Car accidents are scary, no matter the circumstances. However, as a passenger, they can be all the more frightening, as you cannot steer the wheel to avoid a collision. This is why those injured in car accidents frequently seek financial compensation to help cover the cost of the damages they have incurred. If you are someone who was injured as a passenger, here are some of the questions you may have regarding your legal options going forward:
How do car accidents happen?
Car accidents are sometimes caused by mother nature, poor road conditions, or broken car parts, however, they are most often caused by negligent drivers. Some examples of negligent driving behavior are as follows:
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding
- Unsafely merging
- Smoking or eating while driving
- Navigating directions while driving
- Failing to check blind spots
- Texting while driving
- Driving while fatigued
- Ignoring stop signs, lights, and all other regulations of the road
What injuries do passengers usually sustain in car accidents?
Some of the most common injuries passengers sustain in car accidents are as follows:
- Back trauma
- Spinal injuries
- Facial disfiguration
- Wrongful death
- Psychological damage
- Concussions
How do I file a lawsuit as an injured passenger?
To win a personal injury claim, you and your attorney will have to prove that you were injured due to another party’s negligence. To do so, your attorney will uncover and present various forms of evidence, including pictures or videos of the accident as it happened, medical documents regarding your physical state after the accident, police reports, witness statements verifying your claim, and more.
On your end, the most important precaution you can take is ensuring you do not post anything on social media that may even remotely contradict your claim. This can be detrimental to your case, as insurance companies monitoring your accounts may use anything you post as proof to deny you of the compensation you may truly need.
What is the statute of limitations in New York State?
The statute of limitations is three years, which means you have three years from the date of your accident to pursue legal actions against a negligent party. Hiring an experienced firm as soon as possible can help ensure you meet all your deadlines and drastically boosts your chances of winning your claim.
Contact our experienced New York City firm
If you have been injured in a New York City accident, Swerling Law is here to help. Our firm understands the challenges that many people face after being hurt in an accident and is prepared to help you receive significant compensation to ease some of your burdens. To schedule a consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney in New York City, contact Swerling Law today.
