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Biker Injured in Frightful Collision Receives Full Insurance Policy Settlement

June 8th, 2023 by

While biking to work, L.U.E was struck by a vehicle, causing him a fractured knee. The defendant claimed that his vision was compromised because of the sun, blocking his vision of the bicyclist. Following a series of medical appointments, the plaintiff underwent knee surgery. As he began his long journey to recovery, L.U.E decided to seek legal representation. After completing a diligent online search, the plaintiff called Hill & Moin. After meeting with the attorneys and seeing first-hand their willingness to answer all questions, L.U.E retained Hill & Moin to represent him on his legal journey. Hill & Moin fought tirelessly and ultimately to obtain the full insurance policy of the driver. The plaintiff was very satisfied with the result, as well as the client service provided. L.U.E now hopes to return to a normal life and repay his debts.

New York State Car Accident Laws

June 2nd, 2023 by

The very idea of being involved in a serious car collision can cause anxiety. If you or a loved one has been injured in a wreck or is dealing with significant property damage, you may be feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Further, you may be unsure how New York car accident laws may affect your legal right to recover damages for your losses.

Even a seemingly minor collision can be unnerving and expensive. Understanding New York car accident laws will help you to better navigate the insurance claim system in order to reach maximum compensation following an incident.

At the New York law firm of Hill & Moin LLP, our attorneys have more than 60 years of combined experience fighting on behalf of New York accident and injury victims. Our legal team is dedicated to reaching the best possible outcome in every case we take, helping each of our clients make their lives whole again. Learn what our experienced attorneys can do for you by calling (212) 668-6000 to schedule a free case evaluation. 

Common Types of Car Accidents in New York State

According to the New York Department of Health, motor vehicle traffic injuries are the leading cause of injury-related death, the second-leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations, and the third-leading cause of injury-related emergency department visits in New York State.

Different types of accidents repeatedly come up when discussing New York car accident laws. The following types of motor vehicle accidents are commonly reported in New York.

Rear-end Collisions

Rear-end car accidents are one of the most common types of accidents. A rear-end collision occurs when a driver hits a vehicle from behind.

These accidents are often the result of the rear driver’s inattention. Although there may be extenuating circumstances, a driver is, in general, expected to leave enough room between his or her vehicle and the one in front to be able to stop safely and quickly.

Head-on Collisions

A head-on collision occurs when two vehicles driving in opposite directions crash into one another. Such accidents are extremely dangerous, often resulting in debilitating injuries or death. The majority of head-on collisions are the result of negligence on the part of one or more drivers.

Head-on collisions are usually caused by a driver going the wrong way on the road or crossing a double yellow line into oncoming traffic. This may happen for many reasons, including driver confusion, fatigue, intoxication, distracted driving, or vehicle defects.

Side-swiping Accidents

Sideswipe accidents occur when the side of one vehicle hits or scrapes the side of another vehicle. The cars may be traveling in the same direction or opposite directions.

This type of accident most commonly happens when a driver drifts into the next lane or mistakingly changes lanes without first checking to make sure there is no other vehicle in his or her path. It is not uncommon for a driver to sideswipe a parked vehicle, especially in narrow roadways or tight parking areas.

Side-impact Accidents

Often referred to as T-bone or broadside accident, a side-impact accident occurs when the front of one vehicle hits the side of another. Such accidents often happen in intersections or parking lots but can also occur on a highway when a driver loses control of his or her vehicle and skids sideways.

Side-impact accidents can result in serious injury and damage because the side of a vehicle is simply unable to absorb such a significant hit.

Rollover Accidents

A rollover accident happens when a vehicle loses control and tips or flips over onto its side or roof. Poor weather conditions, road obstacles, or reckless driving are usually contributing factors in rollover accidents.

Single-car Accidents

A single-car accident refers to an accident involving just one vehicle. In most cases, the driver ran off the road or hit debris. Difficult weather conditions, unexpected animal crossings, or distracted driving may lead to a single-car crash.

Reckless Driving Accidents

When a person drives recklessly, the risk of crashing increases significantly. In most cases, reckless driving accidents are the direct result of a driver violating the law.

