When you get behind the wheel of your car, you probably don’t expect to be in a car crash. Unfortunately, motor vehicle accidents happen far too frequently across the Empire State. If another driver caused your Garden City car accident, you might be able to file a claim against them for your losses.
Through a car accident lawsuit, you can recover financial compensation for your property damage, lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. Our Garden City car accident attorneys will fight for your right to full compensation. The Odierno Law Firm represents accident victims throughout Suffolk and Nassau Counties. We offer free initial consultations and never charge a fee unless we recover money for you.
When Should You Hire a Lawyer After a Garden City Car Accident?
Because New York is a no-fault state, you probably will not need legal representation for a minor car accident, particularly if all of your losses are paid by your PIP coverage. PIP in New York typically covers up to $50,000 worth of medical expenses, lost earnings, and other necessary costs. However, if your economic losses exceed your PIP coverage and/or if you suffered a serious injury, then you absolutely should hire an attorney to handle the claim.
According to New York law, the following are considered “serious injuries:”
- Death
- Dismemberment
- Loss of a fetus
- Loss of the use of a limb or organ
- Permanent impairment of the function of a limb or organ
- Any injury that prevents a person from performing daily tasks for at least 90 days.
In these cases, you may be able to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to pursue additional compensation. However, insurance companies have a goal of paying out as little as possible on car accident cases. If you want to get top dollar for your case, you will need a tough, smart lawyer to advocate for your best interests.
Understanding What Causes Garden City Car Accidents
Car accidents can happen for many reasons, but most trace back to preventable behavior. This includes:
- Distracted driving, including texting or using in-car electronics
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Failure to yield or ignoring traffic signals
- Impaired driving involving alcohol or drugs
- Tailgating or unsafe lane changes
- Fatigue while driving, especially on longer routes
When a driver’s carelessness causes serious injuries, they can be held responsible. In some cases, additional factors like unsafe road conditions or mechanical problems may also play a role, and a full investigation helps determine who is financially liable.
How Our Garden City Car Accident Attorneys Can Help
At The Odierno Law Firm, our team of experienced Garden City car accident lawyers will fight to get you maximum compensation for your injuries. After performing an in-depth investigation, we will send a demand letter to the insurance company that explains the facts of the case and the legal reasons why their insured is liable. It will then conclude with a demand for compensation.
We can typically resolve most personal injury cases through skillful negotiation, without you ever having to set foot in court. However, it may still be necessary to file a lawsuit to protect your legal rights. Filing a lawsuit also gives us access to more information, which can be used to obtain a fair settlement for your injuries.
Throughout the process, we will handle all communications with the insurance company for you. We will also connect you with resources and answer any questions that you may have about the timeline and potential value of your case. We won’t ever charge you a fee unless we recover money for you.
Our goal as personal injury attorneys is to get you as much money as possible as quickly as possible. We want you to obtain justice for your car accident while also getting the compensation that you need to move forward with your life. If you have been hurt in a car accident, we will zealously advocate for you to protect your best interests. When necessary, we will take your case to court to get you the money that you deserve for your injuries.
Why Us?
You Will Not Pay Us Unless We Win Your Case- Our Firm is Backed By Trial Success & Client Satisfaction
- We Will Review Your Personal Injury Claim For Free
- We Have Over 150 Years of Combined Legal Experience
You Will Not Pay Us Unless We Win Your CaseWhat Makes The Odierno Law Firm Stand Out?
At The Odierno Law Firm, clients come to us because they want a team with experience, results, and a genuine commitment to helping people rebuild after a serious accident. Here is what sets our firm apart:
Proven Experience and a Strong Track Record
Our attorneys bring more than 150 years of combined experience in personal injury law. We have recovered significant settlements and verdicts for clients throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties, including many who were injured in Garden City car crashes.
You Only Pay if We Win Your Case
We handle car accident claims on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. Our fee comes from the recovery we secure for you, not out of your pocket at the start of the case.
