Nestled in the northwest corner of Westchester County, Peekskill is a picturesque town known for its history and scenic views. However, with the typical hustle and bustle of being a city suburb, car accidents are a daily occurrence. A car accident will take you by surprise and detrimentally impact your life. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may face mounting medical bills, an inability to work, and a struggle to participate in your everyday life. Our Peekskill car accident lawyer can help you seek the compensation you deserve to rebuild your life. 

Common Causes of Peekskill Car Wrecks

There are infinite possibilities and causes of car crashes, but there are several that we routinely see in this area, including:

• Weather-related crashes (e.g., snowy conditions, icy roads);
• Aggressive and reckless driving;
• Distracted driving (e.g., talking on the phone, applying makeup while driving);
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
• Manufacturing defect or failure (e.g., brake failure);
• Failing to service the vehicle properly;
• Disobeying traffic signals (e.g., running a red light); and
• Anything that may direct the driver’s attention away from the road.

If you suspect the other driver negligently caused the accident for any of these reasons or even something else, contact a Peekskill auto accident lawyer to discuss your options. 

Common Car Accident Injuries

While almost any injury is possible due to a car accident, there are a handful of injuries we tend to see often in motor vehicle accident cases. These include:

• Whiplash and other neck injuries,
• Back and spinal cord injuries,
• Paralysis,
• Lacerations and bruises,
• Airbag and seatbelt burns and injuries,
• Heat and chemical burns,
• Loss of a limb,
• Traumatic brain injuries,
• Head and skull trauma, and 
• Death.

Most of these injuries can range in severity from mild and temporary, with a full expectation of recovery, to severe and permanently debilitating. Typically, the more severe the accident, the more catastrophic the injuries are, although that is not always true. Sometimes, even what appears to be a minor rear-end accident can result in devastating injuries. Our Peekskill accident lawyer can help assess the value of your case based on your injuries.

What to Do After a Motor Vehicle Accident

It may seem obvious, but in the moments following a collision, the shock and confusion can cause you to lose all sense of direction. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Here are some steps you can take to guide you through the minutes, days, and weeks following a car accident.

Seek Medical Care

Whether your injuries require a 911 response and a trip to the local emergency room, or you can leave the scene on your own accord, it is crucial to seek medical attention to evaluate your injuries. Often, car accident injuries can take several days to appear, so it is essential to be seen by a doctor as soon as possible to avoid worsening the injury. Equally as important as seeking an initial medical evaluation is seeking the advice of a specialist and continuing with prescribed treatment. 

Gather Evidence

Try to gather evidence at the scene by taking photos, jotting down your recollection, and obtaining eyewitness contact information. Having this information can make pursuing a claim easier later. You should also collect all medical records, receipts, estimates, and reports and compile them in a safe, organized manner. However, don’t worry if your injuries render you physically unable to do this. Our Peekskill car wreck lawyer has the resources to help you with this, even at a much later time. 

Consult a Peekskill Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney

Even if you are unsure if you want to pursue a lawsuit, it is best to consult an experienced Peekskill accident attorney to learn more about your potential legal options. If the other driver was negligent, you may be entitled to significant compensation for the harm you endured. A seasoned attorney can advise and guide you on your best action.

Stay Off of Social Media

It may seem silly, but avoiding posting about the accident or your injuries on your social media accounts is wise. Although it may seem harmless at the time to update your closest family and friends on what happened, insurance companies will look at any information they can to deny, delay, or downplay your claim. It is best to withhold posting about anything related to your accident on social media throughout your claim or lawsuit. 

Statute of Limitations

In New York, the personal injury statute of limitations dictates how long an accident victim has to initiate a lawsuit for damages. Typically, this is three years from the date of the accident, but depending on specific circumstances, this timeframe can be shortened or extended. For instance, the statute of limitations will typically be tolled or paused for a minor child until they reach the age of 18. There are also instances where the timeframe is significantly shortened if the defendant is a government agency or entity. Your Peekskill motor vehicle accident attorney will assess your case for the applicable statute of limitations. Meeting with a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident is the best way to preserve your right to sue. 

Negligence Standard

New York follows a pure comparative negligence standard, meaning a plaintiff can recover damages even if they are more at fault for the accident than the defendant. However, their damages are reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if the jury finds the plaintiff was 30% responsible for the car crash, their award will be reduced by 30%. Having a sharp attorney to advocate on your behalf is critical to ensuring you have little to no liability.

Contact a Peekskill Auto Accident Lawyer

At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we have over 30 years of experience representing car accident victims in and around the Peekskill area. If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a car crash, we have the knowledge, resources, and skills to represent you in even the most challenging negotiations or contested trials. Let us take control of your case so you can focus on what’s most important: recovering from your accident. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.