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Syracuse Car Accident Attorney

A car accident can happen in a second, but their effects can last for years or even a lifetime. When you’ve been in a car accident in Syracuse, NY, one of the first phone calls you want to make is to our office to speak to a car accident lawyer. We’re available by phone 24 hours a day, and we begin work on your case immediately after you call to get you quick results.

Our firm offers free consultations for personal injury victims. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by getting in touch with us. We can hold the negligent parties and insurance companies accountable for the damages they’ve done to your physical health, finances, and property. The right compensation could help you replace your vehicle so you can get to work, as well as pay any bills for healthcare or physical therapy.

Common Injuries Caused by Car Accidents

From rear-end collisions to multi-car pileups, all car accidents have the potential to cause serious injuries. In many cases, these injuries require lengthy treatment times and result in expensive medical bills. You may also need to seek long-term care after the accident, such as physical therapy or necessary surgeries.

Car accident victims can sustain any of the following injuries:

  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Brain injuries
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Lacerations, bruising, and scarring
  • Mangled limbs that require amputation
  • Facial scarring and disfigurement
  • Serious burns
  • Psychological trauma

New York’s No-Fault Law

New York is a no-fault car insurance state, which means that each driver involved in a crash is responsible for paying for their own damages. Insurance policies usually extend coverage to any injured passengers in the vehicle as well. If your injuries qualify as serious, you may be able to file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company as well.

To uphold these financial responsibilities, New York requires all drivers to carry certain amounts of insurance. You can purchase more coverage than the required minimums if you choose.

  • $50,000 in personal injury protection coverage, which pays for your medical expenses and out-of-pocket losses
  • $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person, in case you cause an accident
  • $50,000 in total injury liability coverage per collision, in case you cause an accident
  • $10,000 in property damage liability if you cause an accident
  • Uninsured motorist coverage that meets these minimum limits

If you do not sustain serious injuries, you can only file a claim under your own no-fault insurance to collect compensation for your out-of-pocket expenses. If you suffer any of the following injuries, you may file a third-party insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver:

  • A broken bone or fracture
  • Serious disfigurement
  • A substantially full disability for at least 90 days
  • Permanent damage to or limitation of a body part or organ
  • Significant limitation of use of a body part or organ

What is New York’s Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents?

If you want to file a lawsuit against the driver responsible for your injuries, you will need to meet the statute of limitations. New York sets a deadline for all civil lawsuits, and if you do not file your claim by this deadline, the court will dismiss your case.

You have three years from the date of your accident to file your claim. If you’re filing on behalf of a deceased loved one, you have two years from the date of death to file. There are exceptions to the statute of limitations, but they are not common in car accidents. For best results, speak to an attorney at Gattuso & Ciotoli, PLLC to begin the filing process as soon as possible.

How Much Compensation is Available?

If you choose to file a personal injury lawsuit after your car accident, you can claim additional damages outside of medical expenses. Unlike other states, New York does not place limits on the amount of compensation you can receive. Because each case is so unique, it’s difficult to estimate your claim value without speaking to your lawyer first.

The purpose of these damages is to help you recover from the financial, physical, and psychological harm you sustain in the accident. You can collect two types of damages in New York: economic and non-economic. The exact damages you can collect depend on whether you are filing a no-fault claim, a third-party claim, or lawsuit.

Economic damages concern the out-of-pocket losses you experience after the accident, including the following.

  • All past and future medical care
  • Any therapy you need to treat your condition
  • Disability accommodations
  • Property damage and vehicle repairs
  • Lost wages and loss of future earnings

On the other hand, non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify. These damages concern your physical and emotional harm, and may include the following.

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Mental anguish
  • Chronic pain
  • Amputation and disfigurement
  • Permanent disability
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Why You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Syracuse

A personal injury can be devastating. Depending on the severity, it could affect you for the rest of your life. You deserve to be compensated for your pain and suffering, as well as your medical expenses and lost wages. We offer representation for injuries sustained in a variety of situations, including:

With more than 50 years of combined experience and a range of practice areas, you can be sure we know our way around a courtroom. As members of the New York Bar, we keep up with State law and do what we can to make it work for you. Once you have us helping you out, you and your family can focus on recovery. We know how to fight for what you’re entitled to and fast.

An accident injury shouldn’t ruin your life and your ability to provide for your family, especially if it was someone else’s fault. Hiring an experienced Syracuse personal injury attorney to go to bat for you is the first step toward ensuring that doesn’t happen. All of our years in practice have allowed us the opportunity to work on all kinds of cases, and we encourage you to call us right away if you ever find yourself dealing with the following legal situations:

Get Skilled Legal Representation – Call A Syracuse Car Accident Lawyer Today

Contact us to consult about your case. We represent the residents of Syracuse, New York, and the surrounding areas. Call (315) 314-8000 to get started.