Car accidents are not uncommon in high-traffic areas like Syracuse, and they tend to be quite dangerous. Although New York employs a no-fault car accident system, there are exceptions. Whether you file a no-fault claim with your own provider or file a negligence-based car accident claim against the other driver, having an experienced Syracuse car accident attorney on your side is always in your best interest.
How No-Fault Coverage Works
The State of New York requires drivers to carry no-fault car insurance. This means if you’re injured in a car accident – regardless of who is at fault – you’ll file your claim with your own insurance provider. The idea is speedier claims and a more streamlined system.
The downside is that no-fault coverage isn’t as comprehensive as personal injury coverage is, which includes noneconomic damages – such as pain and suffering – in addition to the economic damages that no-fault insurance covers, including:
- Medical expenses for related healthcare concerns that are both current and ongoing
- Lost wages, which include losses related to career and earning potential
When You Can Pursue a Personal Injury Claim
New York reserves personal injury claims against negligent drivers for those cases that involve serious injuries, which can be classified in all the following ways:
- An injury that leads to at least $50,000 in economic damages
- An injury that leads to dismemberment or disfigurement
- An accident that leads to the loss of a fetus
- An accident that leads to a broken or fractured bone
- An accident that leads to a permanent loss in relation to a bodily organ, function, or system
It’s important to note that many car accidents cause losses that exceed the $50,000 threshold.
Seeking Fair Compensation
Whether your claim is no fault or you’re filing your claim against the other driver’s insurance policy, working closely with a savvy car accident attorney is the best path forward. Insurance companies are profit-based, and they take the steps necessary to keep their profits high. Your attorney will help to ensure that your losses are well represented, that your rights are well protected, and that your claim moves effectively and efficiently forward toward a favorable resolution.
FAQs
Do I need an attorney?
Without a skilled car accident attorney in your corner, your claim is more vulnerable to a less-than-advantageous resolution.
How long do I have to file a case?
If you need to file a lawsuit against a negligent driver, you have three years from the date of the accident to do so. Because car accident claims are complex, seeking legal guidance early on is advised.
What are the most common causes of car accidents?
Driver negligence is the most common cause of dangerous car accidents, including:
- Failure to follow the rules of the road
- Failure to safely address the condition of the road, including concerns related to bad weather
- Excess speed
- Aggression
- Distraction
- Impairment
- Exhaustion
Seek the Guidance of an Experienced Syracuse Car Accident Attorney Today
The capable Syracuse car accident attorneys at Steve Foley Law Firm have an impressive track record of zealously advocating for optimal claim outcomes, and we welcome the opportunity to help you as well. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us at 716-249-2222 today.