Many New York highways are considered unsafe because of the high number of car accidents and fatalities that occur on them every year. Despite the state of New York’s attempts to make highways safer for drivers and passengers, catastrophic highway accidents continue to happen every year. Poor road maintenance, distracted drivers, and high speeds are common causes of highway accident injuries throughout the tri-state area.
Attorney Michael LoGiudice has helped many clients in Westchester and throughout New York recover compensation after being injured in a highway accident. If you’ve been injured in a highway accident, you probably feel overwhelmed. You can trust Michael LoGiudice to handle every aspect of your case while focusing on your recovery. Contact Michael LoGiudice, LLP, today to schedule your free case evaluation.
Recovering Compensation After a Highway Accident in New York
Becoming injured in a highway accident could entitle you to financial compensation. There are two main ways to recover compensation after an accident, an insurance settlement, and a personal injury lawsuit. Under New York law, when a person is seriously injured in a car accident, the at-fault driver is financially responsible for the victim’s damages.
The victim can pursue a settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance company for his or her medical bills, property damage, and lost time at work. The victim can also pursue a lawsuit against the person or company responsible for the highway accident that resulted in his or her injuries. When a highway accident occurs because of poor maintenance, the victim may be able to pursue a claim against the municipality responsible for maintaining the property.
Why Are New York Highways So Dangerous?
I-95 is one of the most dangerous highways in the United States. The highway runs between the Bronx and Washington Heights. The point at which I-95 crosses Riverside Drive is a dangerous area. Both ends of the Alexander Hamilton Bridge are also dangerous. Accidents happen on all of the interstate highways in New York, including the following:
- I-78
- I-81
- I-84
- I-278
- I-90
- I-95
- I-99
Many New York highways are surrounded by overpasses and bridges and dense traffic. Entrance posts, wing walls, and slopes also increase the likelihood of highway accidents. Commuting on New York highways has become increasingly dangerous due to the high volume of vehicles. Additionally, many New York highways have fallen into disrepair and are poorly maintained.
Common Causes of Highway Accidents in New York
The three most common causes of car accidents on highways are excessive speed, reckless or illegal passing, and distracted or impaired drivers. It’s common to experience a driver speeding past us on the highway in New York. It’s not uncommon for some New York drivers to drive 10, 15, or even 20 miles over the posted speed limit. The faster a driver drives, the slower his or her reaction time will be. For example, suppose a driver sees a car accident while driving 20 miles over the speed limit. The chances are the driver won’t have time to slow down and avoid a collision.
Distracted driving is another common cause of New York highway accidents. A distracted driver doesn’t have his or her complete attention focused on the road. The driver may be paying closer attention to passengers, their phones, or eating while driving. Due to the congested highways in New York, distracted driving can be incredibly dangerous. Drunk driving is another common cause of highway accidents. When a person drinks or uses illegal drugs, his or her decision-making capabilities become compromised, and the likelihood of an accident increases.
Proving Liability in a New York Highway Accident
If you’ve been injured in a highway accident in New York, you will need to prove that one or more drivers caused the accident that resulted in your injuries to recover compensation. Attorney Michael LoGiudice, LLP, has the resources and experience to thoroughly investigate the accident. He works diligently to understand the cause or causes of the accident and will evaluate police reports, witness statements, and photos or video footage of the accident.
When fault remains unclear, he will work with engineers and accident reconstructionist specialists to gather evidence of fault. After evaluating every possible angle, he will help you identify potential liability factors, including distracted drivers, defective roadways, and defective auto parts.
More than one party is responsible for the highway accident in some cases. After conducting a full investigation, attorney Michael LoGiudice, LLP, will identify all parties at fault. He won’t hesitate to seek maximum compensation from all negligent parties in your case. If you were injured by a government-owned vehicle or due to poorly maintained highways, he can help you lodge a claim against the municipality responsible.
Compensation Available in Highway Accident Claims
As a victim of a highway accident, you can seek compensatory and specific damages. Compensatory damages are divided into general and specific damages. General damages are losses that are difficult to quantify, such as pain and suffering.
Specific damages are for easily quantifiable expenses such as past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and reduced income potential due to your injuries. You can also seek compensation for loss of consortium or companionship, mental anguish, disability, and disfigurement. An attorney will work with you to carefully determine the total amount of compensation you deserve.
Uninsured Motorist Highway Accident Claims
What happens if you are injured in a hit-and-run accident or an accident caused by an uninsured driver? You may need to seek a no-fault highway accident claim in these situations. Attorney Michael LoGiudice, LLP, can help you file a claim through your own uninsured/underinsured driver policy to secure compensation without proving negligence.
Contact an Experienced New York Highway Accident Attorney!
If you or a loved one have been injured in a highway accident in Westchester, attorney Michael LoGiudice, LLP can help. We have extensive experience representing clients who have been injured in New York highway accidents and can guide you through the complex process of obtaining the compensation you need and deserve. Contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation.