Being the victim of a motor vehicle accident can be devastating and overwhelming. In the moments and days that follow, you may be left with many urgent questions. How will you get the medical treatment you need? Who will pay for your medical care? What happens if your injuries prevent you from working and supporting your family? Are you entitled to No-Fault benefits? Can you recover compensation for your pain and suffering? What if I was working when the accident occurred? What if the vehicle that hit you was stolen or uninsured? Who pays the costs of pursuing an injury claim, such as court fees, expert witnesses, and medical records?

No two accident cases are the same. The answers to these questions depend on how the crash occurred and the specific circumstances of your injuries. This is why choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in the world. The team at the Law Offices of Kaplan & Kaplan will answer all your questions. Take advantage of our free consultation to learn exactly where you stand and what you may be entitled to. The Law Offices of Kaplan & Kaplan pays all the costs of prosecuting your injury case, and we only get paid if we recover money for you.

The Law Offices of Kaplan & Kaplan represent victims of accidents throughout Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

Car Accidents

Every year, thousands of people are injured in automobile accidents throughout New York City. Drivers may be distracted, speeding, intoxicated, or simply careless. If you were injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Truck and Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Accidents involving trucks, delivery vehicles, and commercial fleets often cause severe injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles. These cases may involve multiple parties, including the driver, the trucking company, or the company responsible for maintaining the vehicle.

Hit-and-Run and Uninsured Drivers

Victims of accidents involving stolen vehicles, hit-and-run drivers, or uninsured motorists still have legal options. In many cases, compensation may be available through uninsured motorist coverage or other insurance protections.

Pedestrian, E-Bike, Scooter, and Bicycle Accidents

Pedestrians and cyclists are especially vulnerable in traffic collisions. When a driver fails to yield the right of way, runs a red light, or drives recklessly, the consequences can be catastrophic.

Taxi Accidents

New York City streets are filled with yellow cabs and other for-hire vehicles transporting passengers throughout the five boroughs. When taxi drivers speed, drive while distracted, or fail to obey traffic laws, serious accidents can occur. Passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and occupants of other vehicles may all be injured in taxi accidents.

Taxi accident cases can involve multiple parties, including the driver, the taxi medallion owner, or the company responsible for operating the vehicle. Victims of taxi accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Uber and Lyft Accidents

Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft have become a common form of transportation in New York City. When an accident occurs involving a rideshare vehicle, determining who is responsible can be more complicated than in a typical car accident case.

Depending on whether the driver was waiting for a ride request, traveling to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting a passenger, different insurance policies may apply. Victims of Uber or Lyft accidents may be entitled to compensation through the driver’s insurance policy or the rideshare company’s insurance coverage.

Revel Scooter and E-Moped Accidents

Electric scooters and mopeds, including those operated through rideshare services such as Revel, have become increasingly common on New York City streets. While convenient, these vehicles can present significant safety risks when operators are inexperienced, distracted, or fail to follow traffic laws.

Accidents involving electric scooters and mopeds can cause serious injuries to riders, pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists. These cases may involve claims against the operator of the vehicle, other drivers involved in the crash, or companies responsible for maintaining or renting the vehicle.

Rideshare and For-Hire Vehicle Liability

Accidents involving taxis, Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare vehicles often raise complex legal and insurance issues. Questions frequently arise regarding which insurance policy applies and who may ultimately be responsible for compensating the injured victim.

The Law Offices of Kaplan & Kaplan has experience handling complex motor vehicle accident cases involving for-hire vehicles throughout New York City. Our firm investigates the circumstances of each crash, identifies all responsible parties, and works to obtain the full compensation our clients deserve.

New York No-Fault Insurance and Serious Injury Claims

Under New York law, most motor vehicle accident claims are initially covered by No-Fault insurance. This means that your own automobile insurance policy may pay for certain medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident.

However, No-Fault benefits are limited. When an accident causes serious injuries, the injured person may also be entitled to pursue a claim against the responsible driver for pain and suffering and other damages.

New York law defines a “serious injury” to include conditions such as fractures, permanent loss of use of a body organ or member, significant limitation of use of a body function or system, or injuries that prevent a person from performing their usual daily activities for at least ninety days during the first one hundred eighty days following the accident.

Determining whether an injury meets the legal threshold for a serious injury can be complex. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Kaplan & Kaplan carefully review medical records, consult with medical experts when necessary, and evaluate every available avenue of recovery to ensure that injured clients receive the compensation they deserve.

1. What To Do After a Motor Vehicle Accident

What to Do After a Motor Vehicle Accident

The steps you take immediately after a motor vehicle accident can have a significant impact on your health and your legal rights. If you are involved in a crash, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries do not appear serious at first. Many injuries become more apparent in the hours or days following an accident.

You should also report the accident to the police, obtain the names and contact information of any witnesses, and document the accident scene if possible. Photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries can be important evidence.

Before speaking with insurance companies or signing any documents, it is often helpful to consult with an attorney who can explain your rights and help protect your interests.

2. Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents

Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents in New York City occur for many reasons, but most are the result of driver negligence. Some of the most common causes of accidents include distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield the right of way, running red lights, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

In dense urban environments like New York City, drivers must also be vigilant for pedestrians, cyclists, and delivery vehicles sharing the road. When drivers fail to operate their vehicles safely, serious injuries can occur.

3. Types of Injuries Caused by Car Accidents

Common Injuries in Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from relatively minor conditions to catastrophic, life-altering harm. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, fractures, internal injuries, and severe soft tissue damage.

Even injuries that initially appear minor may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Victims of serious accidents may face long periods of recovery and significant financial strain due to medical expenses and lost income.

4. Compensation Available in Motor Vehicle Accident Cases

Compensation Available to Accident Victims

Individuals injured in motor vehicle accidents may be entitled to recover compensation for a variety of damages. These may include medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, rehabilitation costs, and compensation for pain and suffering.

When accidents result in permanent injuries or disabilities, compensation may also include damages for long-term loss of earning capacity and the impact the injuries have on a person’s daily life.

5. How Insurance Companies Handle Accident Claims

Dealing With Insurance Companies After an Accident

After a motor vehicle accident, insurance companies often begin investigating the claim immediately. While insurance companies may appear cooperative, their primary objective is often to limit the amount of money they must pay on a claim.

Insurance adjusters may attempt to obtain recorded statements, request medical authorizations, or encourage injured individuals to accept early settlement offers. Before agreeing to any settlement, it is important to understand the full extent of your injuries and the value of your claim.