Staten Island Car Accident Lawyer
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Content reviewed by: Alex Shulman
- Last updated: Mar. 25, 2024
When one pictures New York, they often think of the sprawling subway system and dense foot traffic. However, on Staten Island, many commute and travel by car. A Staten Island car accident can not only disrupt your day, but it can change the rest of your life, particularly if you are severely injured.
Have you or a loved one been injured in a car accident on Staten Island? If so, consider reviewing the details of your accident with a Staten Island car accident lawyer at Shulman & Hill.
It is possible to secure compensation for losses stemming from your accident. A personal injury attorney near Staten Island can help you gain a better understanding of your rights. They can also provide aggressive representation to improve your chances of collecting the full amount of compensation that you may be entitled to.
Staten Island Car Accidents: What You Need to Know
Statistically, Staten Island sees fewer monthly car accidents than any other borough in New York. However, it is still important to remember that a car accident is often more likely to occur in a dense, urban area. Traffic on Staten Island is still heavier than it tends to be in more rural parts of the state. As a result, your odds of being involved in an accident here are greater than they might be if you were driving outside of the city.
This serves as a reminder that Staten Island drivers should exercise caution behind the wheel. Unfortunately, even if you do so, you may be harmed if another driver is negligent.
Causes of Staten Island Car Accidents
The potential causes of Staten Island car accidents are numerous. They include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Speeding
- Failure to obey traffic signals
- Distracted driving. Now that many drivers own smartphones, research indicates accidents caused by distracted driving may be on the rise.
- Drunk driving/driving under the influence of drugs
- Driving while sleep-deprived. Experts point out that not getting enough sleep can impair a person in ways similar to that of alcohol or drugs.
- Hazardous road conditions
- Aggressive driving
- Vehicle defects
The Aftermath of a Staten Island Car Accident
Immediately after being involved in a Staten Island car accident, you should:
- Check yourself and your passengers for injuries and get to safety
- Check to see if the other driver is harmed and calmly exchange contact and insurance information
- Call the police to file an official report
- Get the names and contact information of any witnesses
- Document the scene and your injuries with pictures if possible
- See a doctor right away (even if you do not believe you have sustained any injuries)
The nature of the losses you may sustain after a Staten Island car accident will likely depend on the severity of the accident and your injuries. If you are severely injured, you may be left with unexpected medical bills. Your injuries could also limit your ability to earn an income if you are unable to return to work until you have recovered.
In New York State, you have options to pursue compensation for these losses. The experts at our car accident law firm near Staten Island can help you better understand them.
Shulman & Hill obtained a $1,600,000 settlement for a 53-year-old union bus driver
Shulman & Hill obtained a $1,500,000 settlement for a bus driver
Shulman & Hill obtained a $1,100,000 settlement for a 51-year-old Uber driver
Shulman & Hill recently obtained a $1,000,000 insurance policy tender for a client
Pursuing Compensation After a Staten Island Car Accident
New York is a no-fault car accident insurance state. This means that, in most instances, if you are injured in a car accident, your car insurance will cover your initial medical treatment and a portion of your economic losses. If another driver caused the accident, you may also be able to sue them for additional compensation for your economic losses as well as for pain and suffering.
However, this does not mean recovering compensation after a Staten Island car accident is necessarily an easy task. Some insurance companies often seek justification to minimize the amount of compensation they offer to injured victims. This highlights one of the main reasons it is highly advisable to enlist the help of a personal injury law firm near Staten Island when filing a claim.
Our lawyers are well-versed in the tactics that some insurance companies use to protect their own financial interests. We can do everything in our power to negotiate for the full compensation you may be entitled to.
Seeking representation from a Staten Island car accident lawyer instead of handling the claims process on your own will also give you more time to focus on your recovery. Our attorneys at Shulman & Hill can handle the various tasks the claims process involves.
Seeking Additional Compensation After a Staten Island Car Accident
New York State law allows car accident victims to pursue additional compensation from the parties whose negligence caused their accidents if it can be demonstrated that their injuries and losses meet a certain threshold to qualify as “serious.”
Without knowing the details of your case, we cannot guarantee your losses meet the necessary criteria. However, our Staten Island personal injury lawyers can meet with you to determine if you have a valid justification to file a claim or lawsuit against a negligent party.
We can also investigate your accident to determine who the negligent party may be. Car accidents do not always involve one clearly negligent driver harming another. Depending on the circumstances, it may be necessary to investigate your accident in detail to identify who would be responsible for compensating you.
This is yet another reason it is wise to work with our car accident law firm near Staten Island when seeking compensation for your losses. By working with a skilled car accident attorney, you might be able to recover more compensation than your own insurer alone can provide.
Why Choose Shulman & Hill?
At Shulman & Hill, we have recovered millions of dollars for various clients over the years. However, we also understand that each case is unique. That is why we operate on a contingency fee basis. We will only charge for our services if we are able to secure compensation on your behalf.
To learn more about our services, you can give us a call today at (866) 828-6991. You can also schedule a free case consultation online.