Recently in Automobile Accidents Category

Study Claims Fatal Accidents Caused by Drivers Who Were Distracted by Cell Phones Are Grossly Underreported in New York, Elsewhere

May 10, 2013

1307593_mobile_phone_in_hand sxchu username sqback.jpgAccording to a study recently conducted by the National Safety Council advocacy group, the number of fatal accidents across the United States that involve motorists who are talking on a mobile phone are seriously underreported. As part of the study, the group reviewed data taken from 180 fatal automobile accidents that occurred between 2009 and 2011 where evidence reportedly suggested a cellular phone may have been used by a driver at the time of the wreck. The Council allegedly found that distracted driving is a more significant problem than many realize.

Only about half of the crashes analyzed by the organization that occurred in 2011 were marked for cell phone use in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) accident database. Additionally, only 35 percent of the 2010 collisions and eight percent of the 2009 wrecks were coded as having involved a mobile phone. The Council also stated approximately half of those collisions where drivers admitted to using a phone at the time of an accident were actually marked for mobile phone use.

Although the NHTSA database included at least 32,000 traffic fatalities in 2011, cell phone use was recorded as a factor in only 385 cases. In addition, the safety study allegedly found wide variations in the number of cell phone-related accidents included in the NHTSA database across state lines. For example, Tennessee reported that 93 fatal traffic wrecks involved a mobile phone in 2011. In contrast, New York only reported one despite that the state's population is triple that of Tennessee.

The study purportedly demonstrates that distracted driving caused by mobile telephone usage is a serious problem across the nation. National Safety Council President and CEO Janet Foetscher stated she believes inconsistent data and underreporting regarding cell phone use in fatal crashes makes it difficult to quantify the problem. It also allegedly impedes efforts to pass tougher distracted driving laws. According to the Council, cell phone use is normally reported in the NHTSA database only when a witness or someone who was involved in a wreck reports it to police. Unfortunately, many people are apparently reluctant to admit to such behavior.

The NHTSA has reportedly acknowledged weaknesses in its distracted driving data. The organization is purportedly working with states in an effort to increase information accuracy. NHTSA Administrator David Strickland said the Administration is also working with law enforcement agencies who investigate crashes to obtain more accurate data. Although the NHTSA has supposedly advocated in favor of motorist cell phone bans except in case of emergency, no state currently prohibits all mobile telephone use for all drivers.

Deadly traffic crashes in New York often occur without warning. In 2012, 274 people died in a traffic collision in New York City alone. If you lost a loved one in a preventable traffic accident in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, you should contact a skilled personal injury attorney as soon as you are able.

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Eight Injured in Ulster County Head-On Crash

April 5, 2013

908862_railings sxchu username kmccool.jpgEight people were reportedly hurt in a recent Ulster County head-on collision. According to police, a 38-year-old man from Jamaica, New York was driving a Kia northeast on Hardenburg Road when he unexpectedly crossed the center line and struck a southwest-bound Honda that was being driven by a 44-year-old New Paltz woman. After the head-on collision, emergency responders purportedly transported the driver of the Honda by ambulance to Kingston Hospital for treatment. The driver of the Kia and his six passengers were reportedly taken to the same hospital for minor injuries. Everyone involved in the injury accident was apparently treated and released the same day. Following a crash investigation by the Ulster County Sheriff's Office, the driver of the Kia reportedly received a ticket for failure to keep right.

Thankfully, no one was killed in this head-on collision. Still, as this case demonstrates, driving on any roadway in New York can turn unexpectedly dangerous in an instant. Injury wrecks like this one may be caused by any number of factors including negligent, distracted, or impaired drivers and defectively designed roadways. Data compiled by the New York Department of Health states that nearly 1,500 individuals were killed and more than 15,000 others were injured in motor vehicle collisions throughout the state each year between 2005 and 2007. Males between the ages of 20 and 24, and motorists over the age of 65, were reportedly more likely than other drivers to be killed a car accident.

If your loved one was hurt or killed due to another motorist's negligent actions, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation for your loss. The spouse, child, or parent of someone who died in an avoidable motor vehicle accident in New York may receive financial compensation for the cost of their loved one's medical care, lost benefits and wages, loss of consortium, and funeral expenses. In addition, a relative may also recover damages related to the personal injuries suffered by their family member prior to his or her wrongful death by filing a survival action. The timeframe during which you may file a wrongful death or survival action is limited. To protect your rights, you should contact a quality personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your loss.

