Car Accidents
Car accidents in New York claim hundreds of lives every year and result in tens of thousands of injuries.
The vast majority of traffic crashes are preventable. Most are the result of operator error and driver negligence. Some drivers are simply careless. Others are reckless.
At The Law Offices of Cammarasana & Bilello, our dedicated team of New York car accident lawyers fight vigorously to ensure crash victims receive the full compensation to which they are entitled.
Involvement in a serious auto accident can leave you reeling and unsure of the next step. We can help. We have the benefit of decades of trial experience, and will not hesitate to take your case to a jury if necessary.
Innocent car accident victims should not have to pay for losses they incur as a result of someone else’s wrongdoing. Some of what they can fight to recover:
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Medical Expenses
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Lost Wages
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Loss of Earning Potential
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Physical Pain and Suffering
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Mental/ Emotional Pain and Suffering
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Loss of Consortium (suffered by a spouse or child)
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Property Damage
New York is a no-fault state when it comes to auto accidents, which means drivers first collect from their own insurance companies when there is a crash.
Although the named defendant(s) in your case will be the liable individuals or companies, the entities usually responsible for payment are auto insurance companies. Knowing how to negotiate a fair settlement with these firms is critical because most cases will be resolved via settlement. However, ensuring an advantageous deal often requires a reputation for winning in the courtroom.
No matter what those catchy jingles promise, insurance companies are not “on your side” and they don’t intend to make sure you are “in good hands.” Their goal 100 percent of the time is to minimize payouts – no matter how serious your injuries and regardless of your claim’s legitimacy. It’s not uncommon for auto insurers to make lowball settlements for far less than a claim is worth or to delay or outright deny claims that are justified.
Auto insurers are bound by good faith insurance laws, which can be used to compel insurers to treat you fairly. Causes for bad faith action are spelled out and Insurers who neglect to deal fairly with victims or their own clients when liability is clear may be penalized with:
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Monetary damages (including in some cases triple damages)
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Loss of business license
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Injunctive relieve
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Attorney fees
Victims must have a New York car accident attorney who can recognize bad faith, call insurers out and seek appropriate legal remedies.
While a significant number of these cases involve the at-fault driver’s insurer, many cases also engage the victim’s own insurance company. In cases where the at-fault driver lacked insurance, didn’t have enough insurance or is unidentified due to a hit-and-run, injured persons can pursue uninsured/ underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage from their own carrier.
While uninsured motorist coverage is required , underinsured motorist coverage is not. Still, it’s a very smart idea to purchase this additional coverage because even though New York has a relatively low rate of uninsured drivers (compared to the national average), a huge percentage of motorists only secure the minimum coverage required by New York State law
Those limits are:
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Bodily Injury to Others: $25,000 per person/ $50,000 per accident
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Personal Injury Protection:
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Bodily Injury Caused by Uninsured Vehicle: $25,000 per person/ $50,000 per accident
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Property Damage:
The truth of the matter is $25,000 won’t go far if you’ve suffered serious injuries in a New York car accident.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates there are 10 million crashes annually resulting in nearly 2.5 million serious injuries and more than 33,000 deaths. Medical bills alone can easily exceed that $25,000.00 limit. You are going to need additional coverage – and you will need an experienced legal team to ensure you receive the benefits you are rightfully owed.
If you have been involved in a New York car accident, don't waist time , call our offices @ 1-800- 95-New York, (516) 746-6066 as soon as possible to learn more about your rights and the best course of action.
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