving practices in poor weather conditions. Collisions are not limited to snowstorms and freezing rain. Even summer has its share of heavy rainfalls that can turn streets and highways into high-risk thoroughfares. The most responsible drivers…
Read MoreSuing a child for a personal injury in New York
At first, the thought of an adult suing a child seems ridiculous and even petty, but there are cases where it may be warranted, especially in personal injury law. Imagine you are walking through Central Park on a weekend afternoon, enjoying the fall weather. Suddenly a rock, thrown by a child who looks no older…
Read MoreHow to have a safe Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is just around the corner. With our minds on roast turkey, cornbread, pumpkin pie, and a celebratory family dinner, it’s easy to forget that the Thanksgiving weekend is one of the most dangerous ones for motorists. There are also other risks associated with hot cooking appliances, improper food preparation, and more. Here are some…
Read MoreTechnology that can keep your teen driver safe
Your son has just turned 16 and is studying to get his driver’s license. He’s psyched. You’re not. As a parent, it’s normal to worry about the safety of your teen driver. Current statistics are alarming. According to the New York Department of Health, motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death for teenagers in…
Read MoreWho pays my medical bills?
You’ve been injured in a car accident and forced to spend time in the hospital. The doctors say that your fractured hip will require you to have months of physical therapy too. You’re grateful to be alive, but you’re also worried about how your medical bills will be covered. Who is going to pay for…
Read MoreLabor Day accidents to watch for
Holidays are supposed to be fun and games, especially for the kids, but that’s not the way things always turn out. On the Labor Day weekend, in particular, there is ample opportunity for both adults and children to get hurt—from being scarred by an exploding firecracker to falling off a boat and struck by a…
Read MorePokemon GO and video game accidents
Pokémon Go is arguably the most popular mobile video game of all time. This smartphone game app enables players to hunt down and capture their favorite Pokemon character in the real world using the same technology that powers Google Maps. Although it has been hailed as a way of getting game-obsessed teens out of their…
Read MoreReasons why a personal injury attorney might decline your case
You slipped and fell at your neighbor’s pool party, and now want to sue them. To your surprise, the first personal injury attorney you met with declined your case. Does this mean that you don’t have a case at all? Possibly, but not necessarily. Personal injury attorneys decline cases for any one of a number…
Read MoreHow to avoid aggressive driving situations
Back in 2009, a marketing and consulting group commissioned a study on aggressive driving across the country. New York City took the top spot for reasons that the state would never acknowledge with pride: New Yorkers were more likely to lean on their horns, make obscene gestures, and wave their fists. Since then, the problem…
Read MoreCompensatory vs. punitive damages
The spring weather has been so beautiful lately that you decided to go for a jog in Central Park. Unfortunately, when you crossed the street to catch the bus, a distracted driver struck you, resulting causing you to break your arm and dislocate your knee. Rather than stop and see if you were hurt, the…
Read MoreWhat should you do if an insurer asks for a recorded statement?
Three days ago you were leaving the parking lot of the Bay Plaza Shopping Center when another driver who had one hand on the wheel and the other on their phone hit you from behind, causing you to suffer whiplash and a dislocated shoulder. Your doctor has informed you that until your shoulder heals, you…
Read MoreNew York’s first automobile fatality
On May 3rd, 85-year-old Olimpia Davidovici was struck at West End Avenue and 70th Street by a Jeep traveling north on West End Avenue. She was rushed to the closest hospital, where she died. People living in the area complained that the area was always dangerous for pedestrians, with cars turning south onto West End…
Read MoreMinors and personal injury settlements
If you are injured in a car accident in New York, then you have the standing to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party or settle with their insurer. A child under the age of 18 is not in the same legal position. They rely on a parent or guardian to protect their rights and…
Read MoreStaying safe during the Memorial Day weekend
Memorial Day is drawing ever closer, and while most New Yorkers are looking forward to taking a day off from work and spending an enjoyable time with friends and family, the reality is that the holiday weekend is one of the most dangerous times of the year for accidents. DWI accidents are common The U.S.…
Read MoreThe most common spring personal injuries
When the weather grows warmer, people spend more time outside. While the fresh spring breezes are both healthy and uplifting, melting snow and ice create damp and slippery conditions that turn indoor and outdoor surfaces into hazards. Increased car and bicycle traffic and the presence of more dog owners walking their pets also contribute to…
Read MoreInjured abroad during spring break vacation?
