What to Expect in a Car Accident Settlement with Allstate?
Allstate is one of the oldest and wealthiest insurance companies in the United States. Founded in 1931, its net worth as on March 2021 stands at $3.505 Billion. Recent data suggests that Allstate Corporation provides insurance cover to nearly 113 million people. Allstate’s major business is private passenger auto and homeowners’ insurance, primarily offered through agencies. The scale of Allstate’s business and profits can be gauged form the numbers we have shared above. However, like other insurance companies, Allstate works on a “for-profit” agenda. Their objective is to make as much money as possible by charging hefty premiums and giving miniscule settlements. Hence, if you’ve been in a motor vehicle accident, for instance, a car accident you’ve to file the claim with Allstate, it is best you leave it in the hands of a car accident lawyer to take a lead on the settlement. But it is always good to be prepared. Here is some important information about the process involved while filing a claim with Allstate and some caveats involved. History of low offers: First things first, Allstate does not enjoy the best reputation when it comes to settlement. They’re known to undervalue the loss / injuries caused and offer lower than expected compensation. It is best to let a qualified and experienced injury attorney handle it. Use of Colossus: Allstate uses an in-house, complex software which calculates the settlement amount based on various factors. The biggest downside of this software is lack of human involvement in the whole process. This truly undermines and often ignores various important aspects of the accident in question. Moreover, they try to convince the victim to settle for their offer even before they have tome to get an injury attorney, don’t fall in this trap. They have lawyers in-house: One of their biggest cost-saving strategies is using in-house lawyers for as many cases as possible. Moreover, these lawyers are completely aligned to Allstate’s goals of low offers and quick settlement. These lawyers, while are on Allstate’s payroll, are often set up in a dummy corporation and represented as independent and objective lawyers. Please note Never let your guard down if you’re up against Allstate. It is critical that you immediately hire a car accident lawyer, compile all your documentation in consultation with the lawyer, and do not lead any independent conversation / discussion with the Allstate representative. Let the car accident attorney take it forward for you. Don’t worry, we are here for you! It may seem that if Allstate is involved, nothing can be done! No, it is important that you hire a qualified and experience car accident lawyer to represent your interests. They’ll do their best to make sure you get a fair compensation. If you or someone you know has been in a car accident, you need a car accident 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 car accident lawyers. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
Accidents on a Sidewalk – Who is Responsible and What to Do?
In a busy city like New York, sidewalks are the whole and soul of pedestrians. Bustling streets, lots of traffic coupled with the fast pace of city life keeps side-walks crowded day and night. However, falls on sidewalks have also become a common cause of accidents, especially slip and fall. In fact, in some cases, the injuries can be so grave that they require long-term medical attention or can even be fatal, for example, a backward fall can very well lead to a traumatic brain injury or a hip fracture. Top injury lawyers across New York have handled various cases of negligence which has led to accidents on the sidewalk. But how do injuries on the sidewalk even occur? Some of the common reasons are: Cracks on the sidewalk Broken or uneven sidewalk Loose bricks in the sidewalk Icy sidewalk Grating on the sidewalk Incomplete pavement / ongoing construction work on the sidewalk without adequate warning for the pedestrian But if you fall prey to one or more of the above is it really your fault? No, these accidents could have been caused due to someone’s negligence and you deserve fair compensation. However, it is important to prove negligence of the party responsible to take care of the sidewalk in terms of maintenance, etc. While it may seem that the city administration is responsible in case of such an accident but it is important to note that New York signed two bills into law a few years ago that reduce the city’s liability for someone’s injuries occurring from a defective or poorly maintained sidewalk and place that responsibility upon the owner. Hence, in New York, property owners, residential and commercial, are responsible to maintain the sidewalks in front of their houses and/or businesses to ensure that the sidewalks are safe. This refers to fixing all kinds of damages – icy sidewalks, loose bricks, etc. Therefore, in case someone falls, the responsibility lies on the property owner and will be held accountable. But they will only be held accountable if they knew about the potential risk and did not address it. But proving it can be difficult. Hire a personal injury attorney to help you prove negligence. But here’s what you should when you get injured: Get medical attention – Do not delay going to the emergency room even if the injury seems minor at the time. It is best to get the doctor to give you a check-up to ensure there are no internal injuries. Importantly, keep the medical bills, etc. safe because your injury lawyer will need them while filing for compensation. Photographic evidence – If possible, photograph the surroundings, especially the area where you fell so that the damage can be visually seen by all parties involved. If you’ve been hurt, you can request someone to do it for you. But the sooner you collect photographs, the better. Check for witnesses – If anyone was around at the time of your accident, request them for their cooperation and take their contact details. Their statement can become a strong piece of evidence for you to get the compensation you deserve. Document all expenses – While the injury may have caused a lot of medical expenses, there are other expenses as well that go unnoticed in compensation, for example, loss of income due to missing work, transportation expenses to visit the doctor, etc. It’ll help your personal injury attorney to account for all the expenses while filing for compensation. Lastly, don’t worry, let your injury lawyer do the needful for you and get you just and fair compensation for your injuries and trauma. If you or someone you know has been injured in a sidewalk accident 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.
