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How To Deal with A Car Accident without Calling Your Insurance Company

Posted on September 14, 2022January 11, 2023 by Vitaly

Consider the following scenario: you are trying to leave a parking spot and accidentally hit the car behind you. Your car seems to be in good condition, while the other person’s car has a little damage or scratch. This is considered a minor car accident. So, if you were in a minor car accident, you might be wondering whether or not to notify your insurance company, given the option of privately settling the event by paying for the other party’s vehicle damage out of pocket.

Covering the expense of an accident out of pocket means keeping your insurance provider in the dark, which should prevent a premium increase. But it also means that you may have to pay if more damage turns up or if you got hurt and notice it only in few days after the accident.

How you handle a small accident—whether you pay for it out of your own pocket or file a claim—will depend on a number of things, such as the amount of damage, your ability to pay for it, and how comfortable you are with the possibility that the other person will come back with an injury. Keep on reading to learn how to handle minor car accidents without involving insurance companies.

Dealing with a No-Damage Accident

Sometimes the drivers reach a mutual understanding to resolve the issue without making a claim. Of course, this is done in order to avoid a claim ruining the at-fault driver’s auto insurance rates for the following few years.

This path can be risky on its own, but if you take it the right way, it can help you save money on a bothersome problem.

Will my Rates Go Up if Report an Accident to Insurance Company?

Even though there are many reasons not to tell your insurance company about a minor accident, most drivers don’t report accidents in order to keep their rates from going up.

The rate of increase will differ depending on the insurer and state.

Your insurance company’s policies and state legislation will determine how much more you have to pay for coverage after a car accident. Numerous additional variables are also taken into account, the most important of which are your age, your location, the model of car you drive, and your credit history. Though the majority of insurance companies will, some may decide not to increase your rate at all.

A large number of claims in a short period of time raises serious concerns for insurers. A simple enquiry can change your rates.

The majority of these price hikes will last for at least three years.

How Can I Protect Myself if I Decide to Settle Privately?

Once you’ve decided to settle privately, make sure you have proof that you’re not guilty. The person who has the proof will win in court if the other person only has hearsay. Take pictures of the damaged cars and the accident scene only if you think they may help you.

If they won’t, don’t do anything that could be used against you as proof.

You may also want to call the police. If you end up in court, a police report is the most important piece of evidence you will have. Most of the time, the police will look at the accident scene to figure out who was at fault. At least the police should give you a form called “Driver Exchange of Information.”

But sometimes, the police won’t come if there was no serious damage, and no one was injured.

Don’t worry that the police might tell your insurance company if they do come. Police reports are only given to insurance companies upon a special request. If you were at fault in a car accident, do not try to acquire a police report; it will only serve as evidence against you.

We recommend getting the driver who caused the accident to sign a document that says he or she is sorry and will pay for the damage. In any case, make sure you have all the possible data about the other driver. This includes the name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, and policy number.

The case is only half won when an agreement is reached at the scene of the accident.

The situation might change multiple times before you come to a final resolution. It’s crucial to set a deadline. If you have to go to the other driver’s insurance company to make a claim, it will get harder as time goes on.

If you can’t come to an agreement or don’t trust the other person to pay for the damage, you should instantly file a claim with the driver’s insurance company. It’s neither wrong nor illegal to try to figure things out on your own, so no one will hold it against you that you first tried to get your car fixed after an accident without involving insurance companies.

After the Accident is Settled

Especially if it was your fault, there will be some final documentation to fill out when the car is ready to get back on the road again. The person who was at fault will want to make sure that the repairs put an end to the situation.

We advise obtaining a release of claims for car accidents from the other party. By doing this, you will be confident that the other party won’t turn around and demand payment for lost value or any other claim.

Try to avoid signing a release if you were the one hurt and obtain compensation so that you can retain the right to ask for more money, if necessary, later. You probably should call your insurer if you are injured instead of settling the situation privately. After all, there is a reason why we pay for insurance. It serves to lessen our financial losses in the event of an accident.

