Need a car accident attorney near Hartsdale? Call now for a free case evaluation.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Hartsdale, NY, you’re likely facing more than just physical pain. Medical bills, insurance paperwork, missed work, and unanswered questions can quickly cause a tremendous amount of stress. And when the insurance company starts calling, it can feel like you’re being pushed into a corner.
At the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell, we believe in giving you the straight answers you need and the aggressive legal support you deserve. We’re here to protect your rights, hold negligent drivers accountable, and fight to get you full and fair compensation — no games, no delays. Get a free consultation today by calling (914) 810-0510 or submitting a request here: Free Case Review for My Car Accident in New York.
How a Hartsdale Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You
The key in any car accident case is to win by getting the client the most amount of money that is available under the law and particular facts of the case. There are many variables that might go into how much a case is ultimately worth, but the process for maximizing case value is relatively straightforward.
Here are some things that a car accident attorney in Westchester can do to get you fully compensated:
- Investigate your crash to gather evidence like police reports, medical records, photos, and witness statements
- Deal with the insurance adjusters so you don’t have to
- Calculate the full value of your damages — including lost wages, future medical needs, and pain and suffering
- Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
- Take your case to court if the insurance company refuses to offer what your case is truly worth
From start to finish, you’ll know exactly where your case stands. You’ll also know exactly what your attorney is doing to move it forward.
Common Causes of Car Accidents from Negligence
Most car crashes are the result of someone making a careless or reckless decision. This can include:
- Distracted driving (typically texting and driving)
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Drunk driving
- Tailgating or unsafe lane changes
- Failure to yield
- Drowsy driving
Michael J. McConnell is a Westchester County personal injury lawyer who will work hard to prove fault by showing the other driver was negligent.
Understanding No-Fault Insurance in New York
New York is a no-fault state, which means that after a car accident, your own insurance pays for your basic medical bills and lost wages regardless of who caused the crash. This is called Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
But no-fault doesn’t cover everything. It won’t compensate you for pain and suffering or future losses. That’s why many accident victims still need to file a personal injury lawsuit — especially when the injuries are serious.
What Is the Serious Injury Threshold?
You can file a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident in New York if your losses exceed the no-fault threshold of $50,000 or when you meet the “serious injury threshold.”
Injuries that meet the “serious injury threshold” under state law include:
- Death
- Significant disfigurement
- Fractures
- Loss of a body part or organ
- Permanent limitation of use of a body part
- Significant limitation of use of a bodily function
- Impairment that prevents someone from doing their usual activities for at least 90 of the first 180 days after the accident
If your injury qualifies, you may be able to sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, future medical expenses, and other damages not covered by no-fault.
Not sure if your injury qualifies? Just pick up the phone and give us a call at (914) 810-0510 for a free case evaluation.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Hartsdale
What you do in the hours and days after a crash can affect your case. Here’s what is generally recommended:
- Call 911 and get medical help. Even if you feel okay, get checked out — some injuries appear later such as concussions, internal injuries, and soft tissue injuries.
- Get a police report. This creates a formal record of the crash.
- Document everything. Take photos of the vehicles, the scene, your injuries, and get contact info from witnesses.
- Don’t talk to the insurance company yet. They may try to get you to say something they can use against you.
- Call a Hartsdale car accident lawyer. The sooner an attorney can begin working up your case, the more likely they can get a better outcome.
Talk to a Straightforward, Aggressive Advocate – Call Now
You’ve been through a lot already. You deserve clear answers and direct legal guidance. Let car accident attorney Michael J. McConnell protect your rights and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Your consultation is 100% free, and we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
Call (914) 810-0510 now or fill out our online form below to schedule your free consultation.