Personal Attention from Day One
We take the time to understand your situation, answer your questions, and keep you informed throughout the process. Clients rely on us because we stay accessible and make sure they never feel left in the dark about their claim.
Strong Negotiators Backed by Real Trial Experience
We work hard to resolve cases through strategic negotiation, but we are fully prepared to take a case to court when needed. Insurance companies know we prepare thoroughly, and that preparation often leads to better outcomes for our clients.
Deep Long Island Roots
Our firm has served communities across Long Island for decades. We understand local traffic patterns, court systems, and insurance tactics, which helps us build stronger cases for people injured in Garden City and the surrounding area.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Claim for My Garden City Car Crash?
Three types of compensation are potentially available in a car accident injury case: (1) economic damages; (2) non-economic damages; and (3) punitive damages. Your ability to recover these damages will depend on the specific facts of your case.
- Economic damages pay for your direct financial expenses. This includes property damage, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, medical expenses, and future medical treatment. It can even pay for things like renovations to your home to make it accessible if you suffered a more catastrophic injury.
- Non-economic damages compensate you for your intangible losses. It could include money for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring, and disfigurement. You can only seek non-economic damages in a Garden City car accident case if you suffered a serious injury.
Finally, punitive damages may be available in cases where the at-fault driver acted intentionally or recklessly, like a drunk driving accident. The goal of punitive damages is not to compensate an accident victim but to punish a wrongdoer. Your Garden City car accident attorney can help you determine if punitive damages may be available in your case.
What to Do After a Garden City Car Crash
Car accidents are stressful, but the actions you take right after a crash can make a big difference in your safety and your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what to focus on:
- Take care of anyone who is hurt: Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 if needed. Even if you feel okay, some injuries may not appear immediately. Getting a medical evaluation is important for your health and your claim.
- Record the details: Take photos of the vehicles, any visible damage, and the scene. Collect names, phone numbers, and insurance information from other drivers and witnesses. The more information you have, the stronger your case.
- Notify the proper parties: Report the accident to the police and your insurance company. Stick to the facts and avoid guessing or admitting fault.
- Keep track of your expenses: Save bills, receipts, pay stubs, and repair estimates. These records help show the full impact of the accident on your life.
- Reach out to a Garden City car accident attorney: Even if your injuries seem minor, an experienced lawyer can guide you through insurance claims, protect your rights, and help make sure you get fair compensation. The Odierno Law Firm can handle the details so you can focus on healing.
Garden City Car Accident Lawyers: FAQs
How Much Does it Cost to Work With Your Garden City Car Accident Law Firm?
The Odierno Law Firm handles car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any upfront legal fees. You only pay if we successfully recover money for you. This approach lets you focus on healing while we handle the legal work and negotiations.
How Long Do I Have to File a Garden City Car Accident Claim?
In New York, there is a three-year statute of limitations for car accident cases. A statute of limitations is a time limit for filing a lawsuit. If you don’t file a claim within three years, then you won’t be able to file a lawsuit. While three years may seem like a lot of time, it is still important to talk to a lawyer sooner rather than later. Over time, witnesses’ memories may fade, and important evidence may be lost.
Do You Have a Car Accident Lawyer Near Me?
Yes. The Odierno Law Firm maintains a Garden City office at 100 Garden City Plaza, Suite 227, Garden City, NY 11530. Our local attorneys are well‑acquainted with area roads, courts, and insurance practices. We welcome in‑person or virtual consultations and are ready to meet with you to discuss your case.
If I Was Partially At Fault, How Does it Affect My Case?
New York follows a “comparative fault” system. This means your recovery may be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you were found 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. Even if you share some responsibility, you can still recover damages, and an experienced attorney can help minimize the impact of partial fault on your claim.
Get in Touch with Our Seasoned Garden City Car Accident Lawyers
If you have been hurt in a motor vehicle accident, you may be understandably confused about your legal rights and options. Our car accident attorneys in Garden City will guide you through the process, from a free initial consultation to the final resolution of your case. We won’t back down until you get the money that you deserve for your injuries.
We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation with a Garden City car accident attorney, fill out our online contact form.