Injuries don’t always happen close to home. They can also occur when we’re traveling for work or pleasure. There’s something about being injured abroad that is especially unsettling. We’re miles from home and possibly dealing with different standards of medical care and even laws that apply to your accident. If you’re planning to go abroad…
Read MoreRoad rage—An ongoing concern in New York
Last November, a van and an automobile had a minor collision at the intersection of Third Avenue and 67th Street in Bay Ridge. The van driver and a 65-year-old man who was a passenger in the car both exited their vehicles and started an argument that ended in the van driver getting back behind the…
Read MoreE-bike injuries in New York
The e-bike phenomenon has been strong in Asia and Europe for a long time, and it’s now catching on here in the United States. Electric bikes, or e-bikes for short, are regular bicycles with built-in electrical systems that consist of a motor, battery, and a means of controlling the resulting power. New Yorkers have a…
Read MoreNew York’s comparative negligence rule explained
When you’re seeking compensation for car accident injuries, you’re going to hear the term “comparative negligence” used a lot. If settlement negotiations fail and your case proceeds to court, the judge hearing your case will have to determine which party is at fault or, if both share the blame, the extent to which each person…
Read MoreNew York State police drone program kicks off
On January 10 New York State launched its inaugural aerial drone program. The stated goal of the new initiative is to help state police facilitate traffic safety, respond to emergencies such as forest fires and multi-vehicle crashes, and complete key law enforcement functions. Four State Police drones are presently in action, covering eight counties in…
Read MoreTechnology that reduces distracted driving
We know we shouldn’t text and drive, but what we know and what we do are frequently at odds. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately nine people are killed, and over a thousand are injured in car accidents involving distracted drivers every day. Strict laws have been passed in New York…
Read MoreDash cam evidence in a car accident case
Dash cams are becoming more common in motor vehicles throughout the country. Some motorists treat them as a hobby item, hoping to record something worthy of sharing on YouTube later (a practice of questionable legality), while others see them as an investment in their future safety, meaning that the footage will support their side of…
Read MoreThree things auto insurers may do to limit your compensation
While auto insurance companies are not “bad guys” out to deliberately deprive you of the money you need to recover from a car accident, they are like other businesses in that they are motivated mainly by profit. This aim can, unfortunately, manifest itself by paying out as little as possible when you make a claim.…
Read MoreDoes your music playlist affect your driving?
Playing our favorite music while we drive improves our mood and creates a sense of contentment. It’s a fact supported by research and our own personal experience. But can it also cause you to get into an accident? In 2013 an Israeli study explored the relationship between your music and your driving abilities. 85 young…
Read MoreTraumatic carpal tunnel syndrome
When you hear about carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), you tend to think about data entry clerks, computer programmers, factory workers, hairdressers, and other people who use their hands to perform repetitive tasks. Although typically regarded as a repetitive strain injury, carpal tunnel can also be caused by a sudden trauma, such as a motor vehicle…
Read MoreWearable technology in personal injury claims
From the Apple Watch to the FitBit to the Motorola 360, wearable technology has made rapid inroads into our lives. Depending on the device, we can use it to track our fitness levels, send emails and text messages, call people and more. Now it could help validate your personal injury claim. Smartwatches as evidence Smartwatches…
Read MoreChristmas trees and cars: a dangerous mix
Last week, the Sudbury, Massachusetts Police Department made national news when it posted a Christmas tree photo on its Facebook page. The unwrapped tree, which was on top of a Mazda 5 minivan, hung over the sides and rear of the vehicle, covering the windows and even concealing the license plate. Police commented that an…
Read MoreCommon Thanksgiving accidents: What they are and how to watch for them
Every year, we look forward to Thanksgiving. A juicy turkey dinner shared with friends and family is the ideal way to transition to the December holiday spirit. Unfortunately, this is a time period that’s statistically infamous for the number of injuries and accidents that occur while celebrating. Below are four common Thanksgiving accidents and how…
Read MoreThe permissive use doctrine in New York automobile accidents
Imagine this scenario. You are driving to the store for a late-night grocery run when another vehicle collides with yours, causing you to suffer significant injuries. When the police arrive, they discover that the other driver, who ran a red light, was not the actual owner of the car. Who can therefore be held liable…
Read MoreHow does the eggshell skull rule affect a personal injury case?
Imagine that you’re driving through the Bronx, en route to meet friends at a newly opened cocktail lounge. When you stop at a red light, a distracted driver rear-ends you. Your seat belt prevented you from hitting your head on the windshield, but your injuries are still serious. This is because you have osteogenesis imperfecta,…
Read MoreHow does “foreseeability” affect a New York personal injury case?
