Yorktown Heights is a small subsection of Yorktown, New York, located in Westchester County. Although geographically and demographically small, Yorktown Heights has many historical landmarks, including historic sites from colonial times and the Revolutionary War. With locals and visitors alike sharing the same roads, car accidents happen. These accidents can instantly change life, and having an attorney by your side is essential. If you or someone you love suffered an injury in a crash in the area or surrounding towns, contact our Yorktown Heights car accident lawyer to discuss your options. 

Causes of Yorktown Heights Car Crashes

There are dozens of potential causes of any given car accident. However, there are several common causes that we routinely encounter. 

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is any conduct or behavior that deviates a driver’s attention from the road. Driving while texting or talking on the phone is the most common form of distracted driving. However, this can also include applying makeup, eating while driving, or picking up something that fell on the car floor. 

Disobeying Traffic Signals or Laws

Disobeying traffic laws or disregarding signals or signs is a leading cause of crashes. Examples include running a red light or stop sign, speeding, and unsafe lane change. If you suspect the other driver failed to obey traffic regulations, they may be liable for your injuries.

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to catastrophic accidents and injuries. Approximately 85,000 incidents of drinking and driving occur every day in New York. DWI accidents result in some of the most devastating injuries and even death. If a drunk driver hits you, our Yorktown Heights car accident attorney can help you seek justice.

Other Causes of Car Accidents

The causes of car accidents are not just limited to those mentioned above. There are many other reasons why crashes occur, including:

• Poor weather conditions and limited visibility,
• Poor road conditions,
• Manufacturing defects, and
• Failing to service or maintain the vehicle properly.

No matter the cause, you should not have to live with the physical, financial, and mental repercussions of a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence or misconduct. A Yorktown Heights car wreck lawyer can help you hold the liable party accountable. 

Injuries Related to Car Crashes

A car crash can cause obvious broken bones, cuts, and scrapes, but they can also lead to severe and permanent injuries. Common car accident injuries include:

• Concussions,
• Traumatic brain injuries,
• Skull fractures,
• Whiplash and other neck injuries,
• Back and spinal cord injuries,
• Burns,
• Seatbelt and airbag burns, 
• Loss of limbs,
• Soft tissue injuries and even
• Death. 

Depending on the circumstances, point of impact, and severity of the crash, you may suffer multiple injuries, all requiring medical attention. Even if you think you are initially unharmed, you should always seek medical attention to rule out internal or slow-manifesting injuries. 

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident

While every situation will vary, follow these four steps after a car accident: 

• Call 911,
• Seek medical attention,
• File an insurance claim,
• Meet with a lawyer.

Depending on the severity and complexity of your injuries, you may need to take additional steps. Your Yorktown Heights accident attorney can guide you. 

Recoverable Damages in a Car Accident Claim

If you file a claim or lawsuit for damages stemming from a car accident, you may be wondering what type and how much compensation you are eligible to receive. While every situation will be fact-specific depending on the circumstances, you can typically expect to recover two kinds of compensatory damages: economic and noneconomic.

Economic Damages

Economic damages compensate an accident victim for the calculable financial losses. These typically include:

• Medical expenses, both past and future;
• Lost income;
• Lost future earnings;
• Cost to replace or repair your car; and
• Necessary home modifications. 

The severity of your injury will influence the amount of economic damages you will receive. For instance, if you suffer only minor wounds and are expected to make a full and quick recovery, your medical expenses and time missed from work will be lower than those of someone who suffers multiple compound fractures with a complex and long road to recovery. 

Noneconomic Damages

Noneconomic damages are less straightforward because they do not necessarily depend on the severity of the injury. These damages are highly personal to the individual and include compensation for:

• Pain and suffering,
• Mental and emotional anguish, 
• Loss of consortium, and 
• Loss of enjoyment of life. 

You do not necessarily have to suffer a catastrophic injury requiring extensive medical treatment to experience significant pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life. Although noneconomic damages are often contested, you are nevertheless entitled to them. Having a skilled Yorktown Heights accident lawyer negotiate on your behalf can mean a difference in substantial compensation.

Punitive Damages

When a defendant is grossly negligent, and their actions are egregious, the court may award a plaintiff punitive damages to punish the defendant for their atrocious conduct. The purpose of punitive damages is to deter similar conduct from other people. 

How a Yorktown Heights Car Accident Attorney Can Help

Hiring an attorney to pursue a car accident claim is not legally required. However, we strongly encourage all car crash victims to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney before pursuing a claim independently. Sometimes, motor vehicle accident cases are simple and require little legal expertise. Still, most are complex, involving multiple parties, several insurance companies, and expert testimony and reports. 

A seasoned car accident attorney can help you with the following:

• Investigate the accident,
• Deal with the insurance companies,
• File your claim,
• Negotiate, 
• Request and review discovery,
• File a lawsuit,
• Speak with opposing counsel,  
• Obtain experts, and
• Try your case before a jury if necessary.

Although this might be your first encounter with the legal system, our Yorktown Heights motor vehicle accident attorney does it daily and is well-versed in court procedure and evidence rules. 

Contact a Yorktown Heights Auto Accident Lawyer

With over 30 years of experience, our attorneys at Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers have the legal knowledge, litigation experience, and local resources to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. We understand how difficult life can be after a car accident. Let us take on the stress of your case while you focus on your recovery. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation to learn more about your rights and options.