An Overview of Car Accident Cases in Queens
New York and all its boroughs are witnessing a rise in car accident cases. However, the trends vary for every borough. Let us have a look at what happens in Queens with respect to car accidents. As per data released in February 2020: A total of 5,515 car crashes were reported in Queens. As a result, there were 1,224 injuries. This also includes 42 cyclists and 237 pedestrians. Unfortunately, three pedestrians were killed in these accidents. Queens also has the highest average number of annual car accident-related injuries making it one of the most dangerous boroughs of New York. More than 15,000 people are treated for auto-related injuries in this borough annually. Importantly, an average of 93 deaths are reported from car accidents each year in Queens. In Queens, a high number of accidents are reported from Farmers Boulevard and Rockaway Boulevard, Brookville Boulevard and Rockaway Boulevard, 20th Avenue and Whitestone Expressway, and Horace Harding Expressway and Main Street. In terms of the accident report, some of the most dangerous highways, bridges, and tunnels in Queens include Interstate 495, Van Wyck Expressway, Cross Island Parkway, and Belt Parkway. The common causes of accidents are: Distracted driving: this includes texting or talking on the phone will driving Speeding: often a common cause, it can lead to rear-end collisions Drunk driving: driving under influence of alcohol or drugs is a risk for the driver as well as other people on the road Other causes are reckless driving, hit and run, etc. The statistics and the causes tell us one thing, that Queens can be a dangerous place for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. If you drive a car in Queens, it is pertinent that you drive keeping in mind all the laws and be alert on the road. An accident does not only harm the victim but the driver as well. What to do if you’re in an accident in Queens? If you are involved in an accident in Queens caused due to someone’s negligence, you deserve compensation. Hire a Queens car accident lawyer to help you through the process. How can a Queens car accident lawyer help you? By gathering relevant evidence through witnesses, photographs and other documentation such as medical bills, etc. the car accident attorney will help you arrive at a fair settlement. They’ll also ensure that the insurer of the at-fault driver doesn’t make you a low-ball offer. A car accident lawyer will make note of all your short- and long-term expenses as well as the pain and suffering caused. If you or someone you know has been in a car accident in Queens or elsewhere in New York City, you need the best car accident lawyers in Queens, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced car accident attorneys. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
Who is at Fault in a Left-Hand Turn Accident?
One of the common causes of car collisions is when a driver is taking a left-hand turn. Car accident lawyers have found that as one of the top causes of collision. Depending on the severity of the collision, the driver of the at-fault driver as well as the victim can be at the receiving end of serious injuries. What is the rule for taking a left turn while driving? As per the rule, while making a left-hand turn, the driver has to yield to other vehicles, unless the vehicle taking the turn has the right of way (green arrow). Moreover, as standard practice, the driver should always ensure that there is no oncoming traffic, or there is enough distance between their vehicle and the oncoming traffic to make a turn safely. While waiting for oncoming traffic to slow down, the driver should also ensure that there are no pedestrians or cyclists. What are the common causes of collision while taking a left-hand turn? The most common cause of collision while taking a left-hand turn is to not wait for the oncoming traffic to slow down or thin out. In such a case, it is a high-risk maneuver and leads to accidents. Moreover, if the vehicle is already in speed, they may not have time to slow down before they notice a pedestrian or a cyclist. Additionally, collisions are more common on turns where there are no stop signs. The onus of taking the precautions lies with the driver taking the turn. Who is at fault in a collision involving a left-hand turn? More often than not, it is the driver taking the turn who is usually at fault. However, there are instances when the other party is responsible. When is the driver taking the left-hand turn not liable for the collision? A few instances where the driver taking the left-hand turn may not be liable is when they have the right of way (signal is green). Moreover, it is possible that the oncoming driver may be negligent which led to the accident such as they were texting and driving, driving under influence, or speeding. Similarly, it could so happen that a pedestrian or a cyclist unpredictably came in the way of the vehicle taking the turn, not giving it enough time to slow down. How does one determine fault in an accident involving a left-hand turn? If you’ve been involved in an accident due to someone’s negligence while taking a left-hand turn or due to a collision with them, you deserve a settlement. The best way to determine the fault is to produce relevant evidence such as CCTV footage, photographs, medical reports, witnesses, etc. It doesn’t matter which side of the table you’re on, if you’re a victim of an accident, work with a car accident attorney and get the compensation you deserve. If you or someone you know has been in a car accident, you need the best car accident lawyers, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced car accident attorneys. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
The Average Settlement in Case of a Herniated C5-C6 Injury
