If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one because of a negligent motorist’s actions, then a Valley Stream car accident lawyer may be able to obtain compensation on your behalf. Either through an insurance claim or lawsuit, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, missed time from work, and pain and suffering.
At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP, we recommend taking prompt action in regard to your legal matters. New York’s Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) §214(4) (otherwise known as New York’s statute of limitations) only grants you three years to file a car accident lawsuit. For wrongful death cases, claimants have two years to file a lawsuit, per New York Estates, Powers & Trusts (EPT) §5-4.1.
Call the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP today at (516) 358-6900 to begin a free case evaluation.
Compensable Damages Following a Valley Stream Accident
Following a Valley Stream car accident, you may have many questions regarding your financial recovery options. When you partner with the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP, a lawyer from our team will review the extent of your damages and apply a monetary value accordingly. This will give you insight into what constitutes a fair settlement offer.
Examples of compensable damages following a car accident may include:
- Health care expenses, both current and projected
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income
- Diminished future earning capacity
- Property damage costs
- Physical therapy expenses
- Mental health counseling costs
You may be eligible to recover compensation for damages not listed here. If so, your lawyer will share with you what those damages could be.
How Motorists Breach Their Duty of Care
Every road user has a civic duty of care, a requirement that mandates all motorists to operate their vehicles with “reasonable care,” per the Legal Information Institute (LII). To recover compensation for your expenses, your lawyer will need to determine how the other party in your case violated their duty of care. They can arrive at this determination by reading the police report, viewing traffic camera footage, and interviewing witnesses.
A motorist may breach their duty of care by:
Engaging in Distracted Driving Practices
Distractions while driving may seem unavoidable, but drivers have a duty to ignore them to their greatest ability.
Some distractions that could lead to an accident include:
- Using a mobile phone to text, make calls, or post to social media
- Eating
- Drinking
- Rubbernecking
- Engaging in conversations with others
- Restraining an animal
Distracted driving is not safe driving. The distracted motorist who caused your accident could be held liable for any resulting damages.
Disobeying Traffic Signals
All motorists in the Valley Stream area have a duty of care to obey posted traffic signals.
Some examples of these negligent actions include:
- Failing to come to a complete stop at a red light or stop sign
- Making an illegal U-turn
- Speeding
- Failing to yield to the right of way
Even if the other driver was issued a traffic citation, this does not hinder the claims process. You can call the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP to learn more.
Being Impaired
Data published by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) notes that marijuana and opioids play a significant role in motor vehicle accidents, while alcohol remains a danger as well. Motorists who are impaired may not have sufficient use of their physical or mental faculties, which may cause life-threatening collisions. Again, if the other motorist in your crash was charged with a crime, you still have the ability to move forward with an insurance claim or lawsuit.
A Valley Stream car accident lawyer may be able to secure evidence that proves how the other driver acted negligently. They can use the evidence they find to seek the compensation you deserve.
Call the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP today at (516) 358-6900 for details about how we can get started on your case.
Explaining Contingency-Fee Payment Structures
Did you know that hiring a lawyer may cost you nothing out of your own pocket? The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP works on a contingency-fee-basis.
This means:
- Your lawyer gets paid for their services out of the funds they get for you.
- You do not have to pay anything upfront to get legal help.
- You may not have to pay anything out-of-pocket to secure legal representation.
- Your lawyer only gets paid their attorney’s fees if they “win” your case.
In short, a lawyer who works on a contingency-fee-basis may take on your case at no direct cost to you or your family.
How a Lawyer Can Promote Your Legal Goals
Every car accident-related lawsuit or insurance claim comes with its own set of unique considerations and responsibilities. Your lawyer will personally need to review the details of your case to explain how they can help you.
Some of the services that a Valley Stream car accident lawyer can provide include:
- Consulting with third-party field experts (such as medical professionals and accident reconstruction specialists) regarding your case
- Handling the paperwork, legal communications, and other specific tasks that may complete your case
- Gathering evidence and documentation that illustrates your losses
- Negotiating an insurance settlement or completing a trial
Your lawyer may render services not listed here. Their goal is to recover compensation for you and your loved ones while you focus on your personal life. If you have any worries or concerns regarding the legal process, call the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP. We are determined to do everything we can to protect your legal rights.
Call Our New York Legal Team Today
A Valley Stream car accident lawyer can secure financial recovery for your various economic and non-economic damages. When you get in touch with our legal team, you will be able to speak to a member of our staff regarding your compensatory options.
Call the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP today at (516) 358-6900 for a free consultation.
For a free legal consultation with a car accidents lawyer serving Valley Stream, call 516-358-6900
