Washington Heights Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents are the number one cause of personal injuries in the United States. These crashes often leave wreckage, injuries, and financial struggles in their wake. For those who have been hurt, a Washington Heights car accident lawyer can help.

Seeking legal assistance from a knowledgeable injury law firm, like Gregory Spektor & Associates, P.C., might be a good first step on the path to recovery. Our experienced team has successfully recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients, helping them get their lives back on track.

If you are ready to get started on your case, call us now at 1(800)318-8888. Trust our team to give your claim the personal attention it deserves. 

How Can a Washington Heights Car Accident Attorney Help You?

At Gregory Spektor & Associates, P.C., client advocacy is at the core of everything we do. We create personalized legal strategies and solutions to help our clients recover the compensation they deserve after their car accident. 

If another’s negligent actions hurt you, our personal injury attorney can assist you with:

• Evaluating your case and determining the compensation you may be owed.
• Filing an injury claim with your insurance company.
• Seeking damages from the responsible party when possible.
• Negotiating a fair settlement.
• Filing a lawsuit and taking your case to court, if necessary.

If you are ready to take legal action, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. Our Washington Heights car accident lawyers can perform a thorough accident investigation and build a solid foundation for your injury claims. 

Types of Car Accidents in Washington Heights

Several different types of accidents can occur in Washington Heights. Some of the common types of collisions we see include: 

• Rear-End Crashes: A rear-end collision occurs when the front of one vehicle hits the back of another. Following too closely or failing to stop in time are common reasons for these accidents.
• Head-On Collisions: Head-on crashes are caused by the fronts of two vehicles colliding. This may happen if a vehicle is traveling in the wrong direction and into traffic.
• Rollover Accidents: A rollover occurs when a car flips onto its top one or more times. Trucks and SUVs are more susceptible to this type of accident due to their higher center of gravity.
• Sideswipe Accidents: A sideswipe accident happens when the sides of two vehicles hit one another. This may occur from passing too closely or failing to check blindspots before merging.
• Blind Spot Accidents: When a driver fails to check their blind spot before moving into traffic, it can lead to a collision. Side swipes, runoffs, rear ends, and swerving accidents can result.
• Multi-Vehicle Collisions: A multi-vehicle collision happens when three or more cars are involved in an accident. Chain-reaction rear-end collisions, or interstate pileups are some examples. 
• T-Bone Accidents: Side impact accidents occur when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another. These “T” shaped collisions usually happen at intersections.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Washington Heights

Negligence, carelessness, thoughtlessness, and sheer recklessness are the common causes of car accidents. While mistakes can happen, certain driving behaviors are more likely than others to cause car accidents or make crashes more severe.

Some causes that can cause crashes include:

• Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
• Aggressive or reckless driving
• Drowsy driving
• Driving under the influence
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Ignoring traffic signals or signs
• Distracted driving
• Poor vehicle maintenance
• Poor road conditions
• Bad weather 

Many car accidents are preventable when proper precautions are taken. Practicing safe and defensive driving habits can help reduce the chances of a motor vehicle accident.

Typical Injuries That Car Accident Victims Sustain in the Washington Heights

Injuries from car accidents can range from minor bumps and bruises and muscle soreness to severe and life-changing. Even seemingly small injuries can take time to fully rehabilitate, and the mental and emotional trauma of a collision can last for months or years. 

Some typical injuries suffered by crash victims include:

• Whiplash
• Soft tissue injuries
• Broken bones
• Lacerations, burns, and contusions
• Concussions
• Neck and Back Injuries
• Scarring and Disfigurement
• PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal Cord Injuries and paralysis
• Loss of limb
• Death

These injuries often cause financial difficulties and can take time to rehabilitate. Besides this, it can also cause physical pain, suffering, and emotional, mental, and social problems. That is why it is critical to recover fair compensation.

Types of Damages Are Available to Car Accident Victims in Washington Heights

In New York, car accident victims can recover compensatory damages for their injuries. These damages are broken down into two categories: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are the actual financial losses you’ve suffered, while non-economic damages are the intangible losses. There is no cap on compensatory damages. 

Examples of economic damages are:

• Medical expenses
• Rehabilitation costs
• Property damage
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity

Examples of non-economic damages are:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium

In limited situations, punitive damages may also be available. However, these damages are only awarded in situations where the defendant acted badly. There is also no statutory cap on punitive damages. A Washington Heights Personal Injury Lawyer can review your case to determine what damages you may be owed. 

How Do I Prove Negligence After a Car Accident in Washington Heights?

New York is a no-fault state. This means that you will need to begin your case by filing a claim with your own insurance company. However, that does not always mean that the responsible party is off the hook. 

If you have suffered a serious injury or have losses exceeding the no-fault threshold, you may be able to seek damages from the negligent party. In order to prove negligence, you will need to show that the other driver:

• Duty of Care: The defendant owed you a duty of care.
• Breach of Duty: The defendant breached their duty of care.
• Causation: You were injured as a result of that breach.
• Damages: You suffered actual damages.

A car accident lawyer in Washington Heights can assist with your civil case and help you identify the liable party and prove their responsibility for your injuries and losses. 

What Is My Washington Heights Car Accident Case Worth?

The value of your case will depend on the losses you have suffered, the cause of the accident, and the available sources of recovery. Speaking with a Washington Heights car accident attorney can help you calculate the damages you may be owed and your paths to recovering fair compensation.

Moreover, it is important to note that New York is a pure comparative negligence state in addition to being a no-fault car insurance state. This means even if you are partially to blame for the accident, you can still recover damages. However, these damages will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.

Statute of Limitations After a Car Accident in the Washington Heights

The statute of limitations for most car accident cases in New York is three years from the date of the accident. This is the deadline to file a lawsuit. Failing to file before the statute of limitations expires may mean losing your right to recover compensation.

There are some exceptions to this statute of limitations, so it is critical to seek legal representation early. Your lawyer can help you make a timely filing and provide court representation that can be crucial to the success of your case. 

Contact a Washington Heights Car Accident Lawyer for Legal Help

At Gregory Spektor & Associates, P.C., we help accident victims get the compensation they deserve. Our experienced lawyers are ready to fiercely advocate for your rights and make sure your injuries aren’t dismissed by the insurance companies. 

When you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident, let our Washington Heights car accident lawyers handle the legal complexities. Call 1(800)318-8888 for a free case evaluation.