A herniated C5-C6 disc is a spinal injury wherein this disc in your spine ruptures and the jelly-like center of the disc leaks which irritates the surrounding nerves causing pain and discomfort. A herniated C5-C6 disc causes pain in the lower back and it one of the most common discs that gets herniated. Importantly, if you have a herniated disc between the C5/C6, you may feel a tingling sensation, pain, and numbness in the hands, sometimes in the biceps, and even in the forearms around your wrist. This often leads to restricted movement. The treatment of herniated disc often depends on the extent of the injury. Some treatments are pain medication, anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce swelling, physical therapy, etc. Some of the common causes of a herniated disc are as follows: Weight – The extra weight of the body puts additional pressure on the discs of your back, especially the lower back, which may cause a herniated disc. Occupational hazard – Your job may increase your risk, for example, if your work involves a lot of heavy lifting or is otherwise physically demanding, it can put you at a higher risk of herniated disc. Smoking – Smoking may lead to lessening of oxygen supply to disc, which makes it vulnerable to herniated disc. Genetics – A family history of herniated disc may put you at risk of this health issue. However, in addition the above, even trauma, such as a car / motorcycle accident cause herniated disc. Additionally, the severity of the accident can also increase the severity of the injury. Car accident lawyers are witnessing an increase herniated discs cases among victims of motor vehicle accident. If you suffer a herniated disc due to a car accident, you’re owed a compensation from the at-fault driver. It is recommended you work with a car accident lawyer to help you receive the settlement you deserve. While such a case may seem straightforward in terms of holding the negligent party accountable, there are many complications involved. For example, the insurance company and the car accident attorney of the at-fault driver may try to pin the blame on disk degeneration instead of the accident. They may also try to settle the case for a far lesser compensation. In such a scenario, a car accident lawyer will be ideal to file the claim on your behalf and make sure that the compensation you receive is just and fair. However, the average settlement often depends on the extent of the injury as well as the other costs and losses incurred such as pain and suffering, long-term injuries, loss of income, etc. If you or someone you know has suffered a herniated disc due to someone’s negligence, you need the best car accident lawyers, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced car accident attorneys. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
The Average Settlement for A Fractured Sternum After a Car Accident
Click Here To Calculate Settlement The sternum, also known as the breastbone, is an important part of the body. It protects the major blood vessels, heart, and lungs. It is a flat bone located at the center of the chest. Needless to say, along with being a bone that protects vital organs, any injury to it causes immense pain as well as makes other organs vulnerable. Often, injury to the sternum is due to impact such as in a car accident. In such a scenario, it is recommended to work with personal injury attorney to get you the compensation you deserve. Common causes of fractured sternum As mentioned above, car accidents or accidents involving any other motor vehicle are the leading cause of fractured sternum. It is so because most often in an auto accident one tends to fall forward and hit their chest on the glove box or dashboard. One can also fracture their sternum as a result of a slip and fall, for example, slipping on a wet floor or tripping on a rope in a mall or shop. Consequences of a fractured sternum Along with being extremely painful, in a situation where one has fractured their sternum, it is possible that there might be injury to the chest or lungs, making matters complicated. It is essential that a thorough medical examination is done to ensure proper treatment is prescribed. Recovery from a fractured sternum The recovery period for a fractured sternum is long term and expensive. It can also hinder some day-to-day activities as well as one’s professional and personal life. Compensation in case of a fractured sternum If the injury to the sternum is caused due to an accident, that is, as a result of someone’s negligence, the injured party is entitled to a compensation. It is important to work with a top injury attorney to get a fair settlement. With respect to the damages, the personal injury attorney will compile economic, non-economic, and punitive damages caused due to the injury in order to arrive at a fair compensation. Some common economic damages are medical expenses, lost wages, damage to the vehicle (in case of a motor vehicle accident), etc. On the other, non-economic damages include loss to quality of life, psychological trauma, pain and suffering, etc. Lastly, punitive damages are meant to punish the at-fault party so as to set an important example. This type of damage often applies in cases where the at-fault party is responsible for extremely reckless and negligent behavior for example driving under influence of alcohol or drugs. Average settlement for a fractured sternum As such, arriving at an average settlement is challenging, however, it is important to note that in most cases the at-fault party’s insurer might try to give a lowball offer. Hence, it is pertinent that one arrives at the settlement keeping the abovementioned damages in mind and seek help of a personal injury attorney. If you or someone you know has suffered a fractured sternum due to someone’s negligence, you need the top injury lawyers, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
What Every Construction Worker Should Know About the NY Labor Law 240