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Speeding-Related Traffic Deaths in New York City Increased by 65 Percent in 2012

March 22, 2013

877270_filthy_speed_limit sxchu username hannahgunn.jpgAccording to New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan, the number of individuals who died in a traffic wreck that involved speeding in the city increased by 65 percent in 2012. According to DOT traffic statistics, speeding played a role in approximately 30 percent of all traffic deaths and killed 81 people in New York City last year. In 2011, speeding was blamed for only 49 traffic fatalities. Sadik-Khan said the statistics demonstrate that city officials have a responsibility to take measures designed to reduce speeding on New York streets.

Sadik-Khan stated most speeding-related traffic fatalities are preventable. She said she believes most drivers think they can get away with speeding simply because no one is looking. Reportedly in response to the 2012 statistics, the New York State Assembly recently approved a measure to fund a speed enforcement camera pilot program that would place cameras in 20 school zones across the city. Sadik-Khan claims DOT data demonstrates that about three-fourths of vehicles surveyed within a quarter-mile of a school were speeding. Despite alleged pressure from city officials, the proposal has not yet been considered by the Senate.

New York Police Department Commissioner Raymond Kelly stated he supports the speed camera concept. According to Kelly, there are simply not enough officers to catch every speeding motorist. He has reportedly expressed his support for the speed camera proposal to both the state legislature and Governor Cuomo. Mayor Bloomberg has also expressed his support for the proposal. Not everyone in New York City believes speed cameras should be installed, however. The city Patrolmen's Benevolent Association purportedly opposes the speed camera measure. The group allegedly believes the money would be better spent by hiring additional police officers.

In New York, fatal traffic wrecks often occur without warning. Common causes of deadly traffic crashes may include weather, speeding, driver carelessness, motorist impairment, and more. Last year, 274 people were killed in a traffic accident in New York City. Of those killed, only 73 were reportedly inside of a motor vehicle. More than half of individuals killed in the city in 2012 were pedestrians. Meanwhile, 18 bicyclists and 35 motorcyclists died in an unexpected collision. If you lost a loved one in a preventable traffic wreck in New York, you should contact a quality personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

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Man Charged in Fatal Brooklyn Hit-and-Run Traffic Crash

March 15, 2013

570770_metal sxchu website.jpgA 44-year-old man was recently charged with leaving the scene of a fatal traffic accident that killed a young married couple and their unborn baby in Brooklyn. According to Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes, additional indictments are also possible. The wreck allegedly occurred around 1:30 am on March 3rd when the man drove a car into a livery cab while travelling about 60 miles per hour in Williamsburg. Two 21-year-old passengers reportedly died as a result of the injuries they sustained in the wreck. Doctors purportedly delivered the couple's unborn son prematurely, but he died the following day at New York's Bellevue Hospital. The driver of the livery cab also allegedly sustained minor injuries in the fatal collision.

The 44-year-old motorist reportedly surrendered to police four days after the crash. Although it is unclear whether he was under the influence of alcohol or drugs when the deadly wreck occurred, New York police stated the man was arrested and charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol in February. If convicted, the alleged hit-and-run driver could face life in prison.

Unfortunately, you are placed at risk of being injured or killed every time you travel in a motor vehicle on the roadways in New York. Too often, innocent victims are hurt or die due to the actions of a negligent motorist. If you were injured or a loved one was killed in a traffic wreck, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation for medical costs, lost benefits and wages, pain and suffering, any resulting disability, funeral expenses, and more.

In New York, the victim in a hit-and-run accident may be able to collect damages for any harm sustained even if the motorist who caused his or her injuries is not apprehended. In addition to filing an uninsured motorist claim, certain crash victims may be entitled to recover compensation from the New York Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation. Because the amount of time during which you may file your New York personal injury claim is limited, you should contact a quality personal injury attorney to discuss your rights as soon as possible after any injury accident.

