Long Island, located in New York, is home to millions of people and is a popular tourist destination. The area is bustling with activity; unfortunately, accidents are common. Injuries in these accidents can range from minor cuts and bruises to life-altering injuries.
Here, you can learn about the most common Long Island accident injuries, the laws governing personal injury claims, and what to do if you are injured in an accident.
Statistics on Long Island Accident Injuries
According to the New York State Department of Health, there were 28,097 hospitalizations due to unintentional injuries in Nassau and Suffolk counties in 2019. This includes injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents, falls, and other accidents. Additionally, there were 1,114 deaths due to unintentional injuries in the same year.
Motor vehicle accidents were the leading cause of unintentional injury hospitalizations, accounting for 7,678 hospitalizations in 2019. Falls were the second leading cause, accounting for 7,053 hospitalizations. Other causes of unintentional injury hospitalizations include poisoning, drowning, and burns.
Laws Governing Personal Injury Claims in Long Island
If you are injured in an accident in Long Island caused by someone else’s negligence, you can often file a personal injury claim to receive damages for your injuries and losses. However, it is important to understand the laws that govern personal injury claims in Long Island.
One of the most important laws to understand is the statute of limitations. In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the accident date. This means that you must file your claim within three years, or you may lose your right to seek compensation.
Another important law to understand is comparative negligence. New York is a comparative negligence state, which means that if you are partially at fault for the accident that caused your injuries, your compensation may be reduced proportionally to your level of fault. For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by 30%.
Common Long Island Accident Injuries
Now that we have discussed the statistics and laws related to Long Island accident injuries let’s look at the most common types of injuries sustained in these accidents.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury sustained in car accidents. It occurs when the head is forcefully whipped back and forth, causing injury to the neck muscles and ligaments. Symptoms of whiplash may include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are another common injury sustained in car accidents and falls. Depending on the severity of the break, the injury may require surgery and a lengthy recovery period. Commonly broken bones include fractures of the arms, legs, and ribs.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are often the result of a blow to the head, such as in a car accident or fall. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe injuries that result in permanent brain damage. Symptoms of a TBI may include headaches, dizziness, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can be life-altering and may result in paralysis. These injuries are often sustained in car accidents and falls. Symptoms may include loss of sensation, muscle weakness, and difficulty breathing.
Burns
Various accidents, including car accidents, explosions, and fires can cause burns. Depending on the severity of the burn, the injury may require skin grafts and a lengthy recovery period. Burns can also result in scarring and disfigurement.
Types of Compensation You Can Receive After Being Injured in an Accident
When you are injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. This compensation can help you cover the costs of your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to your injury.
Specific types of compensation you may be entitled to after being injured in an accident include the following:
Medical Expenses
One of the most common types of compensation in personal injury claims is compensation for medical expenses. This can include the cost of emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, doctor visits, and any necessary medical equipment or medication. Depending on the severity of your injuries, these expenses can add up quickly and significantly impact your finances.
Lost Wages
If your injury prevents you from working, you may receive compensation for lost wages. This can include wages you would have earned if you had not been injured, as well as future wages if your injury will prevent you from working. In some cases, you may also be entitled to compensation for lost earning capacity if your injury will affect your ability to earn a living in the future.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering refer to the physical and emotional pain you experience due to your injury. This can include physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Calculating pain and suffering damages can be difficult, as they are subjective and vary widely depending on the circumstances of your injury.
Property Damage
If your property, such as your car, was damaged in the accident that caused your injury, you may be entitled to compensation for repairing or replacing the damaged property. This can also include any personal property damaged in the accident, such as a cell phone or laptop.
Loss of Consortium
Loss of consortium refers to the loss of companionship or support that a spouse or family member experiences due to your injury. This can include the loss of a spouse’s companionship, support, and services, such as cooking or cleaning.
What to do if You are Injured in an Accident
If you are injured in an accident in Long Island, it is important to take the following steps:
Seek Medical Attention
Your health should be your top priority after an accident. Even if you feel fine, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is important. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, may not show symptoms immediately, and delaying treatment can lead to more serious complications.
Document the Accident
Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to vehicles or property. If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information. This documentation can be helpful when filing a personal injury claim.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. They can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and file a personal injury lawsuit if necessary.
Keep Records of Your Expenses and Losses
To recover compensation for your damages, you must provide documentation of your expenses and losses. Keep records of your medical bills, lost wages, and any other expenses related to the accident.
Be Wary of Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to pay out as little as possible for your claim. Be wary of any offers they make, and do not accept a settlement without first consulting with an attorney.
Contact Our Attorneys After Sustaining Long Island Accident Injuries
Accidents are common on Long Island, and the injuries sustained in these accidents can be life-altering. If you are injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, it is important to understand your rights and the laws governing personal injury claims in Long Island.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. Remember to prioritize your health and seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident. Keep records of your expenses and losses, and be wary of insurance companies. With the right guidance and support, you can recover the compensation you deserve and move forward from your accident.
Contact our Long Island accident injury lawyers if you need assistance with your case. We are here to help you through this difficult situation.
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