Examples of reckless driving behavior are:

Driving without a seatbelt on can also be considered reckless driving. Moreover, in accordance with New York State regulations, it is mandatory for all children to be securely restrained using an appropriate child restraint system when they are passengers in a motor vehicle. Furthermore, the law stipulates that all occupants of motor vehicles, regardless of age, must be restrained by a seat belt. Nevertheless, because of their smaller size and delicate physical constitution, children must utilize specialized child restraints to ensure their safety when traveling in a vehicle.

Legal Obligations After a Car Accident in New York State

New York traffic laws include specific legal obligations for drivers involved in car accidents. Since failing to comply with these duties can result in serious consequences, all drivers need to know what to do after a motor vehicle accident.

Some New York laws that detail your legal duties after a car accident include the following.

New York Driver Exchange of Information Law

Under New York law, if you are involved in an accident where someone is injured, you are required to stop at the scene of the crash. You must give your name, address, driver’s license number, and insurance information to the injured person.

You must also give your personal contact information and insurance details to the responding police officer investigating the accident. In the event that no officers come to the scene of the accident, it is your legal responsibility to report the accident to the nearest police station.

New York Law Requires That an Accident be Reported to the Police

In New York, you have a limited number of days to report a car accident in which a person was injured or killed. You must report the collision to the Department of Motor Vehicles. You must also report accidents that cause more than a certain amount of damage to a single person’s property.

Failing to report an accident which you are legally obligated to report to the DMV is a misdemeanor offense in New York. The DMV has the right to suspend or revoke your license and registration if you fail to submit the accident report on time.

Your Legal Duty in a New York Car Accident With no Injuries

New York state law requires that you stop at the scene of an accident that causes damage to someone else’s property, even if no one was injured in the collision. You must then exchange information with the other driver and any others who may have suffered property damage as a result of the collision.

You are required to share your personal contact information, as well as your insurance identification card and driver’s license. If the property owner is not present at the time of the accident, this information must be reported to the nearest police station.

Your Legal Obligation if You Hit a Parked Car in New York

Unfortunately, this is how most hit-and-run accidents take place: someone hits a car in a parking lot, and bails. If you hit and damage a parked car, New York law requires that you stop and exchange information with the owner of the parked vehicle. If he or she is not present, you must report the accident along with your personal details to the nearest police station. Learn more about your options as a victim of a hit-and-run accident, here.

New York Speed Limit Laws

Unfortunately, speeding is a contributing factor in many serious car crashes. New York State law requires that you always drive safely, at or below the speed limit. The posted speed limit is the maximum speed at which a driver can legally operate his or her vehicle. The law does not make exceptions when everyone else is speeding around you.

At times, due to weather or road conditions, it is safest to drive under the speed limit in order to avoid an accident. The penalties for speeding can be significant. Depending on how fast you were going, you could face a hefty fine or even prison time. The DMV will revoke your license if you are convicted of multiple speeding violations within a certain period of time.

New York Comparative Negligence Law

New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This law allows you to recover compensation for your injuries, even if you bear partial responsibility for the accident.

At times, liability in a traffic crash is clear; however, it is not unusual for multiple drivers to share some degree of fault for the collision.

In a car accident case, the insurance adjuster or court will work to calculate both the damages and the percentage of fault belonging to each party. The damages are then adjusted based on the share of fault.

The pure comparative negligence law applies even if you are primarily at fault for the car accident. Under this New York law, even if you are found to be more than 50-percent responsible for the car crash, you are entitled to your percentage of the damages. However, in turn, you are responsible for providing compensation for the other driver’s losses.

New York No-fault Car Insurance Rules

New York is a no-fault state when it comes to car accidents. The no-fault system does not make everyone automatically free of responsibility for a collision. What it does mean is that, after an accident, you need to file a claim under your own personal injury protection insurance for compensation for your injuries, regardless of who was at fault.

Your personal injury protection insurance is designed to cover accident-related expenses such as:

  • Medical bills
  • Household and transportation expenses
  • A percentage of lost wages
  • Death benefits

Depending on the severity of the car accident and the injuries sustained, you may not be limited to filing a claim under your own insurance policy. You may be able to pursue a third-party insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit.

