Category: Motor Vehicle Accidents

What Should I Do After An Motorcycle Accident?

As the weather warms up and the world opens back up again, there is a measurable increase in motorcycle-related accidents throughout the state of New York.

According to the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research located at the University at Albany’s Rockefeller College, the number of people killed in fatal motorcycle crashes rose 53 percent from 2019 through 2021.  While the final numbers for the last year are not complete, the same report recorded that 204 people were killed in 198 crashes involving motorcycles last year.  By comparison, in 2019, 133 people were killed in 132 crashes*.

Nearly 90,000 people are injured in motorcycle accidents yearly.  These accidents are traumatic and can have lasting physical, financial, emotional, and psychological effects on those involved.  The risks involved with riding a motorcycle daily are exponentially higher than those for drivers and passengers in other motor vehicles.  Open exposure to the elements, road conditions, distracted drivers, and unexpected road hazards all contribute to the precariousness of time spent on the road.  While drivers in cars and trucks are safeguarded by safety restraints, airbags, and framework, motorcyclists are not nearly as protected.  This vulnerability can result in painful injuries, expensive vehicle repairs, time lost from work, emotional damages, catastrophic injuries with substantial medical expenses – and death.

The time immediately following a motorcycle accident can be muddled and confusing.  Insurance companies may make hasty offers based on their perception of liability, which seldom benefits the motorcyclist.  Serious physical injury sidelines work and daily life riders with little understanding of anticipated recovery time and return to activity.  Losses of both the motorcycle and the rider’s protective gear add up quickly, and repair to the motorcycle can be both slow and outrageously expensive.

Hire a Lawyer After a Motorcycle Accident

The experienced, professional legal team at Daniella Levi & Associates will help you.  You are our main concern, and our immediate focus will be on your physical and medical wellbeing.  We will assist and support you through communication with medical professionals, hospitals, and insurance companies.  When necessary, we will provide you with our specialized partners which will conduct a complete investigation, reconstruct the events of the accident, and reveal the evidence necessary to establish liability.  We will enlist the services of trusted and dedicated accident reconstruction experts when necessary, using photos, eyewitness accounts, security cameras in the area, dashboard camera footage, and written statements.

From your first visit, we’ll work with you to determine the liability – or responsibility – of the parties involved.  We will reconstruct and analyze the conditions that led to the accident in order to acquire the maximum compensation for the damages you’ve sustained.  If the accident involved a hit-and-run driver, we will pursue the driver and establish liability.  We understand that without a responsible party with which to make a connection, you could find yourself paying for expensive out-of-pocket repairs or without a vehicle entirely.  Our mission is to make you – and your vehicle – whole again.

If there were eyewitnesses, other drivers, or passengers who observed the collision, their testimonies could be invaluable in proving your case.  Photographs of the scene of the accident, weather reports from the time and place of the event, and proof of the conditions at the time of impact such as traffic congestion, time of day (sunrise/sunset), pre-existing accidents in the immediate area – can all be contributing factors to the successful outcome of motorcycle accident lawsuits.

If you were injured in the accident, seeking immediate medical attention is critical for your health and well-being, and may establish a crucial foundation for your lawsuit.  It is essential that you obtain all medical records, x-rays and scans, laboratory results, and a long-term prognosis from all of your treatment visits to complete the scope of the damages you have sustained.  We will work with your medical professionals to evaluate the necessity of future care you or your passengers may require, whether physical, emotional, or psychological.  Pain and suffering are very real consequences of traumatic accident/injury cases, and the importance of these expenses should not be overlooked.  We will ensure that your best interest is represented with the insurance companies throughout.

We will further communicate with the repair shop and insurance company to see that all of your motorcycle headaches are quickly and completely remedied.  The accident was not your fault, so why should the damage to your motorcycle be your burden?  There is no reason for you not to be made whole as a result.

Insurance providers specialize in settling claims quickly, and their main pursuit is doing so as inexpensively (to themselves) as possible.  If you are contacted directly by the other party’s insurance company, we ask that you refer them to your professional law team at Daniella Levi & Associates.  We will not hastily settle your claim, nor will we settle for less than you are entitled to.  It is our job to communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf, and we take our job seriously.

We understand the many consequences and outcomes of motorcycle accidents and injuries, and the long-term and sometimes permanent consequences which can place you and your family in financial hardship.  At Daniella Levi & Associates, we are uniquely qualified to assist you with your motorcycle accident injury claim.  If you or a loved one have been seriously injured due to a motorcycle accident, call the dedicated professionals at Daniella Levi & Associates today.

*Statistics include passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

About Daniella Levi & Associates P.C.

After a serious accident, many people are in desperate need of the financial support that comes from a successful result of their personal injury claim. To ensure that you have the best chance at obtaining the compensation you deserve, your lawyer should be just as invested in your case as you are.

