Staten Island Car Accident
A recent NYPD report lists more than 10,300 motor-vehicle collisions in a single month throughout the City, 3,680 of which involved at least one injury or fatality. Over those 30 days, Staten Island accounted for 495 collisions, 161 of which resulted in an injury or fatality.
With over two decades of experience, the Staten Island auto accident attorneys at David Resnick & Associates, P.C. have honed our skills in enforcing New York personal injury laws. Our extensive experience empowers victims of negligence to hold the responsible party accountable for damages resulting from the crash, providing crash victims and their families with the reassurance and confidence they need during this challenging time.
When you choose to work with our dedicated Richmond County car accident lawyers, your physical, emotional, and financial well-being becomes our utmost priority. We understand your challenges and are here to guide you through this difficult time, ensuring you feel cared for and prioritized.
If you have been injured by another person, party, or entity’s negligence, contact our skilled Staten Island auto accident attorneys today to discuss your case and how the incident has impacted your life. Our experienced lawyers offer free consultations to all auto accident victims throughout Staten Island and take all qualifying cases on a contingency basis, so you pay no upfront or out-of-pocket fees and nothing if we do not win your case.
Our law firm represents car accident victims throughout Staten Island and New York City, including Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and the Bronx, and has a proven track record of success, having recovered more than $150 million in compensation for our clients.
Where and Why Are Car Accidents Occurring on Staten Island, New York
The roads on Staten Island account for 5% of all New York vehicle accidents. While the numbers reflect “safer” roads than those of surrounding boroughs, one of its busiest roads is the Staten Island Expressway, which accounts for most crashes. But collisions happen all over Staten Island, not just on the expressway.
Some of the most common locations for car accidents in Staten Island include:
- Arthur Kill Road
- Richmond Avenue
- Highway 440
- Korean War Veterans Parkway
- Bay Street
- Rockland Avenue
- Old Town Road
- Victory Boulevard
- Clove Road
- Sand Lane
- Father Capodanno Boulevard
- New Dorp Lane
- Nelson Avenue
- Hylan Boulevard
Unfortunately, no matter where drivers are on Staten Island, negligence is often the leading factor of car accidents here, including those caused by:
- Distracted Driving: Using mobile phones, eating, or other distractions while driving.
- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit, especially in residential or congested areas.
- Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Ignoring traffic signals and stop signs at intersections.
- Failure to Yield: Not yielding the right-of-way to other vehicles or pedestrians.
- Tailgating: Following other vehicles too closely, leading to rear-end collisions.
- Drunk or Impaired Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Aggressive Driving: Behaviors include road rage, weaving through traffic, or cutting off other drivers.
- Improper Lane Changes: Failing to signal or check blind spots when changing lanes.
- Fatigue or Drowsy Driving: Driving while overly tired, leading to slower reaction times or falling asleep at the wheel.
- Illegal Turns: Making illegal U-turns or turning without signaling.
- Mechanical Failures: Brake failures, tire blowouts, or other vehicle malfunctions.
- Obstructed Views: Driving with blocked or reduced visibility due to objects or poor road design.
- Inexperienced Drivers: Lack of experience or understanding of road rules, particularly among younger drivers.
- Reckless Driving: Any behavior that shows a disregard for the safety of others, such as excessive speeding or racing.
- Construction Zones: Confusing or unclear signage, sudden lane changes, or debris in construction areas.
- Road Rage: Aggressive driving due to anger or frustration, leading to dangerous maneuvers.
- Failure to Adjust to Road Conditions: Not adapting driving to road conditions, such as wet, icy, or uneven surfaces.
These factors collectively contribute to the risk of car accidents on Staten Island and leave our fellow New Yorkers injured or tragically without their loved ones. If you or someone you love has been injured or lost their life in a traffic crash caused by negligence, contact our dedicated Staten Island car accident lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We will thoroughly discuss your case and outline your legal rights and options to pursue a claim so you can make informed decisions about your case.
How Our Staten Island Car Accident Attorneys at David Resnick & Associates Can Help
After a car crash in Staten Island, injury victims often think they do not need a lawyer to pursue an insurance claim because they may believe that the process is straightforward and that the insurance company will act in their best interests. Many assume that providing medical records and a clear account of the accident is sufficient for fair compensation.
Additionally, some victims may be concerned about the cost of hiring an attorney or feel confident they can handle the negotiations themselves. However, this belief can lead to underestimating the complexities of the claims process, including the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts, which can result in receiving less compensation than deserved.