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Two Die in St. Lawrence County Collision After Elderly Driver Loses Control

March 1, 2013

1415295_snowy_road sxchu username moniquef12.jpgA father and son were tragically killed in a recent two-vehicle crash in St. Lawrence County. According to New York State Police, an 81-year-old Potsdam man was driving a sedan west on the Morley-Potsdam Road in Canton when he unexpectedly lost control of the vehicle and slid sideways into the path of a westbound Pick-up truck around 4:30 pm. The 48-year-old pick-up driver was reportedly unable to avoid a collision and struck the sedan on the passenger side. Paramedics purportedly transported the 81-year-old man to Canton-Potsdam Hospital where he later died as a result of the injuries he sustained in the crash. In addition, the elderly driver's 51-year-old son was pronounced dead at the scene of the traffic wreck. Police stated the driver of the pick-up was not injured in the fatal incident.

Deadly car accidents like this one often occur without warning. Common causes of fatal traffic crashes in New York include inclement weather, driver inattention, motorist impairment, speeding, and a number of other factors. Data from the New York Department of Health estimates that about 1,500 individuals were killed and more than 15,000 people were injured in traffic accidents throughout the state each year in 2005, 2006, and 2007. In addition, males between the ages of 20 and 24 and drivers over the age of 65 are allegedly at highest risk of death in a motor vehicle accident.

If your family member died as a result of a driver's negligent actions, you may be entitled to receive financial compensation for your loss. The spouse, child, or parent of a person who was killed in an avoidable traffic accident in New York may recover damages associated with the cost of the decedent's medical care, loss of consortium, lost benefits and wages, and funeral expenses. A close relative may also receive damages related to any personal injuries suffered by a loved one prior to his or her wrongful death by filing a survival action. The time frame during which a New York wrongful death or survival action lawsuit may be filed in is limited. If you have questions about your right to recovery following the unexpected loss of a family member, you should contact a quality personal injury attorney to discuss your case.

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One Hurt, One Killed in Head-On Crash on New York State Thruway Near Sloatsburg

February 1, 2013

1037452_night_speed_drive sxchu username mrzed3.jpgAn elderly woman was recently killed in a tragic head-on crash on the New York State Thruway. According to New York State Police, 76-year-old Madeline Lapides of Monsey died after her 81-year-old husband, Alvin, entered the southbound lanes of the roadway heading north. He reportedly drove for several miles before the couple's Toyota Camry struck a southbound Volvo driven by 17-year-old Gaelyn Ashley near Sloatsburg. Following the collision, Madeline Lapides was pronounced dead at the scene and emergency responders allegedly transported Alvin Lapides to Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern. Ashley was reportedly uninjured in the deadly accident.

The exact cause of the fatal collision is still under investigation by a New York State Police collision reconstruction team. Investigators reportedly believe Lapides became confused and disoriented after entering the roadway in the dark. Still, Lapides purportedly passed at least four exits without correcting his driving error. Multiple motorists reportedly notified authorities regarding the wrong-way driver and one state trooper allegedly attempted to intercept the elderly couple's vehicle to no avail. An accident investigator said the Rockland County District Attorney's office is currently weighing whether to file charges against Lapides.

Fatal car accidents like this one may be caused by any number of factors including distracted or impaired motorists and defectively designed roadways. Sadly, driving on any roadway in New York can turn unexpectedly dangerous in an instant. According to the New York Department of Health, almost 1,500 people were killed and more than 15,000 individuals were hurt in traffic wrecks throughout the state each year between 2005 and 2007. Males between 20 and 24 and motorists over the age of 65 were allegedly most likely to die in an automobile accident.

If a loved one was killed due to another person's negligent actions, you may be eligible to recover financial compensation for your loss. The spouse, child, or parent of a person who died in an avoidable accident in the State of New York may receive damages for loss of consortium, the cost of the decedent's medical care, lost benefits and wages, and funeral expenses. Additionally, a family member may recover damages related to the personal injuries suffered by a relative prior to his or her wrongful death by filing a survival action. Because the time frame during which a wrongful death or survival action lawsuit may be filed is limited, you should contact a skilled personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your loss.

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One Dead, Three Hurt in Suspected DWI Crash on Long Island Expressway in Queens

January 11, 2013

1209275_cold_beer_glass_isolated_on_white sxchu username engindeniz.jpgOne man was killed and three other people were hurt in a recent single-vehicle accident on the Long Island Expressway in Queens. The crash occurred around 4 am after 39-year-old Ricardo Rivas reportedly drove his eastbound Ford Explorer into a concrete median near the 108th Street exit. As a result of the impact, the vehicle purportedly flipped and landed on its roof. Following the accident, emergency rescue crews reportedly transported 27-year-old Carlos Rivas to Booth Memorial Hospital where he later died as a result of the injuries he sustained in the wreck. Three other passengers who were also riding in the Explorer at the time of the collision were allegedly hospitalized in stable condition.