Recovering Damages After a New York Car Accident

In some car accident cases, the victim sustains a serious bodily injury and needs extensive medical treatment. In such situations, it is possible that your own insurance carrier will not cover the full extent of your claim. If your injuries meet certain requirements, you may be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance or pursue a personal injury lawsuit.

The following serious injuries may allow for a third-party insurance claim or lawsuit:

  • Significant disfigurement
  • Bone fracture
  • Dismemberment
  • Loss of a fetus
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Significant limitation or loss of use of a body system or function
  • Non-permanent injuries that prevent usual activity for an extended period of time
  • Death

After a New York car accident, injured parties are likely entitled to compensation for what they have gone through. The law is designed to protect injury victims and help them to regain their financial standing and quality of life. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you could potentially be awarded both economic and non-economic damages in a car accident case.

Economic Damages in a New York Car Accident Case

Economic damages have a specific monetary value and may include these costs:

  • Current and future medical bills
  • Past, present, and future lost wages
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Expenses of in-home care
  • Out-of-pocket expenses related to or as a result of the accident
  • Cost to repair or replace property

Non-Economic Damages in a New York Car Accident Case

Non-economic damages are designed to compensate an injured person for his or her pain and suffering and other personal losses as a direct result of the accident.

The following are examples of non-economic damages:

  • Psychological injuries
  • Inconvenience
  • Reduced quality of life
  • Loss of consortium, if a person’s injuries negatively impact his or her relationship with others

Although it can be difficult to properly calculate compensation for non-economic damages, both your insurance agents and auto accident attorneys can help you determine a fair settlement amount.

New York State Auto Insurance Requirements

In order to register a motor vehicle in New York, you must have New York State-issued automobile liability insurance coverage. A minimum amount of liability insurance coverage is required to cover various types of damages. Every New York driver must carry liability insurance for property damage, bodily injury, and death.

Additionally, your liability insurance coverage must meet these further requirements:

  • Insurance coverage must remain active as long as the vehicle registration is valid, even if you are not using the vehicle, with limited exceptions for motorcycles
  • You must carry New York State insurance coverage, issued by a company licensed by The New York State Department of Financial Services and certified by the Department of Motor Vehicles
  • Liability insurance must be issued in the name of the person on the vehicle registration

If you fail to maintain your liability insurance coverage, the DMV can suspend your vehicle registration and driver’s license.

New York Car Accident Statute of Limitations

A statute of limitations is a law that sets a time limit on your legal right to file a car accident lawsuit and differs depending on the type of incident. For instance, personal injury claims, wrongful death suits, accidents involving municipal vehicles, and accidents involving minors have varying time limits under which you can bring a lawsuit in the New York court system.

The statute of limitations determines the amount of time you have to bring a lawsuit. Remember, under New York State law, you must file an insurance claim and report the accident to the DMV in most cases, regardless of whether you choose to pursue a lawsuit or not.

Statutes of limitations can be complicated. At times, two or more statutes of limitations could potentially apply to the same case. To avoid confusion, it is advantageous to consult a qualified New York car accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident. He or she will be able to help you navigate the legal system and ensure that you do not miss any important deadlines in your efforts to resolve your claim.

Contact a New York Car Accident Lawyer for Peace of Mind

A serious car accident can lead to untold pain and suffering, both physically and emotionally. Trying to steer yourself through the insurance and legal system can be exasperating and exhausting. Insurance adjusters are notoriously difficult to work with and rarely have your best interests in mind, but an attorney can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf so that you can relax and focus on your recovery.

New York State accident laws and insurance rules can be complex. It can be difficult to understand what kind of compensation you are truly entitled to after an accident. While this may be true for you, a dedicated car accident attorney can clarify the rights you have! He or she will know what types of damages you may be awarded and how to best argue the case in your favor.

Even regarding a relatively minor accident, there are benefits to consulting a knowledgeable car accident lawyer. You can thus gain peace of mind by making sure you understand your legal rights and options in pursuing your claim.

