NYC Car Accident Lawyers

Santana Law Firm is an award-winning New York City personal injury law firm that represents people seriously injured in NYC car and truck accidents. We are devoted to helping people and their loved ones get the compensation they deserve in the wake of a devastating auto accident.

Millions of cars, pedestrians, bicyclists, busses, trucks, and cabs are all trying to share the busy streets of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx on any given day. This congestion can lead to a dangerous and potentially deadly situation when drivers are negligent, roads are unsafe, or extreme weather decreases visibility. In a split second, anyone’s life can be changed by a car crash.

At Santana Law Firm, we help clients who have been injured in all types of car and truck accidents, including rear-end collisions, sideswipes, Uber & Lyft accidents, T-bone crashes, and pedestrian accidents. We have gone up against some of the toughest insurance companies, all in the name of helping our clients reduce the burden of their medical costs and find closure after an accident.

If you or a loved one was hurt in an accident in New York, Santana Law Firm can help. Our lawyers are ready to assist you today.

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NYC Car Accidents
Cause Serious Injuries Each Year

New York City’s infamously busy streets can become dangerous when motorists are careless. According to NYC’s Vision Zero dashboard, more than 4,000 pedestrians, drivers, and bicyclists are injured every month in car accidents within the five boroughs.

Many of these crashes result in life-altering injuries, serious property damage, and, in some cases, death. These injuries are all the more devastating when you consider that many of them could have been prevented if drivers had been more careful and road safety was improved.

Common causes of car crashes in NYC are:

The harm that results from these accidents can range from minor property damage, such as fender-benders, to major injuries that require extensive medical care and cause lifelong disability. People involved in significant car and truck crashes may face:

When you are recovering from serious injuries, the last thing you want to worry about is dealing with an insurance company and figuring out how to pay for your medical care. An experienced car crash lawyer can help you pursue compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Who Is Responsible for My Car Crash Injury?

New York State requires anyone who owns a vehicle to carry auto insurance. Since NY also has “no-fault” insurance rules, you are required to seek compensation for your injuries from your own insurance company first, even if another party was responsible for the crash.

More often than not, insurance companies, whether yours or another party’s, won’t write you a check without a fight. Your insurance provider may try to find an excuse to deny your claim or offer the lowest settlement possible.

In other cases, your policy may not cover all the costs of your medical care and/or property damage. When that happens, your next option is to pursue compensation from the negligent parties responsible for your accident.

New York State allows victims to file a claim against any party that contributed to their injuries. You may be able to file a claim and recover money from:

  • Bicyclists
  • Bus drivers
  • Cab companies
  • Car part manufacturers
  • Motorcyclists
  • Other drivers
  • Pedestrians
  • The MTA
  • The NYC Department of Transportation
  • The driver of the vehicle you were in
  • Truck drivers
  • Trucking companies

When multiple people and entities may have contributed to your accident, it can be challenging to determine who to file a claim against. The more complicated your case, the more important it is that you work with a skilled lawyer who is experienced in handling auto accident cases.

What if I’m Partially Responsible for the Crash?

New York is a comparative fault state, which means you can recover money for your injuries as long as you are not 100% responsible for the accident. Even if you are 90% to blame, the fact that someone else is 10% responsible will allow you to pursue compensation.

Sharing some responsibility for the crash will affect how much money you can recover. Your damages will be reduced in proportion to the degree of fault. For example, if it’s determined that you are 40% responsible, your damages will be reduced by 40%.

Because of this rule, other involved parties may try to shift as much of the blame as possible onto you. This is why it’s important to have an experienced car accident lawyer on your side to ensure you receive the correct amount of compensation.

Santana Law Firm

will deal with insurance companies and negligent parties on your behalf and fight to get you the maximum compensation possible after a car accident.

Recovering Money After a Car Accident Injury

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car or truck accident, you don’t have to accept the first offer from your insurance company. You can negotiate with insurance companies and pursue damages from every party involved. You can seek compensation for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Rehabilitation
  • Disability
  • Disfigurement and scarring
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost wages and earning potential
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

The amount of money you can recover will depend on the severity of your injuries, the apportionment of fault, and how many parties are involved. Your recovery may also depend on the skill and expertise of your lawyer. An attorney who has experience handling auto crash cases and negotiating with insurance companies will likely get you a better result.

What to Do After a Car Accident in NYC

After a crash, it is imperative that you take steps to protect your health and preserve your right to pursue compensation.

If you or a loved one is involved in an accident, here’s what you should keep in mind:

1
Call the police.

Even if an accident seems minor, you should always have an officer dispatched to the scene to file a police report. The report may preserve details and evidence that would otherwise be forgotten. More importantly, if you don’t have a report on record, it will be very challenging to file an insurance claim or lawsuit in the future.

2
Preserve evidence and witness contact information.

If you are able, take pictures and video of the scene and collect any physical evidence, such as defective seatbelt parts. If there are witnesses to the crash, ask them for their contact information and note any statements they make. Although the police should collect some of this information, it can be helpful to have your own evidence as well.

3
Seek medical attention.

Due to the fight-or-flight response that kicks in during a stressful event, many car crash-related injuries don’t show up until hours or days later. Even if you feel fine right after the accident, you should still visit your doctor or go to the emergency room to get any necessary treatment. This could not only save your life, but it will create a record of your diagnosis that will be crucial if you decide to pursue compensation for medical care.

4
Don’t deal with insurance on your own.

Insurance companies will do whatever they can to minimize the amount of money they have to pay out. They know you are in a vulnerable position after an accident, and they may use that to their advantage by giving you a low-ball offer. The best thing you can do to protect yourself is to avoid talking to any insurance company. Work with a skilled attorney who will handle all insurance company correspondence and negotiate on your behalf.

NYC Car Crash Injury Lawyers Working for You

If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury in a New York City auto accident, you shouldn’t have to worry about how to pay for your medical expenses or deal with the administrative burden of negotiating with insurance companies. You need time and space to heal, and you deserve compensation for the pain and suffering you’ve experienced.

At Santana Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping our clients obtain the payment they deserve. Jaime Santana and his team will take on the burden of your case by conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of your accident, working to disprove any claim that you are responsible for the crash, and handling communication with all involved parties. Above all, we will give you the support and compassion you need during this difficult time.

If you need assistance recovering compensation after a NYC car or truck crash, we’re here to help. Contact our office today for a free, confidential consultation.