Importance of a Witness in a Car Accident Claim

A car accident is often a result of someone’s negligence. In such a scenario, the victim is owed compensation for the injuries they’ve incurred as well as other long- and short-term damages. In order to receive fair compensation, evidence is pertinent in a car accident claim.  Evidence includes photographs, documentation such as medical bills, proof of loss of income/livelihood due to the injuries sustained, etc. Among the various evidence available, witnesses also play an important role, as agreed by car accident attorneys.  Here is what you need to know about witnesses in a car accident claim. Types of witnesses There are two types of witnesses in a car accident claim:  Eyewitness: refer to someone who was at the site of the accident, however, not one of the passengers in the motor vehicle that suffered or caused the accident. Their testimony is objective and a near first-hand account of what occurred at the site of the accident. Examples of eyewitnesses are pedestrians at the site of the accident, other drivers at the site of the accident, and employers/owners/customers of businesses in and around the area of the accident. If someone has been in an accident, car accident lawyers recommend that they try to talk to the witnesses and record their contact details to reach them at the time of filing the claim, and request their statement.   Expert witness: In scenarios where claims are more complex than usual, and negligence cannot be proved with the evidence at hand, it is recommended to include expert witness testimony, for example, a medical professional who can confirm that the injuries caused are due to the accident. This can strengthen the claim and prove the negligence of the at-fault driver. Hence, in addition to maintaining medical records and expenses, it is pertinent to talk to the medical professional and seek their help, if required, as a witness.  Impact of a witness on a case Both the categories of witnesses, as mentioned above, are important to a car accident claim. They build the evidence and strengthen it so that the victim can receive the compensation they deserve. Hence, witnesses, in addition to other evidence are critical to a car accident claim.  If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident due to someone’s negligence, you need the best car accident 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 car accident lawyers. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case

What to do after if you’re in a Rear-End Collision Accident

When a front of a vehicle crashes another vehicle from the rear, it is called a rear-end collision. The extent of the accident can vary from a minor bruise to a totaled car/vehicle. Moreover, it can also cause minor to severe injuries. In such a case, you’re owed compensation for the injuries suffered and other damages. A car accident attorney can help.  Common injuries after a rear end collision Rear end collisions can cause physical injuries to the driver and other passengers. Here are the most common injuries after a rear-end collision.  Neck injuries/Whiplash: Injuries to the neck, shoulder, and upper back are likely to occur in a rear end collision due to sudden jerk. Most often, the muscles/ligaments of the neck or shoulder stretch beyond range very quickly that causes straining or tearing of the tissue. If minor, these injuries can be cured with physiotherapy or medicines to reduce inflammation. However, a severe injury may need surgical intervention. Back or spinal injuries: The force and impact of a rear-end, especially if the vehicle was in speed, can cause severe back and spinal injuries. Spinal injuries are often serious and tend to take a long time to heal or become a lifelong condition. Bulging/herniated discs, facet joint injuries are common outcomes of rear end collisions. The treatment is often long-term and expensive. These conditions can also disrupt the day to day life of the victim.  Fractured ribs: A rear end collision pushes the driver and other passenger forward. Depending on the severity of the jerk, people may end up with fractured ribs or other broken bones. In addition to being extremely painful, broken bones and fractured ribs take a long time to heal. They also restrict movement of the victim and hampers their ability to carry out daily tasks.  In addition to the above, rear end collisions of high severity can also cause face disfigurement, paralysis, head/brain injuries, etc.  While physical injuries do occur, such accidents also cause trauma that leads to an impact on the mental health of the victim. The post-accident trauma, medical expenses, losing income, etc. can put additional pressure on the victim’s mind causing distress.  Steps to take after a rear-end collision If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision, you deserve a settlement. This means that the person who causes the crash should pay you for all the damages caused. It is best to seek legal help from a car accident attorney to get the compensation you deserve.  If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident involving a rear-end collision, you need the car accident 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 car accident lawyers. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.

