Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer in Nassau County
Driving safely requires people to devote their whole attention to the road and what’s happening around them. Unfortunately, too many drivers in Nassau County get distracted behind the wheel and cause devastating crashes. According to the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC), distracted driving is the top contributing factor to motor vehicle collisions in New York. The severe injuries from these distracted driving accidents often leave hurt drivers and passengers with steep financial losses and intense emotional distress.
If a distracted driver injured you in Nassau County, NY, the team at The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. can protect your legal rights and help you pursue the money you need. Our distracted driving accident attorneys can handle all the legal work in your case, letting you focus on healing and rebuilding your life. You don’t owe us any attorney fees unless you recover compensation, and your initial consultation is free. Call now or complete our contact form to learn more.
Why It’s Important to Hire a Lawyer If You Were Hurt by a Distracted Driver
If you sustained injuries in a collision with a distracted driver, hiring a car accident attorney can make all the difference in your case. Filing a claim and gathering evidence when you already have severe injuries can be overwhelming, particularly given New York’s complex no-fault insurance rules. Insurance companies might try to minimize your injuries or blame you for the accident to avoid paying your claim. These challenges can make it difficult to recover full compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other losses.
An experienced lawyer can protect your rights and handle the complicated legal work, allowing you to focus on recovering. They can gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and protect your rights so no one takes advantage of you. By taking the legal burden off your shoulders, a skilled distracted driving accident lawyer can simplify your life during this stressful time.
Why Hire The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. for Your Distracted Driving Accident Claim?
Choosing the right lawyer after a distracted driving accident in Nassau County is crucial. Here are a few factors that make The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. the right choice:
- Extensive experience – Our firm has years of experience handling complex legal cases, including many involving distracted drivers. We understand the nuances of distracted driving cases and know how to navigate the legal system effectively.
- Proven track record – We have successfully recovered significant compensation for our clients, helping them cover their medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses after motor vehicle accidents.
- Personalized attention – We purposely keep smaller caseloads so that we can give you the care and support you need. This personal attention helps us provide outstanding service, strategic representation, and exceptional results.
- Aggressive advocacy – We take an aggressive approach when dealing with insurance companies. We know the tricks they use to try to minimize payouts on valid injury claims, as well as how to counter these tactics. Our personal injury attorneys come prepared to fight.
- Client satisfaction – Our clients appreciate our professionalism and dedication. We have received numerous positive reviews, reflecting our commitment to achieving the best results for those we represent.
What to Do After a Distracted Driving Accident in Nassau County
The most important steps to take after a distracted driving accident in Nassau County are to report the crash to the police and seek medical attention. After completing those tasks, follow these steps to protect your legal right to demand maximum compensation:
- Follow your doctor’s advice. Stick to the treatment plan your doctor provides. Keep all follow-up appointments and document your recovery process.
- Keep a personal record. Write down everything you remember about the accident and its impact on your daily life. Note your daily pain levels, any days away from work, and the emotional effects of your injuries.
- Save any evidence. Keep all records related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and any correspondence with insurance companies.
- Avoid talking about the accident. Be careful when discussing the crash with others, particularly on social media. Insurance companies can easily find your posts and use them against you. For example, you might say something that makes your injuries sound less severe than they are or contradicts prior statements to an insurer. The best way to avoid these issues is to avoid discussing your situation with anyone other than your lawyer.
- Notify your insurance. Report the accident to your insurance provider promptly, but stick to the key facts of the crash. Don’t discuss fault or say anything that might implicate you. Also, don’t give a recorded statement without talking to a lawyer first.
- Contact a lawyer. Reach out to a distracted driving accident lawyer who can protect your rights and begin building your case for compensation. They can also gather evidence that is more difficult to secure, such as cell phone records and surveillance footage.
Getting Compensation for Your Injuries After a Distracted Driving Accident
One vital reason to hire a lawyer after a distracted driving accident in Nassau County is that there are multiple hoops you must jump through to secure compensation. Your first option for recovering compensation is your no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
New York law requires all auto insurance policies to include this coverage. It can help you cover your medical expenses and lost income in the immediate aftermath of the crash. New York car insurance policies typically include $50,000 in no-fault coverage, which can make a big difference after a severe collision.
But what happens if your losses exceed $50,000? You may have grounds to step outside the no-fault system and file a personal injury claim with the other driver’s insurance to cover your additional losses.
You can also file a personal injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer if your injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold under New York law. State law defines serious injuries as any injuries that result in:
- Dismemberment
- Significant disfigurement
- Bone fracture
- Loss of a fetus
- Permanent loss of the use of a bodily organ, member, function, or system
- Severe permanent limitations in the use of a bodily organ or member
- Significant limitations in the use of a bodily system or function
- Not being able to perform your usual activities for at least 90 days during the 180 days immediately following the crash
- Death
When you meet the serious injury threshold or exhaust your PIP coverage, you can seek compensation for many losses related to the crash, such as:
- Your medical expenses
- Your lost income while you heal
- Reduced future income due to an injury or disability
- Lower quality of life if your injuries prevent you from doing daily activities
- Your pain and suffering
- Your emotional distress
- The cost to repair or replace your damaged personal property
If the insurer disputes your claim or won’t offer a fair settlement, you may have to file a personal injury lawsuit to get the money you are owed.
Time Limits for Filing a Distracted Driving Car Accident Claim in New York
Under New York law, you usually have three years from the date of a distracted driving accident to file a lawsuit against any liable parties. However, crucial evidence can disappear or deteriorate long before that deadline passes. Contact a lawyer right away to ensure you can seek maximum compensation for your losses.
Common Distractions Causing Accidents
Types of distractions that often cause collisions include:
- Texting or talking on the phone – Using a mobile device takes drivers’ eyes, hands, and attention away from driving, making a crash more likely.
- Eating or drinking – Grabbing a bite or sipping a drink can lead to spills and divert drivers’ focus from the road.
- Adjusting controls – Changing the radio station, adjusting climate controls, or programming a GPS can distract drivers from nearby hazards or other cars.
- Talking to passengers – Having conversations or turning to look at passengers can cause a driver to miss dangers on the road.
- Grooming and personal care – Activities like applying makeup, brushing hair, or shaving can cause significant distractions by causing drivers to look away from the road.
- Daydreaming or inattention – Drivers who let their minds wander have delayed reactions to changing road conditions.
- Looking at external distractions – Rubbernecking at accidents, billboards, or scenery can cause drivers to lose focus and collide with nearby vehicles.
New York’s Distracted Driving Laws
In New York, using a handheld mobile phone or portable electronic device while driving is illegal. This includes activities like talking, texting, emailing, browsing the internet, viewing or taking images, and playing games. If caught, drivers face fines ranging from $50 to $200 for a first offense, with the fines increasing to $450 for subsequent offenses within 18 months. Each violation adds 5 points to the driver’s record, which can lead to a driver’s license suspension if a driver accumulates 11 points within 18 months.
Call Our Experienced Car Accident Lawyers in Nassau County for Help
Our car accident lawyers in Nassau County are ready to take your personal injury case and fight on your behalf for the money you need. Call The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. now or reach out online for a free consultation.