The Risks of Being a DoorDash, UberEATS, Grubhub Delivery Driver
Food at the doorstep is a thriving industry globally and in the United States. While pickup and delivery have been around a while, the trend continues to be on a rise. Numbers show that the online food delivery market in the United States is set to value at $32,325 million in 2024 with an annual growth of 5.1%. Food delivery trends in New York A bustling city means a buzzing food delivery industry. For New York, the story is the same as food delivery is a massive market. Among the competition, Grubhub tops the market share with 53% followed by UberEATS at 24% and DoorDash at 21%. Such a high demand for food delivery indicates that a large number of people are employed as drivers to deliver food to the consumer. The story of food delivery drivers A large-scale food delivery market means innumerable orders every day. While this industry addresses the big issue of unemployment and providing jobs, it also poses some risks. Here are some risks that food delivery drivers face daily: Each order has to be delivered within a deadline, which means, the driver is always in a rush. This makes them vulnerable to cause as well as get harmed in an accident. Numerous orders and the incentives attached to the number of deliveries tempt drivers to work overtime for extra money. This fatigues them which makes driving dangerous. Late-night cravings mean late-night orders. Many drivers, after a long day’s shift, maybe driving later at night to deliver the food. Lack of sleep and tiredness can reduce their alertness levels, hence, put them at risk of an accident. A driver can’t know the entire city by heart. Often, they have to make deliveries in unfamiliar areas. This makes them vulnerable to accidents as they’re not familiar with the specific region, for example, there may be a huge pothole or an ongoing construction in the vicinity. In a hurry to deliver, they may fall prey to these dangers and get into an accident. What happens if you’re in an accident as a delivery driver? If a delivery driver is harmed while on their job due to someone’s negligence, for example, a motor vehicle accident, dog bite on someone’s property, slip, and fall, etc., they’re entitled to a worker’s compensation and a fair settlement. However, this varies for delivery drivers who are “employed” and who are “contracted. Only those delivery drivers who are employed are entitled to workers’ compensation. Importantly, if the employer is trying to settle the matter unfairly or not giving the driver their due, it is recommended they hire a personal injury lawyer to represent them. A personal injury attorney will help you get the compensation you deserve. They’ll ensure that your medical expenses are covered, loss of income is compensated and all long-term expenses due to the injuries are accounted for. By letting a personal injury lawyer handle your case, you’ll get the time to care for you or your loved one’s health who is harmed in the accident. If you or someone you know has suffered an injury as a food delivery driver and need a winning law firm, 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 lawyer . Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
Risks Involved in Drowsy Driving by Uber and Lyft Drivers
Cabs are the very soul of New York. With the recent advent of ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, a cab is available at the click of a button right at your doorstep. However, if you ask an Uber or Lyft driver about their daily routine, you’d be shocked to know that most of them work for a lot more than an ideal 8 hours a day familiar to us. Many drivers, who often work multiple shifts and even multiple jobs, are trying to make ends meet. Unfortunately, this leaves them fatigued and often sleepy. This makes drowsy driving a very prevalent risk in the ridesharing industry. Moreover, this puts the driver, the passenger, and other people on the road at risk of an accident which could leave them severely injured. What do the numbers say? The data also shows a grim scenario. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shared that 328,000 crashes in the U.S. every year involve a drowsy driver. Of these, 109,000 accidents result in injuries and 6,400 lead to a fatality. Moreover, in 2017, the National Transportation Safety Board included “reduce fatigue-related accidents” in its “most wanted list of the 10 most critical changes needed to reduce transportation accidents and save lives”. What is the stance of ridesharing companies? Even ridesharing companies are making efforts to reduce drowsy driving. In 2018, Uber announced that any driver who has worked for 12 hours needs to go on a six-hour break. At Lyft, a driver needs to take a six-hour break after 14 hours of driving. However, the extent to which these norms are followed is not known. Moreover, despite the break, drivers may end up driving late at night or early in the morning at the end of a long12-to-14-hour shift. This increases the risk of accidents because, at these hours, sleepiness is at its peak. Dangers of drowsy driving Drowsy driving increases the risk of accidents because the driver’s reaction time becomes slow, there is less alertness to look for potential dangers, and the promptness required to decide in case of danger is hampered. How to know if your driver