Most traffic accidents are preventable and caused by one or more parties’ negligence. Similarly, most highway accidents in Orange County, New York, are caused by distracted driving, intoxicated driving, or other types of negligent or reckless driving. Poorly maintained highways can also cause devastating accidents. A highway accident is more likely to cause severe injuries due to high speeds. Highway accidents initially involving two vehicles can easily lead to dangerous multi-vehicle collisions.
If you or your loved one have been injured in a highway accident in Orange County, it’s important that you discuss your case with an attorney. You may be entitled to compensation from the party responsible for the accident. Attorney Michael LoGiudice, LLP has a proven track record of successfully obtaining compensation for victims of highway accidents in Orange County. He will diligently fight for you to obtain the full and fair amount of compensation you need and deserve. Contact Michael LoGiudice, LLP, as soon as possible to schedule a free initial consultation.
Why Are Orange County Highways So Dangerous?
New York highways are some of the most dangerous highways in the U.S. This is especially true in Orange County, New York where overpasses and bridges surround many highways and there is often dense traffic. Wing walls, entrance posts, and slopes also increase the likelihood of highway accidents in Orange County. Also, unfortunately, many roads and highways in Orange County and throughout New York have fallen into disrepair and are not adequately maintained, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
The following Orange County roads are highways are common locations for dangerous accidents:
- Pine Island Turnpike
- Pulaski Highway
- Kings Highway
- Davis Highway
- Goshen Turnpike
Common Causes of Highway Accidents
Driver negligence causes many accidents. Any driver traveling at high speed on a highway can unexpectedly lose vehicle control. For example, it only takes a few seconds of looking down at a cell phone to text for a driver to swerve out of his or her lane of traffic and cause a collision on the highway. Some other common causes of highway accidents include:
- Road rage
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Swerving between lanes
- Driving in bad weather
- Texting while driving
- Driving while fatigued or drowsy
- Driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving
- Defective, deflated, or poorly maintained tires
Highway Accidents Caused By Negligent Construction Companies
Debris on the road or highway can also lead to highway accidents. When construction crews fail to clean up their job sites or safely cordon them off and provide warning signs to drivers, they can be held liable for any accidents. For example, suppose a vehicle passes by a construction site that isn’t properly maintained and swerves to avoid colliding with an obstacle. In that case, the construction company may be liable for any injuries or property damage.
Common Road Defects that Cause Highway Accidents in Orange County
Highways in New York are well known for being poorly maintained. Dangerous highways can lead to preventable accidents. For example, when municipalities fail to fix potholes, drivers may try to swerve to avoid them only to cause an accident. Other drivers may drive through the pothole, causing them to lose control of their vehicle and collide with another vehicle.
If you’ve been injured in a highway accident caused by a negligent town, city, county, or another municipality, you may be able to recover damages from the municipality. However, there are extremely tight deadlines to file a claim against a municipality. The sooner you speak to an attorney, the better.
Determining Liability in Orange County Highway Accidents
In order to recover compensation for your injuries through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, you will need to prove liability. Proving that another driver negligently caused your injuries and making them liable for your damages can be challenging. Attorney Michael LoGiudice, LLP has the experience and resources necessary to carefully investigate your case and gather evidence that the at-fault party was responsible for your injuries. Specifically, in order to succeed in your claim, you will need to provide evidence that:
- The other driver owed you a legal duty of care
- The other driver breached that duty of care
- The breach caused the accident and your damages
- You have evidence of the damages, such as medical expenses or repair bills
Highway accidents are not always caused by negligent drivers. Several other parties could be responsible for your injuries, such as a trucking company, a maintenance company, the municipality responsible for keeping the road safe, or a construction company that failed to clean up their job site.
Attorney Michael LoGiudice, LLP will help you determine which party or parties are liable and begin aggressively pursuing the full amount of compensation you deserve. The defendant may try to argue that they didn’t breach their duty of care or that you were negligent. Attorney Michael LoGiudice, LLP will help you prove their negligence by investigating the crash. He will handle all the negotiations with the insurance company or defendant so you can focus on your recovery.
Recovering Compensation After Being Injured in an Auto Accident
Personal injury victims can pursue several different types of damages, including their past and future medical expenses. They can also recover compensation for property damage, transportation costs, and the cost of hiring a home caretaker or home aid. Non-economic damages for emotional distress, loss of quality of life, loss of limb, and pain is also suffering available. Attorney Michael LoGiudice, LLP will work with you to carefully estimate the total value of your claim.
Contact an Experienced Highway Accident Attorney in Orange County
Have you been injured in a highway accident in Orange County, New York? You may be entitled to compensation through an insurance settlement or personal injury lawsuit. Attorney Michael LoGiudice is prepared to fight for your right to compensation. He has extensive experience handling a wide range of auto accident cases, including highway accidents. He knows how to hold negligent drivers and municipalities accountable for injuries caused by their negligence. Contact Michael LoGiudice, LLP, today to learn more about how he can fight for you through a complimentary, no-obligation case evaluation.