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Car accidents can change lives in a split second. They leave victims with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and often, significant financial burdens. From the bustling streets of Garden City, NY, to suburban backroads, accidents happen more frequently than anyone would like to imagine. But why do they occur, and who’s typically held responsible?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, understanding the five most common causes and their related liabilities can help you determine your next steps. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is the leading cause of car accidents in the United States. Whether it’s texting, eating, using a GPS, or even chatting with passengers, anything that takes attention off the road puts drivers and others at risk.
Who’s Liable?
The driver engaging in distracted behavior is usually liable. For example, if someone rear-ends your vehicle because they were texting, they can be held responsible for the damages. Texting while driving is particularly egregious, as it’s illegal in New York and leads to significant fines and driver liability in accidents.
What You Can Do
If a distracted driver has hit you, gather evidence, such as witness statements or surveillance footage, to prove their negligence. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you build your case and fight for the compensation you’re entitled to.
2. Speeding
Speeding is another common contributor to accidents, especially on high-speed roads like the Meadowbrook Parkway or the bustling intersections in Garden City. When drivers exceed speed limits, they have less time to react to obstacles, and the impact of a collision is often much more severe.
Who’s Liable?
The speeding driver is typically at fault in these crashes. Even in situations where they claim they were late or in an "emergency," their actions are considered negligence. Speeding violations are clear indicators of liability in most cases.
What You Can Do
After an accident, police reports often note whether speeding was a factor. If available, this documentation and accident reconstruction evidence can strengthen your case against a reckless driver.
3. Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains one of the most preventable causes of car accidents. Despite decades of public safety campaigns, impaired drivers still wreak havoc on roadways, causing devastating injuries or even fatalities.
Who’s Liable?
Drunk drivers are almost always liable for accidents they cause. Additionally, New York’s dram shop laws may hold establishments accountable if they overserved the intoxicated driver before the crash. For example, if a bar in Garden City served a visibly intoxicated individual, they could share in the liability.
What You Can Do
If you’re the victim of a drunk driving crash, seek medical attention right away and document the incident thoroughly. Your attorney can investigate whether multiple parties contributed to the accident, including the driver or a business.
4. Weather Conditions
Poor weather, such as heavy rain, snow, or icy roads, is a factor in countless accidents, especially during the colder months. While no one can control the weather, drivers are still expected to adjust their behavior to match the conditions.
Who’s Liable?
Even in bad weather, drivers who fail to drive cautiously can be held responsible. For example, if someone slides into your car because they were driving too fast on icy roads, they may be legally liable, regardless of the weather.
That said, liability may also depend on road conditions. If a government entity failed to salt or plow the roads effectively, they might share some responsibility.
What You Can Do
Whenever an accident happens in poor weather, take pictures of the scene and note any unsafe conditions, like untreated ice or poorly marked hazards. These details can be crucial if liability is disputed.
5. Failure to Obey Traffic Laws
Ignoring red lights, running stop signs, failing to yield, or even illegal U-turns can lead to catastrophic accidents. These violations aren’t just about breaking the law; they directly harm other road users.
Who’s Liable?
The driver who disobeyed the traffic law is usually at fault. Traffic cameras or eyewitness accounts often serve as strong evidence in cases involving rule violations.
For example, if another driver speeds through a red light and T-bones your car at an intersection in the heart of Garden City, they’ll likely be responsible for all damages caused.
What You Can Do
Make note of traffic signals, signs, and any relevant details about the crash location. Your legal team can request traffic camera footage or work with witnesses to bolster your claim.
Why Legal Help Matters
Car accidents are stressful enough without figuring out who’s liable or how to handle insurance companies. Proving negligence can be complex, and insurance adjusters often try to minimize your claim. That’s why having a personal injury attorney by your side is invaluable.
At our firm in Garden City, we focus on getting justice for accident victims. We know the ins and outs of New York’s liability laws and are passionate about standing up against negligent drivers and unfair insurance practices.
New York Car Accident Attorney
As we navigate the intricacies of road safety, it becomes evident that understanding and addressing these issues are paramount for both personal safety and legal clarity. If you've found yourself entangled in a vehicular accident in Garden City, NY, Horn Wright, LLP is here to guide and support you. Our expertise in personal injury law can help navigate the complexities of your case with precision and care. Don't let the aftermath of an accident overwhelm you—reach out to us at (855) 465-4622 to ensure your rights and interests are protected on the road to recovery.