Types of Car Accidents

If you’ve suffered injuries in a car accident in Schenectady, you may be feeling confused, overwhelmed, and uncertain about your future. Fortunately, you don’t have to face the mounting bills, time out of work, and emotional fallout on your own. The team at Dalmata, Maloy, & Burke, LLP, is here to help.

Our team of experienced personal injury lawyers will fight to hold the negligent party accountable and recover the maximum compensation possible after a car accident. However, it’s essential to note that collisions occur in various ways, and each one presents unique legal considerations. Understanding the specifics of each type of accident can help you prepare for a successful case.

Take a look at this list of the common types of car accidents in New York, and then call on DMB Legal when you’re ready to seek the accountability you deserve. You can contact our office by phone or online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation about your case. Your case evaluation is fully confidential, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your accident claim.

How a Schenectady, NY, Attorney Can Help with Your Car Accident Claim

Car accident injury claims present many challenges regardless of the type of accident, whether it’s establishing liability, linking your injuries to the accident, dealing with uninsured or underinsured drivers, or navigating an accident claim that involves several vehicles. Placing those challenges in the hands of the experienced attorneys at DMB Legal can relieve your burden so you can focus on recovery.

Our auto accident lawyers can help by:

• Bringing Extensive Experience – We have a long track record of success for accident victims in New York’s Capital Region. Our team has seen nearly every type of car accident case imaginable, and we know what it takes to recover maximum compensation in all of them.
• Providing Personalized Representation – You’re not just another case number at DMB Legal. We prioritize personal representation and close client relationships, and we’re proud to say that this approach has resulted in many clients doing repeat business with our firm.
• Offering 24/7 Communication – You need to know what’s going on with your case, and you shouldn’t have to wait to find out. That’s why we make ourselves available 24/7 and quickly respond to calls, messages, and emails.
• Fighting for Your Rights – Whether we’re at the negotiating table seeking a fair settlement from the insurance company or in the courtroom fighting for a favorable verdict before a judge or jury, our team will advocate aggressively for the compensation you deserve.

What Compensation Could I Be Entitled to for My Car Accident Injuries?

After a car accident in New York, your first recourse for compensation will be your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage under your auto policy. It will cover your medical expenses and lost wages up to the policy limits. After you exhaust your policy limits, you can seek compensation for those losses from the at-fault party’s insurer.

If you suffered a significant injury as defined by New York law, you could seek compensation for the following:

• Medical Expenses – Additional expenses your PIP didn’t cover, such as emergency services, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor’s visits, medications, medical devices, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and future medical costs related to your injuries.
• Lost Wages – Hourly wages or salary, missed raises or promotions, commissions and tips, medical benefits, sick days and vacation time, diminished earning capacity, and future lost wages.
• Property Damage – Repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident, as well as the diminished resale value of your car.
• Pain and Suffering – The physical and psychological impact of the accident and your injuries. Includes the physical pain you’ve endured and mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms.

When you meet with DMB Legal, we can review your situation to determine the compensation you may be eligible to pursue. Reach out to us today to schedule your free, confidential case evaluation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Injury Lawsuit in New York?

Under New York law, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a car accident lawsuit. However, if the accident involves a government entity, your window is far shorter. You’ll have to file a Notice of Claim stating your intent to seek compensation within 90 days of the accident.

Regardless of when the deadline may be, it’s critical to get your case started as soon as possible. Personal injury claims take time, and insurance companies frequently attempt to delay the process. In addition, building a compelling case only becomes more challenging the longer you wait. Contact DMB Legal as soon as possible so we may review your case to determine when you need to file your claim.

What Are the Most Common Types of Car Accidents in Schenectady?

Car accidents of all kinds occur throughout Schenectady, whether on a major highway like I-890 or NY 7, a busy downtown intersection, or a rural back road. Some of the most common types of accidents include the following:

Head-On Collisions

These are among the most dangerous types of crashes due to the extreme impact force resulting from two vehicles moving in opposite directions. Head-on collisions often occur on undivided highways or when one driver drifts into oncoming traffic, and injuries are frequently severe or even fatal.

