Category: Motor Vehicle Accidents

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.

My Car Slid on Ice and Hit A Parked Car, Do I Need A Lawyer?

Do I Need A Lawyer if I Hit A Parked Car Sliding on Ice

When your car has slid on ice and hit a parked car the first thing you should do is ensure everyone is medically okay. From there, finding the person that owns the parked car would make sense. However, that isn’t always easy here in the city. You might need to have the police get a hold of the person. They can do so based on the license plate of the car.

If this accident occurred in a parking lot, then the people that own the parking lot might be liable. If the parking lot was not maintained as it should be, causing the accident, that is negligence on their part. However, if you were speeding or going too fast for the conditions the accident may fall on you to blame. Likewise, if you are the person that owned the parked car, you will want to know who is to blame. Typically, the owner of the parked car carries no blame at all.

Figuring all this out can be a little tricky. The police will do their investigation, however, we at Daniella Levi and Associates, P.C. do our own investigations to ensure that we fully understand exactly what happened. As an auto accident in Queens, we want to ensure we fully understand what happened.

Auto Accident Attorney in Queens

When looking for an auto accident attorney in Queens you need to keep in mind that we are here to represent you, our client. We will do everything possible to ensure that you are fully represented and get the compensation you deserve. We will take the time to go over the information. It is important to us that we fully understand what actually happened. We investigate to determine if your accident was due to the fault or negligence of another party. As auto accident attorneys in Queens, we want what is best for you and only take on the cases we believe we will win. There is no need for payment until the case is won.

Nobody wants to have an auto accident, however, when it happens, insurances need to pay. Call today for your free, no-obligation consultation, and let’s see what we can do for you.

My Car Slid on Ice and Hit A Parked Car, Do I Need A Lawyer?

When you have been in an accident with an uninsured person, it’s important to look at all of your options in that situation.

Here are some of the most important steps to follow post-accident.

1. Collect Visual Evidence

The first step is a basic one. You are going to want to compile as much evidence as possible at the scene of the accident. This means taking pictures of both vehicles and getting all of the relevant information needed to prove your claim. You will also want to take the time to speak to witnesses that may have seen what took place. Write down their numbers, so you are not stuck in a situation where there is no viable witness for your legal claim. This will make it easier to represent your rights in court.

2. File a Police Report

This is an important step in the process after the accident takes place. Regardless if the other person has insurance or not, it’s important to have an officer take a report to help your insurance process go smoother. The officer will interview both parties as well as any witnesses at the time of the accident. The officer will also help you collect contact information from the other driver.

3. File an Uninsured Motorist Claim

Every car insurance company in New York provides some type of uninsured motorist coverage. This means they are going to have a separate category assigned for these claims. This is known as an “uninsured motorist claim” and you should take the time to move forward with a claim such as this one when the accident takes place. The goal will be to speak to your insurance agency and let them know what took place. They will go through the relevant details and make sure the claim goes through as intended.
Have your insurance information available, as well as the details of the accident including the make and model of the other vehicle. Taking pictures will also help you even though the insurance company may send an adjuster out to gather their own information.

Take the time to go through this with a legal professional if you don’t want to do it on your own. Many lawyers can do this on your behalf to make sure things work out as intended and you are not left in an unfavorable situation where the claim isn’t approved.

Please note, it is very possible for your insurance company to say no to the claim. Uninsured motorist claims are auto claims, like any other, except that they are made against your own insurance company, and just like regular auto claims can be denied for many reasons, so can uninsured claims..

4. File a Legal Claim

• This is an essential step to increase your likelihood of a fair and reasonable recovery.
• You will want to make sure to speak to a qualified lawyer that handles these types of cases.
• They will guide you through each phase of the process including potential settlement negotiations. Having a competent legal professional by your side is a must. The lawyer will have the ability to guide you through each phase of the process.

Final Thoughts

When you are dealing with an uninsured motorist claim, there are ways to get compensated for the damages. Don’t assume you are going to be out of options as soon as the accident takes place.

There are viable options available to get the compensation you need. Take the time to go through the steps listed above and contact our office if you have additional questions.

Vehicle accidents happen across the world and there are several reasons why they take place. Each one is going to be unique but several patterns start to develop.

There are specific causes that are going to pop up from time to time.

Here are some of the most common causes of vehicle accidents:

1. Speeding

There are speed limits on the road for a reason. Unfortunately, some drivers ignore these limits and tend to drive faster than is reasonable and prudent. Some drivers even go as much as double the posted speed, posing a great risk to other drivers. When this happens, the fast driver isn’t going to have the same control as they would if they were driving at the speed limit. It is also common for the other drivers on the road to compensate for a reckless driver. This means they may end up changing lanes to get away from the careless person, or slowing down. When someone is driving too fast, they will not have the same reaction time to stop, maneuver, or avoid an impending accident.

2. Distracted Driving

Due to the invention of cellphones, it has become more and more common for drivers to get distracted. They will look down at their phone while driving and that is all it takes for someone to lose focus. Most accidents occur because of a lack of attention to the road, this can include eating, drinking, adjusting the radio, or navigation system. Although phones are one of the leading causes of distracted type accidents, they are not the only source.

3. Fatigue

Many drivers will drive home after a long day at work or they may wake up early to get somewhere while still tired. This causes their reflexes to slow down and it becomes much harder to pay attention to the road. They may begin to nod off and that fatigue is what causes an accident. Even if the driver is paying attention to the road, they may not have the ability to react quickly to what is happening around them. This alone is more than enough reason for the accident to take place.

4. Poor Weather Conditions

This can include any type of weather condition where visibility is reduced and/or the road conditions are hazardous. Examples of poor weather conditions can include snow, rain, and/or fog. When this happens, it is possible for the vehicle not to operate as intended or the driver to lose control. These poor weather conditions can make it harder to compensate and take evasive measures that would have been easy on a dry road with a clean line of sight.

5. Running Red Light

Many drivers will go right through a red light because they weren’t paying attention and/or were in a rush. When this happens, it is common for other drivers not to notice the vehicle in their path since their light is green, they may assume they have right of way and they would be right. However, this leads to both vehicles crashing into each other.

6. Drunk Driving

This is a significant issue that has been prominent for decades despite the DUI laws. Those who drink and drive will not have the ability to react to the road due to their impaired abilities. It can cause them to delay their reaction time, not react, or not even know what is happening. This is a common cause of vehicle accidents and has resulted in many unnecessary deaths.

7. Reckless Driving

This refers to any type of reckless driving maneuver that leads to an accident. A good example of this would be zig-zagging on the road while trying to get past drivers, driving too fast, or not paying close attention to the road. This can lead to a loss of control, and invariably an accident that could have been prevented.

Final Thoughts

These are some of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents on the road. It is important to remember these details when in an accident, so you can be aware of what the other driver did to cause the accident. This can help you when filing an insurance claim and/or a legal claim later on. When an accident has happened to you, make sure you have the right representation if you wish to file a claim or pursue legal action.

Victims of motor vehicle accidents deserve compensation when injured by negligent drivers. At the law firm of Daniella Levi & Associates, P.C., we help accident victims hold at-fault drivers accountable. Call us today for a free consultation with one of our car accident lawyers. We provide free no-obligation consultations. If we agree to take your case, you don’t need to pay us anything unless we win you and your family the compensation you deserve.