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After being in a car accident, it is essential to speak to professionals. This is because many victims of motor vehicle accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. It can be easier to receive this compensation when the victim has a car accident lawyer.
The team at The Law Office of Carl Maltese can help victims during these hard times. Also, the team at The Law Office of Carl Maltese includes professional, experienced, and knowledgeable attorneys who will help during a car accident claim.
More will be discussed below, so every victim knows that they will be in safe hands while working with The Law Office of Carl Maltese. This is because these Long Island car accident lawyers know about New York's car accident laws and are ready to advocate for all victims who walk through their doors.
About the Car Accident Lawyers Who Are Here to Help
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The lawyers at The Law Office of Carl Maltese have helped many clients secure the large settlements that they deserve after being in a car crash. These wins have allowed victims to receive the compensation that they deserve for their injury lawsuit.
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Car accident cases settled outside of court bring a lot of peace to victims. They are currently trying to heal after going through a traumatic experience, so it is helpful when the team can settle a case outside of trial. However, the team at The Law Office of Carl Maltese will always prepare every car accident claim as if they are going to trial because the team will fight for the victim's rights. Additionally, they will ensure that the victim receives the settlement offer they deserve.
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All clients at The Law Office of Carl Maltese receive compassion and respect from every car accident lawyer. This has allowed the team to create a successful working relationship with every client, knowing what the client wants and striving to achieve it.
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Some people may want a free case evaluation, and they will receive that from the team at The Law Office of Carl Maltese.
New York Car Accident Law
Being in a motor vehicle accident can be stressful for everyone involved. However, New York's no-fault car accident laws can be even more confusing when trying to navigate it with injuries. In order for a claim or lawsuit to be filed, the injuries need to be severe. That definition includes injuries such as:
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Considerable disfigurement
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Broken bones
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Permanent damage to limbs or organs
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An injury that has left the victim incapable of performing their daily duties for at least 90 days
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Injuries that limit body function
When a victim wants to make a claim, specific deadlines and paperwork need to be completed within a particular manner and by a specific time. This can be confusing for many people, and when it is not completed correctly, the case could be thrown out, and no compensation would be given. However, having a lawyer will help in these situations.
A lawyer knows the law and knows how to navigate all the paperwork correctly; that is why it is essential that they help the victim during these troubling times. Also, certain parts of the law will not fit in with certain car accident cases. However, it is difficult to know what aspects of the law can be used and what parts of the law cannot. That is why having a lawyer is essential for any insurance claim or lawsuit.
What Forms of Compensation Could a Victim Receive?
A victim could look to receive compensation for many different forms of damages. Some of them would be:
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Medical bills
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Rental car costs
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Vehicle repairs or replacement
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Pain and suffering
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Lost wages
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Loss of companionship or affection
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Wrongful death
After speaking to a Long Island car accident attorney, they will be able to calculate how much the victim will need in compensation. When there are multiple forms of damage, there can be a lot of confusion as to how to link everything together or how some of them overlap with one another.
However, the professionals at The Law Office of Carl Maltese can help in this situation because of their knowledge of the law and accidents.
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Alex Maltese and his firm are first class and they always made you feel as if you were their only client. The communication was always timely, professional and courteous. I can't thank them enough.
- Dina V.
You always know that the entire staff truly cares. I am extremely pleased with my settlement and thankful that they helped make an unpleasant experience more than bearable.
- John D.
Alex Maltese is a professional and compassionate attorney. I never felt as if I was a burden. He always answered my questions in a timely manner. The attorneys and staff are accommodating.
- Alex D.
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What Are Some of the Common Causes of Car Accidents in Long Island?
There are many reasons why a Long Island car accident happens. These are some of the most common causes of car accidents in the state:
Distracted Driving
Many drivers are distracted while driving, which is a big reason why car accidents happen. People think that answering a quick text or talking on the phone won't cause a car crash, but it does. Other ways people are distracted while driving are drinking, eating, interacting with passengers, or fidgeting with their music or GPS. When someone is distracted, it can cause really serious car accidents because the driver will need to brake suddenly, swerve their car, or slam into someone else.
It is essential not to be distracted while driving because it can cause a lot of damage.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving while intoxicated is extremely dangerous. If the driver has a blood alcohol concentration beyond 0.08 percent, they are over the legal limit. This does not only include drunk drivers while driving; it incorporates drivers who have had either alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication. Driving while intoxicated needs to be taken more seriously because someone dies due to an alcohol-related crash every 48 minutes in the United States.