Most car accident cases are settled without going to court, so the best way to get the most money out of a car accident case is to show the other side that you and your lawyer are ready to take case to trial. Contact us now at 1-800-HURT-511 to receive a free case evaluation from one of our NYC car accident lawyers. We work on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.

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How To Prevent a Car Accident Injury During the Holidays

Posted on August 29, 2022January 11, 2023 by Vitaly

Holidays are a time when we can take a break from our work routine, rest, and spend time with family and friends. Many people head to the country for the holidays or visit other cities and states. We mostly travel by car. Driving a car is now considered commonplace. But in fact, driving a car requires certain skills and knowledge. Lack of attention on the road can lead to serious consequences like car accidents resulting in numerous traumas, unnecessary expenses, and loss of time during legal procedures.

There’s a lot to do, a lot of stress, and a lot of fun over the holidays. Accidents, however, happen to all kinds of people, even during the holiday season. In fact, December has the highest rate of walking and driving accidents of any month. These accidents often occur when people are distracted by the events surrounding them or have been drinking alcohol, and the result is usually someone who scrapes their leg, bangs their head, or hurts their back. If your injuries prevent you from feeling like yourself during the holiday season, know that there are steps you can take to minimize any unnecessary stress.

Maintain your concentration.

Driving is essentially a mental task, and there is a lot to think about when you’re behind the wheel: road conditions, your speed and location, traffic regulations, signs, signals, road markings, following directions, being aware of the cars surrounding you, checking your mirrors—the list goes on. The ability to concentrate fully on driving is essential for avoiding a car accident. When a driver is doing something else, like talking on the phone or eating, he or she is less able to see problems and react to them in the right way. It’s not just beginner drivers who have problems with driving recklessly; even experienced drivers can get arrogant about their skills. Every driver needs to remind himself to stay on alert.

Stay on your guard.

When you’re sober and vigilant, you can avoid accidents like the one that happens when a tired or drunk driver slams on the brakes. Alcohol and drugs (including prescription and over-the-counter medicines) obviously impact a driver’s reaction time and judgment. Drunk driving has a similar effect and is one of the primary causes of accidents.

If you’ve been driving for a while in NYC, you should know that not everyone is a good driver, even though most people think they are. Some drivers speed aggressively. Some drivers don’t pay attention and end up in the wrong lane. Drivers may follow too closely, turn suddenly without sending a signal, or weave in and out of traffic. As more people “multitask” by chatting on the phone, texting or checking messages, eating, or even watching TV while they drive, inattentive or distracted driving is becoming a bigger problem. You can’t control the actions of other drivers. But maintaining your driving skills can help you avoid the dangers caused by other people’s bad driving.

Pay attention to the other drivers.

Part of maintaining control is being aware of other drivers and road users (and what they may do unexpectedly), so you are less likely to be surprised. If a car accelerates past you on the highway but there isn’t much space between the car and a slow-moving truck in the same lane, the driver will almost certainly try to slip into your lane straight in front of you. Understanding what another driver may do and making the necessary adjustments reduces your risk of a car accident.

Always put your safety first.

By avoiding your own aggressive and careless driving habits, you’ll be better prepared to deal with other people’s poor driving. Allow plenty of space between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. Always lock the doors and use your belt to avoid being thrown from the vehicle in the event of an accident.

Take note of your surroundings.

Regularly check your mirrors and scan the environment 20 to 30 seconds in advance. Maintain eye movement. To prevent being hit by a car that is driving aggressively, slow down or pull over. If the driver’s behavior makes you stressed, you should leave the road as soon as possible by turning right or taking the next exit. In addition, keep an eye on pedestrians, cyclists, and animals on the road.

Do not rely on others.

Take into account the others but prioritize your own safety. Don’t expect another driver to pull out of the way or allow you to merge. Assume that drivers will disregard red lights and stop signs and be ready to react to avoid a car accident. Plan your movements based on the most unlikely scenario.

Keep a distance.

Follow the 3-to-4-second rule. This rule will provide you with enough time to brake if necessary. However, this rule only applies in normal traffic and in good weather. If it’s raining, foggy, late at night, or you’re driving behind a big truck or motorcycle, add one second to the distance between you and the car in front of you.

Control your speed.