is drowsy? Often a late night with friends or an early meeting in the office may compel you to call an Uber or Lyft. Here’s how you can spot if your driver is drowsy – (1) repeatedly yawning, (2) rubbing their eyes, (3) missing traffic signals/turns, (4) irritating temper/restlessness / rushed to reach the destination, (5) drifting/changing lanes too often. If you think your driver is drowsy, suggest to them to cancel the ride and call it a day. If you’re already in the car and realize the driver is drowsy, ask the driver to pull over at a safe place and take another cab. What to do if you meet with an accident due to a drowsy driver? Despite all measures, if you’ve been in an accident due to a drowsy driver and their negligence, hire a car accident lawyer. However, before you bring the car accident attorney on board, make sure you get the due medical attention. Remember to document all the relevant evidence, such as photographs, medical expenses, booking confirmation, etc. The car accident attorney will represent your case holistically ensuring that the compensation you get is the one you deserve. With powerful organizations, such as Uber and Lyft, leading the market in ride-sharing, it becomes imperative that you get an able car accident lawyer to fight for your case against these multimillion-dollar corporations. If you or someone you know has met with an accident in an Uber or Lyft and need a winning law firm, 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.
Risks Involved in Driving an Automatic Car / Tesla
Tesla’s autopilot is an advanced driver assistance system designed to reduce the overall workload of its driver. Every Tesla car today provides advanced autopilot features and full self-driving capabilities in the future, through a series of software updates. Tesla boldly claims that every one of its cars will have full self-driving capabilities in the future in almost all circumstances and at a safety level that is at least twice as good as the average human driver. Risks involved in Tesla’s autopilot However, Tesla’s autopilot has drawn criticism and has been under federal investigation due to a string of accidents that may have been caused by the system. As of now, the autopilot function can keep a moving car in its lane and can match the speed of surrounding vehicles. Tesla has said that the autopilot system must be used only under certain conditions but some safety experts say the company does not do enough to educate drivers about these limitations or make sure that drivers do not become overly reliant on the system and thus, distracted. Accidents involving Tesla’s autopilot Autopilot is likely to blame for a 2018 crash in California in which the driver died. Findings determine that the system failed to keep the car in its lane and failed to detect a highway barrier while travelling at 71 miles per hour, the speed limit being 65 mph. The driver was playing a game on his phone at the time. The first known fatal crash with autopilot in use occurred in May 2016 in Florida, when a Tesla failed to stop for a truck that was turning in front of it on the highway. The vehicle hit the trailer, continued traveling underneath it and veered off the road. What’s the need of the hour? It is clear that Tesla needs to develop an application that senses the driver’s level of engagement and issues warnings when the driver’s hands are off the wheel. The computer security company McAfee released findings that a Tesla using the intelligent cruise control feature could be tricked into speeding by placing a small strip of electric tape onto speed limit signs. Research has also shown that placing stickers on road signs could coax cars into dangerously switching lanes while the autopilot system is engaged. Drivers misunderstand the capabilities of Tesla’s autopilot system and the Tesla website currently paints a confusing picture of its cars capabilities. In 2018, Elon Musk was widely criticized for taking his hands off the steering wheel while demonstrating the self-driving capabilities of a Tesla Model 3, something the vehicle owner’s manual instructs drivers using autopilot never to do. By calling its system ‘autopilot’ and by using terms like ‘full self-driving,’ Tesla is misleading consumers as to the capabilities of the technology. Unlike autopilot, Super Cruise, a driver-assistance system offered by General Motors, works only on certain highways and tracks drivers’ heads to make sure they are paying attention to the road. What do you do if you’re involved in an accident? If a driver suffered injuries in a crash involving a self-driving Tesla, he is owed compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering and funeral expenses. A car accident attorney will be able to help. Car injury law firms have the resources to take on a large company like Tesla and can make difficult legal matters much easier for its clients. The number of self-driving Teslas in New York is growing every day as it is one of the biggest markets in the US. The best car injury attorney at The Law Office of Siler and Ingber is just a phone call away and is experienced in tackling cases involving self-driving cars in New York City. If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident involving Tesla’s autopilot and need a winning law firm, 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.
