Car Accident Attorney in New York County for Victims
Advocating for Car Accident Victims Across NYC
At Restivo & Murphy LLP, we handle catastrophic auto accident claims for clients throughout New York City, including Long Island, Nassau County, and Suffolk County. Leveraging over 60 years of combined experience, our car accident lawyers in New York County assist clients in securing the compensation they deserve. Our deep understanding of New York City's unique traffic conditions, such as its bustling intersections and heavy congestion, allows us to craft compelling cases tailored to the nuances of local accidents.
Moreover, knowing that each borough has distinct traffic patterns and accident statistics, we carefully analyze each case within its specific context. For instance, Manhattan's complexity with pedestrian-heavy areas differs significantly from the suburban nature of Staten Island. This comprehensive approach by our vehicle accident attorneys in New York County ensures that no stone is left unturned in pursuit of justice for our clients.
Call (800) 997-9109 today to discuss your situation with our New York City car accident attorneys.
Understanding NYC No-Fault Insurance Laws
What is No-Fault Insurance?
New York is a no-fault insurance state. Therefore, individuals involved in a car accident typically file a claim with their insurance company for damages, regardless of fault. To pursue a claim against an at-fault driver, one must sustain a serious injury. This system is designed to ensure quicker compensation for victims by eliminating the need to establish fault initially.
When Can You File a Lawsuit in New York County?
The no-fault system also caps certain benefits, which means understanding when an injury qualifies as 'serious' is crucial. Our firm provides thorough evaluations to help determine if your injuries meet the legal threshold. Additionally, we guide clients through the maze of paperwork required, ensuring deadlines are met and documents accurately reflect your situation. This assistance is pivotal in maintaining your rights and options when seeking further compensation.
In New York, a serious injury is one which results in:
- Significant disfigurement
- Broken bones
- Dismemberment
- Loss of a fetus
- Death
- Substantial limitation of a body function or system
- Permanent impairment of use of a body organ or limb
- Permanent consequential limitation of use of a body organ or member
If you have been severely injured in a car accident, we can help you file a claim against the other driver’s insurance company, and if necessary, a lawsuit. Our lawyers have extensive trial experience and a proven track record of obtaining maximum settlements. We approach each case with detailed research into the circumstances surrounding the incident, utilizing local accident reports and expert witness testimonies to bolster the claim's strength.
Comparative Negligence in New York Car Accident Cases
Not all car accidents are entirely one person's fault. Under New York’s pure comparative negligence laws, victims who were partially responsible for their accident can still receive compensation for their losses. However, your damage award will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For example, if the total damages are $100,000 and you are found to be 40% at fault, you would be awarded $60,000.
This legal principle ensures fairness by proportionally distributing responsibility among all parties involved. Our car accident attorneys in New York County can effectively argue your share of responsibility to minimize reductions to your award. We meticulously gather and analyze evidence to present a comprehensive picture that best reflects our clients’ roles and exposures.
Through careful negotiations and strategic legal advocacy, we strive to highlight mitigating factors that may reduce perceived liability. Our goal is to retain as much compensation as possible, capitalizing on our in-depth knowledge of New York traffic regulations and precedents set by local court decisions.
The Importance of Legal Representation After a Car Accident
Being involved in a car accident can be traumatic, and the aftermath can be overwhelming. Securing legal representation with a vehicle accident lawyer in New York County is crucial to protecting your rights and ensuring fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Navigating the aftermath of an accident involves understanding both medical and legal complexities. With injuries potentially leading to long-term impacts, having a professional handle interactions with insurance companies and engage with healthcare providers can significantly alleviate stress. A lawyer's role isn't just legal—it's about making the recovery process smoother and ensuring your focus can be on healing.
Engagement with our firm begins with a thorough consultation, during which we assess the intricacies of your case. This initial stage allows us to draft a personalized legal strategy tailored to your specific circumstances, always aiming to maximize the financial restitution available. In doing so, we diligently protect not only immediate needs but future considerations, such as ongoing medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments.
