In White Plains, New York, drivers can get into a car accident whether they are at fault or not. When this happens, there are devastating consequences, from injuries to being unable to work during the time it takes to recover from the accident injuries. Although New York is primarily a no-fault state, and everyone is expected to buy personal injury protection insurance (PIP), there are instances when injured victims can file a third-party claim for compensation.
Therefore, if you sustained injuries in a car accident, seeking legal representation from a skilled and experienced White Plains, NY, car accident lawyer is essential. At Tucker Lawyers, we understand the challenges you’re facing, and we’re here to help. With our knowledge of New York’s car accident laws and dedication to achieving justice for our clients, we’ll fight tirelessly to protect your rights and get you a favorable outcome.
Our initial consultations are free. During this time, you can explain your case to us while we present you with the strategy we plan to use to seek compensation. Call us at (516) 399-2364 to schedule a free case review.
Why choose our White Plains, NY, car accident attorney?
At Tucker Lawyers, we are results-oriented and provide excellent client service. We built our reputation on the exceptional results we have achieved for our clients in over thirty years. We have a winning track record that tells the story of our hard work, dedication, and the value we place on every case we handle.
Our client testimonials praise our work and testify to the fact that we serve each person based on their needs. Also, there is no shortage of lawyers at our firm, so you don’t have to worry about your case not getting the attention it deserves. We will also be your support system throughout your claim and will guide you in always making the best decision.
You need a legal team you can trust in White Plains, NY, who will always stand by you. Contact us at (516) 399-2364 to learn more about services.
Understanding car accidents in White Plains, New York
White Plains, NY, is no stranger to car accidents. These collisions happen for several reasons, ranging from drunk driving to distracted driving, speeding, running red lights, and tailgating. When a car accident occurs, the common thing is identifying the party at fault. However, things are a little different in White Plains.
Although it is vital to know who caused the accident, it doesn’t always matter, especially if the injuries are minor. This is because, in a city in a no-fault state, fault does not play a role in car collisions. After an accident, each party can file a claim with their insurance company to receive benefits from their personal injury protection coverage.
Car owners in the State of New York must have this insurance coverage. In the event of an accident, PIP pays for the following:
- Reasonable and necessary medical and rehabilitative costs
- 80% of lost earnings from work, up to a maximum payment of $2,000 per month, for three years after the accident
- Up to $25 per day for up to a year from the date of the accident to reimburse other reasonable and necessary expenses
- Basic no-fault limit of $50,000 per person.
If a person with PIP coverage dies in an accident, their estate will receive $2,000 death benefits together with the $50,000 no-fault limit. Furthermore, PIP covers the vehicle’s driver and passengers. But it will not pay benefits if the accident occurred because the driver was drunk.
Our White Plains, New York, car accident attorney can resolve your case within a reasonable time and get compensation for your injury.
What happens if I sustain a severe injury in a car accident in White Plains, NY?
If you sustain a severe injury, you can file a third-party claim with the other driver’s insurance company if they were responsible for the collision. This is one of the exceptions to the no-fault rule; others are property damage and death. As a result, New York expects drivers to have PIP and liability coverage.
The minimum liability coverage is as follows:
- Bodily injury liability insurance of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability of $10,000
- Wrongful death liability insurance of $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident.
With the above, you don’t have to pay out of pocket if an accident severely injures, kills, or damages property. Conversely, you can seek compensation from an at-fault driver for a severe wound or property damage.
Can I sue the other driver after a car accident?
As our car accident lawyers in White Plains, NY, will tell you, litigation is always a last resort. This is because the no-fault system is designed to protect parties to an accident from a lawsuit. However, we advise clients to go the litigation route if they suffered a severe injury and the at-fault driver’s liability insurance is insufficient or they want to recover non-economic damages.
What qualifies as severe injury under New York law includes the following:
- Limitation of bodily function
- Dismemberment
- Permanent loss of a body part or organ
- Significant disfigurement
- Loss of a fetus
- Permanent loss of a body function or system, like deafness
- Bone fractures
- Injury or impairment that keeps a person from performing their daily activities at least 90/180 days after the accident.
If you file a lawsuit, you will receive economic damages like medical bills, loss of income, and property damage. You will also be eligible to receive non-economic damages like pain and suffering, loss of companionship, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress. Our attorneys can guide you on the best option between a third-party claim and a lawsuit.
At Tucker Lawyers, we will handle all the paperwork related to the claim process and deal with your insurance company or that of the other driver while you focus on healing.
White Plains, NY, car accident lawyer FAQs
After a car accident, you’d undoubtedly have questions about the claims process and what it takes to hire a lawyer. Below, we answered some of the questions we often get. We can give you more detailed answers and shed light on any gray areas when you visit our law firm for a free consultation.
How much does an attorney cost?
When already facing medical bills and auto repair worries, you may not have the funds to hire an attorney to represent you. Thankfully, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid once and if we secure a settlement for you. Also, we only receive a percentage of the settlement and agree on the ratio during the initial consultation.
When do I need a car accident lawyer?
It is best to hire an attorney immediately after the accident. This helps you avoid mistakes that might jeopardize your case or accept a lowball settlement that is less than you deserve. It is also crucial to hire a lawyer if you have suffered severe injuries or lost a loved one.
What happens if the at-fault driver does not have liability insurance or flees the accident scene?
If the driver responsible for the accident flees the scene or lacks liability insurance, you can file a lawsuit to recover damages. Our attorneys can help you handle and navigate the complex litigation process and advocate for you before a jury to receive a fair award.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a car accident in White Plains, NY?
Under the New York statute of limitations, you must take legal action three years from the date of the accident. Once the time elapses, you cannot seek compensation from the party responsible for your accident.
How our car accident lawyers in White Plains, NY, can help you
Car accident claims can be complicated, and many different parties may be to blame. Performing a thorough investigation of your case is where our car accident attorneys in White Plains, NY, begin so we fully understand the situation. We also offer further services such as:
- Estimating your claim’s total value
- Gathering the evidence to prove negligence against the at-fault parties
- Helping you collect medical records
- Connecting you with medical specialists to assess your future expenses
- Ensuring you have accurate and valid auto repair estimates
- Speaking with witnesses and experts for their testimony
- Negotiating with insurance companies and opposing counsel
- Litigating your case aggressively for the settlement you need.
We have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients and are confident we can help you secure a favorable outcome.
Were you injured in a car accident in White Plains, NY? Contact us now!
Were you or a loved one involved in a car accident? If yes, contact Tucker Lawyers to learn your rights and legal options. We will advise you of your case’s strengths and weaknesses and strive for the best possible outcome. Call us at (516) 399-2364 to schedule a free case review.
Managing Attorney John. J. Tucker, Esq.
John has personally handled thousands of clients who were victims of another’s negligence and fights relentlessly for their rights. John enjoys bringing closure to a client’s matter so that the injured party can move forward with their life. His background enables him to evaluate complex liability related claims and bring resolution to claims in a record time frame. [ Attorney Bio ]