What to do if you’re involved in an Uber/Lyft Accident

Uber and Lyft have become a popular choice for people in New York. The convenience of riding in a comfortable car without the hassle of parking or navigating the crowd of a bus or subway is truly a boon for the city resident. What do numbers say? Available data suggests that Uber, Lyft, and other similar ridesharing services account for nearly 20 million trips in NYC alone. Hence, accidents involving them are also common. Statistics suggest that rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have led to a 3% increase in overall car accident fatalities. Nearly 1,000 daily car accident deaths are due to the increasing number of rideshare vehicles on the road. Uber/Lyft accident lawyers are witnessing a rapid increase in accidents involving ride sharing cars. What are the causes of these accidents? Drunk/distracted driving Driving when tired due to excessive working hours Late night driving Rash driving You can be an accident involving a ridesharing service either (1) as a rider or (2) the driver of the car/vehicle the ridesharing car collided with. In both cases, the fundamental principle is to identify the fault. Hence, the following should be considered: The person has the responsibility of reasonable care (all drivers have a duty to drive carefully and obey all traffic laws) The person who breached the responsibility of reasonable care (the other person didn’t drive carefully or didn’t obey a traffic law) You were injured and suffered damages as a result of the other person’s breach What should you do after the accident? Here are the steps you should follow: Call the police: The first step is to call the police to report the accident. The police should be informed even if there are grave injuries as a police report is mandatory to claim insurance. Seek medical attention: It is absolutely critical to immediately seek medical care to make sure that injuries get proper care and treatment. Even if you think the injury is minor, it is a good idea to just get it checked out. Sometimes, even minor pain/injuries can linger over a period of time. Importantly, safely keep all the receipts and other records of medical expenses to claim compensation/settlement at a later time. Take photos: If possible, take photos of the accident site as visual proof to what really went down at the scene of the accident. In case you cannot take photos yourself due to any reason, try and find a witness who is willing to do it for you. The photos can come in handy as a strong piece of evidence to prove negligence. Talk to a witness: If witnesses are present at the site of accident, talk to them and record (with their consent) their description of the accident. This can also become useful evidence. Report the accident: Once you have sought medical attention, report the accident to the ridesharing company as well as the concerned insurer. It will help them prepare for the next steps. Hire a Uber/Lyft accident lawyer: Since such accidents are becoming common every day, specialist lawyers such as Uber Accident Lawyer or Lyft Accident Lawyer are required to help you navigate the complexities of the law and get the compensation you deserve. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident involving Uber/Lyft, you need an Uber accident 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 Uber/Lyft accident lawyers. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.

All You Need to Know About the Statute of Limitation on Filing a Car Accident in New York

Car accidents are an unfortunate and regular occurrence on the streets of New York. Thousands of accidents are reported with victims who suffer from minor to long-term injuries. In some cases, these accidents are even fatal. Car accidents are often a result of negligence which entitles the injured party to compensation for their suffering. It is best to work with car accident lawyers in such a scenario.  When you’re in a car accident, it is best to report it as soon as possible. This makes the process of filing and pursuing the claim slightly less complex. However, there can be instances where the injuries are so severe that long-term medical intervention doesn’t allow one to report the accident and file for compensation. Unfortunately, when the accident is a fatal, the issue is a little more complex. At the same time there is a statute of limitation of three years in filing a car accident in New York. That is, if you don’t file the occurrence of the car accident within three years, you are at risk of not receiving any compensation.  With regard to statute of limitations, here are a few more things you should know: In most cases, the statute of limitations begins to run at the time of the car accident, but in case of wrongful death claims where a victim initially survives, but succumbs to the injuries at a later time.  If the victim dies in the accident, the deceased’s family/representative has two years to file suit as per New York’s wrongful death statute of limitations.’ Time limits to file the accident may be more stringent in some cases such as if your crash involved a government vehicle. Considering these terms, navigating the law can be a bit challenging, hence, it is recommended to work with a car accident attorney and guide you through the process.  If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident involving a ridesharing service, you need the car accident 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 car accident lawyers. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.

What To Do After You’re In An Accident While Ride sharing

Ride sharing services such as Uber and Lyft have become the “go-to” choice for many New Yorkers. And, why not? They’re an easy, convenient, quick and feasible way to travel in a busy city without the hassle of going in a bus/train or parking your own vehicle. These ridesharing apps are responsible for millions of trips in the city. Hence, accidents involving them are also common. Car accident lawyers are witnessing a rapid increase in accidents involving ride sharing cars.  What does it mean to be in an accident involving a ridesharing service? You can be in an accident involving a ridesharing service either (1) as a rider or (2) the driver of the car/vehicle the ridesharing car collided with. In both cases, the fundamental principle is to identify the fault. Hence, the following should be considered: The person has the responsibility of reasonable care (all drivers have a duty to drive carefully and obey all traffic laws) The person who breached the responsibility of reasonable care (the other person didn’t drive carefully or didn’t obey a traffic law) You were injured and suffered damages as a result of the other person’s breach What is the difference between a car accident involving a ridesharing service and those involving two privately-owned cars? With respect to determining fault, the process is similar in both of the above stated cases, however, the slight point of difference is the role of the insurer at the time when compensation is sought.  Most drivers are covered by their personal auto insurance policy. Hence, when you’re involved in a car accident, you can make a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. A car accident attorney can ensure that you receive settlement for medical expenses and other damages. However, as per the “business explosion plan” in personal auto insurance policies coverage is not applicable when the driver is using their vehicle for business purposes. Hence, as soon as a rideshare driver picks up a customer, they do not have liability insurance as well as “no collision insurance” under their personal auto insurance policy. How does one claim settlement from an insurer in a car accident with a ridesharing service? The most prominent ridesharing services in New York, Uber and Lyft, provide a US $1 million in liability charges for their drivers, however, its applicability varies as per varying situations:  If the driver isn’t logged into the app, no coverage is provided. When the driver is logged into the app but hasn’t accepted a ride request, then these ridesharing services provide liability coverage for any accident that’s the fault of the driver up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 total liability per accident. When the driver has accepted a trip and is on the way to the pick-up location, liability coverage is $1 million. When the customer is in the car, liability coverage is $1 million, in addition to limited coverage for damage to the driver’s car.  If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident involving a ridesharing service, you need the 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 lawyers. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.