At Daniella Levi & Associates, P.C., headquartered in New York City, we believe strongly in upholding the rights of accident victims. We are dedicated advocates for our clients, fighting, and using every available resource, to obtain the compensation they deserve.

Daniella Levi & Associates P.C. has 3 Locations in NYC: Levi Law Queens | Levi Law The Bronx | Levi Law Mineola

Can I Sue the City for a Car Accident if the Car Involved is City-Owned?

You have been in a car accident involving a city-owned car that you feel is the city’s fault – can you sue?  The answer is yes, you can sue, but you will need to be prepared.  Knowing how to acquire the necessary proof that it was the city’s fault will be critical.  The City has a team of experienced attorneys, well versed in defense of claims of injury and loss.  These same attorneys will work diligently to discredit your claim, so it is essential that you are working with an experienced attorney yourself – one that you can trust.

Daniella Levi & Associates P.C. is the firm you can trust to have the knowledge and experience necessary to handle these cases in the Bronx – and win.  Our skillful team of accident experts fights to get you the compensation you need and deserve.

What do I need to do?

Following your accident, call us as soon as possible to get started filing your claim.  Some of the key steps for a successful outcome include:

• Determining that the City is responsible for your accident is essential.  You will be required to provide proof that the City is at fault for your accident.  This will require careful documentation of everything that led to the accident.  Was it the result of poor road conditions such as potholes, crumbling asphalt, a distracted city worker such as a snowplow driver which caused you to crash?
• You will need to file a claim with your insurance company and receive a claim number.  Your insurance company will use this claim number for your automobile repairs and any medical bills you may receive.  A police report will be required before your insurance company opens a claim, so make sure that you have that information on hand prior to contacting them.
• Will my case go to trial?  Not all claims against the City will result in a trial.  We have the know-how to expertly guide you through determining the appropriate course of action and navigating the courts on your behalf.

When you need a car accident attorney in the Bronx to help you with a lawsuit against the City, you want the best team with the most experience.  Daniella Levi & Associates P.C. is that team.  We know exactly how to get you started and will guide you every step of the way.

Is There A Time Limit After a Car Accident to Contact an Auto Accident Lawyer?

As a general rule, you should contact an auto accident lawyer as soon as (1) You have been injured in an accident; (2) you have unanswered questions regarding an automobile accident; (3) An insurance company is not responsive or treating you fairly; or (4) you require medical care and need assistance in getting it.

Is having a lawyer after an accident important?

There are many reasons why hiring a lawyer after a crash is necessary. Having the right lawyer on your side is even more critical.  We will help you evaluate your case by considering conditions such as:

• The accident resulted in severe injuries or in wrongful death.  Not all injuries sustained in an auto accident are apparent at the time of the crash; many symptoms become more serious with time.
• Were you involved in a hit and run?  We can clarify how Uninsured Motorist coverage works.
• It may be unclear as to who was at fault in the accident.  Police are seldom present at the time of accidents and you can’t rely on first responders to reconstruct the events of an accident accurately.

Hiring an auto accident lawyer will help you steer clear of legal loopholes. Ignorance of the law is no defense in legal matters, and if not dealt with correctly, you could easily be denied compensation or benefits you would otherwise be entitled to.

There are countless reasons to contact an auto accident lawyer immediately following a car accident. You want a legal team that will work for you, help protect your rights, and seek the compensation you deserve.

Help Dealing with Insurance Companies

According to data from the insurance industry, having expert legal counsel results in settlement amounts that are four times larger than those without counsel.  Insurance companies are not offering you the money to be kind; their purpose is to settle quickly so they can save money.  Do not let their haste be at your cost.

Contact us today

The attorneys at Daniella Levi & Associates are here to answer any questions you have.  We have a proven record of fighting for our clients and getting winning results. Car accidents are scary, but calling our legal professionals won’t be. Your initial consultation is always free, and at Daniella Levi & Associates, we don’t collect unless you do. If your injuries prevent you from coming to us, we will gladly come to you.

Call us today!  We are to help.

Motor Vehicle Accidents are typically thought of as involving cars, but non-traditional accidents are still occurring and are just as serious. While accident rates dropped significantly last year because New York was shut down during the pandemic, now that many businesses are back open and people are commuting to work again, the numbers are on the rise.

Types of motor vehicle accidents to be aware of:

New York is the most populated city in the US, and as such, has a higher rate of everything, traffic accidents notwithstanding. The most common types of motor vehicle accidents can include:

• A rear-end, side-impact, or head-on collision involving two or more automobiles
• Motorcycle accidents
• Tractor Truck, and heavy equipment accidents
• Emergency Vehicle accidents
• Taxi-cab accidents
• Bicycle Accidents
• Traffic accidents involving pedestrians

This list is not all-inclusive but gives you an idea that there are many ways in which you or your loved one can be injured and knowing your rights can go a long way to getting you the compensation that you need after being involved in any type of motor vehicle accident.

