Car Accident Lawyers in Warwick, NY

Warwick Car Accidents: From Fender Benders to Multi-Vehicle Collisions, We Can Help

Warwick roads see a large number of accidents — rear-end collisions on Route 94, sideswipe crashes on busy streets, and serious incidents at intersections. No matter the type of accident you've been in, our lawyers have the knowledge and resources to build a strong case on your behalf.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on accidents occur when two vehicles collide front-to-front, often resulting in severe injuries due to the tremendous impact force.

T-Bone Accidents

Also called side-impact collisions, T-bone accidents occur when one vehicle hits the side of another, forming a "T" shape. The lack of protection on the sides of vehicles makes these encounters particularly dangerous.

Multi-Car Pileups

A pileup involves three or more vehicles and can be chaotic and difficult to untangle in terms of liability. They frequently occur on highways and busy roads.

Distracted Driving Crashes

Distracted driving is when a vehicle operator texts, eats, talks on the phone, or otherwise fails to keep their full attention to the road. Unsurprisingly, it’s a common cause of accidents.

Accidents Involving Trucks or Commercial Vehicles

Due to their size and weight, accidents with large trucks can be devastating. Special regulations may also apply to these cases, making them especially complex.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

These frustrating cases occur when the at-fault driver flees the scene. As such, finding the responsible party and obtaining justice and compensation becomes extra challenging.

Accidents Caused by Drunk or Impaired Drivers

Impaired drivers pose a serious risk to everyone on the road. Holding them accountable is paramount, both for the victim’s sake and for that of other road users.

Don't Pay Out of Pocket: Our Contingency Fee Approach

We understand the kind of financial worries that can arise following a car accident, which is why we work on a contingency fee basis for Warwick car accident cases. This means:

• Free Consultations: During your no-cost consultation, we'll discuss your case, its potential outcomes, and our fee structure in detail.
• No Upfront Costs: You won't pay a retainer or any fees to start your claim.
• We Only Get Paid If You Do: Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we secure for you; if we don't win, you don't owe a dime.

This approach ensures that our interests align with yours. Our attorneys are motivated to fight for the maximum possible compensation so you can focus on your recovery without financial stress.

Beyond Bumps and Bruises: The Spectrum of Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts, scrapes, and contusions to catastrophic trauma with long-lasting consequences. For this reason, it’s vital to seek medical attention even if you don't feel immediate pain.

Some of the car accident injuries we see most often include:

• Whiplash: Neck pain and stiffness due to sudden jolting.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Strains, sprains, and bruising.
• Cuts, Lacerations, and Contusions: Skin damage from broken glass or impact.
• Headaches and Concussions: Even mild head injuries should be monitored.

Especially destructive accidents can result in the following severe injuries:

• Broken Bones: Complex fractures may require surgery and rehabilitation.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to organs can be life-threatening.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal trauma can result in partial or full paralysis.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): TBIs can have long-lasting effects on cognition, behavior, and personality.

Our Warwick car accident attorneys will work closely with medical experts to assess the full extent of your injuries, ensuring that your claim accounts for both your current and future needs.

Seeking Justice After a Fatal Car Accident

Losing a loved one in a car accident is an unimaginable tragedy. While no amount of compensation can ease your grief, seeking justice through a wrongful death claim can bring a sense of accountability and help with unexpected financial burdens. Our car accident lawyers handle wrongful death cases with sensitivity and compassion.

Protect Yourself: Know the Biggest Risks on Warwick Roads

Like any town, Warwick sees its share of car accidents due to many factors. Understanding the most common causes can help you stay safe on the road. They include:

• Distracted Driving: Texting, talking, eating, and other distractions take a driver's eyes and focus off the road.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving maneuvers and going too fast both increase the risk of collisions.
• Drunk or Drugged Driving: Driving under the influence of any substance impairs reaction time and judgment.
• Drowsy Driving: Fatigued drivers can be as dangerous as impaired ones.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, and ice can make roads slick and visibility poor.
• Road Hazards: Potholes, poorly maintained roads, and construction zones are frequent contributors to accidents.

If your accident was the result of another driver's negligence, you may be entitled to seek compensation.

