NEW YORK CITY CAR ACCIDENT Attorneys
Navigating the congested streets of New York City can be daunting for even the most skilled drivers. The high volume of traffic, aggressive driving, and ever-changing road conditions all contribute to an increased risk of accidents. When you or a loved one becomes a victim of a car accident, the consequences can be devastating, resulting in severe injuries, costly medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Our legal team at Sutton & Smyth, LLP understands that dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, so we want to do everything we can to make this challenging chapter of your life easier to work through and cope with. We are committed to guiding you through the complex legal process, protecting your rights, and fighting for the compensation you need to cover the expenses sustained due to your accident.
Place your trust in Sutton & Smyth, LLP, and let us be your champions during this difficult time.
Call us at (866) 935-1862today for a free, confidential consultation with our New York City car accident lawyers.
Common Types of Car Accidents We Handle
A car accident, also known as a traffic collision, refers to an incident in which one or more vehicles collide with each other or with other objects, leading to damage to the vehicles and potentially causing injuries or fatalities. Car accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, including human error, environmental factors, mechanical failures, and more.
Here are some common types of car accidents:
- Rear-End Collisions: These accidents occur when one vehicle collides with the rear end of another. They are often the result of one driver following too closely or not paying attention to the road ahead.
- Head-On Collisions: In a head-on collision, two vehicles traveling in opposite directions crash into each other. These accidents tend to be more severe and have a higher risk of causing serious injuries or fatalities.
- Side-Impact Collisions (T-Bone): Side-impact collisions happen when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another. These accidents often occur at intersections and can result in serious injuries, especially if the point of impact is near the occupants.
- Single-Vehicle Accidents: These involve only one vehicle and can result from various causes, such as running off the road, hitting a stationary object like a tree or utility pole, or rollovers.
- Multi-Vehicle Pileups: These accidents typically happen on highways and involve numerous vehicles colliding with each other, often due to poor weather conditions or reduced visibility.
- Sideswipe Accidents: In a sideswipe collision, two vehicles traveling parallel to each other make contact along their sides. These accidents may occur during lane changes or merging onto highways.
- Hit and Run Accidents: A hit and run occurs when one driver involved in an accident leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information or render assistance. This is illegal in most jurisdictions.
- Parking Lot Accidents: These accidents occur in parking lots and are often minor fender-benders that result from drivers maneuvering in tight spaces or failing to yield the right of way.
New York Car Accident Laws
New York operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means that when you are involved in a car accident, your own insurance company is responsible for covering your medical expenses and other economic losses, regardless of who was at fault.
To step outside the no-fault system and bring a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver for non-economic damages, your injuries must meet the "serious injury threshold." New York law defines serious injuries as those that result in significant disfigurement, fractures, permanent loss or significant limitation of use of a body organ or function, or death.
Additionally, New York follows a comparative negligence system, which means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages from the other party, but your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. For example, if you were 20% at fault, your recovery would be reduced by 20%.
In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident is generally three years from the date of the accident. It's essential to initiate legal action within this time frame, or you may lose your right to seek compensation.
Turn to Our NYC Car Accident Lawyers Today!
At Sutton & Smyth, LLP, we are here to help you navigate the intricate legal landscape of Manhattan car accident cases. Our experienced team of car accident attorneys in New York City is dedicated to advocating for your rights, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve, and guiding you through the intricacies of New York's legal system.
With our expertise, we work tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable and help you regain control of your life. When you choose us, you are not alone in this journey – we stand by your side every step of the way, providing the support and legal representation you need.
Contact us today at (866) 935-1862 to discuss your case. Let us be your trusted advocates in seeking the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.
Our Satisfied Clients
Read What They Say About Us
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“Highly recommend! Thank you!”
“Daniel was very knowledgeable, super attentive, and quick to inform me throughout the entire process.”- Samantha S. -
“I would highly recommend this law firm.”
“He continuously updated me throughout the entire process and answered all my questions.”- A. L. -
“Thank you so much for listening to us when no one else would.”
“Leigh Sutton & Daniel Smyth made sure that his voice was heard and he was compensated to the max!”- Mari K. -
“I always felt like I was in great hands.”
“My experience working with Dan was working with someone transparent, helpful, and consistent, and I'm really happy I met him when I did.”- Erin R. -
“Obtained better than expected results on all cases referred...”
“I am an attorney that has referred a number of sensitive cases to the attorneys at Sutton & Smyth, LLP.”- Michael L. -
“Daniel made me feel at ease throughout my entire process.”
“He is very knowledgeable, super attentive, and quick to inform and respond.”- Catherine M. -
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“Extremely helpful counsel during a stressful time in my life!”- Kelly P.
REcent Case Victories
Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations might be.
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$1.7 Million Property Damage Due to Fire
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$775K Motorcycle Accident
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$750K Ceiling Collapse in Rental Apartment
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$585K Bicycle Accident Involving Taxi
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$485K Sidewalk Trip & Fall
The Car Accident Claims Process
Having an experienced attorney by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At Sutton & Smyth, LLP, our skilled New York City car accident attorneys can provide invaluable support and guidance throughout the legal process and experienced and aggressive representation.
Case Evaluation
We begin by assessing the details of your case, determining liable parties, and evaluating the extent of your injuries, property damage, and other losses. This initial evaluation helps determine the merits of your claim and the appropriate course of action.
Investigation & Evidence Collection
Our legal team can thoroughly investigate the accident, gathering vital evidence like photographs, videos, witness statements, police reports, and medical records. This evidence is crucial to building a solid case and establishing liability.
Handling Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, as they often attempt to minimize payouts or shift blame onto the victim. We will handle communications with insurance adjusters, advocating for your best interests and making a solid case for fair compensation covering all your medical needs.
Compensation Through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance
Under New York’s no-fault system, each driver’s car insurance policy includes personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, compensating for medical expenses, lost wages, and other necessary costs related to your accident, regardless of who is at fault. In most cases, you must turn to your PIP coverage rather than pursue a personal injury claim or lawsuit against an at-fault driver.
It is important to note that these no-fault benefits do not cover non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering. You can only seek compensation for these losses through a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Limitations on Lawsuits
New York’s no-fault system limits when you can pursue a personal injury claim or lawsuit against an at-fault party. You are only eligible to do so if PIP cannot cover all your losses or if you have suffered a “serious injury” as defined by New York law.
Examples of these injuries include:
- Significant disfigurement
- Fractures
- Permanent or substantial limitations of a body function
- Significant loss of use of a body organ or limb
- Loss of an unborn baby
You may also be able to file a claim or lawsuit against a third-party, such as a manufacturer of defective auto parts or a mechanic whose error led to the accident in which you sustained your injuries.
Following a case evaluation, our team will carefully review the circumstances and details of your situation and discuss your options with you. Our goal is to make sure that you have the opportunity to heal, and we will fight for the resources that you need to do so.