Latham Car Accident Attorneys

Helping Car Accident Victims in Latham, NY

Car accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in the United States. If you or someone you love was involved in a car accident, you know how devastating these incidents can be. You may be facing a long road to recovery, and you may be unable to work and earn an income. You may also be facing significant pain and suffering, as well as emotional trauma.

At Basch & Keegan LLP, we understand the many challenges you are facing, and we are here to help. Our Latham car accident lawyers have extensive experience handling all types of auto accident claims, and we know what it takes to win. 

We are prepared to fight for you and your recovery, and we will not back down from a challenge. Our team is available to answer your questions and address your concerns, and we are committed to providing you with the personalized, one-on-one attention you deserve.

Call our office today at (845) 251-4545 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our Latham car accident attorneys.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. In some cases, they are the result of unavoidable circumstances, such as inclement weather. In many cases, however, car accidents are the result of someone’s negligence. When this is the case, the at-fault party can and should be held liable for the resulting damages.

Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted driving: Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. This includes texting while driving, talking on the phone, eating, grooming, and more.
• Drunk driving: Drunk driving is another leading cause of car accidents. When a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, their ability to safely operate a vehicle is significantly impaired.
• Drowsy driving: Drowsy driving is a major problem in the United States. When a driver is fatigued, their reaction time is slowed, and they may even fall asleep at the wheel.
• Speeding: Speeding is a leading cause of car accidents. When a driver is traveling at a high rate of speed, they have less time to react to hazards in the road.
• Reckless driving: Reckless driving includes a variety of dangerous behaviors, such as tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, running red lights, and more.
• Poor road conditions: Poor road conditions, such as potholes, uneven pavement, and missing or broken traffic signs, can cause serious car accidents.
• Vehicle defects: Sometimes, car accidents are the result of vehicle defects. This includes defective tires, brakes, steering systems, and more.

New York Car Accident Laws

Under New York's no-fault car insurance system, after an accident, each driver's insurance company is generally responsible for covering their own medical expenses and certain other losses, regardless of who caused the accident.

However, New York law allows individuals to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party if their injuries meet the "serious injury threshold." To do so, the injured party must have sustained injuries that fall under specific categories defined by the law as "serious":

• Death: If the accident results in death, the family members may pursue a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party.
• Significant disfigurement: Injuries causing significant disfigurement or permanent scars may meet the serious injury threshold.
• Bone fracture: Fractures or broken bones resulting from the accident.
• Loss of fetus: Injuries causing a miscarriage or loss of a fetus due to the accident.
• Permanent limitation of use of a body organ or member: Injuries that permanently limit the use of a body part, such as paralysis or permanent nerve damage.
• Substantially full disability: Injuries causing a substantial limitation of a bodily function or system.

To step outside the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the at-fault party for additional damages, the injured party must meet at least one of these criteria.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

After a car accident, it is important to take certain steps to protect your health and your rights. If you are physically able to do so, you should move your vehicle out of the way of traffic and call the police. You should also seek medical attention right away, even if you do not think you were seriously injured. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and internal organ damage, may not be immediately apparent, and it may take days or even weeks for symptoms to appear.

Some other steps you should take after a car accident include:

• Exchange information with the other driver: You should exchange information with the other driver, including your names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information.
• Talk to witnesses: If there were any witnesses to the accident, you should talk to them and ask for their contact information. They may be able to provide valuable information about how the accident occurred.
• Take pictures: If you are physically able to do so, you should take pictures of the accident scene, including the damage to the vehicles, any visible injuries, and any traffic signs or signals.
• Report the accident to your insurance company: You should report the accident to your insurance company right away. However, you should not provide a recorded statement or sign any documents without first speaking to a car accident lawyer.
• Keep a file: You should keep a file with all of your medical records, medical bills, and other documents related to the accident. This will help you keep track of your damages and will make it easier to file a claim.
• Do not post on social media: You should avoid posting about the accident on social media, as the insurance company may use your posts against you.
• Do not accept a settlement offer: You should not accept a settlement offer from the insurance company without first speaking to a car accident lawyer. Once you accept a settlement offer, you will be unable to seek additional compensation.

How Our Latham Car Accident Lawyers Can Help

At Basch & Keegan LLP, we know what it takes to win, and we are prepared to fight for you and your recovery. If you were involved in a car accident, our Latham car accident attorneys can guide you through the process and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Our Latham car accident attorneys can help you:

• Investigate the accident: We can investigate the accident and gather evidence to support your claim. This includes reviewing the police report, interviewing witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction experts.
• Determine liability: We can help you determine who is liable for your damages. In some cases, this may be the other driver. In other cases, this may be the manufacturer of a defective vehicle or the government entity responsible for maintaining the road.
• Calculate your damages: We can help you calculate the full extent of your damages, both current and future. This includes your medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more.
• Negotiate with the insurance company: We can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and fight for a fair settlement. If the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court.

Contact us today at (845) 251-4545 to let us fight for your entitled compensation.