Practice Areas
We Specialize in Handling Accident Cases of All Types
Automobile & Car Accidents
Our Attorneys Always Put Your Interests First
Automobile accidents are all too common in the U.S., and several lead to injuries and even death. Consequently, aggrieved parties end up filing lawsuits to recover damages. However, there’s a long way from an accident to a courtroom, and not all cases end up in lawsuits. What’s important is to know just where you stand from a legal point of view, which is why you might wish to seek advice from an attorney.
Most Common Types of Automobile Accidents
When behind the wheel of an automobile, there is no telling what might go wrong. However, most accidents fall into three common categories.
- Driver error. This typically involves drunk, drugged, drowsy, or distracted driving. Rash driving and breaking traffic rules also account for a significant number of auto accidents.
- Road defects. These can come in the form of potholes, debris, poorly designed curves or bends, faded demarcations, and missing guardrails.
- Automobile defects. While relatively uncommon, accidents also take place because of automobile defects. These can happen because of faulty braking systems, steering wheel problems, glitches with ignition systems, and more.
Types of Compensation
An auto or car accident may lead to different types of compensation claims. These usually relate to:
- Medical/hospital expenses
- Mental and physical suffering
- Physical impairment
- Loss of income
- Damage to property
- Loss of companionship
- Wrongful death
- Punitive damages that arise because of egregious actions
Determining Fault
When automobile accidents involve driver error, fault is usually easy to pinpoint. In most cases, such accidents take place because of recklessness or negligence. Establishing fault is fairly easy when accidents involve:
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Jumping red lights
- Driving faster than the prescribed speed limit
- Driving when sleep-deprived
- Using a phone while driving
- Taking illegal or un-signaled turns
- Changing lanes in a haphazard manner
- Not looking in the right direction
- Not giving right of way
What About Auto Accidents in No-Fault States?
A number of states in the U.S., New York included, follow a no-fault insurance system. This requires that motorists carry no-fault insurance or personal injury protection (PIP). When you have no-fault coverage, you typically need to turn to your own insurance provider, no matter who is responsible for causing the accident. If your expenses exceed the maximum amount allowed under no-fault insurance, you have the option to file a lawsuit against the erring party.
Why Hire an Automobile Accident Attorney?
Hiring an automobile accident attorney comes with the assurance that you have the required legal assistance close at hand. Besides, your attorney has all the required knowledge to guide you through every step of your case. Know that not all accident cases end up in lawsuits. Most attorneys try to seek out-of-court settlements first, which then saves you the trouble of going to court.
How We Can Help
Rosner Russo Shahabian PLLC takes on almost all types of automobile accident cases, their levels of complexity notwithstanding. We aim to get high settlement amounts and win favorable rulings at trials. Access to a range of investigative and technological resources holds us and our clients in good stead, as does our keen eye for detail.