Freeport, NY Car Accident Lawyers

Car accidents can occur anytime, leaving victims with serious injuries and overwhelming expenses. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Freeport, NY, the experienced attorneys at The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III, are here to help.

Our dedicated Freeport car accident lawyers will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.

If you were involved in a car accident caused by someone else, the first step to protecting your rights is to contact us. We can review your claim and determine if it is worth pursuing.

Learn more about car accidents in Freeport and your rights here.

Car Accident Laws in Freeport, NY

New York State follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning that after a car accident, you’ll generally turn to your insurance company for compensation regardless of who was at fault.

However, in cases where serious injuries or damages exceed the no-fault limits, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. A Freeport car accident attorney will provide you the right help at that time.

New York has several important car accident laws that you should be aware of, including:

No-Fault Insurance

As mentioned earlier, New York follows a no-fault insurance system. You can learn more about the no-fault law on the New York Department of Financial Services website.

Time Limits

You have three years from the car accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York. If you’re seeking compensation for property damage, you must file a lawsuit three years from the accident date.

Call us today at  516-221-7900 or contact us online using our free and secure submission form. We are available 24/7 to assist you and offer FREE initial consultations.

Comparative Negligence

New York follows the principle of comparative negligence, which means that if you’re partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault ( N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 1411).

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents in Freeport, NY, can be caused by various factors. Some of the most common causes from our experienced Freeport car accident lawyers include:

Distracted Driving: A Dangerous Habit

Distracted driving occurs when a driver’s attention is diverted from the road, increasing the risk of accidents. Common distractions include texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or using a GPS.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives in 2019. By staying focused on the road and avoiding distractions, drivers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and keep themselves and others safe.

Speeding: A Risky Behavior on the Road

Speeding is a leading cause of car accidents, as it reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of collisions. Driving at excessive speeds can lead to loss of control, longer stopping distances, and more significant damage in crashes.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that speeding contributed to 26% of all traffic fatalities in 2019. To reduce the risk of accidents, drivers should obey posted speed limits, adjust their speed to road conditions, and practice defensive driving techniques. But if an accident happens, our Freeport car accident lawyer is there to help.

Drunk Driving: A Deadly Choice

Drunk driving is a dangerous and illegal behavior that puts lives at risk. Alcohol impairs a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and motor skills, making it difficult to navigate roads safely.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 28 people die daily in the US due to alcohol-impaired driving. To prevent drunk driving accidents, it’s essential to never get behind the wheel while intoxicated, designate a sober driver, or utilize ride-sharing services or public transportation.

Aggressive Driving: A Threat to Road Safety

Aggressive driving includes dangerous behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, excessive speeding, and road rage. These actions can lead to serious accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that aggressive driving contributes to over half of all traffic fatalities. To prevent aggressive driving accidents, it’s crucial to remain calm behind the wheel, allow adequate following distance, use turn signals, and avoid engaging in confrontations with other drivers.

Weather Conditions: A Challenging Factor for Drivers

Poor weather conditions, such as rain, snow, fog, or ice, can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, increasing the risk of accidents. The Federal Highway Administration estimates that approximately 21% of car accidents are weather-related.

To stay safe during inclement weather, drivers should slow down, increase following distance, use headlights, and avoid sudden braking or steering. Additionally, it’s essential to maintain your vehicle by regularly checking tires, brakes, and windshield wipers for optimal performance.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Car accidents can result in various injuries, ranging from mild to severe. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Whiplash: This neck injury occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and backward, causing damage to the muscles and ligaments.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): A TBI can result from a violent blow or jolt to the head, leading to cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
• Broken Bones: Car accidents often result in broken bones, including fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, and more.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis and other complications.
• Internal Injuries: Car accidents can cause internal injuries, such as damage to organs, internal bleeding, and more.

How to Prove Liability in a Car Accident

Proving liability in a car accident is crucial to recovering compensation for injuries and damages. To establish liability, you’ll need to demonstrate the following elements:

• Duty of Care: Show that the at-fault driver owed you a duty of care to drive safely and follow traffic laws.
• Breach of Duty: Prove that the at-fault driver breached their duty of care by engaging in negligent behavior, such as speeding or driving while intoxicated.
• Causation: Establish a link between the at-fault driver’s negligence and the accident that caused your injuries.
• Damages: Provide evidence of the damages you’ve suffered as a result of the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Evidence that can help prove liability includes police reports, witness statements, photos or videos of the accident scene, and expert testimony.

Types of Damages You Can Recover

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to various types of damages, including:

• Economic Damages: These damages cover your financial losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
• Non-Economic Damages: These damages compensate you for non-financial losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the at-fault driver’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious, you may be awarded punitive damages to punish the driver and deter similar behavior.

How Our Law Firm Can Help

At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, our experienced Freeport, NY, car accident lawyers are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of your case and secure the compensation you deserve.

When you choose our law firm, you can expect the following:

• A Free Consultation: We’ll provide you with a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the details of your case and determine the best course of action.
• Thorough Investigation: Our Freeport car accident lawyer team will thoroughly investigate your accident, gathering crucial evidence and working with experts to build a strong case on your behalf.
• Skilled Negotiation: We’ll negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
• Aggressive Representation: If necessary, our attorneys are prepared to take your case to court, fighting for the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under the law.

Contact The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III, Today for Help with Your Car Accident Case

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Freeport, NY, you need the expertise and support of a skilled Freeport car accident lawyer to protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Contact The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III, today or complete our online contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

Call us today at  516-221-7900 or contact us online using our free and secure submission form. We are available 24/7 to assist you and offer FREE initial consultations.