Skilled Bronx Car Accident Lawyer

The Bronx’s roadways are among the busiest in the country, so drivers need to follow the rules and do everything they can to prevent accidents. Unfortunately, many fail to uphold this duty, leading to avoidable collisions and serious injuries.

According to the New York Police Department and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, last year alone, there were 17,678 vehicle collisions in the Bronx, accounting for 18% of the crashes in New York City and 6,660 injuries or deaths.

The victims of these crashes, and in some cases, their families, deserve substantial compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and other losses, including any wrongful death compensation they suffered through no fault of their own.

At David Resnick & Associates, P.C., we want to help you if you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident that someone else caused. For over 30 years, founding attorney David Resnick has advocated for the rights of injury victims in the Bronx and throughout New York City, securing more than $150 million in verdicts and settlements. Find out what he can do for you when you Contact our offices and speak with a Bronx car accident lawyer during a free consultation.

How Common Are Car Accidents in The Bronx, New York?

Car accidents are pretty common in the Bronx. According to the New York Police Department, about 1,500 motor vehicle accidents occur monthly in the city’s northernmost borough. These accidents result in hundreds of injuries and many preventable deaths.

The New York Health Department reports that nearly 900 Bronx residents are treated in emergency rooms every month because of traffic accidents.

When Bronx residents are injured, or families lose their loved ones in these preventable crashes, lives are forever changed. Our skilled Bronx car accident lawyers want to help injury victims and families seek the compensation they are entitled to and justice by holding the liable party responsible for their overall damages.

What are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in The Bronx, New York?

The Bronx is known for its dense population, with nearly 1.5 million people calling the borough home. While public transit is still the leading mode of transportation in the Bronx, vehicle registrations have increased 22% in less than a decade. This is the most significant percentage increase among the 12 downstate counties.

Unfortunately, more collisions, injuries, and fatalities come with increased vehicle traffic.

Some of the most common causes of car accidents in the Bronx include:

• Impaired driving: Motorists who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol typically have dulled senses and reflexes, suffer from poor judgment, and are more likely to take risks. These factors make impaired driving incredibly dangerous to anyone around.
• Distracted driving: A driver who is texting, programming a GPS, eating, grooming themselves, or otherwise distracted is much more likely to cause a crash because their attention is not on the road ahead.
• Drowsy driving: Motorists who work late shifts or have unusual work schedules, are under the influence of certain prescription medications, or are otherwise tired are more likely to cause an accident because they have dulled reflexes and may even fall asleep while driving.
• Speeding: Speeding can be incredibly dangerous because it makes it harder for drivers to maneuver and control their vehicles. Also, coming to a complete stop requires more time and distance.
• Aggressive driving: Aggressive driving, such as weaving in and out of traffic lanes, cutting off other drivers, failing to use turn signals, making unsafe turns, and failing to yield the right-of-way, increases the chances of an accident.
• Following too closely: The closer a vehicle is to the one in front of it, the less time its driver has to react to sudden speed changes.
• Mechanical defects: Sometimes, car accidents are caused by defective or malfunctioning auto parts. In these cases, the company that made the faulty part could be liable for an accident.
• Bad weather: Drivers should take precautions in bad weather, such as rain, snow, or fog.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a vehicle collision caused by negligence in the Bronx, our dedicated car accident attorneys want to hear your story so we can help you hold the liable driver accountable for the crash and your complete compensation needs. Contact our experienced Bronx car crash lawyers today to discuss your case during a free consultation.

What Compensation is Available to Car Accident Victims in the Bronx, New York?

The compensation you can pursue after a car accident in the Bronx depends on the extent of your injuries and the crash circumstances. New York has a “no-fault” car insurance system, which means all motorists who live in the state must carry no-fault insurance, also known as personal injury protection (PIP). If you are injured in a car accident, your first step is to file a claim with your insurance company to collect PIP benefits for your medical bills and other financial losses.

