Poughkeepsie Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys

On the Scene & Ready to Help with Your Dutchess County Claim

When you have been in a bad wreck in Poughkeepsie, you need to know that you can trust the legal team that helps you with your motor vehicle accident claim. At Basch & Keegan LLP, we strive to do everything we can for our clients to give them the confidence they need to see their cases through. We are known for arriving at the scene of an accident shortly after it happens—sometimes the same day—to start collecting evidence. It's just one of the many ways we exceed our clients’ expectations from the moment they call us.

Work with a team that has 100+ years of collective legal experience. Call our team today at (845) 251-4545.

One Law Firm for Any Poughkeepsie Motor Vehicle Accident Case

There are all sorts of vehicles on the roads of Poughkeepsie any given day. Does that mean you need to go to various law firms to find someone who can help with your case? No, not when you come to Basch & Keegan LLP! Our eclectic legal background and teamwork-centric approach allow us to manage virtually any motor vehicle accident claim. With a deep understanding of local traffic laws and a commitment to the community, we provide comprehensive legal support for every client's unique situation.

We are here to help you pursue compensation after a:

Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Poughkeepsie

Motor vehicle accidents can result from various factors, including:

• Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of accidents, distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio take the driver's attention away from the road. Many drivers fail to recognize the risk associated with common distractive activities.
• Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit reduces a driver's ability to react to hazards and increases the severity of accidents. The faster a vehicle travels, the greater the impact, leading to severe injuries or fatalities.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing accident risk. Efforts to monitor impaired driving through sobriety checkpoints have increased, but accidents remain prevalent.
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and disregarding traffic signs increase collisions. Such behavior endangers the driver and all other road users.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, fog, and ice can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, increasing the chances of accidents. Drivers should adapt their driving to reduced traction and visibility.
• Fatigue: Driving while tired can impair judgment and reaction time, similar to driving under the influence. Campaigns raising awareness about fatigue-related accidents are ongoing.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven surfaces, lack of signage, and inadequate lighting contribute to accidents. 
• Mechanical Failures: Malfunctioning brakes, tire blowouts, and other issues can lead to accidents. Regular vehicle maintenance checks are essential to mitigate risks.
• Inexperienced Drivers: Lack of experience and poor driving skills increase accident likelihood, especially among young or newly licensed drivers.
• Failure to Obey Traffic Laws: Running red lights, failure to yield, improper lane changes, and other violations increase collision risk. 
• Driving at Night: Reduced visibility and increased fatigue make driving at night riskier. Drivers are encouraged to take extra precautions, like using headlights correctly and ensuring they are well-rested.
• Tailgating: Following other vehicles closely reduces reaction time and increases rear-end collisions. Maintaining a safe following distance is crucial, especially in traffic and adverse weather conditions.

Dangerous Roads & Intersections in Poughkeepsie

Where are the most dangerous roads, highways, and intersections in Poughkeepsie? Where motorists cause accidents changes by the day, sometimes by the hour, but traffic data and accident reports reveal where motor vehicle accidents tend to happen more often than not.

If you live in Poughkeepsie, be careful when driving on or through these busy streets and intersections:

• US Highway 9 between Route 113 and East-West Arterial
• East-West Arterial between US Highway 44 and US Highway 9
• Raymond Ave and New Hackensack Rd
• Union St and Jefferson St
• 55 and 44 interchange
• Smith St near East-West Arterial

Legal Steps After Suffering a Serious Injury

New York requires drivers to purchase personal injury protection (PIP) insurance as part of their auto insurance policy. Under PIP insurance, you get damage coverage from your provider, regardless of who caused your accident. Whether you caused the crash or someone else did, you must use your PIP insurance when seeking compensation.

What about the other driver? Shouldn't they pay for your damages? You can only file a claim against the other driver if your injuries are considered "serious" based on New York's legal definition.

New York only considers an injury to be "serious" if it causes:

There is a wide range of injuries that can fall into the "serious" injury category in New York's laws. Insurance companies constantly look for new, clever ways to argue that an injury is not serious due to technicalities. Our law firm is ready to refute their arguments if they try this tactic for your claim. 

Who is Liable for Your Motor Vehicle Accident?

