Top Rated Distracted Driving Accident Attorney in Albany, NY
Distracted drivers are a significant issue on the road in New York. If you’re injured in an accident, it’s up to you to gather the evidence and file the documents to recover damages for your losses. In order to do that, you must understand New York distracted driving laws, including no-fault rules, “serious injury” thresholds, and recoverable damages based on the scope of your losses. An Albany distracted driving accident lawyer can help you keep everything straight.
With decades of experience under our belt, our team at Gattuso & Ciotoli, PLLC, is confident we can help you deal with the aftermath of an accident and understand your rights for recovering damages based on the type of claim you file and the scope of your losses. As a local law firm, we’re familiar with navigating every stage of the claims process. From communicating with insurers to handling litigation in the courtroom, we’ve got you covered.
Navigating a Distracted Driving Accident Claim
Although the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) has seen a significant decline in fatal motor vehicle accidents in recent years, car crashes can still lead to significant injuries and other losses. There are a number of different risk factors that drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians can face on the road. Driver negligence is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents in Albany and beyond.
Specifically, distracted driving is a common issue and catalyst for injury claims. In a single year, distracted driving accidents resulted in 315,167 injuries and 3,208 deaths. Any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from operating a vehicle, even for a second, can be detrimental. If you look down for five seconds while driving at 55 MPH, you can make it the length of a football field without your eyes on the road. Common examples of distracted driving can include:
- Eating or drinking
- Looking at yourself in the mirror
- Messing with the stereo
- Talking to people in the car
- Using your phone
How an Albany Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help With Your Case
An Albany personal injury lawyer can be a critical asset to have on your side during a car accident case. New York’s personal injury laws, and specifically car accident laws, can be difficult to understand on your own. With the right legal support, you can focus on securing the compensation you deserve without worrying about making mistakes along the way.
Moreover, distracted driving can be difficult to prove, which is why it’s important that you know your rights and legal options when it comes to filing your claim and securing a settlement. You can count on an attorney from Gattuso & Ciotoli, PLLC, to be there to evaluate your case, explain your recovery options, and advocate for you through each stage of the process.
Our firm brings 50+ years of combined experience representing clients throughout Central New York and New York State. We have a high success rate in past cases thanks to our hard work and dedication to our clients.* We’ve also earned the trust and respect of countless lawyers and judges, and we’re rated by Super Lawyers®.**
FAQs
Is New York a No-Fault Accident State?
Yes, New York is a no-fault accident state. This means that regardless of who is liable in a car accident, injured parties file a claim under their own insurance policy to recover damages. Drivers in New York are required to carry mandatory “no-fault” coverage in addition to liability insurance.
You may also file a personal injury claim to recover damages for pain and suffering or for additional compensatory damages if you’re over the “serious injury” threshold.
How Long Do I Have to File a Distracted Driving Accident Claim in Albany?
How long you have to file a distracted driving accident claim in Albany depends on the scope of the losses and the type of claim being filed. Under New York’s no-fault laws, you must file a no-fault claim through your insurance within 30 days.
If you choose to pursue legal action, you typically have three years to file a personal injury claim. In the event the victim dies, the deadline to file a wrongful death claim is two years.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Distracted Driving Accident in Albany?
The damages you can recover after a distracted driving accident in Albany depend on the details of the accident and the claim you file. You can file a no-fault claim to recover economic damages related to the accident.
You also can recover non-economic damages through a personal injury claim. In the event your damages surpass the state’s “serious injury” threshold, you can file to recover a fuller scope of compensatory damages.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer in Albany?
How much it costs to hire a distracted driving accident lawyer in Albany can vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether or not matters go to court. Many injury claims settle through negotiations with insurance companies, which is typically less time-consuming.
Litigation is usually a more time-consuming process. It’s wise to hire a distracted driving accident lawyer regardless of what stage of the process you’re navigating.
Hire a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer to Help With Your Claim in Albany
Driving in New York can be dangerous. Not only do you have to follow all the rules of the road yourself, but you also have to trust that other drivers will do the same. If you’re in an accident with a distracted driver, it’s imperative that you understand your rights and legal options for recovering damages for your losses. Fortunately, you can turn to an Albany distracted driving accident attorney to support you throughout the claims process.
A New York personal injury lawyer from Gattuso & Ciotoli, PLLC, can help. Contact us at an office near you to set up a consultation with a trusted attorney today. You can find us in Central New York near I-481 and I-690 and in the Financial District near the Upper Bay when you’re ready to get started.
*Past settlements don’t guarantee future case results. Every case is unique.
**Criteria for ratings and other accolades vary by organization.