Motor Vehicle Litigation
In most motor vehicle accident law firm vehicle crash lawsuits, the plaintiff’s damages are lowered based on their percentage of fault. This is decided by the jury based on evidence presented to them.
To be held responsible for personal injuries the defendant must have been negligent during the incident. Liability is determined by the degree to which negligence caused the accident.
Liability
The objective of a motor vehicle accident claim is to seek compensation from the party who caused the losses and injuries caused by their negligence. Unless the injured victim lives in one of the few states that operate under a no-fault insurance system and a trucking accident lawsuit will require showing that the negligence of a defendant or failure to act resulted in a collision, and the resulting bodily injury.
An experienced lawyer can assist you in determining the fault of the driver or another defendant is responsible for your losses. Most auto accident cases turn on a plaintiff’s capacity to establish their defendant’s liability based on traditional tort liability principles, including a defendant’s duty to the plaintiff, the defendant’s violation of this duty, the real and proximate causation and injuries.
A skilled lawyer can assist in analyzing liability in situations where the insured driver or owner of the vehicle might be involved in lawsuits as well. The majority of automobile insurance policies include an affirmative provision of protection to anyone operating the vehicle with owner’s permission but subject to certain restrictions. This analysis will include a review of CPLR SS 1602.
Damages
A successful Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers vehicle lawsuit will prove the damages suffered by the plaintiff. This is usually accomplished by providing detailed documents on the out-of-pocket expenses and future losses that are expected due to the injuries suffered. These are known as economic and noneconomic damages.
The former is for things like medical expenses and lost income, while the latter pays for intangibles, such as suffering and pain. Oftentimes, it can be difficult to assign a precise amount to non-economic damages like mental stress and the loss of enjoyment life.
Your attorney will help you calculate your damages using a variety of methods. This includes hiring accident reconstruction experts who will review photographs of the scene police reports, witness testimony and other evidence to reconstruct the circumstances of the crash.
Your lawyer will also aid your claim by obtaining expert opinions that outline the economic and noneconomic implications of your injuries. This includes estimates of future healthcare and support costs, wage projections, and other financial considerations. These are essential to ensure you are fully compensated for any losses you’ve suffered and continue to be afflicted in the future.
Comparative Fault
In a car wreck, a system known as comparative blame (or contributory negligence) determines the degree of fault the injured party is accountable for. In many cases, it’s an important aspect that your lawyer must prove.
Most states use some version of a a comparative blame rule that allows victims to pursue compensation even if they are a part of the blame for an accident. The amount of the settlement will be based on their level of responsibility. If, for example a jury awards $100,000 for your injuries, and then determines that you are 40% responsible, you will only receive $60,000.
There are two kinds of modified comparative-fault rules. The first is known as the 50 bar rule, which prohibits the victim from claiming damages when they are more than 50% at fault. Colorado and Utah are two states that adhere to this rule. The other variant is called pure comparative fault. It allows victims to recover damages even if found to be at fault.
Statute of Limitations
In the majority of instances, a person who is injured in a car crash is entitled to file a lawsuit against the person responsible for the crash. These lawsuits must, however be filed within the prescribed time of limitations or the victim’s claim is forever barred.
The statute of limitations has nothing to have anything to do with whether the defendant’s insurance company will settle or not, and everything to do with the triggering event that initiated the case-the accident or incident which caused the injury. Knowing the exact moment at which the clock begins to tick is crucial for respecting this important rule.
In New York, those injured in car accidents have up to three years to start a personal injury lawsuit. In some cases this time frame can be shortened. In cases where a child is involved, for instance, the statute is paused until that child is liberated, which is accomplished by marrying or reaching the age of 18 usually two years after the incident. There are other exceptions and experienced lawyers can provide advice on the specifics.
Representation
We have a wealth of experience in providing advice and representation to public agencies and utilities on matters related to motor vehicle litigation. Our clients include local and county governments, as well as state and federal agencies that regulate fixed public utilities like water, electricity and sewer services. We also represent transportation entities like taxicabs, trucking companies and limousines before the Public Utilities Commission in cases concerning rates, fees, and service.
We can assist you in determining the responsible parties for an accident involving a motor vehicle and help you pursue compensation. Our firm also assists victims of car accidents as well as tractor-trailer crashes, Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers including wrongful deaths.
Our practice in commercial motor vehicles provides advice to manufacturers, national leasing companies, as well as national logistics firms on auto accidents and product liability claims. We manage pre-suit evaluations and actively manage the discovery process. We also employ trial-ready techniques to ensure the best possible client outcome whether it’s a summative decision or a favorable verdict. Our team regularly advises franchised motor vehicle, motorcycle and truck dealers on factory-dealer issues. We also represent them in New Motor Vehicle Board protests that involve terminations of dealerships, the addition of points warranty and incentive audits, motor vehicle accident lawyers as well as relocations.