The defined speed limits are only for average conditions. You must make sure your speed is appropriate for the traffic conditions. Also, going faster makes it harder to keep control of your car if something goes wrong.

Have an alternate path of driving.

In all driving scenarios, positioning your vehicle where you have the highest chance of seeing and being seen is the best strategy to avoid a potential car accident. It is also critical to have an alternate line of movement, so always provide yourself an out — a spot to move your car if your current path of travel is unexpectedly blocked.

We understand that it can be difficult to find a good lawyer today. If you contact us at 1-800-HURT-511, we’ll put you in touch with multilingual attorneys that specialize in your type of case. In the event you have been injured, we will handle all legal issues on your behalf. We know how to get you compensated by the driver who injured you because we have handled similar instances all around New York. Call 1-800-HURT-511 now for a free case evaluation!

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How Long Do You Have To Sue Following A Car Accident In NY

Posted on July 7, 2022January 11, 2023 by Vitaly

Following a car accident, you only have so much time to file a suit for compensation. In New York, generally individuals are given three years to file a suit, though there are several instances where a claim needs to be filed sooner. These exceptions to the three-year rule will be the focus of this blog.

Is Suing Right Away Necessary Following a Car Accident?

Even though you’re given three years to file a car accident lawsuit in New York, you should get this taken care of right away, as evidence and eye-witness testimony depreciate over time. However, you should not rush your recovery just to get the process started, as doing so may exacerbate injuries and cause recovery to take longer. You should get in touch with a car accident lawyer, as they’ll get the process started for you, even if you’re in the hospital. But what about the times when you don’t have much time to file? Let’s get into these now.

When Do Other Statutes of Limitations Apply Following an Accident?

Minor Involved

Say you get into an accident with somebody who’s under the age of 18. They will have up until three years after their 18th birthday to file a lawsuit. The reason why they’re afforded more time is because identifying lasting injuries on somebody young can be difficult, and also because they cannot legally take action on their own until they’re 18.

Involved Party Is of Unsound Mind

If you hit somebody who is of unsound mind, you may have to wait until they regain mental competence to file a claim. A professional psychiatrist will have to deem they’re mentally competent and therefore able to face a lawsuit. In the instance where the person you hit is not likely to gain mental soundness any time soon, the person’s legal guardian or caretaker will have to represent their interests (if a lawyer isn’t already doing so). This exception is in place so individuals have the ability to make important legal decisions with a sound mind.

At-Fault Party Left the State

If you don’t have enough time to file a lawsuit before the other party leaves the state, the time they spend out of the state will not count against you. In other words, if after six months of waiting the soon-to-be defendant goes away for six months, when they come back you’ll still have 2 1/2 years to file a claim.

Car Accident Involved a Government Entity

If you get into an accident with somebody who’s working on behalf of a government entity, you’ll need to file a notice of claim within 90 days of the accident transpiring, and you’ll need to file this claim with the appropriate agency. If you fail to do this on time, you won’t be able to seek damages. It can get complicated if you’re in the hospital and you’re unable to do this on your own. This is one reason why hiring an attorney is a good move. They’ll get the process in motion while you focus on the initial stages of recovery, which are critical.

Wrongful Death

The statute of limitations for wrongful death suits in New York is two years. Therefore, if the beneficiaries of an accident victim who succumbed to their injuries do not file a wrongful death suit within two years of the death, they won’t be able to receive damages. Recoverable damages include damages for a funeral and burial expenses, damages for loss of consortium: damages for loss of a financial provider, and damages for pain and suffering.

What Happens When You Try to File Beyond the Statute of Limitations?

It was mentioned above that evidence and eye-witness testimony can both lose value as time goes on, and illustrating some specific scenarios that can happen is worthwhile here.

For example, a witness may have a clear recollection of what happened immediately after the accident transpired, but as time goes on, their memory becomes foggy and they don’t quite remember what they saw. If this testimony was something your case was relying on, this will be a significant setback. Similarly, if video evidence can prove the other driver ran a red light and T-boned you while you were in the intersection, and this video is thrown out, you won’t be able to use it. So many things can go wrong when it comes to eye-witness testimony and evidence, which is but one reason why it’s best to get a lawsuit filed as soon as possible.

