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Types of New York City Traffic Accidents and How Your Auto Accident Attorney Makes a Strong Case for Each
In the State of New York, auto accidents can be classified into several different types, each with its own unique circumstances and legal considerations. An experienced New York city auto accident attorney will approach each type of auto accident differently. They will tailor their legal strategy to fit the specifics of the case.
In this guide, we will explore the primary types of auto accidents and how a skilled auto accident lawyer would approach each.
Rear-end collisions occur when one vehicle crashes into the back of another vehicle, usually due to tailgating, distracted driving, or sudden stops.
In New York, the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is typically considered at fault, as it is their responsibility to maintain a safe following distance. However, the defendant may argue that the lead driver was negligent in some way (e.g., stopping abruptly or failing to use brake lights properly).
Your auto accident lawyer will begin building you case by collecting witness statements, traffic camera footage, and vehicle damage assessments to prove the rear-end driver’s fault.
If the lead driver caused the accident (e.g., by stopping suddenly or failing to signal), your lawyer will investigate and present evidence of comparative negligence.
Finally, your traffic accident lawyer will focus on documenting injuries (including whiplash, back injuries, or other neck-related issues) and collecting medical records to support your claim.
A T-bone collision, also called a side-impact collision, occurs when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another – usually at intersections or when one driver runs a red light.
Side-impact accidents are often caused by one driver failing to yield the right of way or running a stop sign or red light.
Your accident lawyer will gather evidence such as traffic camera footage, traffic light data, and witness testimonies to prove that the other driver was at fault for running a red light or disregarding a stop sign.
In a T-bone accident, the fault is usually clear. However, if there is any dispute (e.g., one driver claims the light was green), the lawyer will use traffic law and evidence to clarify liability.
T-bone accidents often result in serious injuries due to the side impacts, and your lawyer will work to maximize compensation for medical bills, lost wages due to injuries, pain and suffering, and future care.
A head-on collision occurs when two vehicles collide front-to-front, usually when one vehicle crosses the center line.
Head-on collisions often result in catastrophic injuries, and the driver who veers out of their lane is generally at fault. This type of accident may also involve issues like impaired driving, fatigue, or distracted driving.
Your accident lawyer will collect evidence such as skid marks, witness statements, and accident scene photos to demonstrate that one driver crossed into the opposing lane and caused the collision.
In cases of impaired driving, your lawyer may seek evidence of alcohol or drug use on the other driver’s part, including police reports or toxicology reports.
Given the severity of injuries typically resulting from head-on collisions (e.g., traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries), your lawyer will focus on securing the highest compensation possible for long-term care, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
A hit-and-run accident occurs when one driver strikes another vehicle, or pedestrian, and leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information or provide aid.
In these cases, the at-fault driver cannot be identified or located. However, New York law requires that the victim’s own insurance policy should provide coverage under the Uninsured Motorist provision.
Your accident attorney will see to it that the hit-and-run is promptly reported to law enforcement so that they can investigate and attempt to, possibly, locate the at-fault driver.
If the responsible party cannot be found, your personal injury lawyer will help file a claim under your own insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage.
To build conclusive evidence, your accident lawyer will track down potential witnesses or surveillance footage (e.g., from nearby businesses or traffic cameras) that might help identify the hit-and-run driver.
A multi-vehicle collision (or pile-up) involves three or more vehicles and often occurs on highways or in heavy traffic. These accidents are usually the result of a chain reaction where one vehicle's actions trigger a series of collisions.
In multi-vehicle accidents, it can be challenging to determine who is at fault, as multiple drivers may be responsible for different parts of the chain reaction.
Pile-ups require careful analysis of sequence of events. An experienced auto accident lawyer will carefully reconstruct the accident by analyzing the position of the vehicles, weather conditions, and timing of the collision to determine who caused the chain reaction.
Since multiple parties may be involved, your lawyer will investigate each driver’s actions and determine the percentage of fault for each party (New York is a comparative negligence state).
To help recover maximum compensation, your lawyer will seek compensation from all responsible parties, to make sure that each insurer pays their fair share for the victim’s damages.
Pedestrian and bicycle accidents occur when a motor vehicle strikes a person walking or riding a bicycle, usually at crosswalks or intersections.
In New York, pedestrians and cyclists are given special protections under traffic laws. Motorists are often held liable for failing to yield to pedestrians or cyclists.
In order to gather evidence of driver negligence, your lawyer will look for evidence that the driver failed to yield you the right of way, was speeding, or was distracted when the accident occurred.
They will also use New York’s traffic laws that govern pedestrian crosswalks and bicycle lanes, to establish the driver’s liability.
Pedestrian and bicycle accidents can lead to severe injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and spinal injuries, and the auto accident lawyer will make sure that the victim receives the maximum compensation for medical expenses, pain, and suffering.
Truck accidents involve commercial trucks (18-wheelers, delivery trucks, etc.) and often occur due to driver fatigue, improper loading, or mechanical failure.
Truck accidents can be more complex due to the involvement of multiple parties – the truck driver, the trucking company, and possibly manufacturers of defective parts.
In truck accidents, investigating trucking company liability is a start. The auto accident lawyer will examine whether the trucking company failed to maintain the vehicle, did not follow proper loading procedures, or violated federal regulations regarding driver rest periods.
Trucking companies are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and a skilled lawyer will investigate whether the truck driver or company violated these regulations.
A knowledgeable auto accident lawyer may pursue compensation not only from the truck driver but also from the trucking company, third-party maintenance companies, or manufacturers of defective parts, to maximize the victim’s compensation.
Each type of auto accident requires a tailored legal strategy. An experienced auto accident lawyer in New York will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the crash, gather the necessary evidence, and use their knowledge of New York traffic laws to build a strong case. They will work to maximize your compensation. This could be through insurance settlements or by taking the case to court in extreme cases.
To consult experienced New York City Auto Accident Attorneys, call 866-995-9035, or email info@yadgarovlaw.com. You can set up a free consultation with a licensed auto accident attorney here.
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