Local police are currently investigating the exact cause of the crash. After the accident, the driver of the Explorer was arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated. He was later charged with negligent homicide, vehicular manslaughter, and driving under the influence of alcohol.

According to the nation's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 10,000 Americans died in an accident that involved an inebriated motorist in 2010. During the same year, more than 1.4 million Americans were arrested for driving while impaired. On average, 30 people are reportedly killed in a traffic accident that involves alcohol every day throughout the United States. In addition, the annual costs associated with impaired driving wrecks allegedly exceed $51 billion.

Sadly, fatal car accidents like this one happen every day throughout both New York and the nation. Unfortunately, everyone on the roadways is placed at risk when a drunk or otherwise impaired driver gets behind the wheel of an automobile. The victim in an accident with any motorist may suffer a traumatic head or spinal cord injury, broken bones, soft tissue injuries, and even death. If you were injured in a traffic accident that was caused by an allegedly impaired or other driver, you may be entitled to recover damages related to your medical expenses, physical therapy, suffering, pain, any resulting temporary or permanent disability, and more. Since the timeframe during which you may file a personal injury case in New York is limited, you are advised to contact a skilled attorney immediately following any injury accident.

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One Killed, Eight Injured in Brooklyn Car Accident Involving Pedestrians

December 21, 2012

1060242_walkin_man sxchu username mrceviz.jpgA two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Quentin Road and West 5th Street in Brooklyn has left one pedestrian dead and eight other people injured. According to accident witnesses, the collision occurred when an Acura sport utility vehicle ran a stop sign and struck a Jeep in the Bensonhurst neighborhood. Following the initial impact, the Jeep allegedly flipped over and the Acura drove onto a nearby sidewalk where the vehicle hit four pedestrians.

Emergency responders reportedly transported all nine individuals who were involved in the accident to Lutheran Hospital. Sadly, 60-year-old Chenugor Dao of Brooklyn later died as a result of the injuries she sustained in the crash. Her husband, pregnant daughter, and one-year-old granddaughter were also allegedly injured in the crash. In addition, one of the four passengers in the Jeep reportedly remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Although area residents said accidents are common at the intersection, the exact cause of the fatal incident is currently under investigation. According to local law enforcement officers, no charges are expected to be filed against the 60-year-old driver of the Acura.

Too often, innocent pedestrians are injured by negligent automobile drivers throughout New York. As demonstrated by this unfortunate incident, pedestrian injuries are usually quite serious. Someone who was struck by a motor vehicle may experience brain injuries, broken bones, paralysis, and untimely death. Sadly, car, truck, motorcycle, pedestrian, and other injury accidents occur regularly throughout both New York and New Jersey.

In the State of New York, the victim in a serious injury accident is entitled to file a claim to recover both economic and non-economic losses against a negligent driver. If you were injured or a family member was killed as a result of the actions of a reckless driver, you may be entitled to recover monetary damages for your medical costs, lost benefits and wages, any resulting temporary or permanent disability, pain and suffering, and funeral expenses. The time frame during which you may file a New York injury accident claim is limited. You should discuss your options for recovery with a qualified personal injury attorney anytime you are physically hurt by the actions of another person.

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Four Queens Teenagers Killed, One Injured in Long Island Car Accident

December 7, 2012

1119643_highway_at_night sxchu username jakubson.jpgRecently, four Queens teenagers were killed and another was injured in a one-vehicle car crash in Long Island. According to New York State Police, 17-year-old Joseph Beer was headed west in a Subaru hatchback on Southern State Parkway during the early morning hours when he lost control of his vehicle near a curve in the road. The car reportedly left the roadway and came to rest in a stand of trees. Police stated the force of the impact split the Subaru in half and ejected all five passengers. Tragically, only the driver survived the collision.

The exact cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the New York State Police. According to emergency workers, the stretch of roadway where the accident occurred was also the site of multiple serious crashes in the past. One worker, Lakeview Volunteer Fire Chief Heather Senti, stated she has lost count of the number of accidents she has personally responded to at the location. Senti said she remembers at least six fatal crashes in the area some emergency responders have reportedly nicknamed "Dead Man's Curve."

