Car Accident Lawyer Staten Island

Car Accidents Hotspots in Staten Island, NY

While auto accidents can happen anywhere, certain areas of Staten Island see a higher frequency of collisions than others due to traffic patterns, road design, and other factors.

Here are some common sites of car accidents in Staten Island:

• Hylan Boulevard: A major thoroughfare that stretches for miles, intersecting with numerous side streets; heavy traffic makes it a frequent venue for accidents.
• Richmond Avenue: A busy road with a mix of residential and commercial areas that see lots of traffic, especially during rush hour.
• Victory Boulevard: A winding road with several sharp curves, which increases the risk of accidents for drivers unfamiliar with the road.
• Forest Avenue: A commercial hub with significant pedestrian traffic that can put both drivers and walkers at risk.
• Staten Island Expressway: A major highway that sees a high volume of traffic contributing to accidents related to speed, merging, and distracted driving.

Familiarizing yourself with these high-risk locations can help you drive more defensively and stay safe on Staten Island roads.

Types of Car Accidents We Handle

We understand that no two motor vehicle accidents are exactly alike. Our car accident attorneys have the knowledge and experience to handle claims stemming from any type of accident, including the following:

Head-On Collisions

These high-impact crashes are often the most severe, potentially leading to catastrophic effects like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal bleeding. If you’ve been in a head-on collision, we’ll ensure that you receive the maximum compensation available.

Rear-End Collisions

The sudden force of a rear-end collision can cause whiplash and other neck and back injuries. These conditions can lead to long-term pain and disability, making financial support crucial.

Sideswipe Crashes

Sideswipes can cause severe injuries due to the concentrated force on one side of the vehicle. We’ll aggressively pursue justice after a sideswipe accident to make sure you have the means to recover and move on with your life.

Rollover Accidents

Rollovers can be terrifying and extremely dangerous, especially in situations involving roof collapses and ejections. We’re committed to securing fair compensation for victims of these accidents.

Intersection Accidents

Collisions at intersections are often the result of driver negligence, like failing to yield, running red lights, or making unsafe turns. Establishing liability for these accidents can be complex due to the number of factors at play.

No matter what type of accident you’ve been in, we’re here to help. We’ve seen it all, and we know how to get you the compensation you deserve while protecting your well-being.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Taking the right steps in the immediate aftermath of a car accident can help you protect both your safety and your legal rights.

Here’s what you should do:

• Prioritize Safety: First and foremost, ensure the safety of yourself and any passengers; move your vehicle to a safe location if possible, then call for emergency services.
• Document Everything: Take photos or videos of the damage to your vehicle, the other vehicle(s), and the accident scene, as well as any injuries you’ve sustained.
• Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s insurance information, driver’s license number, and contact details — these details will be crucial for filing a claim later.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional, as some injuries might not be immediately apparent.
• File a Police Report: The official police report will be central to your insurance claim and any future legal action you decide to take.
• Contact a Lawyer: A skilled car accident attorney can walk you through various legal procedures, uphold your rights, and push for fair compensation.

Filing a personal injury claim may allow you to obtain compensation for your injuries and associated financial strain. Getting reliable legal help can make this process much smoother and more efficient.

Don’t wait to seek legal advice. Contact the Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Firm today for a free consultation. The sooner you get us involved, the sooner we can start advocating for you.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Staten Island

Car accidents can occur for any number of reasons, but some causes are more common than others on Staten Island roads. Here are some of the factors we see most often.

Distracted Driving

Taking your eyes off the road, even for a second, can have devastating consequences. Texting, talking on the phone, reaching for items in the cabin or glovebox, or engaging with passengers can distract drivers and increase the risk of accidents.

Failure to Yield

Failing to yield the right-of-way, especially at intersections, is a frequent cause of collisions. Being aware of your surroundings and yielding appropriately is crucial for safety.

Speeding

Speeding not only reduces your reaction time but also makes crashes more severe, significantly increasing the likelihood of serious injuries.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol is incredibly dangerous and reckless. It’s never worth the risk.

Improper Passing

Passing when it’s unsafe or not allowed can lead to head-on collisions, which are often catastrophic. Be cautious and patient when passing other vehicles.

Aggressive Driving

Tailgating, cutting off other drivers, and other aggressive behaviors put everyone on the road at risk. Drive defensively and exercise patience behind the wheel.

Defective Vehicles

Faulty brakes, tires, or other vehicle parts can cause accidents even if the driver is careful. Have your vehicle inspected regularly and stay on top of routine maintenance for your own safety and that of others.

Hazardous Road Conditions

Inclement weather, potholes, poorly maintained roads, and other hazards can create dangerous driving conditions. Be aware of your surroundings and adjust your actions accordingly.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident for any of these reasons, our attorneys can help you file a claim to pursue compensation for your injuries and other losses.

Possible Car Accident Injuries

Car accident victims frequently suffer severe injuries that impact every aspect of their lives. Here are a few of the most common injuries we see in Staten Island car accident cases:

Brain Injuries

A brain injury can have profound and lasting effects on your life, impacting your ability to work, learn, and even enjoy simple everyday activities. Even a seemingly minor head injury can have major, long-term consequences.

Eye Injuries

Eye injuries resulting from car accidents can be devastating. Temporary or permanent vision loss can drastically limit your ability to work, drive, read, and perform many other tasks, diminishing your independence and quality of life.

Paralysis

Sometimes, the extreme force of a car accident causes spinal cord damage, leading to temporary or permanent paralysis. This life-altering condition can have profound implications for your mobility, independence, and overall well-being.

Burns

Burn injuries can be incredibly painful and disfiguring. They often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, and they can take a toll on your physical and emotional health over time.

At the Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Firm, we also help clients recover compensation for a wide range of other injuries, including:

• Whiplash injuries
• Fractures and broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Spinal cord injuries

Regardless of the nature of your injury, we can help you take the first step toward physical, emotional, and financial recovery. We're committed to getting clients the justice and compensation they deserve.

Compensation You Could Receive After a Staten Island Car Accident

If you've been hurt in a car accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. The type and amount of compensation you're eligible for will depend on the specifics of your situation.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are intended to offset the financial consequences of the victim’s injuries.

They can be used to cover:

• Medical Bills: You can be compensated for all medical expenses related to your injuries, including doctor visits, hospital stays, medication, and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: You can recover the income you lose while you're unable to work due to your injuries.
• Lost Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or earning at the same level, you can seek compensation for lost future income.
• Property Damage: You can seek reimbursement for the cost of repairs or replacement of your vehicle or other property damaged in the accident.
• Home Care Expenses: If you require help with daily tasks, you can be repaid for the costs of hiring home care workers.

Economic damages make up the majority of the financial award in most car accident claims.

Non-Economic Damages

By contrast, non-economic damages are meant to acknowledge the intangible effects of injury-causing accidents, which can include:

• Pain and Suffering: The physical and emotional pain you've endured due to your injuries.
• Emotional Distress: The emotional trauma and other psychological impacts of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
• Disfigurement and Scarring: Permanent physical disfigurement or scarring resulting from your injuries.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Diminished quality of life due to the inability to participate in activities you enjoyed before your accident.
• Loss of Consortium: If your injuries have impacted your relationship with your spouse or partner, you can seek compensation for the loss of companionship and support.

It’s important to note that you may not be able to receive compensation for things like pain and suffering or emotional distress if your injuries are relatively minor. In this case, your recovery may be limited to the benefits your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance provides.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases, injury victims can also seek punitive damages, a type of compensation intended to punish at-fault parties for particularly reckless or intentional behavior. Examples of such behavior include road rage or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.