Common Risks Involved in Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removals are common in the United States. Data suggests that there are more than 445000 laser hair removal procedures done each year across the country. Moreover, an average American spends about $287 on it. What is laser hair removal? Laser hair removal is a non-invasive technique that uses highly concentrated light (heat) to penetrate hair follicles which restricts hair growth in the future. What are the risks involved in laser hair removal? Since the technology uses heat, it exposes people to the risk of injuries. One of the most common risks involved in a laser hair removal procedure is burns of varying degrees. Most often, a laser hair removal procedure may cause first-degree burns that scar the affected area. In case of a second-degree burn, the top layer of the skin is penetrated which may cause redness or blisters. A third-degree burn is the most severe kind and penetrates through all layers of the skin. But burns of any degree are painful, can leave scars, and even mentally traumatize the victim. What puts you at risk during a laser removal procedure? With the market exploding with demand for laser hair removal in recent years, salons, spas, and spaces are cropping up in every nook and corner of New York to offer laser hair removal at competitive prices. Hence, with increased demand and rush, one of the biggest causes of injury is the lack of a trained professional. Often, people who are not adequately trained or experienced undertake laser hair removal procedures which increase the risk of errors and resultant injuries/burns. What should you do before going for the procedure? Make sure that you go to a reputed center for laser hair removal. Talk to people who have availed these services, check out customer reviews online, and don’t hesitate to ask about the personnel’s qualifications and experience who is supposed to do the procedure for you. What should you do if you suffer a burn injury during the procedure? In a scenario where you end up with a burn injury of any degree due to someone’s negligence during the laser hair removal procedure, it is recommended that you hire a burn injury attorney. Based on the nature of negligence, your burn injury lawyer will help you file a compensation claim. To have a strong claim in place, you must document all your injuries (medical expenses, photographic evidence of scars/blisters) and other important evidence (confirmation of appointment). Consult with your burn injury attorney for more relevant evidence and documentation to strengthen a claim of this nature. If you or someone you know has suffered burns due to a laser hair removal procedure and you need the best burn 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 burn injury attorneys. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
Preparing Your Car to Prevent Accidents in Winter
As we approach winters, we need to prepare ourselves for snow, icy roads, rain, and fog. These factors contribute to a higher risk while driving. Statistics suggest that about 76,000 people are injured in traffic accidents during snowfall every year in the United States. Moreover, 116800 people get injured in car crashes and more than 1300 people die in car crashes on snowy roads. Here are a few tips to prevent car accidents in winter: Take your car for a winter check – Before you venture out in the winter for a drive, it is important you get a professional perform a winter check on your vehicle and declare it safe. Winter tires – It is recommended that you equip your car with winter tires. Additionally, regularly check tire pressure because, in winters, tires tend to have less pressure as air contracts in this weather. Moreover, make sure your tires have good tread and inflate the tires regularly. Inspect the battery – Make sure that you inspect your battery regularly, especially in winters because the battery’s capacity lessens. It is best if a professional inspect the batteries to make sure that all the fluids and cables are in top-notch shape. Use antifreeze products: We recommend that you use antifreeze washer and wiper fluid, and change your oil as well as the oil filter to prevent any car troubles. Inspect the wiper blades–Ensure that the wiper blades are working properly as they should during rain/snow/storm, and replace them if required. Remove snow– It is pertinent that you remove all the snow from your vehicle before using it, especially the hood, trunk, and roof. Have an emergency kit– Despite preparing for a winter drive, you may end up getting stuck or stranded due to a snow storm. We suggest you keep your trunk equipped with emergency supplies, including a snow shovel and a bag of salt to get your wheels out of a ditch. Also, keep some non-perishable food items handy at all times. Keep your gas tank full – An unexpected storm or a traffic jam can compel you to change your route or head back home, it is always better to have enough gas to prepare for these contingencies. Accident due to someone’s negligence Despite our best efforts to be safe and prepare for all contingencies while driving in the winter, you may end up in an accident due to someone else’s negligence. In such a scenario, we recommend that you hire a vehicle accident law firm with the top lawyers for car accidents. The vehicle accident attorney will undertake a thorough evaluation of the case and file a claim which will get you the compensation you deserve for the physical and mental harm as well as the financial implications of the accident on you. If you or someone you know has been in a car accident and you need a winning law firm, 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 top lawyers for car accidents. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