Beer was allegedly operating the brand new vehicle with a learner's permit. Under New York law, all individuals who drive with only a learner's permit must be accompanied by a licensed adult who is 21 or older. It is unclear why Beer was allegedly driving in violation of the law on the morning of the crash.

In New York, fatal automobile accidents may be caused by any number of factors including sleepy, distracted, or inexperienced drivers, inclement weather, and defectively designed roadways. Driving on any road in New York can be unexpectedly dangerous as this unfortunate accident demonstrates. No matter what the speed limit is, motorists are required to maintain a speed that is reasonable and prudent based on the conditions of the roadway.

If a close relative was killed as a result of another person's negligent actions, you may be entitled to receive financial compensation. The spouse, child, or parent of someone who was killed in an avoidable accident in New York may recover for loss of consortium, as well as the decedent's medical costs, lost benefits and wages, and funeral expenses. In addition, a survival action may be brought to recover damages for the personal injuries suffered by a family member prior to his or her wrongful death. Because the amount of time during which you may file a wrongful death or survival action lawsuit is limited, you should contact a quality personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your loss.

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Five Teens Seriously Injured in Gallatin Car Accident

October 26, 2012

1334367_untitled sxchu username linder6580.jpgRecently, a one vehicle accident in Gallatin left five teenagers seriously hurt. On Saturday, October 13, 17-year-old Austen Link of Pine Plains lost control of the Toyota Camry he was driving with four passengers inside on County Route 2 near Beaver Road. According to the New York State Police, Link was traveling at an excessive speed and lost control of the car when he came upon a curve in the roadway. Accident witnesses reportedly told police the eastbound Camry hit a guard rail on the north side of the road and rolled before striking two trees.

The driver purportedly suffered a spinal fracture and was taken by ambulance to Poughkeepsie's Saint Francis Hospital for treatment following the crash. Rescue crews also transported two of Link's passengers to Saint Francis Hospital, one with a broken femur and another with a broken back. Following the accident, emergency responders took the vehicle's remaining two passengers to area hospitals by emergency helicopter. 19-year-old Wei Li of Hudson was taken to Albany Medical Center as a result of a head injury and 18-year-old Amber Lynn Mclain of Claverack was transported to Westchester Medical Center with a back fracture.

State police are currently investigating the exact cause of the serious crash. Although police do not believe drugs or alcohol played a role in the accident, a preliminary investigation reportedly revealed the incident was caused by excessive speed. The posted speed limit on County Route 2 at the location of the accident is 45 miles per hour. According to Captain Scott Brown, investigators believe no one in the Camry was wearing a seat belt when the accident occurred and this may have contributed to the severity of the reported injuries. Police stated Link will face a number of charges in connection with the crash.

Sadly, tragic car crashes like this one happen every day throughout New York. The costs associated with recovering from a traumatic head or spinal cord injury can be astronomical. If you were hurt in an auto accident that was caused by another person's carelessness or negligence, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation for your medical bills, physical therapy, suffering and pain, any resulting temporary or permanent disability, and other damages. Because the amount of time you have to file your case is limited, you should contact an experienced lawyer after any injury accident.

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Pelham Manor Police Chase Leaves Two Bronx Women Hurt

August 9, 2012

774605_car_accident_2 sxchu username Kunstkopf0.jpgA high speed police chase recently left two Bronx women severely injured. On August 5th, 36-year-old Daniel Straker allegedly stole a Dodge Durango from the Fairway Market on Post Road Plaza in Pelham Manor. When local police spotted the stolen vehicle on Boston Post Road, they unsuccessfully attempted to stop the driver. Straker then reportedly led police on a high speed chase into the Bronx. While traveling against traffic in the eastbound lanes of the roadway, the stolen Durango struck a car and overturned near Marolla Place.

The other vehicle involved in the high speed crash was driven by 62-year-old Valerie Eubanks of the Bronx. Although Straker sustained only minor injuries, Eubanks allegedly received serious injuries and the woman's 53-year-old passenger, Shirley Scott, was critically injured in the crash. All three of the individuals involved in the accident were taken by ambulance to Jacobi Medical Center for treatment. Scott reportedly remains hospitalized with a broken hip and severe head trauma.