Construction workers are an important part of any city’s workforce. At the same time, they have a job that keeps that at risk of accidents and injuries. Hence, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was set up to protect the rights of employees, including construction workers. Laws have also been formed to further keep construction workers safe from accidents and injuries at their work site. Construction accident attorneys are available for legal recourse in case a worker gets injured at their worksite. Like other states, New York formed the NY Labor Law 240. Here’s all a construction worker should know about it. What is NY Labor Law 240? NY Labor Law Section 240 specifically deals with scaffolding and ladder-related falls. It provides workers with protection from injuries and death from falls/falling objects. Workers have the right to recover damages after these types of injuries occurs on a construction site. Does the law apply only to construction workers? Yes, it applies to: Construction workers that fall from elevated platforms (such as ladders, scaffolding, or planks) Construction workers injured by falling objects from any height What are the protections offered under NY Labor Law 240? The law provides important liability protections for construction workers. Specifically, this law imposes absolute liability. It is applied directly to the owner or his or her agent in the incident. If a worker falls, suffers damage and losses, and goes to court, the case will focus solely on the amount of damages to be awarded. How can the NY Labor Law 240 be applied to an accident / injury case? If an employee gas suffered a fall from a ladder, scaffolding or injured by falling objects from a height, they are owed a compensation. The worker can work with a top injury lawyer or a construction accident attorney to get the settlement they deserve. However, applying NY Labor Law 240 to a case has emerged to be one of the most challenging cases taken to court. Hence, it is important to work with a highly qualified and experienced attorney. Are there any specific requirements for NY Labor Law 240 to ply to a case? Yes, there are a few specific requirements to be taken into account, including: Structure of the site where the accident occurred: The law does not apply to property owners or contractors working on one- or two-family homes. This law does directly apply to larger homes (over three families) as well as all commercial buildings and apartments. The type of work done to the structure: The law only applies if the work is done on the structure itself and not other items (such as trees). All types of structures are covered under this requirement including tunnels, cars, boats, bridges, garages, and buildings. The rule of gravity: Labor Law 240 also protects workers from the dangers associated with gravity. In other words, gravity caused the individual or an object to fall. Pertinent information about the abovementioned requirements is provided here. If you or someone you know has suffered an injury as a construction worker due to someone’s negligence, you need the top injury lawyer, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced construction accident attorneys. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
Head Injuries: Causes, Consequences, and Legal Recourse
Head injuries can irrevocably change the course of one’s life. Even a minor head injury or a concussion can have long-term implications. One may also suffer head injuries, also known as brain injury or traumatic brain injury (TBI), in an accident caused due to someone’s negligence. In such a scenario, one has the right to compensation. Hire a brain injury lawyer to recover the compensation you deserve. Let’s understand a little more about TBIs. TBI often occurs due to a blow to the head. Degrees of a TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe. The most common cause of TBI is falls followed by car crashes. Both these causes are preventable following adequate safety measures. Some of the other causes could include construction accidents, medical negligence / surgical errors etc. Additionally, any damage done to the brain is going to be expensive to treat and likely lead to a number of other expenses. Moreover, a TBI will do more than just incur financial expenses; it will also affect how you live and enjoy your life. It may hamper your ability to earn an income, enjoy your hobbies or lead an independent and normal life you enjoyed before the TBI. If you’ve suffered a TBI due to someone’s negligence, work with a top injury lawyer to get the compensation you deserve. TBIs are particularly unique when it comes to the variation in settlement amounts, which is primarily due to the varying extent of head injuries and the overall unique circumstances that surround each case. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has conducted several TBI studies throughout recent years, and they’ve publicly stated that TBIs are a serious public health concern in the United States. Here’s how an attorney will go about getting identifying the damages and ensuring that you get the deserved settlement: Calculate special damages specific to TBIs such as lost earning capacity, lost wages, medical expenses, funeral expenses in case of wrongful death Calculate general damages in case of an accident / injury such as pain and suffering, mental trauma and shock, loss of reputation, loss of quality of life, emotional distress, etc. Add the damages together to arrive at a settlement amount. It is not a simple sum but arrived using technical assistance best left in the hands of an able personal injury attorney. Adjust settlement values to assist savings to ensure that the victim’s future is secure Compare and study recent jury verdicts to arrive at a reasonable settlement as well as have an overview of the typical outcome of such cases in the recent past. More information about head injury related settlements is available here. If you or someone you know has suffered a head injury due to someone’s negligence, you need the top injury lawyer, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
The “Fatal Four” Causes that are Killing Our Construction Workers