An Overview of Car Accident Cases in Nassau County

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 Nassau County with respect to car accidents. As per data released in 2018: A total of 40,306 car crashes were reported in Nassau County.  As a result, there were 11,330 injuries. This includes 647 serious injuries and 61 fatalities.  Of the total accidents, 28,915 crashes led to property damages only. Nassau County also has a higher rate of fatal pedestrian and motorcycle accidents as compared to the New York State average.  Interestingly, when compared to Suffolk County, the population in Nassau County is lower, however, despite that, the number of fatal accidents, injuries, and serious injuries is higher.  Generally, trends have shown that Long Island witnesses a high number of car accidents.  The common causes of car accidents are:  Distracted driving: this includes texting or talking on the phone while  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 Nassau County can be a dangerous place for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. If you drive a car in Nassau County, 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 Nassau County? If you are involved in an accident in Nassau County caused due to someone’s negligence, you deserve compensation. Hire a Nassau County car accident lawyer to help you through the process.  How can a Nassau County 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 Nassau County or elsewhere in New York City, you need the best car accident lawyers in Nassau County, 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.  

An Overview of Car Accident Cases in Manhattan

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 Manhattan with respect to car accidents. As per data released in February 2020: A total of 3,922 car crashes were reported in Manhattan.  As a result, there were 655 injuries. This also includes 76 cyclists and 185 pedestrians.  Unfortunately, four people died, of which, two were pedestrians. Overall, around 40 people die in car accidents each year in Manhattan.  Every year, more than 4000 people go to the emergency room for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. As per this report, Manhattan and the Bronx have the highest death rate related to motor vehicle accidents. In Manhattan, a high number of accidents are reported from East 96th Street and Madison Avenue, 8th Avenue and West 42nd Street, 2nd Avenue and East 36th Street, 9th Avenue and West 42nd Street, and 3rd Avenue and East 59th Street.  In terms of the accident report, some of the most dangerous highways, bridges, and tunnels in Manhattan include Franklin D. Roosevelt East River Drive, Henry Hudson Parkway, Harlem River Drive, and Triborough Bridge.  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 Manhattan can be a dangerous place for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. If you drive a car in Manhattan, 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 Manhattan? If you are involved in an accident in Manhattan caused due to someone’s negligence, you deserve compensation. Hire a Manhattan car accident lawyer to help you through the process.  How can a Manhattan 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 Manhattan or elsewhere in New York City, you need the best car accident lawyers in Manhattan, 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.

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.

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. 

Here’s Why Pedestrian Accidents May Be on the Rise in the Near Future

As more people get vaccinated against COVID-19 and cities open up, the traffic will slowly come back on the roads. With businesses opening up and fewer restrictions, there is a potential risk or higher likelihood of accidents involving motor vehicles and pedestrians. At a time like this, as a pedestrian and a driver, it is best to be mindful and careful when you’re out and about.  Pedestrian accidents can cause severe and long-term injuries to the victim involved. These injuries can have life-altering consequences. They can also be fatal. However, options such as hiring a pedestrian car accident lawyer are available to you as an injured pedestrian or family of someone who lost their loved one due to an accident on the road while walking. Here’s all you should know about pedestrian accidents in New York.  New York Pedestrian Traffic Laws  Here’s what you should know as a pedestrian in New York Drivers cannot pass vehicles at crosswalks so that pedestrians may cross. Drivers should be careful to avoid accidents with pedestrians. Drivers should allow pedestrians when the “walk” sign is flashing. Drivers should allow pedestrians when the “walk” sign changes to a flashing hand or other symbol. New York also has laws which protect pedestrians, here they are:  New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law – This is the state’s official vehicle and traffic laws. If a pedestrian is injured by someone who was driving who violates this law, they will often be found negligent in a civil suit. Elle’s Law: Any driver who violates any traffic rules and ends up injuring an individual gets their license suspended for six months. If they have another incident that violates Elle’s Law within a five-year period, their license is suspended for one year. Hayley and Diego’s Law – This law penalizes a motorist when they fail to exercise care in operating a vehicle and injure a pedestrian or bicyclist as a result. The first offense attracts either a $750 fine, or 15 days in jail, or undertaking a driving training course. On second offense, the driver is charged with a misdemeanour. A pedestrian accident attorney will thoroughly review the situation and find the right violation and subsequent charges so that the injured pedestrian can get their fair due. Know the deserved compensation  Getting the right compensation is paramount. Often, in a hurry to settle the matter, insurance companies of the “at-fault” driver will offer you a settlement, which will be far lower than what you actually deserve. Instead, focus on all the damages and calculate a fair compensation you should receive. Some of the factors to include while calculating the compensation should be your medical bills, transportation expenses, medicines, pain and suffering, emotional distress.  Hire a pedestrian car accident lawyer today to help you recover the compensation you deserve from the at-fault driver and their insurance company via an accident case.  If you or someone you know has been injured as a pedestrian due to a driver’s negligence, you need the top personal injury attorneys, 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.