Passengers rights in a car accident
Passengers are just as likely to be seriously injured in a car accident as drivers, yet many people are unaware of the rights they have and how they should go about seeking compensation if they are injured while riding as a passenger. Under the law, passengers have the same ability to sue for damages as the driver. In fact, they have even greater rights than the driver as they can seek damages from whichever driver is determined to be at fault, including the driver of the vehicle they were riding in, or both drivers if they are both at fault….
Supplemental Spousal Liability Insurance: Is your spouse covered?
If you’ve never heard of Supplemental Spousal Liability Insurance, then you may be unaware of the risk you take every time you drive with your spouse. Many people assume that even if you are found at fault for an accident, your spouse is covered by your own car insurance just as any other passenger would be. That is not the case. In New York State, your spouse can sue you, but the insurance company does not have to defend you or pay the claim for your injuries. This means that if you are at fault for the accident, your spouse…
Preexisting injuries don’t automatically dismiss your accident claim
If you are involved in a car crash and are injured, you may believe that a preexisting injury or health condition means you are not entitled to receive compensation. Insurance companies will often claim that your pain and suffering was due to a preexisting condition in an attempt to avoid paying you fair compensation. It’s important to know that if your existing condition is worsened or aggravated by an accident, you can, and should, seek compensation. Never take the insurance company’s word for it, always talk to an experience personal injury attorney to find out the facts for yourself. Seeking…
Drone related injuries are becoming more common
In 2015 a drone accidentally crash landed on the White House lawn as a drunken operator lost control of the unit. Drone injuries these days are becoming more common, here are some of the more noted accidents which occurred in 2016/17: A small drone crashed outside a hospital building at the Northern Westchester Hospital Center in Mt. Kisco, NY, almost striking an employee. A small drone flew around Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres, and crashed into an empty seat in the upper deck. A small drone shooting video of a wedding crashed into two guests in Windham,…
Driver and Family Protection Act…it’s about time!
There is a simple and inexpensive option available on every auto insurance policy that protects you and your family, but many people have never heard of it. It’s so important, that I personally have dedicated my own time to achieving a change in New York State law by joining many of my fellow attorneys on lobbying trips to Albany. I have also written on the subject to raise awareness and pressed our elected officials to take action. I am pleased to say that our voices have been heard and last month New York State passed the Driver and Family Protection…
10 insurance company tricks to watch out for when you’ve been injured
Anyone who has been seriously injured in an accident knows that the pain, suffering and financial loss are real. The law combined with insurance should protect all of us from losses incurred due to someone else’s negligence. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation being passed around that has led to some victims getting less compensation than they deserve, and some getting no compensation at all. Trick #1 – Encouraging you to not hire an attorney An insurance company’s first priority will be to try to convince you that you do not need an attorney on your side. They know…
What Does “No Fault” Really Mean for Accident Victims?
Most New York drivers have probably heard the term “no fault” at some point, but based on the calls I receive to my office, I know that this is a term that has led to a lot of confusion. Here are a few of the common questions I have received. What is no fault? Personal Injury Protection, commonly known as “no fault coverage” is included in every motor vehicle insurance policy sold in New York State. This applies to drivers and passengers, pedestrians and bicyclists, but specifically excludes motorcyclists. This coverage provides reimbursement for medical payments, lost wages and other…
Are you protected from underinsured motorists?
Many people have a gap in their automobile insurance coverage that they are unaware of. Did you know that your own insurance may not cover you for injuries suffered if the other driver is deemed to be at fault?