Will a Car Accident Lawyer Make Sure You File a Lawsuit on Time?

Hiring a car accident lawyer following a car accident is the right move for a variety of reasons. One of these reasons is that they’ll make sure you file the suit within the applicable statute of limitations. And if you reach out to a lawyer after the time you had has passed, they’ll tell you this during the initial consultation.

A personal injury lawyer can also provide a range of other benefits following a car accident. Mainly, they can take care of the nitty-gritty while you focus on recovery, and they’ll negotiate with involved parties’ insurance companies on your behalf so you don’t say anything wrong or get coerced into accepting a low-ball offer. Moreover, they’ll conduct evidence gathering so you’re able to bring the strongest case possible. Their speed and attention to detail will be crucial throughout settlement negotiations and litigation later on (should things end up in court).

For awhile, it was hard to find highly skilled and experienced car accident lawyers, but no more. We’ve simplified the process. Call 1-800-HURT-511 and we’ll connect you with highly qualified, multilingual lawyers who’re experienced in bringing the kind of case you’re looking to bring. Only pay if you win.

Call 1-800-HURT-511 immediately, as time is of the essence.

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What To Do After Colliding With A Truck

Posted on June 1, 2020January 11, 2023 by Staff Writer

If you’ve driven next to a commercial truck or have seen a big truck crash into car, you may be worried what would happen if you had the misfortune of being such a collision. You’re not alone in your concerns. Injuries in an 18-wheeler crash can range in severity. You may suffer whiplash or forms of soreness, tightness, or stiffness. Severe crashes can lead to broken bones, disabling conditions, or even death.

If you feel pain after a truck accident, you should have a licensed medical professional assess your condition. Seeking prompt treatment can help you recover as quickly as possible. Depending on what the doctor sees, you may need to be referred to a specialist, such as an orthopedic doctor for disc injuries or neurologist for headaches or head injuries. Without medical records documenting your symptoms and condition, it can become difficult to prove they are causally related to the wreck.

Immediately after the accident, police must be present at the scene. In most states, like New York, the law requires police to be called after an accident the culminates in any type of personal injury or property damage. The police will acquire statements from the involved parties and will need photos, and statements of any witness that may still be on the scene. Often, witnesses are left off of a police report, so if you’ve taken care to document the names of witnesses, your attorney can contact them for alternate version of events.

It is always beneficial to secure as much evidence as possible after a crash involving a semi-truck, so document as much as possible including witness information, pictures of the vehicles, pictures of your injuries, and any other relevant information. If you’ve sustained suffered visible bruising or skin tears photograph those areas immediately.

Assuming you can prove the other driver caused the accident, the focus shifts to damages. While most people injured in truck accidents simply wish they could turn back time to where the wreck never happened in the first place, we know that’s not possible. Instead, the form of recovery is monetary damages.

If you are hurt in a truck accident, you can recover compensatory damages designed to make you whole. Included in these damages are reimbursement for medical bills, prescriptions, medical devices like crutches, lost wages, property damage (car repairs, total loss, etc.), and out of pocket expenses. If you suffered a traumatic injury, your attorney may need to consult with expert witnesses to document future losses, such as medical bills and lost earnings.

Your disability settlement may be given to you in a lump sum. This is a one-time payment meant to cover treatment and lost time working. While it is a predetermined amount, you could instead receive the amount in installments, such as weekly or monthly payments. While the exact amount varies, you will most likely receive about two-thirds of your salary before your shoulder injury. Some states put a limit on how long you can receive workers’ compensation payments. For example, in New York, you can receive it for up to 525 weeks if you have lost all your earning capacity.

At HURT-511, our personal injury lawyers help injured workers recover the benefits to which they are entitled by law. For a free consultation with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer, call us toll-free at 800-4878-511 or complete our online form. Our firm handles accident and injury claims throughout all five boroughs of New York.

HURT-511 operates in all boroughs of New York including all Bronx neighborhoods, namely: Bedford Park, Belmont, Fordham, Highbridge, Hunts Point, Jerome Park, Kingsbridge, Morris Park, Morrisania, Mott Haven, Parkchester, Riverdale, Spuyten Duyvil, Throgs Neck, University Heights and Woodlawn.