The professional and compassionate personal injury lawyers at Hill & Moin LLC are the advocates you need after suffering the stress and trauma of a car accident. In practice since 1980, our attorneys have obtained over $200 million in awards and settlements for our clients over the years.

At Hill & Moin LLP, we offer our clients Personal Injury Recovery Solutions® that work. Our legal team has a proven track record of successfully defending and litigating for New York injury and accident victims. Learn what our dedicated and results-oriented lawyers can do for you by calling (212) 668-6000 to schedule a free consultation today. 

Don’t wonder about your rights!

Driver Injured in a Two Vehicle Collision Receives $172,000 Settlement

May 17th, 2023 by

C. Johnson was driving home after a long day at work. She was approaching an intersection when another vehicle attempted to make a left turn. This accident resulted in C. Johnson suffering an injury to her right shoulder.

C. Johnson decided to search for legal representation. A colleague recommended the law office of Hill & Moin. She called them and conducted an intake. An appointment was set up for C. Johnson to come to the office to meet with one of the partners. The attorney explained the legal process and the steps that their office would take to ensure that her case was resolved with a satisfying outcome.

After a few years of litigation, most of which took place during the pandemic, and months of negotiations with the insurance company, Hill & Moin settled her case for $172,000. The attorneys fought for every last penny for their injured client. When C. Johnson was notified of the outcome, she was very satisfied. She described her experience working with Hill & Moin as pleasant and easy. C. Johnson would recommend Hill & Moin to anyone who is searching for legal representation for personal injury from one of the best law firms in New York.

How to Dispute a Car Accident Fault

April 26th, 2023 by

A serious New York City car accident can turn your life upside down in the blink of an eye. If you sustained significant injuries, or if others were hurt, you could be feeling traumatized and overwhelmed. You may also be worried about how to focus on your recovery while, at the same time, continuing to take care of your family financially.

If you believe you are being unfairly blamed for the car accident, you may have legal recourse to dispute fault. You should never be held legally liable for an accident you did not cause. A trusted car accident lawyer can help you sort out the details and fight for a fair resolution to your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

At the New York law firm of Hill & Moin LLP, our attorneys do all we can to ensure that each of our clients receives the justice he or she deserves. In practice since 1980, our professional and compassionate legal team prides itself on standing on the side of New York accident and injury victims.

Disputing fault after a collision can be complicated, but having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side can ease your stress and bring you peace of mind. Call (212) 668-6000 to schedule a free case evaluation today and learn more.

Fault Finding After a Car Accident

After an accident, the car insurance companies will assign an insurance adjuster to investigate the circumstances of the collision to determine who was at fault.

The insurance adjuster will likely take the following steps:

  1. Speak with everyone involved in the accident. The adjuster will want to speak with you, the other driver, and any passengers or other eyewitnesses to the crash.
  1. Inspect the vehicle damage. The type and extent of the damage can be telling in determining how the accident took place and who caused it.
  1. Examine relevant documents. Documents such as photos of the accident scene, the police report, traffic citations, and medical treatment records can be used as conclusive evidence in determining fault in a car accident.

At times, the insurance company gets it wrong and assigns fault to an innocent party. If you feel this is true in your case, don’t give up. There are concrete steps you can take to dispute car accident liability.

Ways to Dispute Fault in a Car Accident Case

Disputing fault in a car accident case is not always easy, but it absolutely can be done. There are multiple steps you can take in order for the at-fault decision to be reevaluated by the insurance company and others.

Dispute the findings of the insurance company

If you believe you have been wrongly attributed fault for a car accident claim, notify the insurance company immediately. Make a phone call and follow up with a letter or email. Tell them that you disagree with their finding of fault and intend to take further action against them.

You may need to submit additional evidence that you did not cause the accident. By voicing your disagreement, there will likely be further investigation of your case. The insurance company may potentially revise its earlier decision.

Request that the police report be amended

If you disagree with the police report from the scene of the accident, try to speak with the investigating officer. It is in your best interest for the police officer to hear your side of the story first-hand. The officer might be able to clarify the initial accident report or add an addendum after speaking with you.