Where should I be more cautious of getting into an accident?

Many statistics quote which of the 5 boroughs have the most accidents, but it’s relative to the population. While Brooklyn and Queens are the most populated, it makes sense that they have the most traffic accidents. Staten Island is the least populated, therefore they have the least amount of traffic accidents. These numbers may make for interesting reading, but doesn’t really matter when accidents happen frequently and regularly throughout all of New York City.

Tractor trucks and delivery box truck accidents

Tractor Truck and Box truck accidents are very common as businesses need deliveries regularly. Many times, smaller cars and small SUVs can sneak into their blind spot. When this happens, the truck driver cannot see the smaller vehicle and a crash is likely. We know driving distracted and various other reasons are how many accidents happen, but lack of attention is the most common.

Motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents

This is the same for motorcycle and bicycle accidents that involve motor vehicles, it’s clear to see how a driver can miss seeing a motorcycle or bicycle as it is smaller, and misjudging speed and distance can allow for mistakes. Pedestrians are especially at risk of getting into an accident. While many pedestrians do watch for cars, drivers may not see them easily. Reduced activity last year throughout the city has seen a decrease in accidents overall, but as more and more of our citizens venture out, the accident statistics are quickly on the rise.

Emergency vehicles; Ambulances, Fire Trucks, and Police

Emergency vehicles are not exempt from accidents either. When rushing to the scene of an accident or transporting injured people to the hospital, emergency vehicles can also experience motor vehicle accidents because of lack of attention or other distractions.

Taxi cabs and other passenger vehicles

NYC is synonymous with taxi cabs, Uber, and Lyft drivers, there are over 100,000 TLC licensed vehicles driving around the city and they are not exempt from accidents either. Taxis drivers have a reputation for being aggressive drivers and we have seen many statistics to back that up. Whether you are a driver or a passenger involved in a motor vehicle accident, you should still speak with an experienced accident attorney to discuss your case.

You have legal rights if you have been in a motor vehicle accident

Regardless of the type of accident you have been involved in, we advise you to seek the counsel of an experienced auto accident attorney from Daniella Levi & Associates, P.C.. We can hear your case and let you know if you are entitled to compensation for any pain and suffering, medical bills, time off work, and all of the many other things that can affect you after being in an accident.

I’m an Injured Passenger in an MTA or NYC Transit Bus Accident.

New York City is an amazing city that offers so many things to its residents. Our transit system is definitely one advantage of living in the city. We offer multiple ways to navigate without having to own your own car, thereby saving you a great deal of expense. The downside to public transit is definitely felt when there is an accident. It doesn’t feel so privileged at that point. While traffic accidents involving mass transit, busses, subways, and such are not an everyday occurrence, they happen frequently enough to cause concern.

If you are involved in an MTA or NYC Transit bus accident, remain calm and document everything you can. Ask for an ambulance and police response. Takedown the bus number and the bus operator’s name and the name and contact information of any witnesses. After you receive medical attention for any injuries that you have, contact us immediately. Bus accidents can be extremely dangerous for not only passengers but pedestrians and bicyclists as well. The sheer size of a bus navigating through tight and congested New York City streets lends itself to the possibility of accidents. We commend public transit drivers for their skill and abilities and know that it can be a challenging job, but we also understand the trust placed in them to transport our residents safely.

Common Causes of Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and NYC Transit accidents

Traffic accidents are commonly caused by distractions, and public transit is no exception. Distractions aren’t just people using cell phones, they can come from any area, whether it’s on the bus itself, or outside. Debris around the driver can be a distraction as we saw earlier this year in an NYC bus accident case.

Regular maintenance of public vehicles is something we take for granted, but shouldn’t Our hope as we step into the bus or onto the subway is that all routine maintenance has been performed properly and correctly at the correct intervals. Failure to properly maintain a vehicle is a disaster waiting to happen.

Public Transit accidents can be more complicated

Mass transit accidents are more complicated by the sheer size and scope of everything involved.

• Busses carry more passengers
• There could be multiple vehicles in addition to the mass transit vehicle
• Larger accidents may cause more severe injuries
• Multiple insurance carriers will be involved
• Determining who is at fault can be more complicated
• There is a need for greater data collection
• Multiple legally responsible parties
• Complicated corporate insurance structures

All of these factors involved can lead to a long process to determine who is at fault and who is responsible, along with multiple medical injuries sustained by many people and you can see why you would need to speak to an attorney who is experienced in handling this specific type of accident case. Finding the right attorney who has the time to devote to your specific circumstances yet still has the experience to handle large complicated cases is where Daniella Levi & Associates, P.C. Auto Accident Attorneys, stands out. Our boutique firm is experienced and aggressive enough to find value in your case.