Rear-End Collisions

When one driver collides into the rear of another, it’s typically because they were driving distracted or following too closely. These collisions can lead to debilitating whiplash and back injuries even at low speeds.

Sideswipe Accidents

Sideswipes occur when two vehicles traveling parallel to one another collide along their sides. Unsafe lane changes, failure to check blind spots, or drifting into adjacent lanes are often the causes of these crashes. Depending on the speed and angle of the sideswipe accident, the damage can range from a minor fender bender to a severe wreck.

Left-Turn Accidents

A driver turning left across traffic may misjudge the speed or distance of oncoming vehicles, leading to serious side-impact accidents. Damage and injuries in these accidents are frequently severe and can include whiplash, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries.

T-Bone Accidents

T-bone accidents occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another. These collisions most frequently occur at intersections, and they can cause devastating injuries due to the vulnerability of the side structure on most vehicles.

Intersection Collisions

Intersections are common locations for accidents, as oncoming traffic, bicyclists, and pedestrians all converge there. Visibility issues, right-of-way rules, and traffic signals all contribute to the elevated accident risk in these areas.

Rollover Accidents

Rollovers happen most frequently when a vehicle flips over due to speeding, sharp turns, or a collision with another car or object. These accidents are particularly violent and can result in a wide range of injuries.

Multi-Vehicle Accidents and Pileups

When two cars collide in a high-traffic area, it’s not uncommon for other vehicles to become involved in the crash. These chain-reaction collisions occur most frequently on highways or in adverse weather conditions, and they can result in particularly complex personal injury claims.

Single-Vehicle Accidents

Even when only one vehicle is involved in the accident, it may not be entirely the driver’s fault. Mechanical failure, swerving to avoid an animal or object, and poor road design can all contribute to accidents.

Highway Accidents

Highways often contain a high volume of vehicles traveling at high speeds, which is a recipe for collisions. These accidents often involve three or more vehicles, and the damage and injuries are frequently significant.

Uber/Lyft Accidents

Rideshare drivers spend a significant amount of time on the road, which increases their risk of being involved in an accident. These accidents present unique liability and insurance complications, as the driver may be covered by one of several different policies, depending on their status at the time of the collision.

Uninsured Accidents

Having insurance may be a legal requirement, but that doesn’t stop some people from getting behind the wheel without it. In these cases, you may need to turn to your Uninsured Motorist coverage if you exceed the limits on your Personal Injury Protection coverage.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

When a driver flees the scene, it becomes more complicated to recover the compensation you deserve. An experienced attorney can help you explore all options for recovery.

Merging Accidents

Common reasons for merging accidents include failure to yield, failure to signal, speeding, and not checking blind spots.

Low-Speed Accidents

A collision does not need to occur at high speeds to have devastating consequences. Even a low-speed crash can result in whiplash or a soft tissue injury that can cause medical bills to pile up and keep you out of work for extended periods.

Blind Spot Accidents

When a driver fails to check their mirrors or properly look over their shoulder before changing lanes, accidents can occur, ranging from minor sideswipes to devastating multi-car pileups.

What Are Common Injuries Caused by Car Accidents?

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, including the following:

Not all injuries are apparent immediately after they occur. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. This will not only protect your well-being, but it can also protect your rights should you choose to pursue a personal injury claim.

Contact an Experienced Schenectady, NY, Car Accident Attorney Today

When you’re facing the physical, emotional, and financial fallout of a car accident — all because of someone else’s negligence — the experienced, reputable lawyers at DMB Legal are here to protect your rights. We offer both fierce legal representation and compassionate support as you look to rebuild your life and hold the responsible party accountable.

Contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation. You pay nothing for us to get started on your case, and there are no fees unless we successfully resolve your matter.