Contest any traffic violation you received over the accident

It may be that the insurance company found you at fault because you got a traffic ticket or citation in connection with the accident. If this is the case, you must dispute the ticket in court.

Even if you don’t win in court, the fact that you were willing to fight the ticket shows the insurance company how serious you are about disputing the at-fault decision.

Contact the insurance regulatory body

If the insurance company ultimately refuses to review your case, you should contact the New York State body overseeing insurance affairs. There are federal and state laws in place to help New York residents resolve liability claims.

Contact the insurance regulatory body in writing. They will then send an independent investigator to review your case.

File a personal injury claim

New York is a no-fault state when it comes to car accidents. Put simply, in no-fault states, there are systems in place to ensure that drivers carry medical insurance coverage for persons injured in a car accident. The no-fault system does NOT mean that nobody can be held responsible after a car accident.

As a New York driver, if you are involved in an accident and believe you are not at fault, you can file a personal injury claim with the insurance company. Both you and the other driver may need to dispute fault for the accident in writing. You can win the personal injury claim if you can submit enough evidence proving that the other party involved was negligent and at fault.

Contact a car accident lawyer for help

It can be frustrating and nerve-wracking when drivers, insurance adjusters, and even police are contradicting your version of events. Insurance companies tend to pressure accident victims into admitting fault for traffic collisions they did not cause. An experienced accident attorney, though, will not be intimidated by professional investigators and insurance adjusters.

A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can guide you through the claims process. Further, he or she is prepared to handle settlement negotiations with the insurance companies on your behalf.

Insurance law and car accident injury claims can be complex. If the other driver’s insurance company files a liability claim against you, and you thus need to dispute liability for a car accident, you should immediately contact an attorney to advocate on your behalf.

Taking these steps, listed above, will strengthen your case as you seek to dispute fault in a car accident claim and appeal the insurance company’s decision.

Evidence Needed to Dispute Fault in a Car Accident

In order to win a personal injury claim, you will need to present evidence proving that the other driver was at fault for the car crash.

The following can be used as evidence that the other driver caused the accident:

  • Photographs of where the accident occurred and the scene afterward
  • Video footage of the car crash from traffic or surveillance cameras
  • Witness statements, including those who did not see the accident take place but can testify to the conditions immediately after the crash
  • The extent of damage and point of impact on your vehicle
  • Medical records of the type and extent of injuries sustained
  • Accident debris
  • Police reports

Fault determination in the aftermath of a serious car accident can be tricky. At Hill & Moin LLP, we help take care of investigating your claim and sorting the evidence so that you can focus on your recovery. If we take on your case, our empathetic and results-oriented personal injury lawyers will work aggressively to resolve the fault allegations against you, thereby securing your future.

Hire New York Accident Lawyers Who Care

Sustaining serious injuries in an auto accident is traumatizing in itself. Being unjustly accused of causing the collision, on top of everything else, could feel like too much to bear. If you find yourself in this situation, rest assured that it is possible to successfully dispute fault and get financial compensation for all you have gone through.

No one should have to go up against insurance companies alone. An experienced and compassionate car accident lawyer is the advocate you need during this stressful time. At Hill & Moin LLP, we like to consider ourselves as “your lawyers in the family.” In fact, that’s how some of our clients have described their experience of working with us.

With over 40 years of experience behind us, the legal team at Hill & Moin has proudly dedicated our careers to successfully litigating serious personal injury and accident claims of New York residents.

If you or a loved one is disputing fault in a serious New York car accident, please contact a knowledgeable car accident lawyer as soon as possible. You deserve a personal injury attorney who is committed to helping accident victims resolve unfair cases.

The know-how we offer can only strengthen your claim. An experienced attorney will be able to dispute fault and work to secure financial compensation on your behalf. That way, you can afford to treat your injuries, continue to support your household, and contentedly move on with your life.

We recognize that this is likely a very trying and difficult time for you and your family. We believe that every accident victim should have the confidence to pursue his or her legal remedies for full and just compensation. It is our mission to help you throughout the entire legal process, ensuring that all possible recourse is taken and no deadlines are missed.

