Types of Car Accidents in New York

Car accidents can happen in various ways and result in a wide range of injuries and damages. Understanding the different types of car accidents that can occur in New York is crucial for victims seeking compensation for their injuries. Whether you were involved in a rear-end collision, a T-bone accident, or a rollover crash, knowing the common types of car accident injuries and the potential value of a car accident claim can help you navigate the legal process effectively. To navigate the complexities of the legal process, it is crucial to contact an experienced New York car accident lawyer who can provide expert guidance and protect your rights throughout your personal injury claim. Contact Stephen Bilkis & Associates for a free consultation about your case.

• Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end collisions occur when one vehicle crashes into the back of another vehicle. These accidents often happen due to tailgating, distracted driving, or sudden stops. Common injuries in rear-end collisions include whiplash, back injuries, head injuries, and soft tissue injuries.
• T-Bone Accidents: Also known as side-impact collisions, T-bone accidents happen when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle, forming a "T" shape. These accidents can result in severe injuries, such as broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and internal organ damage.
• Pedestrian Accidents: Pedestrian accidents involve a vehicle colliding with a pedestrian. These accidents can occur at crosswalks, intersections, or other areas where pedestrians and vehicles interact. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable in these accidents, and the injuries sustained can be severe, including fractures, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and even fatalities.
• Rollover Crashes: Rollover crashes occur when a vehicle flips onto its side or roof. They are more common in SUVs and trucks due to their higher center of gravity. Rollover accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, fractures, and internal injuries.
• Head-On Collisions: Head-on collisions happen when two vehicles collide front-to-front. They are often the most severe and deadly type of car accidents. Injuries in head-on collisions can range from whiplash and broken bones to internal organ damage, severe burns, and fatalities.
• Sideswipe Accidents: Sideswipe accidents occur when two vehicles traveling parallel to each other make contact with one another. These accidents can result in minor injuries, but in some cases, they can lead to more severe consequences, such as spinal injuries, head injuries, or even secondary accidents if one of the vehicles loses control.
• Borrowed Vehicle Accidents: Borrowed vehicle accidents occur when someone is driving a vehicle they do not own, such as a rental car or a borrowed car from a friend or family member. These accidents can result in injuries and property damage, and determining liability can be complex. The owner of the vehicle, as well as the driver, may be held responsible for the damages caused in the accident. It is important to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the accident and work with experienced legal counsel to determine the liability and pursue a claim for compensation.

As an experienced New York car accident lawyer will explain, several factors come into play when determining the worth of a car accident claim. These factors include:

• Severity of Injuries: The extent and severity of your injuries play a significant role in assessing the value of your claim. More severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care generally result in higher compensation.
• Medical Expenses: The medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident, including hospital bills, surgeries, doctor visits, medication costs, and therapy expenses, are important factors in determining the value of your claim.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries caused you to miss work or resulted in a diminished earning capacity, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you lost and the impact on your future earning potential. An experienced car accident attorney in New York will understand how to calculate both your past lost wages and your future lost wages.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional pain, suffering, and mental anguish you experienced as a result of the accident and your injuries may also be included in the valuation of your claim. In fact, pain and suffering can be a significant part of the damages award. For example in, Fortuna v. Roth, Supreme Court, Suffolk County, January 31, 2014 the 24-year old plaintiff who sustained severe injuries as a result of a motor vehicle accident. Plaintiff was injured in a car accident, and suffered permanent impairment due to multiple significant injuries including a fractured right humerus requiring open reduction and internal fixation surgery. The plaintiff was awarded $4,000,000 for past and future pain and suffering.
• Comparative Negligence: New York follows the doctrine of comparative negligence, which means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced proportionally. It's essential to establish the extent of each party's negligence to accurately determine the worth of your claim.

Car accidents can occur in various ways, each resulting in unique injuries and damages. Whether you have been involved in a rear-end collision, a T-bone accident, a rollover crash, a pedestrian accident, or a borrowed vehicle accident, understanding the common types of car accidents and their associated injuries is crucial when pursuing a claim for compensation. Factors such as the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and comparative negligence all play a role in determining the worth of a car accident claim. It is important to seek the guidance of experienced legal professionals who can assess your case, protect your rights, and help you navigate the legal process to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact an experienced car accident attorney serving New York at Stephen Bilkis & Associates at 1-800-NY-NY-LAW (1-800-696-9529) to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Staten Island, Suffolk County, and Westchester County.