Car Accident Attorney in Levittown, New York

Many exciting landmarks and experiences may come to mind when you think of New York. However, the city is also known for traffic – and a lot of it. While things are less congested in Levittown, there are still cars, trucks, buses, and more on the roads all hours of the day and night. Because of this, car accidents are inevitable. We are here to help you with our car accident lawyers in Levittown.

If you are involved in a car accident, taking the right steps is necessary to protect yourself and your right to compensation. At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III, we understand the devastating impact a car accident can have on you and your family – and we are here to help.

Common Causes of Levittown Car Accidents

Understanding the common causes of car accidents in Levittown, New York, is crucial for prevention and knowing your rights should you find yourself a victim.

At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III, we’ve handled several car accident cases, giving us insight into what usually goes wrong on the road. Here are some of the most common causes we’ve identified.

Distracted Driving

One of the leading causes of car accidents, not just in Levittown but across the United States, is distracted driving. This includes anything that takes your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off driving.

Activities like texting, eating, and even fiddling with the radio can lead to severe accidents. We can help you build a strong case if distracted driving is a factor in your accident.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

It’s an unfortunate truth that many people ignore speed limits and drive recklessly. High speeds reduce the driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or obstacles in the roadway and extend the distance needed to stop a vehicle.

Accidents resulting from speeding or reckless driving often result in more severe injuries, complicating medical recovery and legal claims.

Driving Under the Influence

Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Despite strict laws against driving under the influence (DUI), it remains a significant issue in Levittown. You may be entitled to substantial compensation if you or a loved one has been a victim of an accident where the other driver was under the influence.

Weather Conditions

The weather changes frequently in the area. You may experience fog in the morning and rain in the evening. Slippery or wet roads increase the chances of accidents.

Although you can’t control the weather, you can control how you drive. If another driver’s negligence in adverse weather conditions led to your accident, we can help you secure the compensation you are entitled to.

Failure to Obey Traffic Signs and Signals

Ignoring traffic signs and signals is another common cause of accidents. Running red lights and stop signs, illegal turns, and wrong-way driving are examples. When drivers fail to obey the rules of the road, they put everyone at risk.

Common Injuries Seen in Car Accidents

Every car accident is unique. Your speed, the type of vehicle you were in, if you had on your seat belt, and more. While true, some injuries are more common than others.

Here are some of the most common injuries car accident victims may sustain:

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash is one of the most frequent injuries in car accidents, particularly rear-end collisions. The sudden head and neck movement can cause muscle strains and ligament sprains. While whiplash often heals within a few weeks, severe cases may require physical therapy and cause prolonged pain.

Broken Bones and Fractures

The force exerted during a car crash can easily break bones. Common fractures include wrist, arm, and leg bones. These injuries can be particularly debilitating, often requiring surgery and extensive recovery time. Depending on the nature of the break, victims may also face long-term complications such as reduced mobility or arthritis.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Car accidents, including concussions, are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries occur when the brain is shaken or hit, affecting normal brain function. Symptoms range from headaches and dizziness to more severe issues like cognitive impairment. TBIs can have lasting consequences, affecting everything from memory to emotional well-being.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The impact of a car accident can severely damage the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries are among the most severe and life-altering, often requiring lifelong medical care. They can also lead to other complications, such as respiratory issues and increased infection risk.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons—known as soft tissue injuries—are also common. These can cause significant pain and limit mobility. Soft tissue injuries often require physical therapy and may take time to fully heal.

Steps to Take After a Levittown Car Accident

Being involved in a car accident can be a disorienting and traumatic experience. However, knowing the steps to take immediately after the incident can significantly affect your physical and financial recovery.

We’re committed to guiding you through this challenging period at The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III. Here are the crucial steps you should take if you are in a car accident in Levittown, New York.

Ensure Safety and Call for Help

The very first thing you should do is assess your immediate safety and that of others involved. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road, away from oncoming traffic.

Turn on your hazard lights and put up road flares if you have them. Call 911 immediately, especially if there are injuries. This will ensure that medical help arrives as soon as possible and provide an official record of the incident.

Document the Scene

Use your smartphone or camera to take photographs of the accident scene from various angles. Capture details like vehicle positions, skid marks, and any visible damage.

If there are witnesses, take down their contact information and statements. This information can prove invaluable when filing insurance claims or if legal action is necessary.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, getting a medical evaluation is essential. Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may not manifest symptoms immediately.