At Hill & Moin LLP, we offer our clients Personal Injury Recovery Solutions® that work because we know how to investigate and skillfully dispute fault in car accident cases. Learn what our dedicated and results-oriented lawyers can do for you by calling (212) 668-6000 for a free consultation today. 

Don’t wonder about your rights!

How Long After a Car Accident Can You Claim Injury

April 26th, 2023 by

Some car accident victims can recall specific scenes of an auto collision years after the event; they might even describe it as happening in slow motion. The day of a car accident might seem like a blur for other survivors. Some remember nothing about hours or even days following their trauma.

At Hill & Moin, LLP, we realize that car accidents affect everyone differently. Some clients file a personal injury claim right away, while others need more time to act.

Our New York City legal team is ready to fight for your rights as soon as you decide to hire our compassionate accident lawyers. Yet, the strict New York deadlines determine how long after a car accident you can claim compensation for your injuries.

Learn how much time you have left to recover compensation for your accident injuries. Contact us anytime at (212) 668-6000 for a free case review. 

When Seeking Medical Attention After an Accident

Ensuring your car is in a safe spot is one of the first things you should do after a car accident. Put on your hazard lights and park along the shoulder or in a parking space.

Was anyone hurt in the accident? Call 911 for immediate medical assistance.

What if everyone seems to be fine? There is a good reason to make the call, even if no one seems to have experienced serious harm.

First, New York state law requires accident reporting for incidents resulting in certain amounts of estimated property damage. You can obtain an estimate from a professional auto body shop or a mechanic.

Secondly, a police report could be crucial evidence in your personal injury case. The traffic enforcement officer can note essential details about the accident scene. If you take advantage of emergency services, you also establish an official accident record. Later, an experienced attorney could access your accident report and medical records to build a solid personal injury claim.

Understanding State-Imposed Deadlines

The New York statute of limitations requires all car accident cases to begin before specific deadlines expire. Once the time runs out, you will not be able to seek compensation.

The time limit varies based on the age of the injured person and the circumstances surrounding the car accident. For instance, you might only realize the severity of your injuries after some time has passed since the accident. This may or may not be considered to be a factor that should influence the statute of limitations.

When Injuries Become Apparent Later

If you don’t call 911, get professional attention from an urgent care facility or your primary physician as soon as possible. The symptoms of some medical conditions are hard to detect.

Notice what medical journals reveal about the following injuries:

  • Diffuse axonal injury (DIA) is the tearing of the brain’s connecting nerve fibers as the brain shifts during an injury. One research work states that “DAI is extremely difficult to detect noninvasively,” yet it “is one of the most common and important pathologic features of traumatic brain injury.”
  • MRI aids in the early detection of “difficult-to-detect osseous injuries.” Osseous refers to bone injuries like bruises and fractures.
  • Hernias of the diaphragm are “a common injury and marker of severe trauma.” One article reveals that “diaphragmatic rupture is of serious associated injuries which, unfortunately, is itself often occult [hidden].”

The symptoms of other traumatic accident injuries are slow to appear. Whiplash is a famous example. This soft tissue injury is caused by sudden bending of the neck in an accident.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NIH), the following whiplash symptoms might delay for days:

  • Burning or prickling sensations
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Joint, disc, ligament, and muscle injury
  • Memory loss
  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Trouble sleeping

Whiplash victims usually recover within a few months after the accident. However, some might experience pain and headaches for much longer.

Other medical conditions that might not show immediate symptoms are:

  • Blood clots
  • Brain swelling
  • Concussion
  • Internal bleeding
  • Stroke
  • Vision problems

The preceding are just a few examples of life-threatening bodily injuries that could go unnoticed until it is too late. Don’t rely on “feeling fine.” Stress hormones released during the accident and shock can mask physical and emotional pain.

Even physicians rely on X-rays, CAT scans, and other diagnostic testing to diagnose serious health issues. Get the medical care you need as soon as possible in the days following the accident. This is vital to your health and eligibility for your personal injury claim, especially since the statute of limitations is not likely to be made an exception for your car accident case.

Meeting Insurance Company Requirements

New York is a no-fault state. Therefore, the payment of car insurance claims does not always fall to the at-fault party.