Who Pays for Your Accident? Determining Liability

New York is a no-fault car insurance state, which means your own insurance initially covers some expenses. However, for serious injuries, you may have the right to file a claim against the at-fault driver's insurance or sue them directly.

Our car accident lawyers will carefully investigate your case to pinpoint liability. Potentially responsible parties might include:

• Other Drivers: If another driver was speeding, distracted, driving recklessly, or under the influence, they could be held liable.
• Commercial Vehicle Drivers: Commercial car accidents typically involve additional regulations and potentially liable parties.
• Vehicle Manufacturers: In certain instances, a defective car part could increase the likelihood of an accident.
• Government Entities: Poor road maintenance or signage could put the onus on a government agency.

Proving negligence is essential for securing compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Reckoning with the Full Impact of Your Injuries

Vehicular accidents can cause severe and far-reaching losses. The compassionate attorneys at The Ahearne Law firm will fight to recover the maximum possible compensation for your claim, which may include economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.

Economic damages provide payment for an accident’s tangible effects, such as:

• Medical Expenses: Current and future costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
• Lost Wages: Both time missed from work immediately after the accident and any reduced earning potential due to your injuries.
• Property Damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.

Non-economic damages, meanwhile, are meant to address mental, physical, and lifestyle consequences, including:

• Pain and Suffering: The physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: The inability to participate in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed.
• Loss of Consortium: The impact on your relationship with your spouse or family members.

In cases where an at-fault driver is found to have acted with extreme recklessness, a jury may award punitive damages to punish them and deter future wrongdoing. Economic and non-economic damages comprise the majority of the average personal injury award, while punitive damages are considerably rarer.

Time Is of the Essence: New York's Car Accident Deadlines

New York law sets strict time limits, known as statutes of limitations, for filing lawsuits. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to initiate legal action. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation altogether.

There are some noteworthy exceptions to this rule, which concern the following circumstances:

• Minors: The clock may not start until a minor turns 18.
• The Discovery Rule: In some cases, the countdown begins when you discover the injury, not the date the accident occurred.
• Wrongful Death: Lawsuits for wrongful death have a shorter deadline, typically two years.

Don't delay in seeking legal advice. Our attorneys can analyze the circumstances of your Warwick car accident case and ensure that your claim is filed within the appropriate window.

Quick Cash or Fair Compensation? Weighing Settlement Offers

After a car accident, the at-fault party’s insurance company may be quick to offer you a settlement. As tempting as it is to accept and get the situation over with, initial offers are often low, being designed to minimize the insurer’s payout. Before signing anything, consider:

• The Full Cost of Your Injuries: Medical bills may continue over the long term, and some injuries could impact your ability to work.
• Non-Economic Losses: Pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life — these impacts deserve compensation too.
• The Value of an Attorney: A dedicated Warwick car accident lawyer will understand how to value your case and negotiate aggressively with the insurance company.

The Ahearne Law Firm offers free consultations to assess your situation and advise whether an offer is fair or whether you should push for more.

No-Fault Insurance: What It Means After Your Car Accident

As mentioned, New York is a no-fault insurance state. This means that after a car accident, you generally file a claim with your own insurance company for initial medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. This type of coverage is known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP).

Here are some key points regarding no-fault insurance:

• Limits: PIP coverage has limits, so severe injuries may exceed what your insurance will pay.
• Right to Sue: New York's "serious injury" rule allows you to sue an at-fault driver if your injuries meet certain thresholds.
• Complexity: No-fault laws can be confusing; a knowledgeable car accident lawyer can explain how they apply to your case.

Our attorneys are ready to help you navigate the no-fault system and pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if you have grounds to do so.

New York's Serious Injury Threshold: Do Your Injuries Qualify?

New York's no-fault insurance limits your ability to sue unless your injuries meet the so-called "serious injury threshold.” This complex rule includes several categories:

• Death, disfigurement, or dismemberment
• Fractures
• Loss of a fetus
• Permanent loss of use
• Significant limitation of use

Also of note is the “90/180 rule,” which refers to an inability to perform your usual daily activities for at least 90 out of the first 180 days following the accident.

Substantiating a serious injury often requires medical evidence and expert testimony. We work with medical professionals to assess our clients’ injuries and build cases that meet all key legal requirements.