Types of Accident Cases We Handle
Accidents can occur in an instant, but their consequences can last a lifetime. At Finz & Finz, P.C., our legal team has extensive experience representing individuals injured in a wide range of accidents. No matter how you were hurt, if someone else’s negligence played a role, we are ready to advocate for you. Here are just some of the types of accident cases we handle:
- Car Accidents – From rear-end collisions to highway pileups, car accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury in New York City.
- Truck Accidents – When large commercial vehicles are involved, the resulting injuries can be catastrophic.
- Motorcycle Crashes – Motorcyclists often face serious injuries due to the lack of protection on the road.
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Collisions – Busy intersections and distracted drivers are frequent causes of these devastating accidents.
- Construction Accidents – New York City construction sites are full of hazards, putting hardworking individuals at risk every day.
- Slip-and-Fall Accidents – Unsafe conditions on public or private property can lead to life-altering injuries.
- Medical Malpractice – Errors by medical professionals can cause severe harm and even wrongful death.
- Product Liability – Defective products, from unsafe machinery to dangerous consumer goods, can cause serious injuries.
No matter the nature of your accident, our team has the resources, experience, and determination needed to fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
Do I Have an Accident Lawsuit?
If you were injured due to someone else’s carelessness, you might be wondering if you have grounds to file a lawsuit. The answer lies in one legal concept—negligence. Most personal injury claims arise from negligence, which means that someone failed to exercise reasonable care and that failure led to harm.
To prove negligence and build a successful accident case, the following four elements must be established:
- Duty of Care – First, it must be shown that the at-fault party owed you a duty to act reasonably under the circumstances. For example, drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely.
- Breach of Duty – Next, you must demonstrate that the other party violated this duty. This could take many forms, such as speeding, texting while driving, or failing to fix a hazardous condition.
- Causation – It’s not enough to show a breach of duty—you also need to prove that the breach directly caused your injury.
- Damages – Finally, you must establish that you suffered actual harm, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering, as a result of the accident.
Our lawyers have decades of experience investigating accidents, gathering evidence, and proving negligence in court. We will thoroughly review the details of your case and advise you on your legal options.
Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company?
After an accident, it’s common for insurance companies to step in quickly with a settlement offer. While it may be tempting to accept, it’s almost always a mistake to do so without first consulting a lawyer.
Insurance adjusters might seem helpful and understanding, but their priority is to protect the company’s profits. They are trained to minimize payouts and will often employ tactics to shortchange accident victims. Common strategies include:
- Downplaying Your Injuries – Insurers might question the severity of your injuries or claim they were preexisting.
- Shifting Blame – They may argue that you were partially or fully to blame for the accident, reducing your compensation.
- Pressure to Settle Quickly – Insurance companies often pressure victims to accept lowball offers before they fully understand the extent of their damages.
- Stalling Tactics – Delaying the claims process can make victims desperate and more likely to accept a lesser amount.
When you work with a skilled New York City accident lawyer, you have someone on your side who understands these tactics and knows how to counter them. As your lawyer, we will carefully evaluate your case, calculate the true value of your claim, and negotiate aggressively with insurers to ensure you receive the compensation you need. If a fair agreement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to court.
Compensation Available to Accident Victims in NYC
After an accident, the physical, emotional, and financial burdens can feel overwhelming. If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you might be entitled to compensation to help ease these hardships. While the exact amount of compensation depends on the specifics of your case, accident victims in New York City may be eligible for:
- Medical Expenses – This includes current and future costs for hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, and any other medical treatments related to your injury.
- Lost Income – If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be compensated for the income you’ve lost. Additionally, if you are unable to return to your job or experience reduced earning capacity, you could recover damages for future lost income.
- Pain and Suffering – Accidents can cause not only physical pain but also emotional distress and reduced quality of life. Compensation for pain and suffering seeks to address these non-economic losses.
- Property Damage – If your car, bicycle, or other property was damaged in the accident, you may be able to seek reimbursement for repairs or replacement.
- Disability and Disfigurement – Severe accidents may result in permanent injuries or scarring. Compensation can address the long-term impact these injuries have on your life.
- Loss of Consortium and Companionship – If your injuries affect your relationship with your spouse or family, damages may also account for those personal losses.
At Finz & Finz, P.C., we will diligently calculate the full value of your losses and fight for every dollar you deserve, ensuring that your compensation covers both your current and future needs.
What if I’m Partly to Blame for My Injuries?
It’s not uncommon for accident victims to wonder how their own actions might impact their ability to recover compensation. If you share some responsibility for the accident or your injuries, you may still be eligible to pursue damages under New York’s comparative negligence rule.
Comparative negligence means that even if you are partially at fault, you can still recover compensation. However, your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found to be 20% responsible for the accident, your compensation would be reduced by 20%.
This rule allows accident victims to seek justice even in cases where fault is shared. That said, insurance companies and opposing attorneys may try to exaggerate your role in the accident to reduce the amount they have to pay.
Your lawyer will work to build a strong case, ensuring that any claims about your responsibility are kept fair and that your rights to compensation are fully protected.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Civil Lawsuit in New York?
It’s important to act quickly after an accident, as New York law imposes strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, for filing personal injury lawsuits. For most personal injury cases, including car accidents, slip-and-falls, and medical malpractice, you generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit.
However, there are exceptions. For example:
- Wrongful Death Claims – These claims must typically be filed within two years of the loved one’s passing.
- Claims Against Government Entities – If your accident involved a government agency, the timeline is much shorter. You may need to file a notice of claim within 90 days, with the lawsuit following shortly thereafter.
Missing the deadline can result in losing your right to seek compensation entirely. This is why it’s critical to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.
How Can a Lawyer Help with My New York City Accident Claim?
The days and weeks after an accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with pain and recovery. A skilled lawyer can provide invaluable assistance at every step of the process, including:
- Investigating Your Case – Attorneys gather evidence, interview witnesses, consult experts, and analyze accident reports to build a strong case that proves who was at fault and the extent of your damages.
- Communicating with Insurance Companies – Your lawyer will handle all communication with insurers, ensuring you aren’t pressured into accepting a lowball settlement.
- Calculating the Value of Your Claim – An experienced attorney understands how to account for all your current and future losses, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- Negotiating Settlements – Attorneys have the skills to negotiate with insurance companies and opposing lawyers, fighting for a fair settlement that reflects the true value of your claim.
- Representing You in Court – If the insurer refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, your lawyer can take your case to court and advocate for you in front of a judge and jury.
At Finz & Finz, P.C., we are committed to shouldering the legal burden so that you can prioritize your recovery. With our extensive experience, resources, and reputation for success, we are fully prepared to pursue justice and maximize compensation for you.
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