Millions of Dollars Recovered for Our Clients
Morrisania Bronx
Morrisania is a residential neighborhood in the southwestern Bronx, New York City. Its’ boundaries are the Cross-Bronx Expressway to the north, Crotona-Prospect Avenue to the east, East 161st Street to the south, and Webster Avenue to the west. Third Avenue is the primary thoroughfare through Morrisania. Its name derives from the Manor of Morrisania, once the entire South Bronx. The zip code is 10456.
When you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, your entire focus revolves around recovery and getting back on your feet. And if you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, the added stress, uncertainty, and even anger can be emotionally taxing.
Wouldn’t it be a relief to know you could count on a trusted friend and advisor to passionately champion for you? Someone who’s got your best interests in mind? You will want to contact the best Morrisania Bronx car accident lawyer that you can find. Contact Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. PC at 212-240-9465 to schedule your free, no-obligation in-office consultation and get the wheels of justice spinning for you!
When you hire a car accident lawyer at Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. PC, you pay nothing upfront. We work on contingent fees that are only collected if we win your case. If we don’t win, you don’t pay. Without a lawyer, the insurance company can offer you a lowball offer that barely covers any of your needs and may even refuse to cover some of the damages. You may be left having to pay for the costs of your injuries on your own. Contact us today and let us turn your setback into a comeback.
Recover the Full Cost of Medical Expenses and Injuries — Now and in the Future
Even serious injuries can be slow to present with symptoms, which allows them time to develop into something even more serious and more difficult to treat. Often, insurance companies will attempt to contact an injured victim and try to settle for very little as quickly as they can. It’s critical to give yourself time to fully consider the scope of your injuries and how those injuries not only affect your expenses now but also how those injuries could affect your quality of life later and future wages.
Experienced Negotiators and Trial Attorneys
Without a legal claim, the insurance company can offer you a lowball offer that barely covers any of your needs and may even refuse to cover some of the damages. Insurance companies are in business to collect money, not pay out claimants. As a result, they work vigorously to pay victims as little as possible. Our law firm will handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf and work toward securing the compensation you rightfully deserve. And, if we cannot reach a fair and equitable settlement, we will try your case to jury verdict.
The attorney at Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. PC can handle everything so you can focus on healing. We will work with you to achieve the settlement that you deserve. We will do everything possible to defend your rights and will work with you by your side to help you through such a trying time. Contact Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. PC at 212-240-9465 to schedule your free, no obligation in-office consultation now and Get the Wheels of Justice Spinning for You!
What to Do After an Accident
The immediate moments after a car accident can be scary and confusing for car accident victims. Preparing ahead of time for an emergency is your best bet to remaining calm immediately after an accident. Here are a few important tips that you want to heed if and when you are involved in a motor vehicle accident and these include the following:
- Check if anyone was hurt (those few minutes can mean life or death to an injured accident victim). If someone was hurt, call an ambulance immediately.
- If your vehicle is in the line of traffic, move it out of the way and into a position of safety if possible.
- Do not admit guilt! Whether or not you think it is your fault, never admit guilt at the scene because it can complicate the claims process later on.
- Call the police so you can have them write up an accident report.
- Document the scene. Take pictures of the vehicle damage, where the vehicles landed, your injuries, any skid marks and any road or weather conditions that might have played a role in the accident.
- Exchange vital information with the other driver including: driver’s license numbers, insurance policy number and contact information, license plate numbers, name and phone number (yours and theirs) etc.
- Gather the names and phone numbers of any eyewitnesses to the accident, you will need them later.
- As soon as possible, contact a personal injury attorney.
It’s always a good idea to keep a notepad and pen, and disposable camera inside your glove box in case you don’t have a cell phone handy. Make sure to call the police and get an accident report. And, it’s not a wise idea to avoid the insurance agencies and instead accept a cash offer from the other party. You may have no idea as to the extent of your injuries or the property damage to your vehicle. Hiring a Bronx car accident attorney may ultimately enable you to collect far more compensation from the other party than if you tried to handle it on your own.
Investigating and Gathering Evidence Following a Car Accident
Witness statements, accident reports, medical records, and victim testimony are all highly effective and typical types of evidence in a car crash case. Obtaining witness testimony is crucial if you are pursuing a case against the driver who caused the accident. Witnesses can provide vital evidence showing negligence on behalf of the other driver, which will help you receive damages for your medical bills and losses.
