With thousands of collisions throughout New York City each month, the most common cause of Bronx collisions is distraction. The hustle and bustle of busy Bronx city streets demand that drivers remain focused on the task at hand. If you suffered serious injuries or lost a close loved one due to a distracted driver, a Bronx car crash lawyer can evaluate your claim and help you fight for compensation.
Just How Much of a Problem Is Distracted Driving?
A recent monthly report by the New York City Police Department cites distracted driving in more than 2,500 crashes involving injuries or fatalities. These alarming statistics for one month of reporting indicate the danger of distracted driving for Bronx drivers and others. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists are all at risk of experiencing serious injuries or death due to driver inattention. Research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that many drivers have a “Do as I say, not as I do” approach to distracted driving. While studies show that most drivers are aware of the dangers, a large percentage admits to such behavior behind the wheel. Driver overconfidence in the ability to multitask behind the wheel places everyone in harm’s way. A distracted driver can quickly lose control of their vehicle, forever changing another person’s life. If you suffered serious harm due to a Bronx distracted driver, we can help you. Your lawyer will investigate your accident to determine liability and to gather evidence. Distracted driving accidents are preventable. Pursuing compensation is your right and easier with help from a Bronx car accident lawyer.
Three Main Types of Driver Distraction
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports there are three main types of driver distraction:
- Visual: anything that removes a driver’s eyes from the road
- Manual: anything that removes a driver’s hands from the wheel
- Cognitive: anything that removes a driver’s mind from operating a vehicle
One common cause of driver distraction is smartphone use behind the wheel. Smartphone use involving the sending and receiving of texts involves all three forms of distraction, according to the CDC. Other forms of distracted driving include programming navigational devices, eating, or applying makeup. If a distracted driver is responsible for your serious injuries or the loss of your loved one, we can help you fight for compensation. Operating a motor vehicle in the Bronx demands attention to the city streets and other road users. A driver who recklessly engages in distracted driving—and who harms others—must face accountability for their actions. With our help, you can pursue possible compensation for your Bronx accident damages.
Other Common Causes of Bronx Collisions
Distraction is just one type of negligence that can result in serious harm for Bronx residents and visitors. According to data from the New York Police Department, other common causes of Bronx collisions include:
- Unsafe speed
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Drunk driving
- Road rage
A failure to use care behind the wheel can devastate another Bronx road user and forever change their life. A New York driver’s license is a privilege—not a right. The injuries or loss that result from a Bronx collision can cause an accident victim or their family extreme financial stress. While no amount of money can return life to the way it was before the accident, it can ease the financial burden of income lost.
The Fight for Compensation
Compensation is never guaranteed nor promised. Fighting for compensation that you deserve is easier with a Bronx car accident lawyer by your side. Insurance company negotiations are challenging and far too important to manage alone. Accident victims of Bronx collisions generally suffer the following damages:
- Massive medical bills that are sometimes lifelong, depending upon the severity of the injury
- Lost wages due to time away from work recovering from injuries
- Loss of future earning capacity if the victim can’t return to work
- Pain and suffering
Each personal injury case is different. The details and various factors of your accident can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Hiring a lawyer to represent you allows the time necessary to focus on your recovery.
Why Settling Your Case Alone Can Be Risky
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses that want to protect their bottom line. An insurance adjuster may offer you a settlement offer and, in some cases, may convince you that hiring a lawyer is not necessary. The adjuster is typically protecting the company’s best interest and not yours. The amount offered might seem like the help you need to pay current bills—it is often the least amount an insurance company is willing to pay. Do not give in to high-pressure tactics designed to confuse you. Insurance companies are best left to personal injury and wrongful death lawyers familiar with their strategies. The risk of accepting their offer is this: It prevents you from pursuing further compensation, should your medical condition worsen. Acceptance of an insurance settlement closes your claim. To the insurance company, the claim is over and done. For accident victims, their lifetime of medical challenges and care is just beginning. The time following your accident and the decisions you make are crucial for your future. You do not have to face these decisions alone. A Bronx car accident lawyer can assist you by managing the details of your civil case.
Fatal Bronx Collisions
The loss of a loved one due to a Bronx collision is devastating news. There is no amount of legal action or compensation that can replace your loved one. Pursuing compensation during such an emotional time is easier with a Bronx wrongful death lawyer by your side. Planning a funeral or memorial service is difficult enough without calls from aggressive insurance adjusters. Their tactics and pressure may wear you down during your vulnerable state and result in you accepting less than you deserve. Paying for the final expenses for your loved one can cost thousands. Funeral and burial costs, along with final medical expenses for your loved one, can strain your budget. When the death is the result of another driver, they and not you should pay these costs. Reputable Bronx car accident lawyers offer free case evaluations. An evaluation helps you determine if your relationship to the decedent qualifies you for legal action. Once we determine that you qualify, we must act quickly. The statute of limitations requires that we file your wrongful death lawsuit within two years from the date of death. Twenty-four months sounds like a long time. However, when it comes to pursuing legal action, the deadline can expire before you know it. Do not miss your chance for justice on behalf of your loved one. Contact a Bronx car accident lawyer today to determine your options for moving forward.
Take Action Now for Your Bronx Collision Accident Injuries or Loss
Bronx Truck Accident Lawyer, Andrew Finkelstein
Time can easily pass in a blur as you deal with sudden changes to your life. Waiting too long to file a civil lawsuit can cause you to miss your chance to pursue compensation forever. Accident victims and families who wish to pursue civil cases must file within the statute of limitations. New York law requires you to file within three years for personal injury and two years for wrongful death lawsuits. Most civil cases settle without ever going to trial. If your lawyer is unable to secure a fair settlement outside of court, they must possess the skills necessary to present your case before a judge and jury. Gather all evidence in your case. General types of evidence in Bronx collision accident cases include:
- Names and phone numbers of eyewitnesses
- Photographs and/or video of the accident scene
- Police report
- Medical records
- Medical expenses
- Death information
- Lost income and other wage information
If you are unable to secure this information, we can gather it for you. You can rest assured that our team treats all clients with respect and compassion. At the same time, we work to firmly hold insurance companies accountable for the compensation you deserve.
Hold the Driver Responsible for Your Injuries or Loss Accountable for Their Reckless Actions
What happened to you or your loved one is something no Bronx resident or visitor should ever experience. The mounting medical costs, painful procedures, and missed time from work are consequences that demand accountability. Beware of insurance companies who claim to want to help you. Chances are, their interests only lie in helping the company protect profits. Find a Bronx car accident lawyer who knows how to fight back against insurance company tactics. Let your Bronx personal injury attorney handle aggressive insurance adjusters so that you can recover or grieve privately.