Most of us view driving or riding in a car as a relatively safe activity. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2020 alone, there were more than 5.25 million motor vehicle accidents in the United States. In those crashes, 38.824 people were killed and 2,282,015 people were injured.
People involved in car accidents may suffer a range of injuries, from relatively minor cuts and bruises to soft tissue injuries, broken bones, and brain and spine injuries. In some cases, the injuries are so catastrophic that they result in death. In these situations, an experienced Long Island car accident lawyer can help you recover the compensation that you deserve for your injuries.
At The Odierno Law Firm, we are committed to helping injury victims get maximum compensation for their losses. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that you’ll never pay a fee unless we recover money for you. Reach out to our law office today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Common Car Accident Injuries
No two people – and no two car accidents – are the same. One person involved in a car crash might suffer very minimal injuries, while someone in the same vehicle may suffer catastrophic injuries. The severity of injuries depends on factors such as whether the person was wearing a seat belt, where the impact occurred, the speed of the collision, and the safety features in the vehicle (such as airbags).
While each accident is different, there are some injuries that are more commonly seen in motor vehicle accidents. This includes:
- Soft tissue injuries, including sprains and strains
- Whiplash (which is a type of soft tissue injury)
- Lacerations (cuts)
- Contusions (bruises)
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Broken ribs
- Internal organ damage
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
In some cases, a person’s injuries are so severe that they suffer permanent disability or even death. Alternatively, they may require years of medical treatment, therapy, and other interventions. The cost to treat these types of injuries can be astronomical – making it all the more important that you secure a fair settlement for your losses.
If you are involved in a car accident, it is critical that you seek medical treatment even if you don’t believe that you were badly injured. Some types of injuries don’t show up right away or are masked by the shock of being in a crash. Going to the hospital or to your doctor after an accident can ensure that you get a proper diagnosis and treatment for your injuries. It can also help to establish a link between your injuries and the wreck.
Recovering Compensation for Injuries Suffered in a Long Island Car Accident
After a car accident, you may not be sure what your rights are. You may be approached by an insurance adjuster and asked to give a statement or sign paperwork. You should not talk to them or sign anything until you have had a chance to consult with a Long Island car accident attorney.
Insurance companies are in business to make money, and they do that by paying out as little as possible on claims. An attorney will fight for your best interests and work to ensure that you get the money that you deserve for your injuries.
In a car accident claim, you may be entitled to money for your property damage, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, medical bills, and future medical treatment. This is known as economic damages. In addition, you may be able to recover your non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, reduced quality of life, scarring, and/or disfigurement.
In some cases, you may even be able to recover punitive damages, which are awarded when an at-fault party acts intentionally or recklessly. While most personal injury cases involve negligence instead of intentional or reckless conduct, there are some situations – such as drunk driving accidents – where punitive damages are appropriate.
Studies show that people who are represented by an attorney in a personal injury claim recover an average of 40% more than people who represent themselves. For this reason, hiring a lawyer to guide you through the process is almost always a smart move. Your attorney will take over communications with the insurance company for you, build a strong claim for damages, and negotiate a fair settlement. If necessary, they will take the case to trial to get you the compensation that you deserve.
Hurt in a Car Accident? Reach Out Today.
Whether you suffered relatively minor or very serious injuries in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. A skilled Long Island car accident lawyer can work with you to get you the biggest possible recovery for your losses.
The Odierno Law Firm advocates for injury victims throughout Long Island. We offer free initial consultations, and never charge a fee unless we recover money for you. To learn more or to schedule an appointment with a member of our legal team, fill out our online contact form or give us a call at 631-752-8580.
See Also:
- Other Insurance Company Denied Accident Claim: What Now?
- Personal Injury Lawsuit Process
- How Long Does an Insurance Company Have to Respond to a Claim?
- How Long After an Accident Can You Sue in New York?
- New York Personal Injury Settlements
- What Happens If Your Uber Is in An Accident
- MTA Bus Accident Lawyers
The Odierno Law Firm, P.C., a personal injury firm serving the residents of Long Island, has been dedicated to helping the wrongfully injured recover the compensation that they deserve for the past 30 years. The legal team at our firm handles a wide variety of injury cases such as: auto accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death and many more! Our firm understands how devastating it can be to suffer a serious injury at the hands of a negligent party or individual, and for this reason, we do whatever we can to help our clients obtain the justice that they are looking for. If you have been involved in an accident and you believe that someone else is responsible for causing your injuries, do not hesitate to contact an experienced lawyer from our firm today. We offer a free consultation to anyone that is looking for answers.
