Manhattan Work-Related Car Accident Lawyer

Due to New York’s massive size, there are numerous ways to travel the city. People working in Manhattan often travel by car or truck from other boroughs. Like any other method of transportation, driving vehicles to and from work sites can be dangerous.

Regardless of whether your trip is work-related, operating a vehicle in Manhattan involves a level of risk. When you are driving for work, you may be more conscious of traffic safety, but you still cannot control the actions of others on the road.

Many victims injured in a work-related car accident do not know where to turn to seek compensation for their treatment and other losses. The process can be frustrating and confusing. The attorneys at Shulman & Hill are experienced at guiding people through this challenging time and seeing them through to the best possible solution. Contact us for a free legal consultation to learn more.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Manhattan

Car accidents are common in the busy borough of Manhattan. Daily swarms of tourists, commuters, cab drivers, workers, and pedestrians crossing the street create the perfect storm for accidental injuries. According to the NYPD, there were 1,645 motor vehicle collisions in Manhattan in July 2021 alone.

The most common causes of those accidents included:

• Distracted driving
• Following another vehicle too closely
• Failure to yield to the right-of-way
• Passing another vehicle too closely
• Improper passing or lane usage
• Disregard for traffic control

Some of the common vehicles involved in crashes in the city include:

• Passenger vehicles
• Taxi cabs
• Large commercial vehicles (6 tires or more)
• Buses

What to Remember After a Work-Related Car Accident in Manhattan

The aftermath of an accident can be difficult to deal with. Arming yourself with information on what to do can give you the best chance of staying safe. There are certain crucial steps you can take after your accident. They include:

Calling 911 Immediately

Do not underestimate the importance of a police report after an accident. This is considered an official record of the incident for the insurance company and can be an essential piece of evidence for your future claim.

Check For Injuries

It is important to know that your injuries may not be apparent right away. Some car crash victims may report feeling well directly following a crash. This is sometimes due to the high amount of adrenaline released when you are in an accident. This adrenaline can mask pain at the moment and it may take several days after the crash to feel the full effects of your injuries.

Call Your Employer

The next thing you can do is report the accident to your employer as directed by your company’s policy. If you are required to share documentation such as a police report or insurance claims, make sure you request a copy from the officer.

On the topic of paperwork, you should also insist that the details of your accident are put down in writing. Some insurers may try to save money by undervaluing your injuries. A written report can create a paper trail that could be crucial for your case.

Document the Damages

Take as many pictures of the accident as possible. This includes photos of other vehicles that were involved, any objects that were struck, the general location of the accident, and even skid marks on the road.

Talk to Witnesses

If possible, write down contact information for any witnesses that are present at the scene of the accident. It may also be worth asking them to provide their account of the accident.

Gather Information From the Other Driver(s)

Be sure to get contact information from the other driver. In some cases, there may be multiple drivers involved. This information can be crucial to securing future compensation. If the other driver was at fault, you may be able to pursue additional compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit.

Will My Car Accident Be Covered By Workers’ Compensation?

In most cases, if you are driving for work and are injured in a car accident, you will qualify for workers’ compensation. For example, if you are driving a company vehicle during work hours and get rear-ended, your injuries will likely be covered. But when certain variables come into play, things can get tricky. It may also be more difficult in instances where:

You Were Not on the Clock

If you are driving a company vehicle on your unpaid lunch break and get into an accident, you will likely not qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. This may also be the case if you were commuting to or from a job site.

You Were Breaking the Law or Company Policy

If you get into a work-related accident while breaking the law, you might not be covered by workers’ compensation. It is also important to keep in mind that your employer may also attempt to negate your claim if you were not following company policy at the time of the accident.

A Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Investigate the Accident

Even if you qualify for workers’ compensation, you should not expect your employer’s insurer to immediately approve your claim. Some insurance companies may look for reasons to justify denying claims against them. They may do so by arguing that your accident was not genuinely work-related.

The Manhattan workers’ compensation attorneys at Shulman & Hill can help you defeat these challenges.

Why Shulman & Hill?

Rather than trying to navigate the complexities of your workers’ compensation claim on your own, consider talking to an experienced lawyer. The Manhattan attorneys at Shulman & Hill can make sure you thoroughly understand what your legal options are. If any difficulties arise in your case, we can help determine your best course of action to minimize the chance of recourse and maximize your chances of receiving compensation.

Contact Shulman & Hill at 212.221.1000 or online to schedule a free legal consultation.