Riverhead, New York, is known for its vibrant community and busy roadways. However, with busy roads like Old Country Road, Route 58, and County Road 105 weaving through the town, car accidents are an unfortunate reality many local residents encounter. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, leaving victims to deal with pain, financial stress, and an uncertain future.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Riverhead, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. A Riverhead car accident lawyer from Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP can provide the legal support and skilled representation you need to seek compensation and regain control of your life.
Our team can review your motor vehicle crash case and explain your options based on the severity of your injuries, your losses, and the cause of your collision. You can speak with a Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP car crash team member today.
Our free consultations help victims on Long Island understand their options for pursuing financial recovery. Call (631) 451-7900 now to get started.
For a free legal consultation with a car accidents lawyer serving Riverhead, call 516-451-7900
Why Choose Rosenberg & Gluck LLP for Your Riverhead Car Accident Claim
At Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP, we understand how life-altering a car accident can be. You may be dealing with debilitating injuries, mounting medical bills, and a loss of income. Our legal team is here to guide you through this challenging time with compassion, confidence, and over 100 years of combined legal experience.
We are dedicated exclusively to personal injury law, which means your case gets the benefit of our focused knowledge and experience. Unlike other law firms that handle a wide range of legal issues, we concentrate solely on securing compensation for injury victims. This dedication allows us to craft strong, persuasive cases tailored to your unique situation—making it easier for you to find the best car accident lawyer with the right experience for your needs.
Car accident cases often involve powerful insurance companies that prioritize their bottom line over your recovery. At Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP, we have the resources to level the playing field. Our financial ability to advance litigation costs ensures that your case receives the expert testimony, accident reconstruction analysis, and investigative resources needed to strengthen your claim.
When you choose Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP, you’re not just hiring a law firm; you’re gaining a partner who will fight aggressively to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
The Insurance Company Made Me an Offer. Should I Take It?
After your accident, you may be contacted by the at-fault driver’s insurance company with a settlement offer. It’s tempting to accept their initial offer, especially if you’re dealing with medical bills or lost wages. However, it’s critical to consult a lawyer before making any decisions. Insurance companies are in the business of saving money—not paying out fair compensation. Their initial offer may seem generous, but it rarely accounts for the full extent of your damages. Medical costs, physical therapy, lost future income, and pain and suffering are just a few areas that initial offers often fail to address, which is why it’s important to understand how much a car accident claim is truly worth before accepting any settlement. A Riverhead car accident attorney from Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP will protect your interests by thoroughly evaluating your case and calculating the true value of your damages. We will negotiate on your behalf to seek a settlement that fairly compensates you for the harm you’ve experienced. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’ll be prepared to take your case to trial.Laws Affecting Car Accidents in Riverhead, New York
Car accident claims in New York are governed by specific laws regarding insurance, time limits, and liability. At Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP, we ensure your claim complies with these legal guidelines so you can focus on healing while we handle the legal details.
New York’s No-Fault Insurance System
New York operates under a no-fault auto insurance system. This means that after a car accident, your own insurance company will cover your medical expenses and lost income up to your policy’s limits, regardless of who caused the accident. While no-fault insurance provides quick access to benefits, it does not cover non-economic damages like pain and suffering. To pursue a personal injury claim for these damages, your injury must meet New York’s “serious injury” threshold. Serious injuries include fractures, disfigurement, significant limitations of body functions, permanent and consequential injuries or injuries that result in at least 90 days of disability within six months of the accident. Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP can assess your case to determine whether your injuries meet this threshold and how to move forward with your claim.New York’s Statute of Limitations
Every state has legal deadlines, or statutes of limitations, for filing car accident claims. In New York, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation. If your claim involves a wrongful death, the time limit is reduced to two years from the date of death. There are some circumstances when your time to act could be as little as 90 days. Understanding these timelines is crucial—just as it’s important to know how car accident settlements work, from gathering evidence and calculating damages to negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing the claim in court if needed. Failing to file a claim within the statute of limitations could result in losing your right to compensation entirely. To avoid this risk, it’s important to act quickly. At Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP, we’ll help you meet all necessary deadlines and preserve your legal rights.New York’s Pure Comparative Negligence Rule
New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule when determining fault in car accident cases. This means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found to be 30% at fault for the accident and your total damages were $100,000, your compensation would be reduced by 30%, leaving you with $70,000. Insurance companies may try to exaggerate your share of the blame to reduce their payout. Our experienced attorneys at Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP will investigate the facts of your case to challenge any unfair fault assignments and work to maximize your compensation.Riverhead Car Accidents Lawyer Near Me516-451-7900
Do I Have a Car Accident Case?
If you were injured in a car accident in Riverhead, you might wonder whether you have a valid case. The foundation of most personal injury claims, including car accident cases, rests on the concept of negligence. Negligence occurs when a person or entity fails to uphold their duty of care, resulting in harm to another. For a successful car accident case, four key elements of negligence must be proven—this is also the basis for determining if you can sue for negligence in the first place. If these elements apply to your situation, you likely have grounds to file a legal claim.- Duty of Care Every driver has a legal responsibility to operate their vehicle safely and obey traffic laws, which is known as their duty of care. For example, drivers are expected to stop at red lights, follow speed limits, and avoid distractions like texting while driving.