Here are a few reasons why hiring a car accident lawyer is essential:
- Knowledge and Experience: Car accident lawyers possess extensive knowledge of personal injury laws and experience in handling similar cases. They understand the complexities of the legal system and can navigate it on your behalf.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: A skilled car accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records. This evidence is crucial in building a strong case and proving liability.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims. A car accident lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
- Understanding of No-Fault Insurance Laws: New York City has specific no-fault insurance laws that can impact your ability to seek compensation. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will guide you through these laws and help you navigate the claims process.
- Maximizing Compensation: A car accident lawyer will assess the full extent of your injuries and damages, including future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. They will work diligently to maximize your compensation.
Our Commitment to Clients Injured in Serious Auto Accidents
We represent clients and their families in claims involving catastrophic and fatal auto accident injuries. Attorneys from our firm focus on car accidents and other motor vehicle incidents that often result in major injuries, including:
- 18-wheeler accidents
- Accidents involving pedestrians
- Motorcycle crashes
- Similar accidents
Our firm is dedicated to supporting victims of severe accidents, recognizing that the road to recovery is often complex and fraught with obstacles. We take pride in our ability to offer compassionate and knowledgeable guidance, ensuring our clients' voices are heard and their needs are met. Through rigorous preparation and strategic litigation, we aim to ease the burdens faced by families during these challenging times.
Other law firms in the area bring us in to handle complex litigation in major auto accident injury claims involving:
- Amputations
- Traumatic head and brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Life-altering burn injuries
- Wrongful death
Our attorneys take our clients' cases seriously. We use our experience from every angle of personal injury claims, as well as our years of practice as plaintiffs' lawyers, to maximize our clients' cases. We can guide you through the recovery process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Every case undertaken by our firm benefits from a personalized approach that prioritizes your unique narrative, aligning our substantial legal resources to fight for justice effectively.
Understanding the Role of Evidence in Car Accident Cases
Evidence plays a pivotal role in car accident cases, offering a concrete foundation upon which claims are built. In New York County, the complexity of urban environments demands a meticulous approach to evidence collection. This can include video surveillance from traffic cameras, eyewitness accounts, and detailed police reports, all of which paint a comprehensive picture of the incident.
At Restivo & Murphy LLP, we understand the power of detailed evidence when advocating for our clients. Our team meticulously gathers and analyzes every piece of evidence, understanding that even minor details can shift the outcome of a case. Engaging expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals, provides additional credibility to our claims, ensuring a robust case backed by authoritative insights.
Addressing Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can result in a wide spectrum of injuries, ranging from minor bruises to life-altering conditions. In New York County, the fast-paced nature of the city leads to frequent accidents, necessitating immediate and effective medical evaluation. Common injuries include whiplash, fractures, and traumatic brain injuries, each requiring tailored medical and legal responses.
Understanding the nuances of these injuries and their long-term impacts is crucial. Our firm not only assists in securing immediate medical care but also focuses on long-term rehabilitation needs, helping clients understand the scope of their injuries. This holistic approach ensures that settlements reflect both current and future medical requirements, offering comprehensive financial security amidst recovery.
Call (800) 997-9109 today to discuss your situation with our New York City car accident attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in New York?
In New York, the statute of limitations to file a car accident claim typically spans three years from the date of the accident. This period is crucial because if you fail to file within this timeframe, you may forfeit your right to pursue compensation. Exceptions do exist, such as cases involving minors or lawsuits against government entities, which may have shorter deadlines.
The urgency of filing a claim cannot be overstated. Evidence can degrade over time, witnesses can become harder to locate, and memories may fade, all of which can weaken your case. Early engagement with an attorney from Restivo & Murphy LLP helps in gathering and preserving vital evidence, thereby strengthening your position significantly in any forthcoming settlement negotiations or courtroom battles.