Our actions sometimes have unexpected consequences, but to what extent are we liable when these actions cause someone to get hurt? The answer to this question plays a pivotal role in determining whether or not we can be held responsible when an act of negligence on our part results in a personal injury. Determining negligence…
Read MoreCommon Halloween injuries to watch for
As children, we loved Halloween for a number of reasons: the scary costumes, the thrill of stuffing our bags with candy, and the joy of running around the neighborhood with our friends. We also enjoyed being scared by the idea of ghosts, ghouls, and other monsters lurking in the dark. Now that we’re adults, and…
Read MoreBronx road rage injuries
Earlier this month, a furious driver used a baseball bat to fracture the skull of a 22-year-old furniture deliveryman after the latter failed to move his double-parked van. After exchanging angry words with the victim and another delivery driver, the assailant threatened to open fire, but instead grabbed a bat, approached the van on foot,…
Read MoreSchool bus injuries in New York: What parents should know
Comparatively few children live within walking distance of their school, making it necessary for them to take the bus. While the majority of trips take place without incident, it is, regrettably, not uncommon for parents to receive a call that their son or daughter has been hurt while riding to or from school. One of…
Read MoreCommon summertime personal injuries
Although Labor Day has passed and school is in session, temperatures are still warm and people remain in the summer holiday spirit. For some, this means weekends away, hours in the swimming pool, and other continued warm weather fun. Although relaxing and enjoyable, summer activities are not without risks. To lessen the chances of an…
Read MoreJaywalking injuries in New York City
New York City’s streets are chaotic, but laws are still in place. If you are using a crosswalk in proper accordance with the signal being displayed and a motor vehicle hits you, then the driver will most likely be held at fault. Even if a crosswalk lacks signals, drivers are legally obligated to give you…
Read MoreWhiplash injuries in New York
If you were recently in a motor vehicle accident—as a driver or passenger- and now suffer from persistent and excruciating neck and / or back pain, then you may have suffered whiplash in the collision. Whiplash is a commonly used term for neck sprains and strains that occur when your neck is suddenly and violently…
Read MoreThe rights of injured passengers in New York car accidents
After a collision occurs, passengers have the same rights as drivers when it comes to seeking compensation for their injuries, which may include: Traumatic brain injury and/or facial trauma from striking the dashboard or window Whiplash and back injury from being rear-ended Widespread physical trauma from a side-impact collision Who is legally obligated to provide…
Read MoreATV Safety
Over the Memorial Day weekend, a high school teacher was involved in an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) crash that led to her death in western New York State. The teacher crashed her ATV on a rural road in Yorkshire. She was only 33 years old. ATV crashes, many of which result in serious injuries, occur regularly…
Read MoreCan part-time employees receive workers’ compensation in New York?
Worker’s compensation plays an indispensable role in the nation’s employment system. It ensures that if you are injured while carrying out employment-related duties, your medical costs are covered. Many people, however, wonder if this protection is also extended to part-time employees. The answer is, yes. New York is not an elective state when it comes…
Read MoreBringing a personal injury claim against the government
All kinds of injuries occur on public property. People trip on defective sidewalks, vehicles collide when traffic lights malfunction, and pedestrians stumble into excavation sites that are poorly marked, especially at night. In these cases, the agency responsible for maintaining the sidewalks or traffic signals should be held legally responsible, and they can be, under…
Read MoreRequesting your medical records in a personal injury case
When you are embarking on a personal injury claim, you will have to request your medical records, as these documents will serve as key evidence in any settlement demand or offer. These records confirm details such as: Proof of your physical injuries Assessment of the injuries Medical treatment costs, which can help to calculate any…
Read MoreWhat is discovery in a personal injury case?
When you are involved in a personal injury case, the process of discovery enables you—and your attorney to gather information about the other side’s case. There are several ways that important information can be gathered according to the state or federal rules of civil procedure. Interrogatories Interrogatories consist of a series of questions posed to…
Read MoreSchool bus injuries in New York City
The holidays are over, and now children all over New York State are returning to their classes. Many of them ride in school buses, which are designed and intended to take them to and from school without incident. Bus drivers are supposed to drive carefully, and the vehicles themselves should be maintained and equipped for…
Read MoreUber injuries in New York
Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing services have increased in popularity across New York State. They appeal primarily to commuters who either dislike or do not have access to public transit but find regular cab travel cost prohibitive. A couple of taps on their Uber smartphone app and they’re off. When you travel in a motor…
Read MoreLimousine accidents in New York
During the holiday season, the demand for limousine services always skyrocket. These luxurious vehicles, stocked with treats, champagne, and built-in entertainment systems, take passengers to and from airports, hotels, and party venues. Many would argue that no holiday bash is complete without a ride in a sleek and graceful stretch limo. When passengers, drivers and…
Read MoreSnowplow accidents in New York City
Harsh, snow-loaded winters tend to be the norm in New York State. That is why people using the public roads and highways rely on snowplows to clear these thoroughfares and make them safe to use. It’s not an easy job, but snowplow operators have a moral and legal obligation to carry out their duties without…
Read MoreBridge collapse accidents in New York