- Breach of Duty A breach occurs when a driver fails to meet their duty of care. This could involve reckless actions like speeding, driving under the influence, or failing to yield the right of way.
- Causation It’s not enough to show that the other driver was negligent; you must also demonstrate that their actions directly caused the accident and your injuries. Evidence like police reports, eyewitness statements, or video footage can help establish this connection.
- Damages Finally, you must show that the accident led to real, measurable damages. These can include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, or other financial and emotional losses tied to the accident.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Riverhead Car Accident?
Determining who is liable in a car accident is a crucial part of the claims process. While another driver is often the at-fault party, there are instances where others may share liability for the collision. Here are some examples of parties who could be held accountable in a Riverhead car accident case:
- Other Drivers Negligent drivers who cause accidents by speeding, driving while intoxicated, or failing to comply with traffic laws are frequently the primary liable parties.
- Employers If the at-fault driver was operating a vehicle as part of their job duties, their employer could also bear liability under the legal doctrine of vicarious liability.
- Vehicle Manufacturers Accidents caused by vehicle defects, such as faulty brakes or defective airbags, may lead to claims against the car’s manufacturer or designer for product liability.
- Government Entities If dangerous road conditions or poor maintenance played a role in your accident, a government entity responsible for maintaining safe roads could be held accountable. Potholes, obstructed signage, or malfunctioning traffic lights are examples of hazards that might lead to liability.
Compensation Available to Riverhead Car Accident Victims
A car accident can lead to significant physical, emotional, and financial hardship. While compensation cannot undo the harm you’ve suffered, it can provide the resources you need to recover and move forward. Here are the types of damages that may be available to victims of car accidents in Riverhead:- Economic Damages These are tangible losses that can be calculated and documented. Examples include medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repair or replacement costs, and rehabilitation expenses.
- Non-Economic Damages These damages compensate you for the intangible consequences of the accident, like pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, or permanent disfigurement or impairment. Pain and suffering from a car accident isn’t limited to physical discomfort—it also includes the mental and emotional strain you’ve endured during recovery, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma tied to the event.
- Punitive Damages While rare, punitive damages may be awarded in cases involving egregiously reckless or intentionally harmful behavior. These damages are meant to punish the at-fault party and deter similar actions in the future.
How Much Does Our Riverhead Auto Accident Attorney Cost?
Understandably, many car accident victims are concerned about the cost of hiring a lawyer. At Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP, we offer compassionate legal representation on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay us any upfront fees, and we only collect attorney’s fees if we recover compensation in your case. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict we secure for you. The contingency fee arrangement allows everyone, regardless of their financial situation, to access skilled legal representation. You can focus on healing and rebuilding your life without worrying about additional financial strain. If your medical bills exceed coverage limits after a car accident, a lawyer can help you pursue additional compensation through a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver or explore other avenues such as underinsured motorist coverage.Riverhead Car Accident Claim FAQs
Below are answers to frequently asked questions regarding car accident claims in Riverhead, NY:Do I need to see a doctor if I don’t feel injured?
Yes. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal damage, may not present symptoms right away. Seeing a doctor ensures that any hidden injuries are identified and treated early. Additionally, medical records can serve as crucial evidence if you decide to file a claim later.Will I have to go to court to resolve my case?
Not necessarily. Many car accident cases are resolved through settlement negotiations with the insurance company. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to trial. The attorneys at Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP are prepared to fight for your rights, whether at the negotiation table or in court.What types of evidence are important for a car accident claim?
Strong evidence is critical to building a successful car accident case. This may include photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and vehicle damage; a copy of the police accident report; medical records; witness statements; and video footage from traffic or dash cameras. An attorney can help you collect and organize the evidence to support your claim.Can I file a claim if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured?
Yes. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or does not have enough coverage to fully compensate you, you may be able to file a claim through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) insurance coverage. Our attorneys can review your policy and help you explore all available options to recover compensation. Additionally, you may have a claim with New York’s Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Coproration, also known as “MVAIC”.What if the insurance company denies my claim?
If your claim is denied, it’s not the end of the road. Insurance companies may deny claims for various reasons, sometimes unfairly. An experienced car accident lawyer can evaluate the denial, gather additional evidence, and negotiate or litigate to challenge the decision.Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Contact the Riverhead Car Accident Attorneys at Rosenberg & Gluck LLP Today
When a car accident turns your life upside down, having knowledgeable, caring legal advocates on your side can make all the difference. At Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP, we’re committed to helping Riverhead residents get the justice and compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
Here’s how we can assist you:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of your accident
- Identify and hold all liable parties accountable
- Handle all communication with insurance companies and opposing parties
- Negotiate for a fair settlement or take your case to trial if necessary
- Collect the evidence needed to strengthen your claim