Despite many safety initiatives, most accidents can only be prevented if drivers abide by the law and employ safe driving practices. Were you or someone you love involved in a car accident in Levittown, NY? Depending on the nature and severity of your accident, a Levittown, NY, car accident lawyer with the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP can help you recover compensation.
To find out if you are entitled to recover compensation for your accident-related expenses, we can provide you with a free, no-obligation consultation. You may have more legal options than you think, and we can help you with your case.
How Negligence Can Cause or Contribute to Car Accidents in Levittown, NY
There are many ways negligence can play a part in a car accident. Our legal team can determine why your accident happened to seek fair compensation for your collision-related losses.
Some contributing elements to your accident could include:
Speeding
Drivers who speed are more likely to cause a collision than those who do not. When a driver speeds, they are less likely to react in time if a driver swerves in front of them or if traffic comes to an abrupt stop.
Drunk Driving
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), for every two minutes that go by, someone suffers an injury in an alcohol-related crash. For every 51 minutes that pass, someone is killed. Currently, drunk driving serves as the number one cause of death on U.S. roadways, according to MADD.
Distracted Driving
As useful as our cell phones might be, texting and driving poses a threat to all drivers. While driving, some motorists choose to respond to text messages, read emails, and even log into their social media apps. In addition to cell phone usage, drivers also become distracted by engaging in conversation with passengers, eating, drinking, or grooming while driving.
If another driver is responsible for causing the car accident in which you were injured, the attorneys at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP can handle your case. We can conduct an independent investigation to determine how negligence played a role in your accident and who bears responsibility for covering your losses.
Recoverable Damages in a Levittown, NY, Car Accident Case
The types of damages you can recover will ultimately depend on the facts of your situation. You may be able to recover losses that another person in the same accident would not. Your lawyer will review the insurance policies to see what coverage options you have. This could help defray the cost of your collision-related expenses.
You may be able to seek compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Health care costs
- Rehabilitative care
- Childcare costs
- Transportation expenses
- The cost of mental health counseling
- Disability
- Disfigurement
If an insurance policy does not fairly cover your losses, we can file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit on your behalf to seek compensation.
If you lost a loved one, you may stand to recover the cost of funeral services, the income your loved one provided, their medical bills, and their pain and suffering. Additional forms of damages may also be available, and our attorneys can calculate what fair compensation would look like in your case.
Our Team Can Determine the Cost of Your Damages
Valuing a car accident claim is not something that can be determined right away. This is why accident victims should refrain from accepting quick settlement offers. Some insurance companies do not take into account the extent of claimants’ damages when offering money. A Levittown, NY, car accident lawyer from our firm can determine what damages you suffered and how much each expense is worth.
When calculating the cost of your personal injury case, your lawyer will take into account your past, present, and future damages. For instance, suppose you suffered a broken leg in the accident. Initially, your doctor may tell you that you just need a cast, immobilization, and rest.
However, perhaps at a later date, your doctor says that you need surgery. If you already accepted a settlement offer from the insurance company, you would not be able to request more money for your health care expenses. You would have to pay for your medical bills out of pocket. We can negotiate for a settlement with the insurance company that takes into account the full scope of your losses.
Potentially Liable Parties in a Levittown, NY, Car Accident
Determining liability for your car accident may not be as easy as it sounds. While you may assume the at-fault driver is responsible, there may be other parties involved that bear liability.
For example, if the at-fault driver was working at the time they hit you, their employer may bear liability for your losses, as well. Similarly, if an auto defect led to or contributed to the collision, you may be able to pursue the auto parts manufacturer for compensation.
In another instance, a government entity may even be liable if a poor road design or preventable hazard led to your collision. When we take on your case, we will get to the bottom of what caused your crash and who is liable.
You do Not Have Long to File a Lawsuit
Per CVP § 214, you typically have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit for a New York car accident. Under EPT § 5-4.1, you have even less time – two years – to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
If you fail to abide by these state-imposed deadlines, you risk losing your last chance to seek compensation from a liable party. Each case takes time, especially when it comes to investigating, gathering evidence, and negotiating a settlement.
A member of our team can give more information about the state’s statute of limitations when you call the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP.
Work with a Levittown, NY, Car Accident Lawyer After an Accident
If you have been involved in a car accident in Levittown, NY, you have the right to work with an attorney. Sometimes, car accident victims make the mistake of settling before speaking with a lawyer. This can cause them to settle for less than what their case is worth.
An injury lawyer with our firm can:
- Gather evidence of negligence
- Assign fault
- Explain your legal rights
- Calculate your losses
- Negotiate for a settlement
- Interview witnesses
- Protect you against any bad faith insurance practices
- File a lawsuit, if required
When you work with our firm, you give us the opportunity to assess your damages and determine how much compensation you are owed.
The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP Can Help You After a Car Crash in Levittown
After a car accident, you may have many questions and concerns. At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP, we want to protect your rights after a car accident. Our accident lawyers can investigate your case and help secure financial recovery for your collision-related losses.
If you are ready to discuss the accident you were involved in, call (516) 358-6900. A member of our team will be happy to answer your questions at no cost to you. Remember to act quickly, as the statute of limitations may apply to your case.
For a free legal consultation with a car accidents lawyer serving Levittown, call 516-358-6900