Construction workers are exposed to a high-risk work environment. Due to the nature of their work, they remain vulnerable to accidents, that could lead to minor to major injuries and may even be fatal. These injuries can impact their lives, affect their day to day lives, and even restrict them from working. Construction accident attorneys across the country have witnessed a significant increase in cases of construction-related injuries among workers. Common Accidents Leading to Fatalities Among Construction Workers A recent report released by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) highlighted the “fatal four”, that is, the primary causes of fatalities among construction workers. They are as follows: Falls – is the most common cause of fatalities among construction workers. Nearly 36.5% deaths occur due to falls. This could be result of falling into unprotected holes, falling off a ladder, etc. It is important that all sites follow OSHA’s fall protection protocol to keep the workers safe. Struck by an object – accounts for 10% of fatalities. This could be due to swinging, falling, or misplaced objects. Other causes may include faulty equipment, negligent driving of a vehicle, or a slippery surface / shifting material. Electrocutions–Nearly 9% deaths occur due to electrocutions on the work site. This could be due to faulty wiring, inadequate maintenance. The onus lies on the employer to ensure that all OSHA protocols are followed with respect to power and electricity maintenance on the work site. Caught-in or caught-between: A construction site is full of large and heavy equipment managed by the workers. In such a scenario, it is possible to get caught in or between. About 2.5% fatalities are caused due to this reason. The above are responsible for more than half (57%) of all fatalities among construction workers at their work place. Involved in a construction-related accident Accidents at a construction site can be a result of various reasons in addition to the ones mentioned above. However, if the cause of the accident was avoidable and occurred to employer’s negligence, you’re owed a fair compensation for your physical injuries, mental trauma and other associated impact. We recommend you hire an injury attorney to represent you. Work with a top injury lawyer In most cases, the employer or another party at-fault may try to settle the case by providing only the workers’ compensation, but you deserve more. It is important that the injury attorney accounts for all your pain and suffering, and takes it into account while identifying a just and fair settlement for you. If you or someone you know has suffered an injury as a construction worker due to someone’s negligence, you need the top injury lawyer, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced construction accident attorneys. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
What to Do If You’re in an Accident Involving Citi Bike
Citi Bike is New York’s flagship bike sharing program. The program allows you to pick up a bike at one of the hundred stations around Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Jersey City. Bike availability can be seen on the station map or mobile app. Citi Bike is already a success story because within the first three days of its launch, it saw 20,000 registrations and 7500 successful rides. New Yorkers and tourists alike have taken to Citi Bike. While biking is a preferred mode of transportation among New Yorkers and becoming more popular every day, it is also increasing vulnerability of cyclists to accidents. It is well known that riding a bicycle in the city comes with its risks. However, the responsibility lies on the cyclist and drivers equally to ensure each other’s safety on the roads. Importantly, the risk of injury to the cyclist is much higher as compared to a motor vehicle driver. Hence, when riding a Citi Bike, it is important to know what to do after a crash. Here is what you should do if you’re in a crash involving a Citi Bike: ● Call 911 and report the crash immediately. ● If you’re the rider / user of the Citi Bike involved in the crash, you’re liable to report the accident within 24 hours. You can call on 1-855-BIKE311 to report the crash. ● As the user, you are responsible to return it to the dock or to a Citi Bike representative. ● A rental fee of $1000 and administrative fee will be charged to your credit card if you fail to return the bike within 24 hours. The above mentioned points are relevant with respect to the liability of the user when using Citi Bike. However, if you’re involved in a crash and injured, here’s what you do in addition to the above: ● Urgently seek medical care. ● Maintain all documentation of the medical bills. ● Obtain information of the driver and the vehicle that caused the accident. ● If possible, take photos of the accident site and talk to witnesses. ● Maintain a record of all the expenses incurred due to the accident. ● Hire an auto accident lawyer to work with you on getting a fair compensation. It is recommended that you get an auto accident lawyer with extensive experience in handling cases of similar nature as insurance companies are quick to pin the blame on the cyclists and avoid paying fair compensation. Let the injury lawyer handle the complexities of the law and work towards getting you a just settlement. If you or someone you know has been in an accident involving Citi Bike and you need the top injury lawyers, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
Spring Increases Risk of Motorcycle Accidents – A warning by the American Automobile Association (AAA)