A complete medical examination can diagnose any underlying issues, providing a crucial medical record that may be important for insurance and legal claims.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with all the relevant information and be honest about the details.

Any discrepancies in your account can cause problems later, particularly if you end up in court. Make sure to keep a record of all communications with your insurance company.

Consult an Experienced Levittown Car Accident Lawyers

Before accepting any settlements or signing any documents, it’s advisable to consult an experienced car accident attorney. We can guide you through the legal process, ensuring you understand your rights and options. We’ll also represent your best interests in negotiations with insurance companies or legal proceedings.

Keep Records

Start a file containing all documents related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies. This will provide a comprehensive record that can help substantiate your claims.

The Legal Process to File a Car Accident Claim in New York

The time after a car accident can be confusing and complicated. Understanding the legal process can help take some of the confusion out of this process.

Immediate Actions Post-Accident

The first thing you should do after a car accident is check for injuries and call 911 if medical assistance is needed. Document the scene by taking pictures and collecting information from witnesses.

File a police report, which will be vital evidence in your claim. Even if injuries appear minor, get a medical evaluation to establish a record of any physical harm.

Notification and Consultation

Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. An early report is essential for preserving your rights under your policy.

Next, consult with an experienced car accident lawyers in Levittown. They can help you understand your legal options and the potential worth of your claim.

Investigation and Evidence Collection

Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to collect evidence supporting your claim. This may include obtaining police reports, medical records, witness statements, and other available documentation or evidence like security camera footage.

Filing the Initial Claim

In New York, car accident claims usually begin with filing a “No-Fault” insurance claim with your insurance company, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. You generally have 30 days to file this claim.

No-fault coverage can cover your medical bills and other out-of-pocket expenses but won’t compensate you for pain and suffering. For that, a separate claim against the at-fault driver may be necessary.

Settlement Negotiation

Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to attempt a fair settlement. This involves presenting evidence, evaluating your claim based on damages and injuries, and negotiating terms in your best interest.

Filing a Lawsuit

If settlement negotiations break down or the statute of limitations is nearing, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit. In New York, you generally have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit from the accident date.

Litigation and Trial

Once a lawsuit is filed, both parties engage in discovery, which involves sharing evidence and information. The case proceeds to trial if a settlement is not reached during this stage. Here, both sides will present their arguments, and a judge or jury will render a verdict.

How We Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim

When you’ve been involved in a car accident, the path to recovery—both physical and financial—can be daunting. We can put our experience and knowledge to work to help you through this process.

Some of the reasons to choose us as your Levittown car accident lawyers include:

Comprehensive Initial Consultation

The first step in any legal process is understanding the specifics of your situation. During our initial consultation, we listened attentively to your account of the accident, asking key questions to assess the merits of your claim. This in-depth review allows us to offer you a tailored strategy and a realistic outlook on the potential outcomes of your case.

Thorough Investigation and Evidence Gathering

A solid claim is built on solid evidence. We take the lead in gathering all pertinent information, such as police reports, CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts, and medical records.

Our team may also consult accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals to strengthen your case. This meticulous approach ensures we leave no stone unturned.

Skillful Negotiations with Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies can be complicated and stressful, especially when recovering from an accident. We handle all communications and negotiations on your behalf, armed with the evidence and expertise to secure the best possible settlement for you. Our experience dealing with insurance adjusters gives us an edge in ensuring you receive fair compensation.

Courtroom Excellence

Should negotiations fail or if the opposing party contests the claim, we are fully prepared to take your case to court. Our lawyers are experienced litigators with a proven track record of courtroom successes. We will passionately advocate for your rights, aiming to get you the maximum compensation permitted by law.

Ongoing Support and Communication

We believe ongoing communication is key to easing stress during this difficult time. Our team will keep you updated at every stage of the process, from initial filings to negotiations and potential court proceedings. We are always available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Contingency Fee Basis

We operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. This means you pay nothing unless we secure a financial settlement or win your case in court. Our fee structure is transparent, and we’ll discuss this thoroughly with you during our initial consultation.

Get Help Securing the Compensation You Deserve with our Levittown Car Accident Lawyers

A car accident in Levittown can have devastating consequences. If you need assistance seeking compensation, contact our office.

At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III, we fight tirelessly for accident victims. You can count on us for the help and guidance needed during this challenging time.