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…
Don’t ignore injuries from a “fender-bender”
Most of us know the term “fender-bender,” and many of us have been in one ourselves. The term seems accurate, since on the surface it seems like the only damage from the accident is a small dent. In the 40 years I’ve been helping injured people, I have all too often seen people lose their right to fair compensation because they assumed that it was just a minor accident. Unfortunately, the bodily injury suffered in a minor accident often won’t present its full effects until some time has passed. It’s about fairness Some people have the wrong idea as to…
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,…
Dash cams: the perfect eye witness
Many people associate dashboard cameras with the police. Police departments across the nation have adopted dash cams as a way to protect both the officer and the public. What some people don’t know is that this technology has been falling in price and has reached the point where many private citizens are installing them in their vehicles. Should you install a dash cam? You might be wondering why you would want to install a camera in your car. There are several ways that you can benefit from having a visual and audio record of everything happening, particularly in the case…
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…
Bullying can result in serious injury
As Putnam County students settle into their new routine and the excitement of a new school year, some of those students may also be forced to deal with something a lot less pleasant. We’ve all heard terrible stories of bullying and this year the problem will touch many local families. According to stopbullying.gov, Bullying is defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, lasting problems. If…
Keeping your kids safe on the school bus
Putnam County students will be going back to school in a few weeks. This means the end of summer and an exciting time for both children and parents. Riding a school bus is a safe and convenient way for your child to get to school. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, school buses are the safest mode of transportation for getting children back and forth to school. The following graphic illustrates just how much safer your child is on the school bus than riding with a friend or parent. Just 1% of student fatalities during normal school…
Pokémon: Staying safe and avoiding distraction.
It seems everyone has heard of Pokémon Go, and although I have never played the game myself, I am concerned about what it means for the safety of our community. For those who have not heard, this is a smartphone game which uses the phone’s camera and GPS to allow players to search the real world and find characters and other elements needed to play the game. While this is meant to be a fun on-line game, it can have real-world consequences if people play while driving, crossing the street or doing any other dangerous activity that requires your full…