New York City contains some of the world’s most famous and picturesque bridges. Every day thousands of people cross them on their way to home, work, and other destinations. Bridges are a vital transport link, but unfortunately, they also pose certain risks. In 2014 the American Road and Transportation Builders Association published a report stating…
Read MoreInsurance bad faith
Dealing with insurance companies after a motor vehicle accident can be difficult and frustrating. If you have a valid reason to believe that an insurance company is not negotiating your claim in good faith, you may be entitled to take legal action against it. There are many ways that insurance companies can show bad faith…
Read MoreRailroad crossing injuries in New York
The United States has an estimated 209,000 railway crossings spread across over 600 railroads. Although train travel is not as common in this era, the nation’s railroads remain fairly active with commercial freight and, like any transport medium, experience their share of collisions and related accidents. Railroad crossing accidents are typically catastrophic events. A review…
Read MoreTraumatic brain injuries
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Injury Prevention (CDC), 2.4 million Americans suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) every year, and over 50,000 die from their injury. At present, it is the leading cause of disability and death in children, young adults, and the elderly. In cases where the victim manages to survive,…
Read MoreNew York police officer line of duty injuries
Officers with the NYPD have dangerous jobs. During every minute they spend protecting the property and citizenry of New York, they face death or personal injury due to: Motor vehicle accidents during high-speed chases or even on patrol Confrontations with armed suspects Defective police equipment Dangerous station house premises (e.g. wet locker room floors, obstructions…
Read MoreTexting and driving injuries
New York State law prohibits the use of a handheld mobile phone or portable electronic device while driving. Despite this ban, drivers are pulled over all the time for activities like the following: Talking on a handheld phone Reading, composing, and/or sending text messages Surfing the Internet Viewing, taking, and sending photos Playing electronic games…
Read MoreParaplegia and quadriplegia injuries in New York
Personal injuries that result in paraplegia or quadriplegia are both physically and emotionally devastating. Once you lose the ability to move some or all of your limbs, your life will never be the same. You will never be able to play with your children, participate in sports and other forms of invigorating exercise, or even…
Read MoreCar accident caused death of 3 on Halloween
It is imperative that this year, we all take serious precautions on Halloween as we should every day of the year. Last year’s car-pedestrian crash in the Morris Heights section of the Bronx highlights faced by car drivers and trick-or-treaters. A truck driver, who was driving a sedan at the time of the accident, twice…
Read MoreMotor vehicle accidents
Not all motor vehicle accidents are harmless fender-benders. Many are major collisions that result in serious injury and even death, forever changing the lives of the victims and their loved ones. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 1,039 New Yorkers were killed in car crashes in 2014, and injury totals were even higher. Leading…
Read MoreBicycle accident injuries in New York
Throughout New York State, people use bicycles for transportation, exercise, and recreation. Unfortunately, bicycles offer little protection from common road hazards, so when an accident occurs, the resulting injuries can be catastrophic. Most New York bicycle accidents can be attributed to one or more of the following factors: Motorists that fail to share the road,…
Read MoreInjured on a New York City bus? Here’s what to do
When you ride the bus to get to work or school or to accomplish an errand, you rely on it to carry you safely to your destination and back. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. Every year literally thousands of people are seriously injured or even killed in bus-related accidents, many of which are caused by…
Read MoreIs driving with a pet really all that distracting?
As pets become an increasingly important part of many people’s day-to-day lives, it is tempting to think that getting behind the wheel with your pet in the car is not that big of a deal. Sometimes, there is no choice but to travel with your pet in the car. Whether it is a trip to…
Read MoreHelp! I got into an accident with my kids; now what?
Being involved in any New York car accident is a jarring experience, but that becomes even more intense when your kids are in the vehicle with you during the accident. The most important thing you can do in the immediate aftermath is to remain calm and contact emergency personnel. Children, much like any other victim,…
Read MoreTop signs of a severe neck injury after a car accident
There are many different injuries that you can sustain after a severe New York car accident, but understanding when you need to get further treatment and tests completed to document your condition and to obtain the proper treatment is important. Plenty of individuals will experience neck problems at some point or another over their life,…
Read MorePeople just are not that interested in self-driving cars, no matter the safety benefits
There have been plenty of research studies dedicated to the fact that automated vehicles could help individuals prevent accidents on the road. That is because the computer technology behind the automated vehicles eliminates the possibility of human error. That being said, a new research study out of the University of Michigan indicates that despite these…
Read MoreWhat should I do if I think multiple parties caused my car accident?
If you have recently been injured in a car accident, then you are probably overwhelmed with the process of trying to keep up with your own medical bills and treatment. Hiring the right New York personal injury attorney is an important first step in protecting your rights and ensuring that you are represented aggressively in…
Read MoreIs a police report really needed immediately after an accident?
You might suspect that after being injured in a minor accident in New York that you do not need to file a police report. There are numerous reasons why you should file a police report just in case, and one of the most important of these is to have an accurate version of the events…
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