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Auto-Accidents FAQ

Posted on June 1, 2020 by Staff Writer

A car accident can be a very traumatic and often a life-altering experience for that leaves everyone involved, leaving its participants confused with many unanswered questions. If you have been in a car accident, either in a driver or a passenger capacity, call HURT-511 for a free consultation with any of our experienced automotive accident attorneys or read on for answers to the most common questions asked by car crash victims.

What should I do right after a car accident?

The urgency with which you proceed immediately after a car accident can and will affect how your claim is processed. The cardinal rule to remember is to never leave the scene of the accident if for no other reason than having to face criminal charges regardless of whether or not you were at fault.
The initial step is to call 911 if anyone involved in the accident has been hurt. Then call the police to the scene and file an accident report, but remember not to admit liability – that’ll be thoroughly investigated later. Get the names and contact information of everyone involved including all witnesses. Also, take as many picture of the scene, damage to all vehicles involved and bodily injuries as you can.

What information do I need to file a claim?

To successfully file a claim for a vehicular accident, it is imperative to gather as much information as possible, which usually includes

the contact information for everyone involved
the contact information for all witnesses
a thorough account of how the accident occurred,
photographs of the scene of and bodily injuries accident at the time of the accident

What to do if I was involved in a hit-and-run?

Just like you would in any other accident, first call the police to report being a victim of a hit-and-run, then collect the contact information of any witnesses, take photographs of the scene and seek medical attention.

What to do if the other driver is uninsured?

You can look for compensation from your insurance vendor under underinsured and uninsured motorist (UM or UIM) coverage policy. However, not every state requires the inclusion of UM or UIM in auto insurance policies, so the only remaining option may be filing a personal suit against the uninsured driver.

Note: UIM/UM coverage is usually very affordable and a reliable way to ensure your and your loved ones’ welling in the event of a serious accident.

At HURT-511, our personal injury lawyers help injured workers recover the benefits to which they are entitled by law. For a free consultation with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer, call us toll-free at 800-4878-511 or complete our online form. Our firm handles accident and injury claims throughout all five boroughs of New York.

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Punitive Damages In Trucking Accidents

Posted on June 1, 2020January 11, 2023 by Staff Writer

Truck crashes are among the most severe types of accidents. When a truck collides with a passenger vehicle, severe injuries and fatalities are common. When a truck driver or trucking company is negligent in a crash, they are responsible for all damages resulting from the collision. Your damages may include your medical expenses, money for pain and suffering, and reimbursement for lost wages. In New York, the law limits the amount of money you can recover in a personal injury case in a few situations.

Punitive damages are only awarded in cases where there was gross negligence. Punitive damages are meant to punish the offender and deter them from committing the action again in the future. In New York, the punitive damage award cannot exceed specific limitations. In general, the amount of punitive damages cannot be higher than two times the economic damages plus the amount of non-economic damages.

The total cannot exceed $750,000. In medical malpractice cases, you may sue for all your economic damages with a cap on non-economic damages. The total recoverable damages are $500,000. Claims against governmental entities have a limit of $100,000 per person and $300,000 in a single occurrence.

Every case is different and has a unique set of facts. Your attorney will review your accident to determine the best way to proceed. Many personal injury cases are settled before they go to trial. A truck accident attorney in Houston will work on your behalf to gather evidence and negotiate a fair settlement. Only if a settlement cannot be reached will the matter proceed to court.

After any motor vehicle accident involving a commercial truck, it is important to immediately begin taking steps to investigate the accident, prevent spoliation of evidence (including black box data and driving logs), interview witnesses, and identify all parties involved. Potential defendants in a truck accident case could include the driver, his or her employer, and either a parent company or subsidiary of the employer, depending on the facts conducting a thorough investigation will assist in developing the case and preparing a lawsuit, if necessary.

