If someone’s negligence caused you to suffer injuries in a car accident, you might be legally entitled to collect damages.
There are nearly 300,000 motor vehicle accidents in New York each year resulting in hundreds of thousands of injuries. Injuries from traffic crashes are the second leading cause of hospitalization in our state. On average, 91 New Yorkers die every month because of an injury suffered in a traffic accident. Drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists can all experience injuries from a car crash that can be severe enough to require medical attention and contribute to a lifetime of health problems. Brain injuries, paralysis, broken bones, burns, and emotional trauma are just some of the injuries that frequently result from traffic accidents.
Most accidents are avoidable. They are not truly “accidents.” Crashes are usually the result of negligent or reckless behavior; someone did something wrong or failed to act reasonably, and the result was a collision and injuries to innocent victims.
When negligence or recklessness of another person results in an accident, the victim may have the right to collect monetary compensation for physical and emotional injuries. Consider how helpful it would be to know that you can afford your medical treatment and continue to support your family while you recover. If you have suffered injuries due to an accident, contact Alonso Krangle, LLP and protect your legal rights. We can help you collect the damages the law allows while you focus on getting well.
Negligent And Reckless Drivers Cause Accidents In New York
When getting behind the wheel, drivers should be attentive and on high alert. Safe driving requires multi-tasking and focusing simultaneously. Drivers have a duty to drive reasonably, to protect other motorists and passengers on the road. The responsibility includes things such as driving at reasonable speeds, maintaining the integrity and safety of vehicles, and the duty to be attentive. Most car accidents are the result of drivers violating their duties and being negligent or reckless when they get behind the wheel.
Everyday Acts of Negligence that Cause Car Crashes in New York
Accidents caused by drivers are often due to factors such as:
Speeding, tail gaiting, failing to yield, failing to stop at lights, ignoring signs, and improperly changing lanes. Any of these things can result in a deadly accident. Frequently, these behaviors are the result of greater negligence which increases the likelihood of a crash and injuries to innocent victims.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving poses a great danger to drivers, passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians. The problem of distracted driving has become an epidemic as technology continues to divert our attention from the task of driving. Anything that takes a driver’s eyes and attention away from the road can cause a severe crash.
Leading causes of distracted driving include:
- Texting while driving
- Playing with the radio
- Talking on the phone
- Looking at GPS
- Eating
- Drinking
- Retrieving items that fall
- Smoking
- Chatting with passengers
- Driving with pets
If you have been injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver be sure to contact an experienced car accident lawyer in New York. Alonso Krangle can help you navigate a claim with the insurance companies and pursue an action to recover any damages the law allows.
Driving While Impaired
Driving while impaired can turn a motor vehicle into a dangerous weapon. Driving drunk, under the influence of illegal drugs or prescription medication can increase distractions. It can also cause a driver to operate aggressively. What other dangers do driving while impaired create?
- Driving too slowly
- Swerving in and out of traffic lanes
- Fatigue
- Speeding
- Slow reflexes or slow reaction time
- Blurred vision
- Driving the wrong way on one-way streets
- Inability to stop or control the vehicle
Driving While Fatigued
Driving while fatigued can have the same impact on drivers as alcohol and drugs. Being tired can impair drivers’ ability to focus, make sound judgments and control their vehicles. Whether a driver is tired because of a late night up with the kids, a long drive for the holidays or because their job demands long hours; the result is the same; danger to the driver, passengers, and others on the road.
The National Highway Transportation Administration states that in 2017, drowsy driving caused nearly 800 deaths and nearly 100,000 accidents. Driving while tired is entirely avoidable and when it results in a crash, the victims may be able to collect monetary damages for their injuries caused by the driver’s negligence.
Non-Driver Negligence Causes Accidents and Injuries
Car accidents can be caused due to the negligence of people or entities other than the driver.
What are examples of negligence by non-drivers?
Vehicle defect – The car manufacturer may be liable for negligence if the brakes, tires or steering column on the vehicle were defective and caused the accident and injuries. A mechanic who “fixed” a car may be responsible for a malfunction that causes a crash.
Construction – carelessly marked or established work zones can cause accidents as can poor road hazards that are not well-marked or fixed.
Negligence by another person – Did a jaywalking pedestrian cause, someone, to swerve and hit a car? Did a bicyclist ignore the rules of the road?
There might be more than one negligent party in any motor vehicle accident. Finding out what caused your accident and who is responsible is best left to professional attorneys who have experience handling car crash cases. Alonso Krangle, LLP, can help you if you have suffered injuries in a New York car accident. Call and find out about your legal rights.
There are Time Limits to File Car Accident Claims
The statute of limitations in New York sets a period during which you may file your claim for damages. We can’t know how much time you have left without hearing the facts of your case. We know you are hurt and trying to recover from your injuries. But don’t forfeit your rights to collect the monetary damages that can help with the expenses associated with your healing process. Protect your rights today by calling Alonso Krangle, LLP.
Contact Alonso Krangle, LLP For Help With Your Car Accident Claim
Call our office to find out about your rights to collect compensation after a car accident. Tell us about your accident and your injuries. We can help you get on the road to recovery by ensuring you receive the monetary damages the law allows. Call Alonso Krangle, LLP, car accident attorney in New York at 516-350-5555 today for a free evaluation of your case.