Medical evidence is also critical to your car accident claim. First responders who attend to accident victims can be leveraged to identify injuries that occurred immediately after the accident. Additionally, medical experts and records provide valuable information about the nature of the injury and its origins, which is why it’s so critical for car crash victims to seek medical attention immediately after an accident.
Many types of evidence from an automobile accident can be collected in electronic form. Photographs of the crash scene and/or of skid marks on the road might be taken with a digital camera. If a traffic light was ignored, nearby traffic cams might have captured that violation. Other witnesses may have captured the crash on their cell phones. Expert testimony can be used to interpret cellular data and determine whether a defendant was likely on his or her smartphone at the time of a collision.
Most newer automobiles in the United States are equipped with an event data recorder (EDR). The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines this technology as a device that can record a vehicle’s technical and occupant information during the moments before, during, and after a collision. The technology can measure and capture such information as:
- Vehicle speed;
- The rate of acceleration and deceleration;
- Steering angle;
- Brake application; and,
- Many other metrics.
The data recorded by an EDR can be critical in an auto collision case because it can provide a more accurate, credible picture of fault.
Electronic information gathered from EDRs, medical records, witness and victim testimony and related sources can be vital to an auto crash claim, especially when combined with other solid evidence and an excellent legal approach.
How Much is My Car Accident Case Worth?
This is a common question we hear, but not a very easy one to answer. All motor vehicle accidents are unique, and the value of your claim will depend on the facts and circumstances involved. Generally, we help our clients pursue the maximum compensation possible for all damages resulting from their accident.
Before you can figure out if a settlement offer is fair, you need to know how much your injuries are worth. An offer may seem like a lot of money until you realize that this amount won’t even begin to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other potential losses. You may be thinking of current or recent medical bills but you may also be eligible to recover compensation to help pay for your damages. Damages come in two forms – economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages in Car Accident
Economic Damages refers to the compensation you can receive for the loss of money caused by the automobile accident. Non-monetary harm caused by your accident (ie: pain and suffering) and punitive damages are not included in economic damages. In personal injury cases, a successful plaintiff receives one economic damages award. In other words, you only get paid once for all of your money losses – both past and future. Past economic damages refer to financial losses you already have incurred at the time of the award. Because you have already incurred these costs at the time of the award, past economic damages are normally easy to calculate – usually by looking at your bills. Examples of past economic damages include
- Medical Bills
- Lost Income
- Car Repair costs
- Costs related to loss of a vehicle such as rental car or towing
Calculating your future economic damages can be complex and offer require experts. Medical experts may be needed to determine the severity of an injury and what could be expected for a long-term prognosis. An economist or labor expert may be needed to calculate the loss of an income and projected income over a long period of time. Hiring a personal injury lawyer to navigate this complexity and ensure your best interest is important, especially in cases with serious long-term injuries. Examples of future economic damages include:
- Future medical costs
- Future nursing care costs
- Future lost earnings/loss of earning capacity
- Money to pay for household services that you are no longer capable of performing
Non-Economic Damages in Car Accident
In a personal injury claim for a car crash, non-economic damages can be awarded to compensate the victim for pain and suffering as a result of sustaining an injury. Other examples of non-economic damages include emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life; and if the victim died, loss of companionship or consortium.
Pain and suffering refers to the physical and/or emotional stress associated with an accident and the injuries caused by it. For example, if a driver suffered a burn injury, the driver would probably recover money for the agony of enduring the injury itself, the associated treatment, the discomfort it caused, and any limitations imposed on the claimant’s lifestyle. The driver would also likely recover money for the stress and limitations associated with being permanently injured.
There are no specific rules around how pain and suffering is calculated in a claim. Insurance companies ands car accident lawyers look at the severity and permanency of your bodily injuries. Other factors include the long-term effect on lifestyle factors like sleep, the daily living routine, as well as relationships in home and work environments.