As the harsh winter of New York gives way to the warm and pleasant spring, people get ready to go out and about. Motorcyclists bring out their mean machines and are ready to rust off the winter dead from it. Hence, spring sees a surge in motorcyclists on the roads. In this context, the AAA recently issued a request for motorcyclists to be careful on the roads.Importantly, in case of an accident, they are vulnerable to severe and long-term injuries.If an accident has been caused due to someone’s negligence, it is important to work with auto accident attorney. This warning also comes in the light of increasing fatalities and injuries among motorcyclists due to accidents. While only 2% registered vehicles in New York are motorcycles, they account for 14% of traffic-related fatalities. In fact, more than half the fatalities (56%) are among those aged below 35 years. Moreover, nearly all fatalities are male riders. Importantly, nearly half (43%) motorcycle riders involved in a fatality were not properly licensed to ride a motorcycle. As a result, the AAA has shared some recommendations for motorcyclists to remain safe on the roads as well as to ride carefully: Put on a helmet: Helmets save lives. The AAA states that helmets significantly reduce the risk of a severe injury or death in case of a crash. Do not ride your motorcycle without a helmet even if you’re traveling a short distance. Be visible: It is important that the other drivers on the road are able to see you. This is especially true in Spring season as drivers are not used to seeing motorcyclists during winter, hence, there might be a sudden surge in the spring. Ride the motorcycle carefully and in a way that drivers can see you from a safe distance. Keep your headlight on, wear bright colors and use reflective tape, even in the daytime. Diligently follow traffic rules: Use turn signals and avoid changing lanes erratically. Let the other drivers on the road be aware of your actions on the road so that they can also navigate accordingly. Do not speed: Speeding has emerged as one of the biggest challenges with motorcyclists. It is imperative that you ride your motorcycle within the speed limit. It’ll save your life and keep others also safe on the road. Do not drive drunk or distracted: Drunk driving is a seriously reckless behavior, and distracted driving can be just as dangerous. A distracted driver is any driver whose attention is not on the road, whether it’s instead focused on cell phone use, eating, applying makeup, or anything else. Insurance: It is important that motorcyclists have their insurance in place as they go back on the road. Various insurance companies reduce their coverage and premium charges during winters. This is called the layup period. Ensure that your layup period is over before you step out with your motorcycle in the spring. While the above responsibility lies with the motorcyclists, even other drivers should now keep an eye out for motorcyclists. Remember that they’re back on the road. Despite all precautions, a motorcyclist may end up in an accident due to someone’s negligence. In such a scenario, it is important to work with auto accident attorney as insurance companies are quick to pin the blame on motorcycle riders without offering the due compensation. Moreover, riders involved in motorcycle accidents can end up with serious and long-term injuries. To know more about motorcycle accident injury claims. Click here. If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident duetosomeone’s negligence and you need the best injury attorney, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
New Law in Suffolk County Mandates Motor Vehicle Drivers to Give Three-Feet Distance to Cyclists
The Suffolk County has recently passed a law mandating drivers of cars and other motor vehicles to give bicyclists at least three-feet distance when passing them. If the driver fails to do so, they’re liable to pay a fine. Is the law effective currently? Yes, the law came into effect on April 5, 2021. How much fine does a violator have to pay? It states that if a driver violates the three-feet law, they could face a fine upto $225 in case of first offense, in event of a second offense, the fine is $325, and $425 for subsequent offense. However, you can file a personal injury claim if you (as the bicyclist) and the motor vehicle driver get into an accident due to the violation of this law and suffer injuries. We discuss this in detail subsequently. What are some of the other important things to know about this new law? Firstly, it is important to remember that the law doesn’t apply on roads which have a designated cyclist lane. Secondly, this law supersedes the New York State Motor Vehicle Law that calls for ensuring “safe distance” when a motor vehicle passes a bicyclist. This law defines “safe distance” as three feet. Why is this law important for Suffolk residents? As cycling becomes a preferred mode of commuting, it is imperative that they’re safe on the road. Moreover, numbers for New York State suggest that higher number of cyclists on the road has led to higher number of accidents, especially fatalities. As per reports released in 2020, there were 3,835 crashes in New York City involving cyclists and motorists in which the cyclist was injured or killed. One of the ways to reduce the number of crashes is ensuring that the motor vehicle maintains adequate distance from the cyclist while passing them on the road. What are the common causes of bicycle accidents? Some of the common causes of bicycle accidents are drunk driving, distracted driving, unsafe road conditions, dooring, etc. What can you do if you’re in an accident as a bicyclist? If a bicyclist has been an injured due to any of the above reasons or more caused due to someone’s negligence, they can file a personal injury claim with the help of a top injury attorney. A personal injury lawyer will help file a settlement by taking into account all the hardships imposed on you due to the accident such as medical bills, lost wages, physical / emotional therapy, pain and suffering, lost enjoyment of life, or wrongful death. It is best to work with a personal injury attorney as the settlement received from the at-fault party’s insurance will be inadequate and only cover immediate medical bills. It is important that you get the compensation you deserve. If you or someone you know has been injured in a bicycle accident due tosomeone’s negligence and you need the best personal injury attorney, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
