Severed Tendon from a Car Accident in New York

In New York, car accidents are a common occurrence, and sadly, they can result in severe injuries that can alter a person's life forever. One such devastating injury is a severed tendon, which can lead to excruciating pain, permanent disabilities, and substantial medical expenses. A severed tendon occurs when a tendon, the fibrous tissue that connects muscles to bones, is completely cut or torn apart. Tendons play a vital role in joint movement, enabling our bodies to perform everyday activities with ease. When a tendon is severed, the affected body part may lose its functionality, causing significant physical and emotional distress. If you or a loved one suffered a severed tendon in a car accident due to someone else's negligence, contact an experienced New York car accident lawyer at Stephen Bilkis & Associates as you may be have the right to compensation from the person whose negligence caused the accident.

What Is a Severed Tendon?

A tendon can become severed when it is subjected to extreme force or trauma, leading to partial or complete rupture. A partial tear may cause pain and discomfort, but it still allows some level of movement. However, a complete rupture, where the tendon is entirely cut, results in the loss of muscle control and severely hampers the affected limb's mobility.

Severed tendon injuries commonly occur in car accidents due to the sudden impact and force involved. The impact can lead to severe trauma to the body, resulting in sharp objects or broken glass causing lacerations deep enough to damage the tendons. Additionally, the force generated during a car collision can cause bones to break, and the jagged edges of fractured bones may cut into adjacent tendons, causing them to snap.

The severity of a severed tendon injury depends on various factors, including the location of the tendon, the extent of the damage, and the promptness of medical treatment. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair the tendon, and even then, full recovery and restoration of previous mobility may not always be achievable. Because of the impact that a severed tendon will have on your ability to work and enjoy life, contact a skilled New York car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.

Determining Liability

The vast majority of car accidents are caused by negligent driving due to a driver failing to follow New York rules of the road or other traffic regulation. A driver who fails to follow traffic laws, and as a result causes an accident, would be liable to injured victims. Here are some key New York traffic laws (NY Veh & Traf L § 1100 et seq.) related to car accidents:

• Right-of-Way: New York law outlines specific rules regarding the right-of-way at intersections and various roadway situations. Drivers must yield the right-of-way to other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists as required by traffic signals and signs.
• Speed Limits: Speed limits are strictly enforced in New York to promote safe driving. NY Veh & Traf L § 1180. Drivers must adhere to posted speed limits on different roads and highways. In certain areas, reduced speed limits may be in effect during specific times or in construction zones.
• No Texting and Driving: New York law prohibits drivers from using handheld electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle. NY Veh & Traf L § 1225(c) and (d). This includes texting, making phone calls without hands-free devices, and engaging in other activities that can distract drivers from the road.
• Stop Sign and Red Light Compliance: Drivers are required to come to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights, and they must not proceed until it is safe to do so.
• Following Distance: New York traffic law requires drivers to maintain a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of them. NY Veh & Traf L § 1129a. The distance should allow for enough time to react and brake in case of sudden stops.
• Yield to Emergency Vehicles: Drivers must yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles, such as police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks, when they are using their sirens and flashing lights.
• Seat Belt Law: New York has strict seat belt laws that require all occupants of a vehicle to wear seat belts, regardless of their seating position. Failure to comply with this law can result in fines and penalties.
• DUI/DWI Laws: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in New York. The state has strict penalties for those caught driving while impaired.

Note that there are other New York laws that will be relevant to determining liability and the value of a car accident case. For example, New York is a no-fault insurance state as well as a comparative negligence state. Navigating car accident liability in New York can be complex, especially when injuries are severe. Consulting with an experienced New York car accident lawyer is crucial to understand one's rights, assess liability, and pursue fair compensation for damages and injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision.

Pursuing Compensation

If you suffered a severed tendon from a car accident in New York, you will face not only be physical pain of a serious injury, but your finances will also be impacted. You have the right to pursue compensation for the losses you face.

One of the most significant losses will be the medical expenses. Medical expenses related to a severed tendon can encompass a wide range of treatments and services aimed at addressing the injury and promoting recovery. These expenses can be extensive and may include emergency medical care. This includes the initial treatment received immediately after the accident, such as ambulance services, emergency room visits, and initial diagnostics. Many severed tendon injuries require surgical intervention to repair the damaged tendon fully. The cost of the surgical procedure, including anesthesia, surgeon fees, and hospital stay, will be included in medical expenses. If the severity of the severed tendon injury requires an extended hospital stay for observation, monitoring, or post-surgery care, these expenses will be part of the medical costs as would medications and physical therapy. For severe severed tendon injuries, additional rehabilitation services, such as occupational therapy or specialized treatments, may be necessary to regain optimal function. For more information about the types of expenses that would be compensable, contact an experienced car accident attorney serving New York.

In addition, victims of severed tendon from a car accident injuries may also be entitled to compensation for lost wages and pain and suffering. Lost wages is compensation for income lost during recovery and any potential loss of future earning capacity if the injury leads to long-term or permanent disability. Pain and suffering includes damages to compensate for the physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life experienced due to the injury.

Contact Stephen Bilkis & Associates

A severed tendon from a car accident can be a life-altering injury, causing immense physical, emotional, and financial burdens. If you or a loved one has experienced such an injury due to someone else's negligence, seeking legal representation is vital to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation. An experienced car accident attorney serving New York at Stephen Bilkis & Associates can navigate the complexities of your case, gather evidence, and advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Note that there is a time limitation for pursuing damages from a car accident, so don’t delay in getting the process started. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: Brooklyn, Long Island, Queens, Manhattan, Nassau County, Staten Island, Suffolk County, Bronx, and Westchester County.

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