Because of the complexity and judgment required to estimate pain and suffering, a skilled car accident attorney is imperative to get the compensation you deserve. Their experience will help to be prepared to explain and justify your calculation.an count on us to work
How is Fault Determined in a Car Accident
When people are involved in car accidents, it’s not uncommon for them to immediately point the finger at the other driver. The question is, how is fault determined in a car accident claim?
In order to determine who the “at fault” driver is, it is important to look at the circumstances of how that particular car accident played out. Sometimes; for example, in the case of someone running a stop sign and broadsiding another vehicle, it can be easy to determine who is at fault, but other times it’s not as easy. In the auto insurance industry, comparative negligence refers to the degree of fault each individual involved in an accident has contributed to the cause of the crash. An experienced car accident lawyer will spend significant time uncovering and building evidence to prove liability for your claim.
New York is a No-Fault Insurance State
New York is a no-fault state for auto accident claims. which means if you’re in a car accident, your auto insurance carrier is responsible for paying certain damages from the accident, regardless of fault. These are benefits paid by the insurance company of the car you were driving, was a passenger in or were struck by as a pedestrian. So, even if another driver could be clearly at-fault for the car accident, your auto insurance pays the claim for your medical bills. This is in contrast to at-fault states, where the at-fault driver is responsible for paying the other driver’s damages. Before paying out of pocket for medical bills, learn how no-fault laws impact your insurance claim.
New York requires drivers to have no-fault coverage for personal injury protection. You can request reimbursement for lost wages and medical costs resulting from the accident. You can also use these funds to cover the cost of travel to and from medical appointments, home health aides and therapists, as well as other related expenses. However, you must act quickly after an accident.
If you’ve been seriously injured in a New York automobile accident, you may be able to file an injury claim and seek additional compensation for your pain and suffering. Serious injury is defined by New York law but includes a fracture, significant scarring and loss of fetus. An experienced car accident lawyer can advise you of your options and help you recover compensation for your injuries.
Causes of Car Accidents
While some car accidents are caused by bad weather conditions, the highest percentage involve the recklessness of other motorists, such as drunk driving accidents, distracted or negligent driving, speeding and reckless driving, or fatigued vehicle operators. Distracted driving can also mean that a driver was engaging in actions such as texting while driving, or other activities that affect their ability to control their vehicle. Other causes could include defective auto products or a vehicle that has not been well maintained. Being involved in an auto accident can be not only painful and traumatic, but it can also cost you lost income if you’ve been impaired physically and can no longer work.
Drunk Driving Accidents in New York
More than 10,000 people are killed in drunk driving accidents every year. The legal system heavily punishes those who are caught drinking and driving, and if you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, you should act now to pursue damages against the driver responsible for the car accident.
When a drunk driver causes an accident in New York, the driver will likely have legal liability to anyone his actions injure. Whether you were a passenger in the same vehicle as a drunk driver, if you were in another car, or if you were a pedestrian, you can file a lawsuit in order to obtain financial compensation for your injuries, or a wrongful death claim if you lost a family member. Your personal injury lawsuit will be targeted at recovering sufficient financial compensation to pay for all your expenses arising from the drunk driving accident.
A few points of consideration include the level of impairment and policy limits. A drunk driver can be found negligent even if the driver’s level of impairment was under the legal limit. Additionally, if there are multiple victims in a drunk driving accident, the driver’s insurance can only cover liability to victims up to the policy limits. Or, the driver is not the only party who may have liability to victims of a drunk or drugged driving incident.
Distracted Driving Accidents
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every day in the United States 9 people are killed in distracted driving crashes and over 1,060 people are injured at the hands of a distracted driver. What is distracted driving? Distracted driving refers to when a driver engages in any activity that takes their attention away from the primary task of driving.
There are three main types of driver distraction and these include:
- Visual distraction (taking your eyes off the road)
- Manual distraction (taking your hands off the wheel)
- Cognitive distraction (taking your mind off driving)
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic on America’s roadways. Of all the forms of distracted driving, texting while driving is by far the most dangerous because it involves all three elements of distraction: visual, manual, and cognitive. The NHTSA reports that cell phone use was reported in 18% of the distracted-related fatal crashes and that texting takes the driver’s eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds; that’s equivalent to driving the length of a football field blindfolded at 55 mph.