Additionally, the at-fault party may not just receive a civil claim by the victim, but they can also face criminal charges. Instead, do not drive while under the influence of any substance.
Conditions of the Roads
Sometimes, the road condition is the reason why a car accident happens in Long Island. This is because dangerous weather has made it difficult to see road markings; there are potholes, construction sites, or animals that are crossing the road. Depending on the reason for the accident, a government agency may be liable for this Long Island car accident.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving or 'road rage' can cause terrible car accidents that leave victims with a lot of hardships. This can happen when someone is driving through stop signs, changing lanes unsafely, or speeding way too far over the limit.
There are many reasons why someone may become upset while driving, but it is safer if all drivers remember to stay calm. Otherwise, a terrible car accident could happen, and someone may get hurt.
Moreover, there are other reasons why a car accident can happen, and it may not be the fault of any driver on the road. These are two reasons why a car accident may happen:
Speeding
Speeding is very common amongst most drivers on the road. However, every driver needs to be aware that speeding can make it more difficult to stop the car and can intensify a collision. When someone speeds in their car, they are more likely to struggle when they need to brake suddenly, especially if the weather is poor. If it is raining outside, and the driver is speeding, then it will be even harder for them to stop their car if they need to.
Instead, don't speed. This will help every driver to stop their car when they need to.
Driving While Drowsy
People get tired while driving, and that is normal. However, when a driver does feel drowsy, they should find a safe place to pull over and take a break. Drowsy drivers cause many car accidents because they hit another driver at full speed. That is why it is essential that when a driver does feel sleepy, they take a break and either grab a coffee or take a nap.
Tailgating
Rear-end collisions happen very often, and one of the biggest reasons they happen is because of tailgating. It does not matter how slowly someone is driving, if they are tailgating the driver in front, they can easily cause an accident. When there is not enough space between vehicles, there is not enough time for a reaction. No driver ever knows what another driver is thinking while on the road, so if they decide to make a sudden turn or stop - the tailgater may hit the driver in front.
Instead, follow from a respectable distance, so there is less chance of getting in an accident. The motor vehicle accident could result in severe injuries depending on the two cars' speed and proximity.
Cars That Are Defective
There have been cases where the vehicle itself has a flaw, and it has caused an accident. This can happen because of a mechanic failing to fix a repair, a manufacturer defect, or something about the car being improperly maintained. If an accident occurs because of this, then a car accident claim could be made against a mechanic, the car manufacturer, or another party.
Why The Law Office of Carl Maltese Can Help
Car accidents can be life-altering experiences. There are many different situations that can come out of being in a car accident. Also, there are a lot of stressful moments that need to be dealt with, like insurance claims, determining who’s at fault, and then receiving the proper compensation for the victim. Trying to tackle all of these situations with all of the different paperwork can be taxing and difficult. However, the professionals are here to help.
Moreover, a personal injury lawyer can research everything about the accident. This is vital when dealing with a claim because they have the knowledge and the expertise to use the correct and accurate information that will help with getting the victim the compensation they deserve.
This is essential in New York because the state is a 'pure comparative negligence' state. Evidence is crucial because the state wants someone to be held accountable. If the claim is taken to court, the judge or jury will need to compare the fault and reduce it. That means that if a victim is found to be 30 percent at fault and awarded $2,000 in damages, they will only receive $1,400 because 30 percent needs to be deducted from the total award.
Having a professional handle this information and figure out the correct amount for compensation is vital for all victims because they do run the risk of being held accountable for a certain percentage of the accident.
Additionally, victims only have three years from the date of the accident to pursue any personal injury lawsuit, so it is better to get the ball rolling sooner rather than later.
What to Do After a Motor Vehicle Accident
There are many things that need to happen after a car accident. These are the main things to complete if it is safe to do so:
Call 911
Many people hesitate to call the authorities after a car accident, but it is essential. After calling 911, the police and paramedics will be dispatched, so everyone at the scene can be checked over. It is vital to contact the authorities because they help when accidents do happen.
Additionally, the police will write up a police report. This report will be needed by the insurance company and the car accident lawyer.
Start Gathering Evidence
If it is safe to do so, people may take pictures of the accident scene. On the other hand, they must document what the cars look like, the state of the road, and some witness testimonies or contact details. All this evidence will be useful for the Long Island car accident lawyer. This evidence can be used with a claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Also, the victim should speak to the police and receive the police report and any medical report made by the hospital or doctor. These reports are essential to give to the insurance company because they will want to see what the damage is. Additionally, the car accident attorney will use this information when assisting the victim with their claim.
