Injured in a Car Accident in New York? Get the compensation you deserve. Call Attorney Michael Siddons today for a FREE consultation: (610) 255-7500. No fee unless we win.
Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Serving Staten Island, New York
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Staten Island, New York, you need an experienced attorney who will fight for the full compensation you deserve. At Siddons Law Firm, we have extensive experience handling car accident claims throughout Staten Island and surrounding areas including St. George, Tottenville, New Dorp, Great Kills, and Travis.
Staten Island is the most car-dependent borough in New York City, with higher vehicle ownership rates and faster driving speeds than the rest of the city. The Staten Island Expressway is one of the most congested and accident-prone roads in the entire metropolitan area, and the borough’s suburban-style roads encourage speeds that lead to severe collisions.
Understanding New York’s Car Accident Laws
New York is a “no-fault” state, meaning your own insurance covers basic medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. However, you can step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver if you suffer a “serious injury” as defined by New York Insurance Law §5102(d).
NY follows a pure comparative negligence system — you can recover damages even if you are 99% at fault, though your award is reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
Types of Compensation Available
After a car accident in Staten Island, you may be entitled to recover compensation for a wide range of damages. These include medical expenses (both current and future), lost wages and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage, and in some cases, punitive damages. Every case is unique, and Attorney Siddons will thoroughly evaluate all available damages to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Staten Island
Car accidents in Staten Island happen for many reasons, but the most common causes include distracted driving (especially texting), speeding, drunk or impaired driving, aggressive driving and tailgating, failure to obey traffic signals, drowsy driving, and poor weather conditions. Dangerous areas in Staten Island include the Staten Island Expressway (Interstate 278), Hylan Boulevard, Victory Boulevard, Richmond Avenue, and the Korean War Veterans Parkway.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Staten Island
The steps you take immediately after a car accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. First, call 911 and report the accident to local law enforcement — accidents in Staten Island are typically handled by the Richmond County Supreme Court. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine — some injuries take hours or days to manifest. Document the scene with photos and videos, exchange information with all involved parties, and get contact details from any witnesses. Most importantly, do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney.
Statute of Limitations
In New York, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. While this may seem like plenty of time, evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and building a strong case takes time. We recommend contacting our office as soon as possible after your accident to ensure your rights are fully protected.
The Legal Process for Your Car Accident Claim
When you hire Attorney Michael Siddons, we begin with a thorough investigation of your accident. We gather police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any available surveillance or dashcam footage. We handle all communications with insurance companies and negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement. If the insurance company refuses to offer adequate compensation, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial in the Richmond County Supreme Court. Throughout the process, you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my Staten Island car accident case worth?
The value of your case depends on several factors including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the circumstances of the accident. The comparative fault rules in New York also affect your recovery. Attorney Michael Siddons provides free case evaluations to help you understand the potential value of your claim.
What is the statute of limitations for a car accident in New York?
In New York, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from recovering compensation. Contact our office as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Should I talk to the insurance company after my accident?
We strongly recommend speaking with an attorney before giving any recorded statement to an insurance company. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim. Let Attorney Siddons handle communications with the insurance company on your behalf.
Do I need a lawyer for a car accident in Staten Island?
While you are not required to hire a lawyer, having experienced legal representation significantly increases your chances of receiving fair compensation. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize what they pay. Attorney Siddons levels the playing field and fights for the maximum compensation you deserve.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
New York follows a comparative fault system, so you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Your award would be reduced by your percentage of fault. An experienced attorney can help minimize any fault attributed to you.
Ready to Get the Compensation You Deserve? Contact Siddons Law Firm today for your FREE car accident consultation. Call (610) 255-7500 or contact us online. We serve all of Staten Island, New York including St. George, Tottenville, New Dorp, Great Kills, and Travis. Remember — you pay nothing unless we win your case.