However, PIP benefits do not cover property damage or personal losses, such as pain and suffering.

If the losses you incur due to a car accident exceed the amount of your PIP coverage, or you have suffered “severe injuries” as defined by New York law, you might be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

Under New York law, “severe injuries” include:

• Bone fractures.
• Significant disfigurement.
• Dismemberment, including the loss of part of a limb.
• Any injury causing the permanent loss of an organ, member, function, or bodily system.
• Any injury that prevents you from performing your usual activities for at least 90 days within the six months following the crash.

If you meet the standards necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver, you can pursue compensation for the following financial and personal losses:

• Medical costs related to treating your injuries, including hospital stays, doctor’s appointments, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and medical equipment.
• Lost wages if you cannot work while recovering from your injuries.
• Loss of future earning capacity if your injuries result in a permanent disability that prevents you from returning to work or being gainfully employed.
• Physical pain and suffering.
• Emotional distress.
• Costs of repairing damage to personal property.

Pursuing a personal injury claim against a negligent driver can be complex. In addition, most insurance companies will try to convince you that your claim does not rise to the legal requirements to pursue compensation from the negligent party’s insurance provider. You do not have to take the insurance company’s word for what your case is worth or whether you are eligible to file a claim. Contact our skilled Bronx car accident and injury attorneys today to learn more about your legal rights and options to pursue a claim and how we can help streamline the process so you can focus on your recovery.  

How Can I Prove Negligence Caused My Car Accident and Injuries in the Bronx, New York?

Most car accident cases revolve around negligence, the legal concept which holds that we must exercise due caution around one another to prevent accidents from occurring. When someone fails in this responsibility and causes someone else’s injury, they can be held liable for the losses that person suffered.

Unfortunately, the insurance companies will not simply take your word for it. To pursue a claim, there must be concrete evidence that negligence caused the crash, injuries, or loss of life.

Establishing someone’s negligence typically requires evidence that may include, but is not limited to:

• Police accident reports.
• Medical records.
• Photos and video from the crash scene.
• Eyewitness accounts.
• Surveillance and dashcam footage.
• Testimony from accident reconstruction experts and medical experts.

For several reasons, seeking medical attention promptly after a car accident is a crucial part of ensuring your health and well-being are the priority. In addition, medical records are the cornerstone of pursuing a personal injury claim.

Here’s why:

• Assessment of Injuries

Prompt medical attention allows for the thorough evaluation of any injuries sustained during the accident. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or soft tissue damage, may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time if left untreated. A medical professional can diagnose these injuries and initiate appropriate treatment.

• Documentation of Injuries

Medical records are crucial evidence in personal injury claims. They document the extent and severity of your injuries and the treatment received. This documentation helps establish a causal link between the accident and your injuries, strengthening your compensation claim.

• Prevention of Further Injury

Delaying medical treatment can exacerbate injuries and lead to complications. Seeking timely medical care ensures that injuries are addressed promptly, reducing the risk of complications and promoting faster recovery.

• Preservation of Evidence

Medical records are contemporaneous evidence of your injuries and treatment. They provide a detailed account of your condition immediately following the accident, which can be invaluable in establishing the extent of your damages during settlement negotiations or at trial.

Insurance companies often scrutinize personal injury claims, seeking any opportunity to dispute or minimize compensation. Delaying medical treatment gives insurers grounds to argue that your injuries were not severe or were caused by something other than the accident. Prompt medical attention strengthens your claim by providing clear evidence of the injuries sustained in the accident. If you have questions about the next steps in pursuing the at-fault driver for your collision and injuries, call David Resnick & Associates for help today.

Contact Our Bronx, New York Car Accident Attorneys for Help Today

If you have been injured in a car accident for which another driver was to blame, the legal team at David Resnick & Associates, P.A. can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. We can handle every aspect of your case so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries and rebuilding your life. Contact our office to discuss your legal options with a Bronx car accident attorney during a free initial consultation.