Begin to Heal
All parties in a car crash need to ensure that they are receiving the proper care they need. This could mean that they need to take prescription medication, have physiotherapy, or speak with a psychologist. No matter what the victim needs to heal, they should be receiving the proper care.
Seek Medical Attention
Victims should allow paramedics to look them over after an accident. This is because they will handle any on-sight injuries right away. Also, they have the medical expertise to know whether a person needs to go to the hospital and receive further care or not. If the paramedics advise someone to go to the hospital, it is imperative that they do.
They are professionals and know when someone needs medical help. People must make sure to listen to them.
Contact Insurance Company
After the accident and after getting checked out by a doctor, people may inform the insurance company of the accident; the sooner the victim explains what has happened, the sooner the claim process can begin. It is vital to give the insurance company the evidence gathered.
Speak With a Long Island Car Accident Lawyer
People must go to the best car accident lawyers at The Law Office of Carl Maltese. The victim should bring in all the evidence gathered, from the photographs to the reports to any witness details. All this information can help the lawyer build a case for the claim and lawsuit. When this happens, the professionals will take the burden of contacting the insurance company from now on and will be in contact with any other parties that are involved.
This is a crucial step because the lawyers are there to help assist in this traumatic time and take some of the pressure off the victim.
What Injuries Can Warrant Compensation?
Car accidents can cause many different injuries, and when this happens, the victim deserves compensation. Some of the injuries that can receive compensation are:
Brain & Head Injuries
Brain and head injuries are usually seen after a car accident. This happens when the head hits the side window or steering wheel. The injuries that can occur from hitting one's head could be a concussion to a severe brain traumatic injury, and when this happens, it could result in permanent cognitive impairment. Also, car accidents can lead to broken bones, skull fractures, or facial bruises and lacerations. These injuries can be lifelong and life-changing.
Back & Neck Injuries
The most common injury after a car accident is whiplash. This common neck injury can be found in many rear-end collisions. Whiplash happens when there is a sudden jolt of the neck in a back-and-forth motion. When there is a severe case of whiplash, then there is a chance of a cervical spine fracture.
Additionally, many people have been reported to have spinal cord injuries and herniated discs due to car accidents. These are serious injuries that can affect someone's life in a significant way.
Abdominal Injuries
Seatbelts were made to protect all people inside of a car, but they also cause injuries when someone is in an accident. Many people have reported having broken ribs or sternum, contusions, or internal organ damage from a car accident.
Leg & Knee Injuries
In a car accident, people can hit the dashboard and hurt their legs or knees. This is because the impact could leave the person with scrapes, bruises, broken bones, or sprains.
Emotional Suffering
After being in a car accident, many people have reported suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, or depression. When making a claim, it is crucial to speak to a Long Island car accident lawyer because they will take any additional pressure off the victim. While the victim is trying to physically heal, they also need to take time for their mental health.
The Loss of a Loved One
Losing a loved one is extremely difficult for everyone. However, when someone has lost a loved one due to someone else's misconduct, there is additional stress on top of an already stressful time. Emotions tend to run high during these times, so it is recommended that the surviving family speaks to a car accident attorney, because they will be able to help them receive the compensation they deserve.
The members at The Law Office of Carl Maltese are compassionate and respectful; they understand how troubling this time is and are here to help those who want justice for their lost loved one.
Communication Is Key
When working with The Law Office of Carl Maltese lawyers, every client is treated with respect. However, everybody involved must be open and honest with the team because then, they will have a better understanding of what is happening. Also, the team will keep the client informed of any progress that is made within the case. This is important because the professional relationship that is being built between the lawyers and the client needs to be transparent for the best results to be received.
Also, the team is always available to answer any concerns or questions that the client may have about the entire process.
Contact Our Office Today
Anyone who has been in a car accident in Long Island should contact The Law Office of Carl Maltese today. There is a free case evaluation available, so everyone has a chance to speak to a professional. All clients will have a conversation with a professional who wants to know what has happened and help.
Additionally, all clients will have contact with compassionate attorneys who are understanding of the turbulent times they are going through. Clients will leave knowing exactly what to expect from the team at The Law Office of Carl Maltese. The team will work hard and diligently to ensure that every client receives the proper care they deserve, and they will do their best to get adequate compensation.