Common forms of distracted driving include:
- Texting while driving
- Using a phone or device
- Talking to passengers
- Grooming
- Changing stations on the radio
- Eating while driving
- Operating a navigational system
Drugged Driving Accidents
Drugged driving is driving a vehicle while impaired due to the intoxicating effects of recent drug use. It can make driving a car unsafe—just like driving after drinking alcohol. Drugged driving puts the driver, passengers, and others who share the road at serious risk.
Each drug affects the brain differently. For example, cocaine can make people drive more aggressively than usual, whereas sedatives can cause dizziness and extreme drowsiness, leading to crashes. When alcohol is combined with many types of drugs, the sedating effects can be even more intense.
The main prescription drugs of concern include sedatives (tranquilizers and depressants) and prescription opioids; however, anti-psychotics as well as prescription stimulants meant to enhance focus and attention are also dangerous when combined with alcohol.
Here are just some of the popular drugs that impair driving ability:
- Nembutal
- Luminal
- Xanax
- Limbitrol
- Valium
- Ativan
- Halicon
- Lunesta, Sonata, and Ambien
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
- Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet
- Methadone
Car Accidents and Insurance Companies
Insurance companies tend to play a huge role in car accident cases. Because New York is a no-fault insurance state, you will most likely be dealing with at least your own insurance company. Typically, a victim who gets injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by another driver’ negligence will look to that other driver’s insurance to pay for damages. If you have been injured in an accident, in many cases, a personal injury attorney can negotiate with the insurer to get a more reasonable settlement for your injuries.
The car accident victim’s lawyer’s job frequently involves negotiating with the other driver’s insurance company, either directly with an insurance company employee or indirectly with other attorneys representing the other driver or entity.
An insurance company could be offering you a lower settlement for a number of reasons. For instance, they could believe you are partially at-fault for the accident, which would have an effect on the settlement offer. Or, the insurance company is lowballing you and doesn’t think you will fight back to get a fair settlement. Keep in mind that, without an experienced car accident attorney on your side, you may not even be able to estimate your true damages. Some types of damages — such as reduced earning capacity or the need for future medical treatment — require input from an expert that a personal injury attorney can arrange.
Insurance Adjuster Tips
Understand who the adjuster is working for: Remember, the insurance adjuster is not your friend and he or she is certainly not on your side, regardless of how friendly he or she might seem. The goal of the insurance company is to see to it that you receive little or no compensation at all, so keep that in mind as you speak to the insurance adjuster and be sure to never let your guard down. If your claim is significant, the adjuster will even attempt to dissuade you from involving an attorney. Without representation, you will be much more vulnerable to their tactics and likely fall prey to a low settlement offer, so whatever you do, hire a car accident lawyer!
What you say might hurt you: Even the most seemingly innocuous statement can come back to haunt your case and derail your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve. One of the first things an adjuster will ask you is to provide a recorded statement. You should absolutely refuse to do this! You are not required to provide a recorded statement and, if you do go through with this, the adjuster will take every opportunity to put words in your mouth and ask loaded questions that will inevitably harm your claim. Always avoiding giving a statement, especially if you are taking medication for your injuries, which could affect your state of mind and how you choose to answer any questions.
Beware of negative comments: Adjusters often try to imply that a claim might be of little value, suggesting that there might be problems with your case. Remember, these subtle digs are meant to reduce your expectations. If you believe your case has no value, then you will be more prone to accepting a low settlement offer. Do not fall for these tricks.
Avoid the settlement traps: An insurance adjuster can set a number of settlement traps, depending on your case. Some of the most common ones involve encouraging a quick settlement, pressuring an injured victim to accept a settlement, and a pre-diagnosis settlement. The issue with settling too quickly or settling before you are able to obtain a diagnosis for your injuries is that it is impossible to know the value of your claim until you understand your condition, the expected length of your recovery time, the treatments you might need, and the possibility that you might not achieve a full recovery.
No matter what an insurance adjuster may say, you have a right to reject a settlement offer from the insurance company. Accepting an offer will require you to give you important rights, including the ability to file a lawsuit for your injuries. That is why it is so important to understand the full value of your claim and to know that you can and should reject any offer that doesn’t fairly compensate you for your losses. Contact an experienced Bronx car accident lawyer in NY for advice and guidance on any insurance settlement offer.
