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Staten Island Car Accident Lawyers
Staten Island Traffic Accident Information
Car accidents can happen to anyone at anytime. No matter how hard you try to drive in a reasonable and safe manner, the negligence of another driver can cause you or your family great harm. According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, there were 1,160 fatalities and 187,160 personal injuries reported in New York car accidents in 2008. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Staten Island New York car crash, it is important that you know and understand your legal rights.
Car Accident Claims
Personal injury falls under the umbrella of Tort Law. A tort is defined as a civil wrong that constitutes grounds for a lawsuit. With regard to car accidents, a tort may be intentional (striking a person on purpose) or negligent (running a stop sign or recklessly speeding). When a person is injured in a car accident caused by someone else's negligence, he or she may file a claim seeking compensation for:
- Medical Costs: All medical expenses that directly resulting from an accident may be considered. This should include present and future medical bills.
- Time Away From Work: Did your injuries prevent you from going to work for an extended period of time? Will you have to miss work in the future for therapy or follow-up doctor visits?
- Pain and Suffering: All injuries are painful but some serious injuries cause significant pain and discomfort that may affect one's quality of life.
Wrongful Death Claims
If you have lost a loved one in a Staten Island car accident due to negligence or wrongdoing, you can file a wrongful death claim. When a negligent driver fatally injures someone, the dependents of the deceased may hire a wrongful death attorney to pursue compensation for their losses and hold the wrongdoer accountable. Families can typically seek compensation for:
- Medical Expenses - When someone is critically injured in an accident and rushed into the trauma center or into surgery, the resulting medical expenses can be substantial. The family of someone who has passed away in the hospital following a Staten Island car accident should not be held responsible for the resulting medical expenses.
- Funeral Costs - This usually includes cost of the funeral service and burial or cremation.
- Lost Future Income - Someone wrongfully killed in an accident will no longer be able to provide for their family. A wrongful death claim seeks compensation so the family can get some type of financial stability and security.
Hiring a Staten Island Attorney
An experienced Staten Island NY car accident attorney will work with investigators to determine fault and liability in a car crash. The car accident lawyers at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin, LLP know how to pursue compensation for the victims while holding the at-fault party civilly liable for the accident. Please call us to schedule a free consultation.
