How Common are Car Accidents in New York?

Car accidents are a fact of life. Between 20-50 million people are injured in car accidents every single year, with the average person experiencing 3-4 accidents in their lifetime. This number may be higher in New York. Since COVID, New York has led the United States in its increase in traffic accidents, seeing a massive 10% increase in car crashes since 2020. The only other state to see an increase in accidents is Vermont, which increased by just 2%.

While most people have been instructed from a young age what they’re “supposed” to do in the event of a car accident, many New Yorkers have never been involved in car accidents before. This inexperience can mean not knowing what to do. In many instances, what we have been taught and what is considered “good advice” may be harmful to you. This is why if you or a loved one have been in an accident, it’s vital to contact an experienced car wreck attorney. An attorney is the best way to ensure you make the right decisions following an accident and protect yourself.

Should I Call 911 After an Accident?

Following an accident, the first and most important thing to do is to get to a doctor or hospital. Even if you are not visibly injured or if you are not experiencing any pain or disorientation, seeking medical attention is vital. Common injuries that may not be immediately apparent include but are not limited to:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)/Brain Damage
  • Spinal Cord Damage
  • Musculoskeletal Damage
  • Internal Bleeding
  • Organ Injury/Failure

Sometimes, internal damage may take hours or even days to begin showing signs. By this time, it may be too late, and your injuries may result in permanent damage. This could mean lifelong paralysis, brain damage, or chronic pain. This is why seeking immediate medical attention is crucial. In addition to ensuring your health, a hospital visit following a car accident helps create a paper trail. It establishes that an accident occurred and that you sought medical attention for your injuries. If you don’t go to the hospital after a wreck and later attempt to seek compensation for your injuries, an attorney may argue that your not seeking medical attention was a sign that you weren’t really hurt. Even if you seek medical attention later, an attorney may still argue that your injuries weren’t severe.

Notifying the police is also crucial following an accident. In most instances, including accidents where there was an injury or death, you are legally required to call the police. In addition to following the law, notifying the police further helps establish a paper trail and provides evidence for any potential court cases. The police will photograph the accident scene, interview witnesses, and take reports. All of this information can become vital at a later date.

Should I Deal With the Other Driver’s Insurance After an Accident?

Many people are taught that, after an accident, they should call the police, exchange insurance information, and then deal with the other driver’s insurance company. This “procedure” comes from an understanding of insurance companies as businesses meant to protect drivers. This understanding couldn’t be further from the truth.

Insurance companies exist to protect themselves and their clients. An insurance company’s job is to pay out as little money as possible. Adjustors will look for reasons and excuses to reduce or even deny you a payment. They may attempt to place partial or complete blame for the accident on you or get you to feel sorry for their client. Insurance adjusters often “play nice” with you at the start of negotiations. They’ll sympathize with your circumstances and then make a cash offer. This offer is usually significantly lower than what you are entitled to. In many instances, it may not even cover the cost of hospital bills or car repairs. The adjuster will try to get you to take this offer quickly. They may try to convince you it’s in your best interests to settle fast or tell you the amount could go down later.

Insurance adjusters will often attempt to pressure you into accepting an offer because you can’t ask for any more money once you do. Usually, when you accept an offer from an insurance company after an accident, that offer is final. That means if you need more money for doctor’s bills or hospital visits later on or if you miss work due to your injuries, you can’t request further payment. This is why dealing with a car accident attorney is necessary. An attorney can deal with the other driver’s insurance and ensure you receive a fair payment.

How Much Can I Sue For After a Car Accident?

In many instances, hiring an attorney is enough to get insurance companies to offer you a higher settlement. An attorney will be able to help negotiate this settlement and reduce the likelihood of having to go to trial. In determining a fair amount, attorneys will consider two key factors: economic and noneconomic damages.

Economic damages represent actual financial losses or expenses you incurred or will incur due to the accident. Examples of economic damages include hospital and doctor’s bills, the cost of repairing or replacing your car, property damage, and lost income.

Noneconomic damages are meant to compensate you for “intangible” losses. Examples of noneconomic damages include post-traumatic stress as a result of the wreck, pain and suffering, and mental anguish. One of our attorneys can review your case and determine appropriate economic and noneconomic damages to request in compensation.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in New York?

Many New Yorkers have never been in a car accident before. As the number of traffic accidents in New York state goes up, the likelihood of being involved in a wreck increases. This is why it’s vital for all New Yorkers to know what to do in the event they’re involved in a car accident. First, seek medical attention. Then, call Rizzuto Injury Firm.

The attorneys of Rizzuto Injury Firm bring collective decades’ worth of personal injury experience with us. We know exactly what to do in the event of an accident, from collecting evidence to holding the responsible parties liable. We can determine just how much you’re owed and ensure you collect what you’re entitled to. We handle the tough stuff so you can focus on getting better and moving on.

Car accidents are a fact of life. They can be intimidating, but they don’t have to be with Rizzuto Injury Firm on your side. Don’t let an insurance company take you for a ride. If you were hurt in a car accident in New York, contact Rizzuto Injury Law today at 516-604-5496 to schedule your free case evaluation.