Pandemic Related Reckless Driving
Though it may not have seemed possible, New York City roads have turned even more deadly since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Rates of fatal motor vehicle accidents citywide continue to surpass last year’s totals. According to The New York Times, the number of NYC drivers and passengers killed in vehicle crashes as of June 2020 increased by 22 percent compared to the same time last summer. These tragic numbers skyrocketed even higher in July 2020, with fatalities reaching up to 300 percent higher than in July 2019. Traffic safety advocates have heavily contributed the ongoing spike in NYC road fatalities to an uptick in reckless drivers on the road. When lockdowns and quarantines emptied the streets of NYC, reckless drivers seized the opportunity to take risks on the roads. But when New Yorkers finally began returning to a sense of normalcy by leaving their homes, the true disasters on the road quickly unfolded. Studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration found that approximately 94 percent of motor vehicle accidents are caused by human error, with reckless driving habits highlighted as leading contributors. Drivers, passengers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists are all at risk when it comes to encountering reckless drivers in NYC. This article will cover the crucial facts you need to know about this deadly uptick and what you can do to stay safe on the streets. Pandemic-Related Reckless Driving Trends There is no doubt that 2020 has been a disappointing and debilitating year for all New Yorkers. Unfortunately, safety advocates have also described 2020 as the bloodiest year on the road since 2016, despite the driving rates dipping drastically during lockdown periods. According to StreetsBlog, there have been at least 173 road fatalities in NYC as of September 30, 2020. These fatalities included 68 pedestrians, 18 cyclists, 38 motorcyclists, and 49 motor vehicle occupants. There are several pandemic-related factors to consider that are directly influencing the increase in traffic fatality rates citywide: Reckless drivers are still taking advantage of less congested roads by speeding and making aggressive maneuvers; Drivers who would not typically drive recklessly are turning into reckless drivers to keep up with the pace of the roads; Reckless drivers who became used to empty roads are not staying vigilant to the increase of pedestrians, motorcycles, bicycles, and other vehicles returning to the streets; Drivers who speed have less time to avoid road hazards and other occupants; The implementation of outdoor dining areas has caused some roads to close or become more narrow, leaving reckless drivers even less time to swerve or stop; and The influx of commuters who want to avoid crowded transportation has caused an uptick in New Yorkers driving personal vehicles, biking, or walking around the city. While NYC officials previously hoped that the rate of speeding and driving recklessness would subside as lockdowns lifted, these deadly trends have appeared to stay. Some boroughs are still experiencing areas of less congested roads that allow drivers to pick up speedeasily. Accidents caused by speeding are often more severe and deadly than when cars are traveling at slower speeds. Now, New Yorkers across all five boroughs are begging for the city to step in before more preventable fatalities arise. Creating Safe Post-Pandemic Roads in NYC The possibility of a secondary coronavirus outbreak hitting NYC is not out of the question. According to Gothamist, NYC hospitals have already seen nearly double the amount of COVID hospitalizations since the summer months, with over 551 new cases reported just in the last seven days. With regard to traffic accidents, a future outbreak could lead to an even higher road fatality rate than we see now. If lockdowns start without implementingnew safety measures, more and more reckless drivers will continue to put others at risk. Speeding alone has become the most common reckless driving behavior leading to the recent uptick in NYC road fatalities and is subsequently the most deadly. To combat these fatal speeding trends, city officials are attempting to get ahead of the game by implementing lower speed limits on roadways known for leading to fatalities. On September 1, city officials announced the following speed limit adjustments to nine major roadways across NYC: Brooklyn