A traffic accident scene on a rainy road with a heavily damaged silver car in the foreground. An ambulance is parked nearby, with its lights on. Several vehicles are seen in the background, some with headlights on, and a traffic jam has formed.

Individuals injured as passengers in car accidents very often seek financial compensation to help them pay for the damages they’ve incurred, as, rather simply, the accident was not their fault. Unfortunately, insurance companies will not easily turn over the compensation you need, so you must hire an attorney who is willing to fight for your rights. If you find yourself in this situation, please read on and speak with our experienced firm to learn more about your legal options going forward:

What can cause a car accident?

Several things can cause a car accident, and some of them have nothing to do with the person behind the wheel. For example, if someone gets caught in a sudden blizzard, it can be very challenging not to slide off the road or into another vehicle. Additionally, if you are driving along and suddenly get a flat tire, you may also crash. However, while these are fairly common, albeit unfortunate accidents, the most common cause of car crashes is driver negligence. Currently, distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol are perhaps the most common causes of car accidents.

How are passengers hurt in car accidents?

Passengers often sustain gruesome injuries in car accidents, including, though not limited to:

  • Facial disfiguration
  • Broken bones
  • Head trauma
  • Back trauma
  • Spinal injuries
  • Psychological injuries
  • Cuts and bruises
  • Wrongful death

How do I know if I am eligible for compensation as an injured passenger?

To win any personal injury claim, you must first satisfy the burden of proof. Simply put, you must prove that you were injured due to another party’s negligence. However, this is sometimes easier said than done, especially as a passenger, so it is crucial you hire an experienced attorney. Your attorney may recover photographic or video evidence of the accident, medical documents, police reports, witness statements, and more to prove your claim.

What is the statute of limitations in New York State?

The term “statute of limitations” simply refers to the legally acceptable window of time that you have from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit against another party. In New York, the statute of limitations is three years. If you wait and do not file a lawsuit within that timeframe, you will most likely be barred from suing.

Contact our experienced Westchester County firm

Hausman & Pendzick effectively represent victims of neglect in Westchester County and across the state of New York. We understand how challenging life can be without financial compensation for serious injuries you have wrongly sustained. If you need a knowledgeable and skilled personal injury attorney to help you recover compensation after an accident, contact Hausman & Pendzick today.