Manhattan Car Accident Lawyers
Manhattan Traffic Accident Information
This essay can serve as a primer to the basics of Manhattan NY car accident law.
Relevant Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 42,000 people every year die in auto crashes in the U.S. The NHTSA stated that there were 1,231 traffic fatalities in New York in 2008 and 1,332 in 2007.
Common Causes of Manhattan, NY Car Accidents
- Driver distraction -- driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol degrades your attention span and makes you more prone to get into injury accidents. Similarly, speaking on a cell phone or texting on a cell phone - even if you are using a hands free handset - can significantly impair your ability to drive safely.
- Poor road conditions -- bad signage, poorly marked construction zones, malfunctioning traffic lights, and other traffic engineering failures lead to many New York injury accidents.
- Inclement weather/acts of God -- hurricanes, flash floods, and other natural disasters also cause a plethora of accidents.
- Vehicle malfunction/problem parts -- brake failures, tire blowouts, problems with accelerator pedals, and other mechanical foul-ups also cause a significant number of crashes.
Factors That Determine the Severity of Injuries You Suffer
- The speed and angle of the collision
- Whether or not passengers wore safety belts
- Presence or absence of safety features (e.g. air bags, automatic stability control, ABS)
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- The duration between the time of the accident and the time medical care was administered
- The quality of medical care and rehabilitation
Seeking Justice for Injuries You Suffered in a Manhattan, NY Car Accident
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a traffic accident in Manhattan, NY - whether you've suffered something minor but deeply irritating, such as a whiplash injury, or a severe life-changing injury - you can potentially hold a variety of parties accountable, monetarily. These parties include but are not limited to:
- The driver who hit you
- That driver's insurance company
- The municipality responsible for maintaining safe roadways
- Your insurance company
- The manufacturer or distributor of your auto parts
If you win a Manhattan car accident case, you may get money for wages lost, property damage, medical and rehab expenses, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering.
Evaluating Whether You Need Legal Action
Obviously, not all car accident injuries merit legal action. However, if you have concerns or questions regarding liability, connect with the Manhattan car accident attorneys here at Wingate Russotti & Shapiro LLP in New York. The Wingate Russotti & Shapiro LLP legal team has a tremendous track record of large verdicts and settlements recovered on behalf of injured traffic accident victims. Learn more about the firm on the web at www.wrslaw.com, or speak to someone right now at 1-212-222-4336.