Car Accident FAQs
What should I do after a car accident?
Immediately after an accident, seek medical treatment for yourself, your passengers and anyone else involved in the car crash. You should also call the police to ensure a police report is filed. Try to take pictures and document the scene as best as you can. Exchange information with other drivers. Then contact a Morrisania Bronx car accident lawyer at 212-240-9465 to schedule a free, no obligation, in-office consultation to get the Wheels of Justice Spinning for You!
Can I still file a claim if I was partly at fault for the car accident?
Under New York law, you have rights to compensation or damages even if a car accident was partially your fault. Insurance companies look at several factors when determining fault and assign liability as a percentage. In New York, if an accident was less than 50 percent your fault, you can still receive compensation for your damages. The amount or percentage of fault is determined on a case-by-case basis, and it all depends on the circumstances of the accident. In these types of complex cases, often involving more than two drivers or parties, consulting with a New York car accident lawyer can help you understand your options.
Can I file a lawsuit after a car accident if I had a pre-existing condition?
A pre-existing condition does not preclude you from recovering damages for a personal injury claim after a car accident. The Eggshell Injury Doctrine is a law that many states, including New York, have incorporated in order to protect individuals suffering from pre-existing conditions. This law essentially states that individuals with pre-existing injuries have the right to compensation for their injuries, even given the circumstances that their current injuries would not have been quite as bad if it were not for their pre-existing condition. It is important to consult with a car accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident or illness if you have a pre-existing condition.
Do I have a case if I do not feel hurt?
Personal injury includes injuries to both mind and body. If you have suffered an injury to yourself, whether emotional or physical, through no fault of your own, you may have a case. Typically, you do need evidence to prove your injuries so it’s important to seek medical treatment for any type of injury. It’s also possible that if you’ve very recently been in an accident, the adrenaline and shock could be diminishing physical pain.
Will I have to go to trial to recover damages for a car accident?
Most personal injury cases are resolved pre-trial, and a large percentage of the cases that do go to trial are worked out between both parties before the case is given to the jury. However, having a skilled trial attorney like Michael J. Redenburg ensures that you have the best possible representation for negotiations and a potential trial.
How is a settlement reached in a car accident?
A settlement is reached when the defendant agrees to pay an amount to the plaintiff in order to drop the case, usually after a period of evidence gathering and negotiation. In many cases, an attorney can negotiate a settlement before a lawsuit is even filed. There are several factors that are considered when determining a fair settlement number, including the severity of the injury, pain and suffering, and medical costs.
What do I do if an insurance adjuster calls me?
You shouldn’t talk with an insurance adjuster for another person associated with the case. They may appear to be neighborly and thoughtful, however their best interest does not align with your best interest. No matter what an insurance adjuster may say, you have a right to reject a settlement offer from the insurance company. Accepting an offer will require you to give you important rights and sign a General Release, and forfeiting your right to file a lawsuit.
What is a release in a car accident settlement?
A Release is a document that you sign in return for accepting the settlement funds. By signing the Release, you are accepting the settlement and therefore releasing any other claims against the defendant and usually any other defendant related to the incident. In other words, once you settle you can never reopen the case or try to file a claim for additional compensation. If you are married, your spouse may be required to sign the release as well.
Car accidents can have an impact on your health, well-being, and finances which can cause worry, fear, and anxiety — for you and your family. Wouldn’t it be a relief to know you could count on a trusted friend and advisor to passionately champion for you? Someone who’s got your best interests in mind? At Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. PC we believe in exceptional client care, empathy, and results. That’s what makes us one of the best car accident lawyers in New York. With our long track record of success, you can count on us to take the best strategy and work tirelessly for your quality of life. We have helped people just like you move forward after sustaining an injury that was caused by another’s negligence.
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Michael Redenburg is a great attorney! Our experience with him was very successful. Mr. Redenburg has a high level of integrity, experience and know how to manage your case with the utmost level of confidence. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a good attorney.
If you have been injured in a Morrisania Bronx Car Accident and suffered injuries, contact Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. PC and get the wheels of justice spinning for you. Call 212-240-9465 now to schedule your free, in-office consultation and get the Wheels of Justice Spinning for You!