Port Chester is one of the most populous villages in Westchester County and, for that matter,  New York State. Crashes are an inevitable part of life in the village with so many cars on the road. A car accident can have long-lasting consequences, including physical injuries, emotional turmoil, and financial struggles. If you or someone you love was recently hurt in a crash, you should contact a Port Chester car accident lawyer to discuss your options. You should not have to face the aftermath of an accident alone. Let us help you get the recovery you deserve. 

Common Causes of Car Wrecks Our Port Chester Accident Lawyer Routinely Sees

Sometimes, a car accident is just that: an accident. But usually, it is caused by someone’s negligence. Some common causes of crashes that we see include:

• Driver negligence, including driving while intoxicated and texting while driving;
• Failing to obey traffic signals;
• Road rage and aggressive driving;
• Inclement weather (e.g., snow, ice, flooded streets);
• Poor road conditions (e.g., uneven payment and untreated potholes);
• Manufacturing defects;
• Mechanical failure, including faulty brakes or engine leaks;
• Following too closely; and
• Failure to properly service and maintain the vehicle.

It is not always immediately apparent what caused the accident. If you suspect the car wreck resulted from someone’s negligent actions, contact a Port Chester car accident attorney for a case evaluation and assessment. 

Common Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries

The list of injuries that may happen as a result of a car crash is endless, but there are certain types of injuries we tend to see when dealing with an auto accident. Common injuries include, but are not limited to:

• Seatbelt and airbag burns,
• Superficial and deep lacerations,
• Whiplash and other neck injuries,
• Traumatic brain injuries,
• Bumps and bruises,
• Broken bones,
• Back and spinal cord injuries,
• Paralysis,
• Soft tissue injuries, and
• Death.

Any injury’s severity can range from minor and temporary to severe and permanent. For instance, you can suffer a laceration to your face that only requires cleaning and a bandage with the expectation of a full recovery. It is also possible to suffer from a deep, severe cut that requires stitches and plastic surgery. A Port Chester auto accident lawyer can help you seek the justice you deserve regardless of the extent of your injuries. 

What to Do After a Car Accident

Motor vehicle accidents are almost always unexpected. You do not typically wake up in the morning anticipating a car crash, so when it does happen, the shock and adrenaline can leave you confused and unsure of what to do next. Here are four simple steps to follow after a motor vehicle wreck. 

Seek Medical Attention

Of course, if you require emergency medical attention, you should call 911 immediately. However, even if you do not need emergency care, you should always seek medical attention to check for internal or unrealized injuries. Following medical advice and seeing any recommended specialists is essential. Getting proper treatment and keeping well-documented records of any medical care you receive is vital to a successful claim. 

Gather Evidence at the Scene and After

If you can physically be at the accident scene, document what you can. Collecting and gathering any evidence just moments after the crash can be instrumental in proving your case later. This can include:

• Taking pictures or videos with your cell phone,
• Obtaining eyewitness contact information and accounts,
• Noting down anything you can remember about just before the accident, and
• Looking for any nearby video or traffic cameras that might have caught the accident on camera.

Stay calm if you are physically unable to gather anything at the scene. A Port Chester accident attorney can help you gather all this information later. Just as important as gathering evidence from the time of the crash is gathering evidence that comes to fruition later on, including medical records and the police report.

Stay Off Social Media

After a car accident, posting about it on your social media accounts may feel like second nature. Still, we strongly encourage you to avoid sharing anything about the accident online. It may seem harmless, but anything you say or post can hurt your claim later. This is true from the moments after the collision to the conclusion of any claim or lawsuit. Insurance companies will look to your social media for reasons to deny or downplay the severity of your injuries.

Consult a Port Chester Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney

Even if you are unsure if you want to file a lawsuit, it is always wise to consult with a Port Chester car accident lawyer after a motor vehicle accident to preserve your rights and discuss your legal options. 

Recoverable Damages in a Car Accident Lawsuit

A car accident can put a tremendous physical, mental, and financial strain on your life. If you are contemplating filing a lawsuit and wondering what you can expect to receive, it will depend on the facts and circumstances of your situation. However, if a plaintiff’s case is successful, they may be entitled to economic and noneconomic damages for their injury, such as:

• Past and future medical expenses,
• Lost wages,
• Lost anticipated earnings,
• Vehicle repair or replacement,
• Pain and suffering damages, and
• Compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life. 

Our Port Chester car wreck lawyer will evaluate your case and help you understand what to expect. 

Governing New York Law

Specific New York state laws can affect your options and the outcome of your case. Two things you have to consider in particular are the applicable statute of limitations and the governing negligence standard. 

Statute of Limitations

A statute of limitations is when an accident victim must file a lawsuit against the negligent party. In New York, you generally have three years from the accident date to initiate your case. However, some exceptions can alter this timeframe under specific circumstances, so contacting an attorney as soon as possible is key to preserving your right to sue.

Pure Comparative Negligence

New York is a pure comparative negligence state, which allows a plaintiff-accident victim to recover damages even if they are partially at fault or more at fault than the other person for the accident. However, your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are held 30% responsible for the car crash, your award will be reduced by 30%. 

Port Chester Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney

At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we have over 30 years of experience helping car accident victims seek the justice and compensation they deserve. We believe in developing lasting relationships with our clients so you can focus on what’s most important: your recovery. Our skilled attorneys have secured countless favorable outcomes for our clients. If you were injured in a car crash in or around the Port Chester area, contact us today for a free consultation.