Smithtown Car Accident Lawyer

With its busy roads and popular attractions, Smithtown brings hundreds of thousands of cars to its roads every year. The large amount of traffic creates a risk of serious and potentially even deadly car accidents. Many car accident victims are not sure where to turn when faced with mounting medical bills and the possibility of missing work. What they should know is that they have a potential personal injury claim if one or more parties were determined at fault for their accident. A successful claim can not only bring injured victims restitution for their medical expenses, but also potentially money for their lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Carner & DeVita have provided injured Smithtown residents with legal counsel for over 60 years. Our Smithtown car accident lawyers eagerly represent car crash injury victims who want to explore their options for fair compensation covering all of their damages. To speak to a Smithtown car accident lawyer about your legal options after a car accident injury, schedule a free consultation today. Simply call (631) 543-7070 or contact us online now.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Smithtown

If you suffered serious injuries or excessive economic loss in a car accident, you can take the at-fault party to court in an effort to recover compensation.

Smithtown is no stranger to scary car accidents. Statistics for Suffolk County, where the city is located, show that car accidents in the Smithtown area lead to 17,186 emergency room visits, 1,728 long-term hospitalizations and 164 deaths on an average year. These medical emergencies have accrued an average yearly hospital debt of $85.1 million in total.

Many car accidents could have been avoided had one or more drivers involved not been negligent. Negligence, in the legal sense, refers to an instance where a driver lapses in their duty of care to obey laws and keep others on the road safe. If their negligence causes a serious auto accident injury, these drivers could be held liable for the damages victims have suffered.

Examples of negligent accident causes include:

• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Speeding
• Ignoring traffic signals, like red lights
• Failing to yield
• Following too closely
• Driving too fast for conditions
• Aggressive or reckless maneuvers
• Neglecting brake maintenance

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit after a Car Accident in New York State

New York state laws categorize it as having a “no fault” car accident insurance system. All drivers are required to have at least $25,000 in coverage for their own personal injuries. A no fault insurance claim can provide:

• Reasonable and necessary expenses for medical treatment and rehabilitation
• 80% of lost earnings, up to a maximum of $2,000 per month for 3 years
• Up to $25.00 a day for one year for specific expenses incurred as a result of the accident

Drivers in New York are also required to carry liability insurance in the event that they cause an accident where someone is “seriously injured.” This insurance must include at least $50,000 in bodily injury coverage for those injured in an accident by the driver as well as $10,000 in property damage coverage. If they want to cover their bases, drivers can decide to add a supplemental uninsured/ underinsured motorist coverage endorsement to their personal injury protection (PIP) policy. This policy add-on provides options in the event that you are seriously injured by a driver who does not have liability insurance to pay for the damages they caused.

Hiring a Smithtown Car Accident Lawyer to Represent You

Proving that you have a “serious injury” that qualifies you for a third-party liability claim can be difficult. Working with a Smithtown personal injury lawyer can help you determine the most appropriate legal argument for seeking compensation. They will build a strong case based on medical evidence, past case rulings, and the letter of the law. You deserve a car accident attorney in Smithtown who is willing to fight for your rights and present the strongest case possible. Speak with a personal injury lawyer at Carner & DeVita for free during a no-obligation initial consultation when you call (631) 543-7070 or contact us online to schedule your appointment today.