Flatbush Ave from Grand Army Plaza to Empire Boulevard, .8 mile (30 MPH to 25 MPH) Shore Parkway Service Road from Bay 8th Street to Plumb 3rd Street, 4.8 miles (30 MPH to 25 MPH) Dahlgren Place from 86th Street to 92nd Street, .3 miles (30 MPH to 25 MPH) Manhattan Riverside Drive from 165th Street to 181st Street, .8 mile (30 MPH to 25 MPH) Bronx Bruckner Blvd from East 135th Street to Pelham Bay Park, 6.5 miles (30 MPH to 25 MPH) Webster Ave from East 233 Street to East Gun Hill Road, 1.2 miles (30 MPH to 25 MPH) Queens Rockaway Blvd from 150th Ave to 3rd Street (Nassau County border), 2.5 miles (40 MPH to 35 MPH) Northern Blvd from 114th Street to Glenwood Street (Nassau County border), 7 miles (30 MPH to 25 MPH) Staten Island Targee Street from West Fingerboard Rd to Broad St, 1.8 miles (30 MPH to 25 MPH) Other strategies officials have considered implementing to reduce fatal accidents caused by reckless driving include: Installing more speed cameras citywide; Increasing speed-radar enforcement on highways and high-risk roads; Creating more effective signage to announce a change in traffic patterns; Dedicating certain streets to be used for foot traffic and outdoor dining only; Accelerating more busways and protected bike lanes; and Restricting traffic into Manhattan during rush hour to reduce congestion. How To Stay Safe Motor vehicle accidents involving reckless drivers are 100 percent preventable. Unfortunately, there will always be dangerous drivers on the road who are only thinking about their own agenda. Drivers on the streets of NYC can help protect those around them by slowing down, staying alert, and avoiding the use of aggressive maneuvers. Just because there is a stretch of road with no one around does not mean you should speed
Seat Belt Law to Change in New York State on November 1, 2020
From November 1, 2020, a change in the New York state law mandates all front and back seat car passengers to wear seat belts. The new regulation also requires a properly fitted car seat for all children under the age of eight. The revised law applies to privately-owned cars, cabs, Uber, and Lyft. Here’s why seat belts are important Seat belts save lives, and their importance cannot be overstated. A report by the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration suggests that 47% of the 37,133 people killed in motor vehicle accidents were not wearing seat belts. The report also mentioned that wearing seat belts saved the lives of nearly 15000 people. Unfortunately, people often do not wear seat belts, especially those in the back seat, despite known benefits. Even in states where back seat passengers must wear seat belts, only about 81% report they abide by the law. In states where the law does not mandate it, only 67% wear a seat belt in the back seat. Moreover, if you’re in a car accident, not wearing a seat belt can put you at a higher risk of severe injuries, which require long recovery periods. We urge you and your loved ones to wear seat belts and stay safe. Seat belt laws in New York state Interestingly, in 1984, New York became the first state in the country to mandate passengers to wear a seatbelt. Until now, passengers aged 16 years or above were required to wear a seat belt only in the front seat next to the driver. However, as of November 1, 2020, all passengers are required to wear a seat belt, including back seat passengers. How the seat belt law works Violators of the seat belt law can be fined up to $50 per person. Drivers can also be fined $25 to $100 and receive three penalty points on their driver licenses for each violation. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, a car accident lawyer can help you file a claim against the negligent driver and seek compensation for the injuries and other damages caused. However, if you were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, it can substantially impact your claim and compensation. If you were not wearing a seat belt when the accident occurred, three doctrines can be used by the negligent party’s lawyer against you, namely contributory negligence, comparative negligence, and modified comparative negligence. Every state is free to choose the doctrine. In New York State, the comparative negligence doctrine is applied in a case where the victim is also at fault in an accident. Comparative negligence refers to a comparative analysis where the accident victim shares blame for the injuries caused to them. If this doctrine is applied, the victim can recover some amount in the form of compensation. Still, a certain percentage of the amount is reduced to hold the victim accountable for their mistakes in causing the accident or injuries. However, in the case of not wearing a seat belt, comparative negligence will only be applied if the absence of a seat belt either caused the accident or any injury. A car accident lawyer will carefully go through the details of your accident to suggest the best way forward. We urge you to take note of the regulation change and ensure that you wear a seat belt, whether in the front or back seat. We wish you and your loved ones a safe drive.