Here’s how our auto accident attorneys on Staten Island can help:
- Proving your injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold. Most car accidents in Staten Island fall under New York’s “no-fault law.” Your car insurance policy covers the cost of your injuries and lost wages. Unless you can show that your injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold or that you sustained more than $50,000 in combined medical bills and lost wages. You couldn’t make an auto accident claim against the other driver without showing you meet this threshold.
Under New York State law, serious injuries include:
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- Dismemberment.
- Significant disfigurement.
- Bone fractures.
- Permanent loss of the use of a body organ, member, function, or system.
- Any injury that prevents you from performing your usual daily activities for at least 90 days during the six months after the accident.
- Identifying the liable parties. There could be more than one party responsible for your injuries. For example, a mechanical defect may have contributed to the crash, so the vehicle’s manufacturer could be partially liable for your injuries.
- Gathering evidence to prove your claim. Police accident reports, photos from the accident scene, forensic accident investigations, eyewitness accounts, medical records, and other evidence may be necessary to prove that the at-fault party is liable for your injuries.
- Negotiating with insurance companies. Insurance companies protect their bottom line, so you need help from an experienced car accident lawyer in Staten Island to get the total compensation you deserve. Otherwise, you could be pressured into accepting a settlement that fails to account for all the losses you’ve suffered.
Bringing your case to court. We can file your claim in civil court if the insurance company doesn’t agree to a fair settlement. At David Resnick & Associates, we’re not afraid to take the fight to court. We’ll build a strong case proving your right to compensation.
How Can I Prove Negligence Was the Cause of My Staten Island Car Accident?
Before you can collect any money in a Staten Island car accident, you and your attorney will need to establish that someone else was negligent and their negligence caused your injuries.
In auto accident cases, negligence can be intentional, such as someone deliberately driving their car into another person, or unintentional, such as a collision caused by a distracted driver. Under certain circumstances, a person can also be found negligent for their inaction.
No matter the cause of your crash, the insurance company will not take your word for how it happened. You’ll need proof supporting your claim to prove that the other driver or party negligently caused a car accident. That’s why keeping any documents related to your crash is essential.
Evidence used in car accident cases might include, but is not limited to:
- Medical records.
- Traffic camera footage.
- Police accident reports.
- Photos from the accident.
- Accounts from eyewitnesses.
- Physical damage to the vehicles.
- Forensic accident investigations.
At David Resnick & Associates, our skilled car accident lawyers on Staten Island will compile the evidence, allowing you to focus on your recovery without the added stress of gathering and managing the intricate details of your case. Our experienced attorneys know what evidence is needed to build a strong case and can ensure all necessary documentation is collected and adequately presented, increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
This enables you to dedicate your time and energy to healing, knowing that your legal matters are being skillfully managed on your behalf. Contact our dedicated Staten Island car accident attorneys today to discuss your claim during a completely free, no-obligation consultation.
What Type of Compensation Can I Pursue During a Staten Island Car Accident Case?
Pursuing financial compensation after a car accident on Staten Island is crucial because it helps cover the extensive costs that can arise from the incident.
That may include, but is not limited to:
- Your lost wages and reduced capacity to earn a living.
- Your injury-related medical bills.
- The cost of the future treatment you may need.
- Your damaged personal property.
Beyond these immediate financial burdens, compensation also addresses non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. Ensuring you receive fair compensation is essential for rebuilding your life after an accident, providing the necessary resources to recover physically, emotionally, and financially, and holding responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Filing a car accident and injury claim on Staten Island without an attorney can be risky because the legal process is often more complex than it appears, and insurance companies are skilled at minimizing payouts.
Without legal representation, you may be unaware of the full extent of your rights and the compensation you’re entitled to, leading to settlements that fall short of covering your actual damages. Our experienced auto accident and injury attorneys understand insurers’ tactics, know how to gather and present compelling evidence, and can effectively negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair and adequate compensation.
Without an attorney, you risk navigating this challenging process alone, potentially compromising your financial recovery and future well-being.
Contact Our Skilled Staten Island Auto Accident Attorneys at David Resnick & Associates, P.C. To Help Build Your Case for Success
The legal team at David Resnick & Associates, P.C., understands the impact an auto accident can have on you and your family. We work hard to obtain the maximum damages you’re entitled to. We serve accident victims in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, New York City, and the Bronx.
If you have questions about your auto accident, contact the New York law firm of David Resnick & Associates, P.C., online or call us at 212-279-2000 today for a free consultation about your case.
There is never a charge to speak with our skilled Staten Island auto accident attorneys. If your case qualifies to move forward, we will handle every aspect from start to finish without charging any upfront or out-of-pocket fees. You will pay nothing for our elite auto accident attorney services unless we win your case. That is a promise.