If you or a loved one has been hurt in a NY motor vehicle accident, contact the New York Law Offices of Scott C. Gottlieb & Associates, today for a FREE consultation by calling 1-800-TALK-LAW (1-800-825-5529) or (315) 782-3547 -- or you can submit our online form.

Every one of our New York accident attorneys has over 25 years of legal experience, and we have built a strong record of successful verdicts and settlements, which we will use as we work to help you get the benefits you deserve.

While many people assume that if they are safe drivers, they can avoid accidents and injuries - the reality is that accidents don't hurt only drivers. Those seriously injured in motor vehicle collisions include:

• Drivers of cars, trucks and motorcycles;
• Passengers;
• Pedestrians;
• Bicyclists.

Car Accidents

Car accidents are most common and happen for a variety of reasons, including negligent behavior on the part of one or more drivers. When drivers in the Watertown, NY area fail to pay proper attention or they disobey the traffic laws, the results can be disastrous. Factors involved in car accidents include:

• Reckless driving;
• Speeding;
• Drunk driving;
• Driver inattention - texting, talking on cell phones or to other passengers, etc.;
• Road hazards.

Truck Accidents

While auto accidents occur more frequently, truck collisions are often more dangerous. Every year nearly 500,000 large trucks (tractor-trailers or "semis") are involved in traffic accidents in the United States, and one of every eight traffic fatalities is caused by a collision with a large truck.

Truck accidents usually happen for one of two reasons - either mechanical failure or driver error/negligence, such as:

• Driver fatigue;
• Lack of proper training;
• Speeding;
• Driving drunk or under the influence of drugs.

No-Fault Insurance

While insurance claims are often more complex for a truck accident because of the multiple parties involved, including trucking companies, most injury victims hurt in a motor vehicle accident are eligible to file a claim for no-fault benefits. These benefits are available to drivers, passengers, pedestrians or anyone else who is using or operating the vehicle. The driver or passenger of a motorcycle is NOT entitled to no-fault benefits; however, he may be entitled to compensation if someone else was at fault for the accident.

No fault benefits include payment for the following accident-related expenses:

• Lost wages;
• Medical expenses;
• Prescriptions;
• Mileage reimbursement for transportation to and from all medical providers;
• Reimbursement for private health insurance premiums that are paid by the injured person;
• Death benefits in the event of a fatality.

NY Car Accident Attorneys

Whether you have been involved in a Watertown, NY, accident involving a car, truck, or motorcycle, your first priority should be to seek medical care and file a police report. Once your condition is stable, however, insurance representatives may begin asking you for statements. Do not sign any statement without consulting an attorney - comments made before you fully understand the extent of your injuries can be used against you later.

The Law Offices of Scott C. Gottlieb & Associates advises clients to act as follows when involved in a car or truck accident:

• Notify police and, if necessary, an ambulance immediately.
• Do not make statements to anyone, except a police officer.
• Do not admit liability.
• Obtain all insurance and contact information of all those involved in the accident.
• If you have a camera, take pictures of the cars and the individuals involved.
• Notify your own insurance company, but do not provide a recorded or written statement.
• Contact an attorney.

If you believe you may have a case or have questions about your rights to pursue legal action, contact us for a free telephone consultation. We will review your situation and advise you of your legal options. Contact the New York Law Offices of Scott C. Gottlieb & Associates at 1-800-TALK-LAW (1-800-825-5529) or (315) 782-3547. You can also use our online contact form.

The Watertown, NY, Law Offices of Scott C. Gottlieb & Associates MAKES HOUSE CALLS in Watertown and the surrounding areas. We see Jefferson County and surrounding area clients by appointment only, and we are available to do home and hospital visits. Our New York accident attorneys also maintain offices in Binghamton, Rochester, Elmira and Syracuse, serving those cities and the surrounding areas.

Car Accidents
Motor Vehicle Accidents / No Fault Insurance Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Free Motor Vehicle Accidents / No Fault Insurance Case Evaluation
Personal Injury Glossary
Tort Legal Glossary