Many people are injured each year because of car accidents in Cortlandt, NY. A high number of these accidents happen because drivers act negligently. For instance, crashes regularly occur because motorists drive drunk, drive distracted, and drive at illegal speeds.
Thankfully, you may be able to recover compensation for any injuries you sustain as the result of a car crash. However, the route to payment can differ depending on various factors such as the cause of your accident and the severity of injuries it caused. The team at our law firm will review your case and help identify the appropriate next steps to take.
In the aftermath of your harmful collision in Cortlandt, seek support from our experienced car accident lawyers at The Martello Law Firm by dialing (914) 685-6950.
Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Cortlandt, NY
Time limits to file specific types of lawsuits are set forth by states’ statutes of limitations. According to C.V.P. Law § 214, you will generally have three years from the date of your accident to file a case against the at fault party. If you wait too long to bring your claim to court, then you may miss out on your opportunity to recover monetary damages.
Despite potentially having years to file, you should begin working on your car accident case as soon as possible after your collision. The evidence required to support your claim can begin to deteriorate as time passes on. The sooner you seek help from our car accident attorneys, the more efficiently we can gather the information we need to win your case.
In addition to filing your claim on time, there are several other conditions that have to be satisfied when bringing your car accident lawsuit to court. For instance, you have to file in the proper jurisdiction, pay filing fees, attach necessary supporting documents, serve defendants, and make sure you are filing a complete claim. When filing your case, the team at our law firm will ensure that these requirements are met.
Considering Settlement Offers in Cortlandt Car Accident Cases
After filing a car accident claim, the defendant and their insurer will likely attempt to settle your case before going to trial. When you reach a settlement agreement, the defendant will pay you an agreed-upon sum of damages in exchange for the dismissal of your claim. There are potential advantages to settling early. For example, plaintiffs who settle before trial often recover payment sooner. Further, they may save on various expenses that they would incur in court.
Still, defendants in car accident cases regularly attempt to settle their claims for less than they are worth. If you are not presented with an adequate settlement offer, then you must go to trial to recover the payment you deserve. Fortunately, our legal team can offer valuable guidance when considering settlement offers in your case.
Common Types of Injuries Suffered by Car Accident Victims in Cortlandt, NY
There are several different types of injuries that can result from car accidents. The following are all common injuries suffered by crash victims in Cortlandt:
Broken Bones
First, broken bones are a common type of car accident injury that can occur. The impact of a collision can exert extreme force on the body, leading to fractures. Depending on the severity of the crash and the point of impact, any bone in the body can be affected.
Common broken bones include fractures of the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones. Treatment for broken bones may involve immobilization with casts, splints, or braces. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to realign and stabilize the bones. Rehabilitation and physical therapy may follow to regain strength and mobility.
Spinal Cord Damage
Car accidents can cause damage to the spinal cord, which is a critical part of the central nervous system. The force of impact can lead to compression, bruising, or even severing of the spinal cord. Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the level and extent of the damage.
Treatment for spinal cord injuries often involves immediate medical attention to stabilize the spine, followed by rehabilitation and physical therapy to enhance functional recovery. Unfortunately, in some cases, the damage can be permanent, requiring ongoing medical support and assistive devices for daily living.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are common car accident injuries that affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The sudden impact can strain or tear these tissues, leading to conditions such as whiplash, sprains, and strains. Soft tissue injuries can cause pain, swelling, and restricted movement. Treatment may involve rest, pain management, physical therapy, and sometimes, in more severe cases, surgical intervention.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Traumatic brain injuries occur when the head experiences a sudden jolt or blow during a car accident, causing damage to the brain. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain trauma with long-term consequences. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, memory problems, mood changes, and loss of consciousness. Immediate medical attention is crucial for TBIs, and treatment may involve monitoring, medication, and rehabilitation therapies tailored to the specific type and severity of the injury.
Burn Injuries
Car accidents can lead to fires or explosions, resulting in burn injuries for drivers and passengers. Burn injuries can be categorized into first-degree (superficial), second-degree (partial thickness), or third-degree (full thickness) burns, depending on their severity. Treatment for burns may involve wound care, skin grafts, pain management, and ongoing rehabilitation to minimize scarring and restore function.
Psychological Injuries
Car accidents can have not only physical but also psychological impacts on the individuals involved. Psychological injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, can develop as a result of the traumatic event. These injuries can interfere with daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life. Treatment for psychological injuries may involve counseling, therapy, and, in some cases, medication to help manage symptoms and promote healing.
Seek Help from Our Car Accident Lawyers After Your Collision in Cortlandt, NY
Get assistance from our experienced car accident attorneys by calling The Martello Law Firm today at (914) 685-6950.