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A fatal two-vehicle crash on Route 17 in Orange County is another tragic reminder of how quickly an ordinary drive on a New York highway can turn into a life-changing event.
New York State Police responded at approximately 6:55 a.m. to a crash on westbound Route 17 near Exit 120 in the Town of Wallkill. The collision resulted in the death of a passenger.
While the circumstances surrounding every accident are different, serious crashes such as this highlight the risks motorists face throughout New York — including drivers traveling the heavily congested roads of Westchester County, White Plains, Yonkers, the Bronx and New York City.
For victims and families dealing with the aftermath of a serious collision, an experienced car accident lawyer can help investigate what happened, determine who may be responsible and pursue compensation when negligence contributed to the crash.
Serious Car Accidents Can Happen in Seconds
Highway crashes can be particularly dangerous because vehicles are traveling at higher speeds and drivers may have only seconds to react to changing traffic conditions.
A momentary mistake can have devastating consequences.
Common factors involved in serious motor vehicle accidents can include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Unsafe lane changes
- Following too closely
- Driver fatigue
- Impaired driving
- Failure to yield
- Poor weather or limited visibility
- Dangerous roadway conditions
When multiple vehicles are involved, determining exactly what happened may require a detailed investigation.
Police reports, photographs, surveillance or dash-camera footage, vehicle damage, witness statements, medical records and, in appropriate cases, accident reconstruction evidence can all become important.
Westchester County Drivers Face Busy and Complex Roads
Drivers throughout Westchester County regularly travel major highways and parkways alongside commuters, commercial trucks, buses and motorists heading to and from New York City.
Roads such as I-287, I-684, the Hutchinson River Parkway, Saw Mill River Parkway and Bronx River Parkway can become heavily congested, particularly during morning and evening commuting periods.
Traveling south from White Plains and Yonkers brings motorists into an even denser network of roads serving the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn.
Heavy traffic, merging vehicles, sudden stops and drivers changing lanes can create dangerous conditions. When a motorist is distracted, speeding or otherwise negligent, the consequences can be severe.
What Should You Do After a Serious Car Accident?
The moments following a collision can be confusing, but the steps taken afterward may become important to both your health and a future personal injury claim.
Seek medical attention for injuries as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent following the shock of a collision.
When it can be done safely, photographs or video of the vehicles, roadway, traffic controls and surrounding conditions may also help preserve evidence.
Victims should keep copies of medical records, bills and other documentation associated with their injuries and losses.
It is also important to remember that an insurance company’s interests may be very different from those of an injured accident victim.
Before accepting a settlement or providing extensive statements concerning a serious accident, consider speaking with an experienced New York personal injury attorney.
Choosing a Car Accident Lawyer With Trial Experience
Not every car accident claim is resolved easily.
Insurance companies may dispute liability, challenge the seriousness of an injury or argue over the amount of compensation an injured person deserves.
That is why courtroom experience can matter.
Norman Gershon has 35 years of trial experience representing personal injury victims throughout the New York City metropolitan area and surrounding counties.
He has recovered tens of millions of dollars in personal injury verdicts and settlements and has developed a reputation as a go-to trial lawyer for difficult cases.
In fact, Norman is the attorney other lawyers call when they need an experienced trial lawyer to handle their toughest cases.
Proven Results in Motor Vehicle Accident Cases
The Law Offices of Norman Gershon has achieved significant results for seriously injured clients, including:
$16.5 Million Verdict — Betancourt v. NYCTA
An automobile passenger was injured in a collision with a bus, suffering serious vertebral injuries requiring fusion surgery.
$5.445 Million Verdict — Mungo v. Traviseo et al.
A motor vehicle accident case involving cervical and lumbar fusion injuries.
$5.068 Million Verdict — Young v. Bal and Nissan Lift of NY
A motor vehicle sideswipe accident involving a cervical fusion.
$3.75 Million Verdict — Hernandez-Santos v. Egg Depot Inc. et al.
A motor vehicle accident resulting in a lumbar spine injury requiring fusion.
$3 Million Verdict — Carmona v. Esther Transportation Inc. et al.
A motor vehicle collision involving a lumbar spine injury and fusion.
$2.5 Million Verdict — Yurkovic v. Cepin
A Westchester County intersection accident involving cervical disc herniations and fusion.
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in another case. Every personal injury claim depends upon its individual facts and circumstances.
What Compensation May Be Available After a Car Accident?
Depending upon the circumstances of the collision and applicable New York law, an injured person may be able to pursue compensation for losses such as medical expenses, lost income, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other accident-related damages.
When an accident results in death, surviving family members may also have legal rights arising from the loss.
Determining the full value of a serious injury claim requires more than adding up current medical bills. Long-term medical treatment, future limitations and the impact an injury has on a person’s ability to work and enjoy everyday life may also need to be considered.
A Car Accident Lawyer Serving Westchester County and NYC
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured because of another driver’s negligence, you should not have to face an insurance company alone.
The Law Offices of Norman Gershon represents personal injury victims throughout White Plains, Westchester County, Yonkers, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn and the greater New York City metropolitan area.
With decades of courtroom experience and a record of substantial verdicts and settlements, Norman Gershon prepares cases with the understanding that a serious personal injury claim may ultimately have to be proven before a jury.
Clients have described Norman as thorough, prepared, responsive, compassionate and relentless in protecting their interests.
If you’ve been injured in a collision, speaking with an experienced Westchester County car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, your potential claim and the steps that should be taken to protect your future.
Put 35 Years of Trial Experience to Work for You
A serious car accident can leave victims dealing with medical treatment, lost wages, insurance companies and uncertainty about what comes next.
You don’t have to handle those challenges by yourself.
The Law Offices of Norman Gershon represents people injured in car accidents throughout Westchester County and New York City and is prepared to fight for the compensation clients deserve.
When the case is difficult and the stakes are high, experience in the courtroom matters.
Norman Gershon is the lawyer other attorneys call to try their toughest cases.
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