In general, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) would pay for the following:

  • Reasonable accident-related medical bills and rehabilitation expenses necessary for recovery
  • A percentage of lost wages per month for no longer than a few years from the date of the motor vehicle accident
  • A limited daily amount for car crash expenses, such as transportation for healthcare and household services, for up to a year or so from the date of the car accident
  • Death benefits, payable to surviving family members or the estate of the deceased, in addition to the no-fault limit

Many people opt for liability insurance covering bodily injury and damage to personal belongings if they are responsible for an auto accident.

You should promptly report New York car accidents to your insurance company and the police. If you fail to submit your written car accident claim in a timely manner, you have to provide “clear and reasonable justification for late filing.” This is actually one of the most common mistakes made by victims of car accidents.

An auto insurance policy establishes a significant relationship between the driver and the insurance company. Yet, many people never read it. Complicated language and confusing terms often make it challenging to understand how to report a car accident and file an insurance claim.

At Hill & Moin, many clients appreciate that our car accident lawyers treat them as their own family members. Why not bring your insurance contract to your initial consultation? We would be pleased to let you know if you have a car accident case.

Filing a New York Personal Injury Lawsuit

Medical bills can reach tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars quicker than you might imagine. Since each car insurance claim has a maximum payout, you might be left in debt if you rely on PIP coverage alone for your treatment costs.

A personal injury attorney can help reach financial recovery. Our law firm is dedicated to seeking compensation for qualifying car accident victims. We often begin by negotiating with the car insurance company responsible for the claim.

Unlike a PIP injury claim, the at-fault driver or the liable party is responsible for all losses caused. A car accident attorney must prove his or her liability in a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

This legal process could involve:

  • Negotiating with the insurance provider
  • Investigating the car accident
  • Gathering evidence to establish causation, liability, and damages
  • Interviewing witnesses and experts
  • Documenting and valuing your losses
  • Calculating lost wages and disability payments
  • Evaluating non-economic damages like pain and suffering
  • Settling property damage claims for the motor vehicles involved in the car accident

These steps take time. Yet, the State of New York requires you to take legal action within only a few years of the accident. Once the deadline expires, you cannot file a claim or lawsuit.

Why lose out on your rightful compensation? Certain factors can affect how long it takes to recover compensation for your car accident from an insurance company. So, the earlier you contact a personal injury attorney, the more time you give your legal team to strengthen your personal injury case.

We would like to hear about your auto accident. Are you eligible for a personal injury claim? Please send us a message today, and a representative will get in touch shortly.

Recover Compensation While There Is Time Left

Car accident injury claims have the power to change lives. Why let a time limit rob you of your financial health? At Hill & Moin LLP, our law firm has a record of extraordinary results and client satisfaction.

You probably realize that a personal injury attorney could help you to seek significant compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Are you hesitating because you fear attorney’s fees will only add to your family’s financial burden? At our law firm, we are ready to provide you with a free consultation about your car accident injury claim.

Best of all, you can benefit from the legal counsel of a personal injury attorney without paying upfront fees. Upon a successful outcome, your legal costs would come from your financial compensation award from the liable party.

Don’t worry about your rights! If you were in a car accident in New York, contact us at (212) 668-6000 to schedule a free appointment and discuss your Personal Injury Recovery SolutionsⓇ.

Pedestrian Struck by Vehicle While Crossing Street at Times Square Receives $850,000 Settlement for Soft Tissue Injuries

April 4th, 2023 by

S.R. had finished her day at work and was heading home. She had taken the train to Times Square and began crossing the street in the crosswalk when a vehicle struck her. The impact of the collision caused S.R. to fall to the ground and left her unable to stand up on her own. An ambulance was immediately called, and she was taken to the nearest hospital. This accident resulted in S.R. suffering multiple soft tissue injuries to her back, shoulder, and hip.

