Any personal injury that is sustained in a car accident and impairs someone physically or mentally to the point at which they can no longer perform work duties or everyday tasks is considered a permanent car accident injury. These injuries can impact finances, career options, and the overall wellbeing of anyone involved in the accident as well as their loved ones who support them. This is generally why people seek compensation for pain and suffering as a potential solution. New York is a no-fault state, meaning drivers involved in accidents are eligible for insurance benefits even if they are found culpable. Through the no-fault law, victims are covered for lost wages and medical bills at the expense of giving up the right to sue for pain and suffering unless their injury is considered serious.
What are Some Permanent Car Accident Injuries?
Some of the permanent injuries commonly seen in car accidents include the following:
- Neck and back injuries
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Soft tissue injuries
- Bone fractures
- Loss of limbs
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Head injuries
- Nerve damage
What are Possible Permanent or Long-Term Consequences of a Car Accident?
Victims of a car accident can experience a variety of long-term effects and health issues, including the following:
- Cognitive problems
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and depression
- Chronic pain
- Paralysis
- Death
- Financial problems
- Strained relationships with caregivers or loved ones
Which Injuries Meet the Serious Injury Threshold in the State of New York?
In the state of New York, a serious injury is a personal injury that results in one the following:
- Death
- Dismemberment
- Significant disfigurement
- Fracture
- Loss of a fetus
- Permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function, or system
- Permanent consequential limitation of a body organ or member
- Significant loss of use of a body function or system
- Medically determined injury or impairment of a non-permanent nature for not less than 90 days during 180 days immediately following the occurrence of injury or impairment
How can a Lawyer Help Me with My Claims Process?
The assistance of a seasoned car accident lawyer can be invaluable for victims in every aspect of the claims process. The lawyer can help in the following ways:
- They can assist in gathering records of the following:
- Medical bills, doctor’s visits, hospital stays, physical therapy sessions, any tangible records related to the injury.
- Income information, any timecards, or receipts of former paychecks to try to calculate past, current, and future lost wages.
- Witness statements from any other drivers or pedestrians who saw what happened.
- Surveillance videos.
- Pictures and notes from the date of the incident.
- Police reports.
- They are advocates for their clients.
- They handle most of the paperwork and negotiations with insurance companies.
- They are able to file lawsuits on behalf of their clients.
- They provide representation if negotiations fail and their client wishes to go to trial.
- They have experience.
- Knowledge of the law and any statutes or rules and their exceptions.
- Dealing with insurance companies who are focused on their interests.
- They help with settlements.
- They gather all of the evidence and calculate a settlement amount that is best for their clients.
- They support their clients in their decision making process.
- They provide information and advice so that their clients can decide whether to go to court or accept an offer.
Brooklyn Car Accident Lawyers at Eaton & Torrenzano Help Victims Recover from Their Injuries
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, reach out to the Brooklyn car accident lawyers at Eaton & Torrenzano. Our experienced and knowledgeable lawyers will examine every aspect of your accident and secure the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 718-332-7766 or contact us online for a free consultation. With offices in Brooklyn and Staten Island, New York, and Hillsborough, New Jersey, we serve clients in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, the Bronx, and Manhattan, Kings County, and Richmond County.