Straker allegedly stole the Durango while fleeing from law enforcement officers who were reportedly attempting to pick the man up for an outstanding arrest warrant. Following the crash, Straker was charged with driving while intoxicated, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and aggravated vehicular assault. He is currently hospitalized and has not yet been arraigned.

Unexpected car accidents happen every day in New York. It is a sad fact that you are placed at risk of being hurt or killed every time you travel on the roadways in our state. If you were injured by another person's negligent actions, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation for your medical costs, pain and suffering, lost benefits and wages, and any resulting temporary or permanent disability. In New York, the amount of time you have to file your personal injury claim is limited. Because of this, you should discuss your case with a skilled personal injury lawyer as soon as possible following any injury accident.

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31 Hurt in Harlem MTA Bus Crash Involving Fuel Tanker

June 28, 2012

1006530_broken_glass sxchu username branox.jpgOn Tuesday, nine children and 22 adults were injured in a Harlem accident that involved a public bus, a delivery truck, and a fuel tanker filled with gasoline. According to Fire Department of New York Deputy Chief John Sullivan, the accident occurred after the delivery truck cut between the fuel tanker and the bus near Fifth Avenue and East 125th Streets. All 31 people injured in the three vehicle accident were passengers on the Metropolitan Transit Authority bus. Two of those injured in the collision reportedly refused treatment. Meanwhile, the remaining 29 passengers were taken to three area hospitals. Although most of those hurt in the accident did not suffer life threatening injuries, two passengers reportedly suffered skeletal fractures and two others complained of chest pains.

The driver of the delivery truck allegedly stated he did not cause the crash. According to the driver, his vehicle was struck from behind. He also claimed the fuel truck was driving unsafely and speeding. Although he was not transported to the hospital, the driver reportedly planned on being seen by a doctor following the collision. Accident witnesses disagreed with the driver's account, however, and stated the delivery truck became sandwiched between the two larger vehicles after the driver forced his way in between them. According to Deputy Chief Sullivan, everyone involved in the crash and on the busy street at the time of the collision was fortunate the fuel tanker only sustained minor damage. Otherwise, the accident could have been much worse.

Unfortunately, motor vehicle crashes like this one happen every day. You are placed at risk of injury or death every time you travel on New York roadways by car, truck, motorcycle, or bus. If you were hurt due to someone else's negligent actions, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any resulting disability. Even if you believe you were partly to blame for the accident, you may still be able to recover financial compensation for a proportion of your harm. Because the amount of time you have to file your claim is limited, it is important to contact a competent New York personal injury and accident law attorney as soon as possible following an injury accident.

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Study Contends that 20 Percent of New York City Auto Injury Claims are Fraudulent

November 30, 2011

825017_crash_car.jpgThe Pennsylvania based Insurance Research Council (IRC) has conducted a study examining the integrity of no-fault auto injury claims in the New York City area. The IRC study, which reviewed claims submitted from 2007 to 2010, concluded that abusive no-fault claims in the New York City area has risen from 29 to 35 percent and that more than twenty percent of auto injury claims are fraudulent. The fraud reportedly manifests itself most prominently in overbilling by medical providers and excessive utilization of medical services.

The side-by-side comparison of New York City claims to claims filed by upstate motorists suggests drastic differences in the way no-fault claims are handled in different parts of the state. One major difference is that average payouts for claims filed in the New York City area were nearly double similar claims filed by upstate claimants. Additionally, 44 percent of New York City drivers visited four or more health care providers as a result of their injuries, but only 14 percent of drivers in other parts of the state underwent such extensive treatment. The Study indicates that New York City area medical providers frequently charged the auto insurer far more than New York's established fee schedule for the services provided, whereas providers in other areas of the state charged auto insurers rates consistent with that schedule.

In New York State the obligatory no-fault insurance policy covers up to $50,000.00 of economic loss. Some motorists choose to purchase additional no-fault insurance coverage which is usually modest in price and which will insure the driver against economic loss in excess of $50,000.00. Regardless of the amount of economic loss, accident victims in New York are entitled to file a lawsuit against a negligent driver for non-economic loss if the victim suffers a "serious injury" as that term is defined by Section 5102(d) of the New York Insurance Law and the relevant case law interpreting that statute.

Sources:

OAI: New Study Hints at Problems in NY No-Fault Auto Insurance System

Insurance Research Counsel News Release Dated January 5, 2011

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