S.R. decided to look for legal representation for this accident. She had found a calendar book in her home that she receives every year from the law office of Hill & Moin. She called their office and after a thorough intake was conducted, Hill & Moin scheduled an appointment for her to come to their office immediately. She met and spoke with the partners of their firm and they made sure to explain the legal process in relation to motor vehicle accidents. They expressed confidence in their abilities to obtain the best possible settlement in her case and began taking steps to ensure this outcome. After many grueling months of negotiations with the insurance agency, while also preparing for trial, S.R.’s case was settled for $850,000.

When S.R. received news of the settlement, she was extremely satisfied and could not wait to pick up her settlement check. She stated that the staff at Hill & Moin were very good and attentive with her. She praised their office’s communication with her throughout her case. She stated that she would gladly call Hill & Moin again in the future should she need their legal representation.

Horrific Car Accident Results in New Beginnings

March 30th, 2023 by

Sarah O. was on her way to work while sitting in the back seat of her coworker’s vehicle. She had no idea that one ride was going to change her life forever. Frighteningly, Sarah O. and her coworkers were impacted by a vehicle traveling at an unsafe speed of 100 MPH! The high speed caused catastrophic injuries to the vehicle occupants, sending everyone in the vehicle to the emergency room. Upon arrival at the hospital, Sarah was found to have head, hip, and elbow injuries that kept her confined to bed for almost 2 months.

Seeking legal help, Sarah O. contacted Hill and Moin. The attorneys at Hill and Moin worked diligently until Sarah was compensated for all she had experienced. In no time she received a settlement that will now help her fulfill her plans of buying a new home and taking a well-deserved vacation.

Insurance Carrier Tenders Full Policy for Injured Driver

January 26th, 2023 by

J.M. was driving with his mother in Queens, NY. While waiting for the red light to change, J.M. was unexpectedly rear-ended by another vehicle. Due to the intensity of the impact, J.M suffered injuries in his neck, back, and legs. J.M’s new routine now included recurring physical therapy and doctors’ appointments, in an effort to one day reach a point where he no longer will be in constant pain and discomfort.

J.M decided to hire legal representation and came across the Hill and Moin’s website. Once retained, Hill and Moin made it their mission to make sure J.M was compensated for the discomfort now part of his everyday life. Grateful for the hard work done by his attorneys, J.M recommends Hill and Moin to anyone seeking legal help. J.M was thrilled that Hill and Moin was able to put a smile back on his face after his unfortunate accident. He now plans to get his real estate license and move on in his life to a brighter future.

Driver Receives Fair Settlement After Head-On Collision

January 18th, 2023 by

Mr. Fritzner Felix was the driver of a vehicle that was involved in a head-on collision between the intersection of Flatbush Avenue and Alton Place in Brooklyn.

Mr. Felix sustained a right shoulder tear as a result of the accident. He contacted Hill and Moin and received the best consultation and guidance.

Mr. Felix mentioned that choosing the right attorney can be an intimidating process and that he had a very pleasant journey with Hill and Moin throughout his case.

Mr. Fritzner concluded that anyone looking for an attorney with strong credentials, quick and professional representation should contact Hill and Moin right away!

Passenger Injured in Auto Rear-End Accident Receives Full Insurance Policy Settlement and More

December 5th, 2022 by

M.T-A. was a passenger in a vehicle that was on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. There was heavy traffic at the time. Another vehicle rear-ended the vehicle she was in and as a result, she suffered neck pain, head pain, back pain, a partial tear in her left shoulder and a torn left meniscus that required surgery.

M.T-A. began seeking legal representation for this accident. She reached out to a colleague who recommended her to Hill & Moin LLP. When she called their office, they immediately set up an appointment for her to come to the office and meet the staff and attorneys. Their office explained the legal process to her and expressed confidence in their ability to get her the best possible outcome on her case. As a result of their hard work and relentless effort, M.T.-A became a recipient of a full insurance policy settlement, and additional funds from her own supplementary policy. She thanked them for ferreting out all possible sources of payment.

When M.T-A. was informed of the settlement, she was very pleased. She thanked Hill & Moin for their stellar legal representation. She stated that she had an excellent experience with their office and praised their communication with her throughout her case. She stated that she would highly recommend Hill & Moin LLP to anyone who is looking for personal injury legal representation from one of the best law firms in New York.