Auto Accidents

According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, there were a total of 323,106 motor vehicle accidents in New York State in 2007.  About 1,220 of these accidents were fatal.  Further, throughout the United States an auto accident occurs every ten seconds according to the National Transportation Safety Board.  As these statistics demonstrate, automobile accidents occur frequently and may result not only in catastrophic injuries, but also death. 

The Law Firm of Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C. represents automobile accident victims in a variety of vehicle accident cases involving cars, motorcycles, and trucks.  Utilizing our broad depth of experience and expertise, we aggressively advocate on our clients' behalf to maximize their recovery.  Most automobile accident cases are caused by certain factors.  Some of these factors, attributable to the negligence of the other party, include:

• Driving too quickly or slowly
• Failure to see traffic signals or signs
• Reckless driving
• Inattentive drivers
• Intoxicated drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Drivers who disregard unfavorable weather, road, or traffic conditions
  

Important Steps to Take After an Auto Accident

After individuals are involved in automobile accidents, there are several critical steps people should take to protect their rights.  Some of the steps drivers should take include the following:

·         Obtaining the name, address, and contact information of the other drivers and any witnesses

·         Obtaining the insurance policy information of the vehicle owners

·         Getting medical attention for yourself and others who may be injured

·         Taking photographs of the accident scene, including the position of the vehicles, road conditions, and lighting conditions in the event a personal injury lawsuit is filed against the other party later on. 

New York is a No-Fault Insurance State

Drivers who are involved in automobile accidents should be aware of their states' laws regarding auto insurance.  New York is a "no-fault" insurance state, which means that insureds are generally reimbursed by their insurance company for damages regardless of who was responsible for causing the accident.  Insureds can be reimbursed for medical costs and other losses that might surface after the accident.      

The state of New York also requires registered motor vehicles to have liability insurance with certain minimum coverage amounts:

• $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000/$100,000 for death
• $10,000 for property damage per accident
  

For additional information on insurance coverage requirements, please visit New York's Department of Motor Vehicles website. 

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

New York requires drivers to have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.  Having these types of coverages provide additional protection to drivers who are involved in auto accidents.  Uninsured motorist coverage allows drivers to receive compensation for their expenses through their insurance company when the other driver lacks automobile insurance.  Underinsured motorist coverage is another type of protection for insureds, where if the other driver's insurance policy limits do not cover all the insured's expenses, the insured's insurance carrier may cover the expenses and damages that were not covered by the other driver's policy.  

Although insurance companies may cover some of the expenses people incur after an accident, people sometimes face such severe, debilitating injuries that insurance coverage is not enough.  To recover fully for your injuries, seek experienced attorneys to assist you.  If you have been injured in an auto accident or you have lost a loved one in an auto accident, contact the Law Firm of Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C. immediately for skilled, aggressive legal representation.