A car accident can change your life overnight. Every day, Suffolk and Nassau counties see a wide range of collision types: rear-end impacts on the Long Island Expressway, sideswipes on Sunrise Highway, and pedestrian strikes in village centers. In 2022, there were 1,175 motor vehicle fatalities statewide, with over 20% occurring on Long Island. These numbers show how quickly a routine ride can turn tragic, especially with rising rates of unsafe lane changing and aggressive driving. Even without a fatal outcome, the aftermath can be overwhelming as you manage medical debt, legal deadlines, time away from work, and complex insurance rules. When the unexpected happens, seeking the help of reputable vehicle accident attorneys is pivotal. At Matera & Manley, LLP, our trusted attorneys will handle the details so you and your family can focus on healing.
Protecting Your Rights After an Accident
In the moments after a car accident, it’s normal to feel shaken and unsure of what to do next. But once the immediate shock fades, taking the right steps can make all the difference in protecting your health and your legal rights:
- Report the accident immediately to the police.
- Get medical treatment promptly and keep detailed records.
- Document the accident scene, injuries, and damages.
- Avoid discussing fault or liability at the scene.
- Contact vehicle accident attorneys to review your case.
Matera & Manley, LLP, advises accident victims throughout Long Island and New York City, guiding them through each step to safeguard their rights.
The Causes and Effects of Vehicle Accidents
Understanding how and why vehicle accidents happen can empower you to make informed decisions after a crash. It can help you recall and describe events more accurately, recognize when someone else may be at fault, and better communicate with your legal team.
On Long Island, vehicle accidents occur for many reasons, including:
- Distracted driving, such as texting or eating
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failure to yield
- Aggressive driving, including tailgating and weaving in and out of lanes
- Poor road conditions or faulty vehicle equipment
- Driver fatigue
These crashes often lead to severe injuries like head trauma, spinal cord damage, broken bones, emotional distress, and even death. In such cases, skilled vehicle accident attorneys can be invaluable in determining liability, collecting evidence, and holding responsible parties accountable.
New York’s No-Fault Law: A Vehicle Accident Attorney Explains
Because New York is a no-fault state, most accident victims first file claims with their own insurer, regardless of who caused the crash. The goal is fast payment, but the trade-off is a strict 30-day deadline for submitting the No-Fault Application (Form NF-2). Missing the deadline can bar coverage. Good vehicle accident attorneys assist in preparing the form, gathering supporting medical records, and filing on time. However, if you suffer serious injuries, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. A vehicle accident attorney can help you understand if your injuries qualify under New York’s serious injury threshold and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
New York’s mandatory Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers a minimum of $50,000 per person, per accident for reasonable medical expenses, up to 80 percent of lost earnings, and certain daily costs. For many serious injuries, that ceiling is not enough. Experienced vehicle accident attorneys document every expense—ambulance rides, specialist visits, adaptive devices—and pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver when the injuries meet the threshold for “serious injury” set by state law. The aftermath of a vehicle accident often includes high medical bills. Even with no-fault insurance, victims may face:
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Deductibles
- Unpaid wages
- Costs of rehabilitation or therapy
Understanding Negligence in Vehicle Accidents
If your injuries or losses exceed the PIP limits and you wish to recover additional compensation (such as for pain and suffering or for economic losses not covered by PIP), you must step outside the no-fault system.
To build the strongest possible case, we must first prove negligence. Negligence means someone failed to act responsibly, causing harm to another person. In vehicle accidents, negligence might involve ignoring traffic signals, failing to maintain a safe vehicle, or driving recklessly.
Vehicle accident attorneys can prove negligence by:
- Investigating the accident scene
- Interviewing witnesses
- Reviewing police reports
- Consulting with accident reconstruction experts
At Matera & Manley, LLP, our vehicle accident attorneys use their prosecutorial and investigative backgrounds to identify negligence clearly and quickly. We help clients protect their interests by collecting medical records, consulting with doctors, and documenting the long-term impact of injuries. Our goal is to secure full compensation for current and future expenses.
Take the First Step Toward Justice With the Best Vehicle Accident Attorneys
Whether you’re on the way to Jones Beach in the summer or simply driving to the grocery store, vehicle accidents can change your life. Fortunately, the right attorneys can help restore your peace of mind and financial security. Matera & Manley, LLP, offers free consultations to help accident victims understand their legal options thoroughly and clearly.
Contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation and see why our experienced vehicle accident attorneys are the best choice for your Long Island accident case. Let our experience work for you from the first call to the final resolution.
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