Relevant Evidence Needed for a Car Accident Case
Car accidents are a common occurrence in America and New York is home to numerous car accidents due a high population of drivers. Reports and data show that nearly 19,000 accidents in New York occur per month, which equals nearly 670 accidents every single day. Accidents are often a result of someone else’s negligence. A motor vehicle collision can cause serious, long lasting, traumatic injuries. Often these injuries lead to numerous challenges including pain, surgeries and medical treatments, high medical bills and other financial liabilities. These challenges can cause great stress and trauma to the victim and their family. In such a case, the victim should be paid the compensation they deserve. A motor vehicle accident law firm can help you through the process to fight for your rights and get the compensation your need and deserve. Once you hire a car accident lawyer, the first thing is to gather the evidence required to file the claim. Evidence is fundamental to your claim as it is used to prove the negligence of the driver who caused the accident. In cases of car accidents, evidence becomes even more important due to sheer number of claims. Such high number of car accidents indicates high number of claims, and supporting your case with comprehensive evidence will not only make your claim stronger, but it will also make the process faster. The best car accident lawyers in New York will help you acquire the necessary evidence you need before proceeding with your claim. What counts as relevant evidence? Even the best car accident attorney is going to need strong evidence to get you the compensation you deserve for all of your physical and mental injuries caused by the accident. In a car accident, some evidence can help more than others. Here’s what you should keep in mind while collecting evidence after a car accident: Witness testimony – A testimony from someone who saw the accident can become one of the strongest pieces of evidence. While it may be difficult to talk to a witness right after the accident, it is best to get the contact information of anyone who was physically present and reach out to them along with the lawyer. A car accident plaintiff lawyer will know the best way to talk to a witness, as they know the relevant information needed for your case. Photos – Photographic evidence can play a pivotal role in your accident claim. It is best to click as many photos as possible right after the accident. The photos should ideally capture the: Internal and external damage caused to the vehicle Exact spot where the accident occurred Injuries sustained Damage caused to anything else around, for instance, if the car also hit a pillar or a post. Debris or skid marks Weather conditions Physical position of both the vehicles after the accident Signage, Traffic Lights and images of the intersection or location of the accident Camera footage – The most helpful evidence in a car accident case is video footage. This could either be from a CCTV installed on the road at the location where the accident occurred or if it was captured by a pedestrian’s smartphone. Be alert and look for cameras around, for instance, if there was a restaurant, hotel, or a store nearby, check to see if there is a camera installed at its entrance. If you think there might be a video, get in touch with your car accident lawyer and seek their help to get the video footage. While the above stated evidence is to show the negligence of the at-fault driver, it is also important gather documentation and evidence related to you. This could include: Police Report Insurance documents of the other driver Medical records supporting the injuries you have sustained Medical bills for treatment of your injuries Documentation or proof of loss or income Any other expense you incurred due to this accident, for example, paying for bus or train fare as your car was damaged due to the accident Relevant evidence will form the basis of your claim and will heavily support the value of your case. If you have been injured in a car accident Get in touch with a car accident attorney today. If you or someone you know has been injured in car accident and you need a winning law firm, 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.