The party that caused your motor vehicle accident is the liable party. Determining liability can be complex, especially when multiple parties are involved in a crash. It is important to establish liability fairly, so you can get as much compensation as you are owed. New York's pure comparative fault law reduces your award by a percentage equal to your liability. If you are 0% liable, then you can pursue 100% of your damages, like lost wages, medical treatment costs, pain, and suffering.

We aim to establish liability through convincing evidence and eyewitness statements. The reports we collect from first responders tend to be powerful evidence showing liability. The same can be said for dashcam footage if your vehicle has a camera installed. Determining the responsible party often involves examining police reports, accident reconstruction, and other technical analyses. With an experienced team working on your behalf, establishing liability becomes a structured and strategic process that helps maximize your rightful compensation.

Recovery & Rehabilitation After a motor vehicle crash in Poughkeepsie

Recovering from a car accident can be a long and challenging process, involving both physical healing and emotional adjustment. In Poughkeepsie, a network of healthcare providers and rehabilitation centers offers a range of services to support recovery processes tailored to each individual's needs. From physical therapy to psychological counseling, getting the right support is part of regaining normalcy and quality of life.

Engaging with reputable rehabilitation services in the Poughkeepsie area can significantly impact recovery outcomes. Programs often include comprehensive physical therapy to restore mobility and strength, occupational therapy to help patients adapt to any new physical limitations, and counseling services to address the emotional and psychological effects of the accident. Support groups and community resources also provide platforms for sharing experiences and encouragement, fostering a community-led approach to healing.

FAQs About Motor Vehicle Accidents in Poughkeepsie

What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Poughkeepsie?

• Ensure everyone is safe and call 911 if there are injuries.
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
• Document the scene by taking photos and getting witness contact information.
• Report the accident to the police if there are injuries or property damage exceeding $1,000.

After ensuring safety and fulfilling legal formalities, consider seeking medical attention even if you feel fine initially, as some injuries might not be immediately evident. Consulting with a legal professional early on can help protect your rights and provide clarity on the next steps to take.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Dutchess County, NY?

In general, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident in New York is three years from the date of the accident. However, it's best to consult with a lawyer, as there may be exceptions depending on the specifics of your claim. Time constraints emphasize the importance of acting promptly to ensure all necessary documentation and evidence can be collected to support your case effectively.

What Should I Do if the Other Driver Doesn't Have Insurance?

If you're involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you can file a claim with your own insurance company under the uninsured motorist coverage if you have it. Reviewing your policy thoroughly with a legal professional can provide a clearer understanding of your coverage and options.

What Should I Do If the Insurance Company Offers Me a Settlement After a Car Accident?

Before accepting any settlement offer from the insurance company, it's wise to consult with a personal injury lawyer who can evaluate the offer and ensure you're receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Insurance companies often seek to minimize payouts, so getting legal advice can help determine whether the settlement is just and equitable.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident Case?

While not required, having an experienced car accident lawyer in Poughkeepsie can greatly benefit you, especially if there are complex legal issues or disputes over fault or damages. Knowledgeable guidance can help navigate the intricacies of insurance negotiations, potential court actions, and documentation needs, providing peace of mind and increasing the chance of a favorable outcome.

What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident?

In the aftermath of a car accident, failing to avoid certain pitfalls could jeopardize your claim. One common mistake is failing to seek immediate medical attention, assuming that any pain or discomfort will subside. Medical documentation is key in the aftermath of an accident to establish any injuries related to the incident.

Another mistake is not gathering adequate evidence at the scene. Photographs, witness statements, and personal notes about the accident can greatly support your case. Additionally, speaking directly with the opposing insurance company without legal counsel could unintentionally undermine your defense. Seeking professional legal guidance ensures you are protected throughout the claims process. Understanding these common mistakes and how to avoid them can help preserve your rights and support your pursuit of fair compensation.

We're Ready – Call (845) 251-4545

There is no better time than right now to explore your legal options after being in a motor vehicle accident in Poughkeepsie. If you wait too long to act, you might forget important details of the crash or, even worse, the statute of limitations could expire. Once the statute has expired, the court probably won't even hear your claim at all! Don't risk it. Get Basch & Keegan LLP on your side today.

Your claim shouldn't wait. Arrange a consultation now.