Queens Car Accident Lawyers
Experienced Car Accident Lawyers In Queens, New York
The borough of Queens is home to over 2.2 million people, two major airports, and several sports stadiums. Due to its densely populated area and heavy traffic, Queens experiences an average of more than 70 car accidents per day. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by someone else, our team of reliable car accident lawyers in Queens can help you recover compensation for any physical, emotional, or financial damages you have sustained. Our team of experienced Queens car accident lawyers at Rosenberg & Rodriguez will strive to deliver the best possible outcome. Contact our office today for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help you.
Most Common Causes Of Car Accidents In Queens
Car accidents can be caused by various factors, but some factors increase the risk of collision more than others. The most frequent causes of car crashes in Queens are:
- Distracted driving, driver inattention, and texting while driving
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Speeding and other aggressive driving behaviors
- Unsafe passing
- Reckless lane changes
- Illegal or unsafe turns
- Unsafe backing
- Inexperienced drivers
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Other traffic violations
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Car accidents in Queens can be caused by various external factors including dangerous road conditions, faulty vehicles, or low visibility. According to New York personal injury laws, liability is shared among all parties involved in the accident. Therefore, it is crucial to identify all contributing factors. At Rosenberg & Rodriguez, our experienced Queens car accident lawyers have been assisting clients for more than 30 years. Contact us to understand how we can assist in determining the cause of your car accident.
Most Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can cause a variety of injuries, ranging from minor scrapes to more severe injuries. It is important to note that some people may not experience any injuries while others may suffer more serious ones. Some common injuries that can result from crashes include:
- Whiplash and other soft tissue damage
- Head or traumatic brain injury
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Amputation
- Death
- and more
If you have personal insurance, it may cover your medical costs even if you were not at fault for the accident. However, if you experience severe harm that results in permanent disability or prevents you from working for an extended period, your insurance coverage may not be enough to cover all your expenses. As a result, you might need to consult a Queens car accident lawyer and fight for compensation to cover your actual costs, which could be much higher.
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- and more
You may also seek compensation for non-monetary damages such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment
- and more
Rosenberg & Rodriguez is experienced in handling tactics used by insurance companies to avoid paying settlements. With us, you can be assured that we will fight for you, even if it means going to court. We believe that you should receive a fair settlement that covers your expenses resulting from a personal injury. Therefore, you require a skilled car accident attorney in Queens, NY who can help secure your financial recovery.
Dealing With Insurance Companies After A Car Accident In Queens, NY
It is mandatory to have no-fault car insurance in New York, which may restrict your ability to sue the other driver for damages and limit your right to file a third-party claim with their insurance company. Additionally, insurance companies are known to analyze every word you say and utilize it against you to lessen their payout. In some cases, they may only offer a small fraction of your actual damages. If you are struggling to communicate with insurance companies, contact our Queens car accident lawyers for assistance.
It’s important to consult with a lawyer before communicating with any insurance companies regarding your injury case, even if it’s your own insurance provider. Insurance companies are often cautious in serious injury cases, and may only offer payment for a portion of medical expenses and lost wages. In fact, car insurance claims generally cannot cover pain and suffering damages, which means you may need to go to court to receive compensation for these damages.
Our Queens auto accident attorneys can negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf to obtain compensation for your injuries. If the insurance companies do not cooperate or offer adequate settlements, we can proceed to trial to seek financial compensation through a judge and jury.
New York Is A No-Fault State
A “no-fault” insurance plan is a type of auto insurance that pays for damages and injuries resulting from a car accident, regardless of who caused the accident. If you have a no-fault plan, your own insurance company will handle your claim and cover your expenses, up to the limit of your policy. The other driver’s insurance company will do the same for them. For instance, if you are driving and someone else crashes into you, your no-fault insurance will cover the costs.
The state of New York requires no-fault insurance, which can help with expenses related to a car accident. The minimum coverage is $50,000 and can be used for medical bills, lost income, certain household expenses, and death benefits if someone is killed. You must file a claim within 30 days of the accident to qualify unless you have a valid reason for not doing so.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Common Are Car Crashes In Queens, NY?
The NYPD releases data on vehicle accidents in NYC every month. In January 2022, there were 7,733 incidents across the city, with Queens having the highest number of accidents at 2,231. This means that about 28% of all car crashes in NYC occurred in Queens. Unfortunately, many of these accidents were severe, with 658 of them causing injuries or fatalities in December 2021 alone. Within a month, 869 people were injured, and five people lost their lives.
What Types Of Damages Are Available To Car Accident Victims?
Most personal injury cases involve two types of damages: economic and non-economic. We have lawyers who can assist you in determining the damages you have incurred. You may be entitled to receive compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Rehabilitation
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Disfigurement
- Scarring
- Anxiety, depression, and PTSD
- Loss of consortium
- And more
Punitive damages are not typically awarded by New York courts, but when they are, it’s because the defendant’s actions were intentional or malicious. For instance, if you were involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you could potentially receive punitive damages.
What Roads And Intersections Are The Most Dangerous In Queens, NY?
Queens has a high rate of car accidents and fatalities compared to other areas in New York City, according to car accident statistics. As per the NYPD report, almost 30% of all collisions in the city happened in Queens in January 2022. Additionally, some of the most perilous roads and intersections in Queens include:
- 58th Street and Roosevelt Avenue
- Woodhaven Boulevard
- Hillside Avenue and Van Wyck Expressway
- 37th Avenue and 101st Street
- Fresh Pond Road and Metropolitan Avenue
- Brookville Boulevard and Rockaway Boulevard
- Cross Island Parkway
- Queens Boulevard
- Cooper Avenue and Cypress Avenue
- Long Island Expressway
What’s The Average Settlement For A Car Accident In Queens, NY?
Car accident claims vary depending on the specific circumstances. According to data from 2019, the economic cost of a car accident can range from $12,500 for non-injury crashes to $1.7 million for fatal accidents. These costs do not account for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. The value of your claim will primarily depend on the severity of your injuries, and other factors such as:
- The cost of your medical treatment, vehicle repairs, and other out-of-pocket costs
- The duration of your recovery
- The impact of the injury on your work and quality of life
- Whether you’ll suffer any permanent disability
- Your emotional trauma
- Whether your actions contributed to the accident
In New York, car insurance operates on a no-fault basis. This means that if you have car insurance, you’ll need to file a claim with your own insurance company first. If your damages are more than what your policy covers, then you can pursue compensation from the person who caused the accident. It’s worth noting that the amount of available insurance coverage can also affect how much your case is worth.
Contact Our Queens Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you have an injury, cannot work, and accumulate medical bills, you might be inclined to accept any settlement that insurance companies offer. However, this is not recommended. To obtain the rightful compensation you deserve, it is best to hire a Queens car accident lawyer who will represent you and fight for your case.
At Rosenberg & Rodriguez, we begin by examining the accident to establish who was at fault. Then, we will work with specialists to calculate the compensation you are entitled to for damages such as personal injury, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses caused by the accident. Our firm is confident in dealing with insurance companies and has the skills and resources to confront them directly.