Accidents with big rigs often result in severe injuries to the other drivers and passengers. Some of the most common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, head and back injuries, whiplash, broken bones, cuts and bruises, burns, and puncture wounds. Some severe injuries may be life-threatening, and the recovery may be lengthy and painful. The driver or trucking company may be found negligent in causing the accident. If you were hurt due to the negligence of another, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries. You may be owed money for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

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Under-ride Automotive Accidents

Posted on June 1, 2020January 11, 2023 by Staff Writer

An under-ride accident is when a car crashes into the rear or side of a semi-truck or tractor-trailer and ends up underneath. Trucking statistics show that over 200 people are killed in these types of wrecks each year. When a car slides underneath a trailer, sometimes the top of the vehicle is sheared off. If a victim is fortunate enough to survive the crash, that person may sustain serious and permanent injuries.

Many factors make big rigs dangerous to other drivers on the road. Trucks weigh much more than passenger vehicles, which makes braking slow. It may take 20 to 40 times longer for a big truck to come to a stop than a typical car. Large trucks cannot maneuver like smaller vehicles, and they have blind spots, even when they utilize mirrors. Drivers often work for many hours and drive long distances at a time, causing potential fatigue.

There may be multiple causes and contributing factors in large truck accidents. There are three main categories of accident causes, including human error, mechanical failure, and external conditions. The most common causes of accidents are human errors. These include such things as improper lane changes, speeding, tailgating, failure to yield, distracted driving, and impairment. Of these, distracted driving is one of the most common factors that contribute to all accidents, including big rig crashes.

Physical evidence from the truck and crash scene – A heavy-impact accident could cause disabling damage that requires the big rig to be towed to a local wrecking yard. After the accident, the trucking company could track down the vehicle and immediately pay to have it moved somewhere else or taken out of commission.

Before too much time passes, an attorney working on your behalf can send an investigator to inspect the vehicle and take necessary photos or measurements. The same can be said for the accident scene. An accident reconstruction expert can visit the scene, document the scene, take measurements, and look for skid marks and other physical evidence.

Trucking companies must maintain adequate records regarding employees hired. It is not difficult to imagine that some companies are more organized than others. A lawyer who gets involved in a case can immediately send a spoliation of evidence letter requesting that certain information be preserved, including the trucker’s application for employment, CDL, background check results from the hiring phase, complaint history, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing results.

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Driving In Bad Weather Conditions

Posted on June 1, 2020January 11, 2023 by Staff Writer

At all times, drivers must exercise caution behind the wheel. This principle applies no matter what type of vehicle you are driving, no matter what day of the week, and no matter what time it is. Private citizens must also follow the rules of the road set forth by the city, county, and state within which the vehicle is being operated.

Truck accidents in bad weather are often tied to negligence, especially when a driver does not react accordingly. Drivers should begin to slow down during the following weather conditions – snow, rain, ice, wet roads, reduced visibility due to fog. Further, drivers should slow down when approaching curves and travelling on uneven roads, gravel roads, or construction zones. Failing to drive safely during bad weather could force a truck driver to brake suddenly in order to come to a complete stop, for example. This activity could lead to a jackknife accident with another vehicle.

Accidents involving 18-wheelers can be complicated. These vehicles have become highly specialized in recent years, and drivers are supposed to go through proper training before being allowed to operate them on public roads. One such requirement is obtaining a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

In certain circumstances, special endorsements are required, such as for those who drive trucks with double trailers, triple trailers, tanks, trucks carrying hazardous materials, and passenger vehicles. Elevated standards are in place for commercial truck drivers because accidents involving them can produce catastrophic injuries like paralysis, brain trauma, spinal cord damage, and permanent scarring.

Big trucking companies know how much is at stake following a catastrophic accident. They are known to expend significant resources into defending such claims from the outset. If a victim cannot obtain the proof needed to establish liability, that person may end up uncompensated for medical bills, time off from work, and the cost of future surgeries and medical treatment. Thus, it is critical to conduct a thorough investigation.

Of course, the facts of a truck accident itself should be examined by obtaining the police report and reaching out to independent witnesses. However, it is necessary to dig deeper, and hiring an experienced truck accident attorney can go a long way in ensuring critical information is uncovered and identified.