Hear It From Our clients
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“The best of the best at this firm!”
“Let me just say they are the best of the best at this firm!! There is no one better than them!!!!!! I will tell anyone and everyone I know to go to Todd and Lonneke!! They kept me posted every single step of the way during my case.”- Kristie M. -
“You guys are a great team and the best firm out there”
“All I can say is if you want someone who is determined and committed to settling your case, Mr. Restivo is the attorney to do it for you! Mr. Restivo and Lonneke guided me all throughout the case.”- Guirlaine J. -
“Thank You!”
“I met these amazing people in 2009 when I was involved in a motorcycle accident in which I was a passenger, the level of professionalism that was extended to me was so phenomenal and heartwarming that I was drawn into them and felt like I was being treated”- Michael B. -
“Highly recommend this law firm!”
“I was in a life-threatening automobile accident that had me in the hospital for a month. Todd Restivo & Patrick Murphy were there from day one until now. They made sure I was taken care of throughout the entire process.”- Phil W. -
“Todd and his team gave me my life back”
“The settlement amount that Todd fought hard for me to get far exceeded my expectations. I would highly recommend Todd and his staff to anyone who is nervous about their case being handled properly or anyone that is unsure which lawyer they should have hand”- Farah M. -
“Mr. Restivo is truly about helping his clients”
“- Mark H.Mr. Restivo is truly about helping his clients He and his office went above and beyond to help me and family through a difficult time after my accident. I can’t recommend him enough and in fact, have recommended him to numerous other people.
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“I've got positive results”
“I was injured in a construction accident back in 2013. I switched from another firm over to Restivo and Murphy because the firm I was using was not handling my case properly.- Brian D
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“Highly recommend their firm to family and friends”
“Todd Restivo and his firm handled my case with the utmost professionalism at all times. Todd was extremely knowledgeable about every aspect of my case and always took the time to speak with me at great lengths to fully answer any and all questions and conc”- Robert H.
Our Settlements & Verdicts
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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$8,000,000 Fractured Pelvic & Urethral Injuries
We've recovered a settlement for a 32-year-old bicyclist who was struck by a bus causing pelvic fractures and urethral injuries which required surgery.
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$7,850,000 Neck, Back & Shoulder Injuries
We've recovered a settlement for a woman who slipped and fell on snow and ice injuring her neck, back, and shoulder which required multiple surgeries.
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$6,300,000 Fractured Foot & Amputation
The verdict for a 47-year-old whose left foot was run over by a bus causing numerous foot fractures and the amputation of his big toe. The offer before trial was $1,050,000.
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$4,250,000 Spinal Cord & Neck Injury
We've recovered a settlement for a passenger involved in a motor vehicle accident with a tractor-trailer where the client sustained a spinal cord injury that required a neck surgery.
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$4,025,000 Herniated Discs & Neck Surgery
Resolution at the conclusion of trial for a 43-year-old who suffered herniated discs requiring neck surgery when his vehicle was struck by a school bus. The offer before trial was $75,000.
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$3,700,000 Spinal Injuries
We've recovered a settlement after a verdict in a liability trial for a 33-year-old construction worker who suffered spinal injuries in a work-related accident. The offer before the liability trial was $500,000.
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$3,436,000 Neck Injuries
A verdict for a 46-year-old man whose neck was injured by a falling traffic sign struck by a motor vehicle. The offer before trial was $325,000.
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$2,850,000 Brachial Plexus Injury
We've recovered a settlement in a motor vehicle accident case where the client sustained a brachial plexus injury with surgeries.
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$2,500,000 Serious Injuries
We've recovered a settlement after a verdict on liability in a motor vehicle accident case involving two clients who were passengers in an ambulette.
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$2,000,000 Neck Injuries
We've recovered a settlement for a 46-year-old woman whose prior neck condition was aggravated by a motor vehicle accident.
