Syracuse & Central New York Car Accident Attorney

Car accident

Unfortunately, New Yorkers become injured in car accidents every day. Car accidents are among the most common causes of severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. If you’ve been in a car accident in New York, you must discuss your case with an attorney as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance policy or a personal injury lawsuit.

How a Syracuse & Central New York Car Accident Attorney Can Help

At CDH Law PLLC, our Syracuse and Central New York car accident attorneys have the experience and skills necessary to advocate for you to obtain the most compensation possible in your case. We know all of the tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying fair settlements to victims. Our attorneys will hold them accountable while protecting your rights. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in New York

Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents. Anytime a driver diverts his or her eyes or attention from the road, the potential for a car accident increases. Drivers have more distractions at their disposal than ever, including cell phones, tablets, GPS systems, and other electronic devices. Other common causes of car accidents include:

  •  Following the vehicle in front too closely
  •  Failure to yield
  •  Speeding
  •  Drunk driving
  •  Improper passing
  •  Road defects
  •  Defective vehicles and equipment
  •  Fatigued driving

Why Should I Hire a New York Car Accident Attorney?

You may be wondering whether you need to hire a New York car accident attorney. Consulting with an attorney can help you recover the maximum amount of compensation possible in your case. At CDH Law PLLC, our attorneys know what you’re up against and what it takes to succeed in your case. We have recovered millions of dollars for car accident victims just like you, and we will help you obtain the best settlement or award possible. When you work with CDH Law PLLC, you can result assured that we will:

  •  Provide you with the guidance and support you need during this overwhelming time
  •  Carefully listen to your side of the story as the foundation for our investigation
  •  Conduct an exhaustive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the car accident
  •  Gather relevant evidence such as photographs, police reports, and video footage
  •  Handle all communication with insurance providers and all other parties
  •  Work to minimize any claims that you share responsibility for the car accident
  •  Consult with accident reconstruction experts
  •  Consult with injury specialists to effectively estimate the full value of your claim

Proving Liability in a Car Accident Case

Proving liability in a car accident isn’t always easy, which is why you will benefit from working with an experienced attorney. New York state has no-fault insurance rules. As a result, you will need to turn to your own insurance provider first whether or not you were at fault. Your insurance company may try to deny or minimize your claim. Our attorneys have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies.

If your car accident injuries are severe, the cost of your damages may exceed what the insurance provider is willing to pay. In that case, you may need to consider filing a lawsuit directly against the responsible driver or company. We will work to identify all liable parties and prove that your injuries are severe enough to warrant a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault parties. For example, you may have a legal claim against the driver’s employer or the New York City Transit Authority.

Recovering Compensation in a Car Accident Accident

Car accidents can have a devastating effect on a person’s physical health and on their finances. Those who experience severe injuries may lose their ability to return to work, adding financial stress to an already stressful situation. Victims of car accidents in New York have two different options to pursue compensation. First, they can pursue compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Second, they can choose to pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.

When the at-fault driver’s willful or egregious actions caused the accident that resulted in the victim’s injury, the victim can pursue additional punitive damages. At CDH Law PLLC, we will carefully investigate your case and determine the full extent of your economic and non-economic damages. Using this information, we will negotiate for the best possible settlement or verdict in your case.

Economic Damages

The purpose of awarding economic damages is to try to put the victim back into the financial position he or she was in before the car accident. Economic damages are intended to compensate the victim for the easily quantifiable financial costs, expenses, and losses related to the car accident, including:

  •  Current medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgery, rehabilitation, and more
  • Future medical expenses, including follow-up care, medical devices, and equipment
  •  Rehabilitation
  •  Physical and occupational therapy
  •  Nursing care
  •  Reduced earning capacity
  •  The cost of replacing or repairing damaged property
  •  Temporary and/or permanent disability
  •  Lost income and wages

Non-Economic Damages

Not all damages caused by a car accident are financial. Some are emotional and mental. Victims who are severely injured often experience unbearable chronic physical pain and excruciating emotional suffering. A victim may become diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder because of the traumatic incident of the car accident. Another car accident victim may face significant limitations and not be able to enjoy the activities and relationships he or she once enjoyed. These types of consequences can be just as serious as financial damages. Common examples of non-economic damages include the following:

  •  Emotional distress
  •  Pain and suffering
  •  PTSD, depression, and anxiety
  •  Disfigurement
  •  Scarring
  •  Loss of enjoyment of life
  •  Loss of consortium
  •  Loss of quality of life

Discuss Your Case With a Syracuse and Central New York Car Accident Attorney Today

CDH Law PLLC has helped clients recover millions of dollars in compensation for car accidents in Syracuse and throughout upstate New York. If you’ve been involved in any type of car accident, including a pedestrian or bicycle accident, you need an experienced attorney on your side. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact the skilled Syracuse car accident attorneys at CDH Law PLLC today to schedule your free initial consultation.