Bushwick Car Accident Lawyers

Bushwick, New York is a Brooklyn neighborhood and an artist hub with edgy and imaginative streets, converted warehouse art studios, and galleries—congested traffic in this populated area results in many car accidents yearly. Injuries from car accidents can result in expensive medical bills, lost wages, property loss, and more. Our Bushwick car accident lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki work tirelessly on behalf of our clients.

What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents in Bushwick?

Many factors, including driver error and poor judgment, cause car accidents. The most common causes of car accidents include:

Distracted driving: Distracted driving is among the most common causes of accidents in the United States. Cell phone use, interacting with onboard technology, eating, and other activities distract drivers’ attention.
Speeding: Driving over the speed limit reduces drivers’ ability to avoid obstacles or stop suddenly.
Drunk driving: One of the leading causes of car accident fatalities, drunk driving reduces reaction times, blurs vision, inhibits brain function, reduces focus, and more, often leading to severe or fatal accidents.
Aggressive driving: Darting in and out of lanes, disobeying traffic rules, and cutting off other motorists are considered aggressive driving behaviors, which increase the risk of accidents.
Drowsy driving: Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving, as sleep deprivation causes the same impairments as drugs and alcohol.
Weather: Slick roads due to rain, snow, and ice inhibit the tires’ ability to maintain traction with the road, especially if speeding.
Tailgating: Traveling too closely frequently causes rear-end accidents in heavy traffic.

What Should I Do if I am in a Car Accident in Bushwick?

If you are physically able, taking the following steps can help your personal injury claim:

Report the accident: Call the police and report the accident and injuries.
Do not engage the other driver: Exchange contact and insurance information, but refrain from conversation, arguments, or apologize. What you say can be used against you later.
Document the scene: Photograph the scene, including damage, injuries, road and weather conditions, the other driver’s license plate number, and anything else that contributed to the accident.
Gather witness statements: Exchange contact information with witnesses and ask for statements.
Seek medical attention: Even if you believe your injuries are minor, be evaluated by a medical professional within 48 hours. Not only is a doctor’s report vital to your claim, some internal injuries do not present for hours or days but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Maintain records: Keep medical records and bills, invoices, estimates, and any communication related to the accident.
Hire a lawyer: Work with an experienced car accident lawyer with a track record of winning.

What Are Common Car Accident Injuries?

Injuries from car accidents range from mild to severe and are often life-altering, even in minor collisions. The most common car accident injuries include:

Back, neck, and spinal cord injuries
Broken bones and fractures
Burns
Concussion and head injuries
Crushed or severed limbs
Cuts and lacerations
Disfigurement and scarring
Nerve damage
Organ damage
Paralysis
Psychological trauma
Whiplash
Soft tissue injuries
Traumatic brain injuries

Can I Seek Compensation for My Car Accident Injuries?

Personal injury claims have no set value. Instead, damages are based on each case’s circumstances and the injuries’ severity. Economic and non-economic damages may be available.

Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to the fixed expenses incurred as a result of the accident, such as the following:

In-home medical care
Lost wages and future earning capacity
Permanent or temporary disability
Medical expenses
Medical devices and equipment
Ongoing medical care
Rehabilitation and therapy
Repair costs
Funeral expenses

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages refer to injuries and losses with no finite value, such as the following:

Amputations
Chronic pain
Cognitive impairment
Disability
Disfigurement
Emotional distress
Loss of consortium
Loss of enjoyment of life
Pain and suffering
PTSD
Scarring

New York’s Pure Comparative Negligence Rule

New York follows the rule of pure comparative negligence in personal injury cases. Each driver will be assigned a percentage of fault for the accident. However, a plaintiff may be eligible for damages regardless of their amount of fault. The amount you are awarded will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Is There a Deadline for Filing an Injury Claim?

New York’s statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims is three years from the accident date or two years from the date of death.

How Can Rubenstein & Rynecki Help Me With My Case?

Hiring a lawyer following a car accident is not required but is advised. Working with a Bushwick car accident lawyer at Rubenstein & Rynecki lets you focus on recovery. We can help you by doing the following:

Investigating the accident scene.
Reviewing police reports.
Filing all required documents.
Interviewing witnesses.
Hiring outside experts.
Negotiating with insurance companies for a settlement.
Representing you in court if necessary.

Many individuals are hesitant to hire a lawyer based on perceived costs; however, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. For over 50 years, we have earned a stellar reputation and have a track record of obtaining millions of dollars for our clients.