Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
If you were hurt in a wreck, our car accident lawyers in Mount Vernon can help protect your rights. We assist injured drivers, passengers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists, and families after serious crashes.
Our team at Shulman & Hill has over 200 years of combined legal experience. We handle various types of car accident cases, including those involving rear-end collisions, T-bone impacts, hit-and-runs, Uber and Lyft crashes, distracted driving, and wrongful death.
Our office is as diverse as the boroughs that surround us. We are the community, and we’ve got your back. Contact us today for a free consultation to speak with one of our Mount Vernon personal injury lawyers.
Why Hire Our Mount Vernon Car Accident Attorneys
At Shulman & Hill, we approach every case with careful investigation and preparation. Our team gathers police reports, medical records, and other evidence needed to establish liability and document the full extent of your losses. We also handle communications with insurance carriers and manage the procedural requirements that often determine whether a claim moves forward.
Just as importantly, we work to protect you from mistakes that can undermine your case. Insurance companies may request recorded statements, broad medical authorizations, or quick settlements before the scope of your injury is known.
Our Mount Vernon car accident attorneys guide you through those decisions so your rights and potential recovery are fully protected under New York law.
Common Causes of Crashes Around Mount Vernon
Car accidents in Mount Vernon occur for many of the same reasons seen across Westchester County, often involving driver negligence, unsafe roadway behavior, or vehicle-related issues. Police reports from the area frequently point to preventable actions that place other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists at risk.
Some of the most common causes of collisions we see in this area include:
- Distracted driving, particularly phone use at intersections such as East Lincoln Avenue and South 5th Avenue
- Speeding and aggressive driving, which can lead to serious multi-vehicle crashes on roads like the Cross County Parkway or Bronx River Parkway
- Failure to yield, especially at busy turns and intersections throughout Mount Vernon.
- Impaired driving, including alcohol or drug use that affects reaction time and judgment.
- Tailgating in congested traffic, which often leads to rear-end collisions during stop-and-go conditions.
- Hazardous weather, such as heavy rain or black ice that reduces traction and visibility.
- Vehicle defects or poor maintenance, including brake failures or unsafe commercial delivery vehicles.
Determining the true cause of a crash is an important step in building a strong claim. Our Mount Vernon car accident lawyers review police reports, witness accounts, and physical evidence to identify all responsible parties and pursue the compensation our clients are entitled to under New York law.
How New York Law Impacts Car Accident Claims
New York follows a no-fault insurance system for most motor vehicle accidents. After a crash, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage typically pays for initial medical treatment and a portion of lost wages, regardless of who caused the collision. However, pursuing compensation for pain and suffering requires meeting New York’s serious injury threshold.
Time limits also affect how and when claims may be filed. In many car accident cases, a personal injury lawsuit must be brought within three years of the crash, while wrongful death claims generally have a two-year deadline. Certain situations, particularly those involving government entities or municipal vehicles, may require earlier notice.
Proving Fault in Car Accident Cases
Establishing fault after a car accident requires a careful review of evidence. Our attorneys begin by collecting police reports, interviewing witnesses, and identifying available video from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or dash-cams. When necessary, we also work with crash reconstruction specialists and review vehicle data to understand how the collision occurred.
Medical records also play an important role in documenting the harm caused by the crash. We organize hospital records, diagnostic imaging, specialist reports, and therapy notes to clearly link your injuries to the accident. Wage statements and employment records can also help demonstrate lost income and reduced earning capacity.
In some cases, responsibility may extend beyond the other driver. Unsafe roadway conditions, defective vehicle parts, or the involvement of commercial vehicles can introduce additional sources of liability and insurance coverage. Our attorneys investigate these possibilities carefully to ensure every responsible party is considered.
Recoverable Compensation in a Car Accident Case
The compensation available after a car accident depends on the nature of the injuries and the losses caused by the crash. In many cases, an injury claim may include economic damages for measurable financial losses, such as:
- Medical expenses, including hospital care, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost wages during recovery and reduced future earning capacity.
- Home health assistance or other necessary support services.
- Out-of-pocket costs related to the accident and recovery.
When an injured person meets New York’s serious injury threshold, the law may also allow recovery of non-economic damages. These damages address the personal impact of the crash and may include pain and suffering, physical limitations, and loss of enjoyment of daily life.
If a crash results in the death of a family member, surviving relatives may bring a wrongful death claim. These actions can seek compensation for funeral expenses and certain financial losses suffered by the family. Because wrongful death claims have specific legal requirements and filing deadlines, careful documentation is important.
CTA
At Shulman & Hill, we represent injured people across Mount Vernon and Westchester County with the same approach that guides our work throughout New York. We provide a thorough investigation, careful case preparation, and strong advocacy for the people who keep this city moving.
Our attorneys understand how New York’s insurance rules, no-fault system, and serious injury threshold affect car accident claims. We take the time to review the details of your crash, explain your legal options, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and the broader impact the injury has had on your life.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our car accident attorneys in Mount Vernon. Every borough, every block—New York, we got you.