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Knee Injuries In Automotive Accidents

Posted on June 1, 2020January 11, 2023 by Staff Writer

Suffering knee injuries not only causes intense pain and severely affect your everyday activities including limiting your ability to go to work, complete basic chores and extracurricular activities. Those who suffer pain as a result of being involved in an accident may need to be checked out by the doctor for post-accident symptoms like soreness, stiffness and limited range of motion.

Knee injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents can vary in severity depending on whether the injured party was a driver or a passenger. In case of being rear-ended by another vehicle, for example, both knees could be pushed into the steering wheel or below the dashboard. Initial sore and stiff knees will have a limited range of motion, but these seemingly benign symptoms can indicate a more severe underlying conditions. The full extent of knee injuries cannot be fully ascertained without treatment by a medical specialist like an orthopedist and thorough testing procedures like Magnetic Resource Imaging (MRI).

The most commonly presenting types of knee lesions involve sprains and strains. With these type of truck accident injuries, severe pain is felt without any underlying ligament or cartilage tear. Most doctors will suggest the “RICE” therapy – Rest, Ice, Compression, Exercise. But having and a post-accident injury is classified as a strain or sprain does not you’re out trouble-free. Knee sprains and strains often extend past discomfort and become chronic injuries that become exacerbated due to weather or strain you put on these weight baring joints.

An experienced truck accident attorney is invaluable in these events. Truck companies begin investigating a wreck immediately, so you will want to be represented by an attorney that marshals the resources to match that urgency. One of the seasoned truck accident lawyers at HURT-511 will know the details of personal injury laws in New York your state, federal trucking regulations, and steps to take to protect your legal rights. It will be of outmost importance to take steps to prevent destruction (accidental or intentional) of key evidence like driver logs and black box data. It may be necessary to also consult with accident reconstruction experts if liability is contested. Hiring a personal injury lawyer means you have someone on your side throughout the entire process, from start to finish.

Lack of transportation can snowball into other issues. Missed work could mean no paycheck, which could mean getting behind on bills and not being able to afford life’s necessities. To ensure your car gets fixed, you can go through your own insurance company. However, if you do not have collision coverage your only choice may be to go through the trucking company’s insurance. A full service personal injury law firm can assist on your property damage claim by helping you get a rental car and doing what’s possible to speed up the investigation, such as contacting witnesses.

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Benefits for Injured Drivers

Posted on June 1, 2020January 10, 2023 by Staff Writer

Getting injured at work can leave you with extensive medical bills and reduced ability to work. In New York, laws are in place to make sure you are able to pay these bills, recover lost wages, and obtain disability benefits if returning to work isn’t possible.

An accident with another vehicle can be catastrophic, not to mention stressful. Being involved in a wreck can affect your life in a split second. Consider medical bills, missing work, your damaged car – not to mention the physical injuries you may suffer. The chances of serious injury can increase with the presence of an 18-wheeler truck or big rig. The average sedan weighs between 3,500-4,000 pounds. The average 18-wheeler, on the other hand, weighs 80,000 pounds. In a car vs. 18-wheeler crash, the smaller car normally bears the brunt of the impact.

Whether you are covered by workers’ compensation or not can depend on your employment status. Independent contractors may not be covered. If you are an owner/operator, you may have occupational insurance, which differs from workers’ compensation administered at the state level.

If you are covered by your employer’s policy, you can be covered for injuries that occur in the course and scope of employment. The most common example is a truck accident, which could be a single car accident or multi-vehicle pileup. You could also assert a claim if you get hurt after a slip and fall, either on the truck or someone else’s property.

Workers’ compensation laws generally cover three forms of damages – medical benefits, wage benefits, and disability benefits. Medical benefits cover treatment related to the accident, such as doctor bills, physical therapy, and prescriptions. In order for your medical treatment to be covered, it must be approved through workers’ compensation.

Wage benefits compensate the injured worker for a designated portion of his or her average weekly pay. For these benefits to be awarded, a doctor will take the employee off of work. Total disability benefits can be awarded if an injury becomes permanent. The way an injured truck driver can know whether the injury is permanent is if the authorized treating physician gives an anatomical impairment rating.