DeWitt, NY Car Accident Lawyers

Protecting Your Rights After a Serious Crash

Getting hit on roads like Erie Boulevard East or while exiting I-481 doesn’t just mean damage to your car. 

It throws your schedule off, messes with your income, and leaves you sorting through paperwork you didn’t ask for. On top of that, you’ve got to deal with insurance reps who rarely make things easy.

Our car accident attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, have worked with drivers across DeWitt facing the ripple effects of serious crashes. We understand how much a wreck can affect your day-to-day life. Our job is to push for full compensation while protecting your time, your energy, and your rights.

If you're dealing with the fallout of a crash, our personal injury law firm is ready to help you take the next steps. Call (855) 465-4622 today to request your complimentary case review.

You Thought You Were Okay, Now Everything Hurts

It’s normal to feel shaken up after a wreck. But that lingering soreness in your neck? That tightness in your back? Those symptoms might be the sign of something more serious.

Not every injury announces itself right away. Adrenaline masks pain. Stress makes you ignore warning signs. And by the time you realize it’s more than soreness, the clock’s already ticking.

Some of the most common injuries that show up later include:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries. You may not notice anything right away, but over the next few days, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion set in. These injuries are painful, and they often require weeks, or months, of rehab. Insurance companies often question these claims, so early documentation is key.
• Back and spine trauma. Slipped discs and vertebral damage can take time to present. And when they do, you might struggle to sit, stand, or sleep without pain. These injuries often require imaging tests, physical therapy, or even surgery.
• Mild traumatic brain injuries. Even if your head didn’t hit anything, concussions can cause memory issues, mood swings, and constant headaches. These effects might not appear for days or weeks after the crash. If left untreated, they can worsen and disrupt every part of your life. 

Never assume you're fine. See a doctor, document your symptoms, and don’t let the insurance company minimize what you’re dealing with.

What Compensation Looks Like in a DeWitt Car Accident Case

When someone else’s negligence flips your life upside down, New York law gives you a path to make things right. But what does that really mean?

You may be able to recover money for:

• Medical bills. From emergency room visits and surgery to physical therapy and medication. These costs add up quickly and can strain your finances. Even with insurance, you may still face deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. From ER visits and surgery to physical therapy and medication.
• Lost income. If you missed work, or can’t return, you can claim your lost wages. This includes days off immediately after the crash and ongoing disability. In serious cases, your ability to earn a living may never be the same.
• Pain and suffering. Not just physical pain, but also emotional trauma and loss of enjoyment. You might struggle with anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbances. These non-economic damages deserve just as much recognition as your medical bills. 
• Vehicle and property damage. If your car was totaled, that’s a big financial hit. You deserve reimbursement for repairs or replacement. Don’t forget personal belongings lost or damaged in the crash, like phones, laptops, or child seats. 

To qualify for a full personal injury lawsuit, your injuries have to meet the state’s serious injury threshold. Here are a few examples:

• A fracture or broken bone. Even one break can qualify if it limits mobility. You may need a cast, surgery, or extended rehab. Even after healing, you might be left with chronic pain or reduced strength. 
• Permanent loss of a body part or function. Lost use of an arm, leg, or vital organ? That’s serious. It can mean life-long care, job changes, or major lifestyle adjustments. 
• Major scarring or disfigurement. Especially visible injuries to your face or hands. These can affect your self-esteem, your social life, and even your career. Cosmetic surgery doesn’t always fix the deeper emotional toll. 
• Significant disability lasting at least 90 days. If you couldn’t live normally for three of the six months after the crash, that meets the threshold. This includes being unable to work, drive, or care for yourself. It’s one of the more misunderstood qualifications, but it’s very real for many people. 

These rules can be tricky, but our car accident attorneys know exactly how to document and prove your injuries in a way that stands up in court.

Dealing with Insurance Adjusters in Onondaga County

Navigating insurance calls after a crash in DeWitt can feel like walking into a trap. Adjusters may sound friendly, even sympathetic, but their job is to protect their company, not you. 

The words you say, even in casual conversation, can be twisted to make it seem like you’re not really hurt. That’s why it’s so important to understand what you’re walking into.

Expect a call within days of the crash. The adjuster might ask questions designed to make your injuries sound less severe. Even a simple, “I’m okay,” can later be used to dispute your claim. It’s not about helping you. It’s about cutting costs.

They’ll also push for a quick settlement before you understand how badly you’re hurt. These lowball offers often come with strings attached, like waiving your right to pursue further compensation. Taking one of these deals might mean you’re stuck with long-term expenses the insurer won’t cover.

Once you bring in a legal professional, things change. We handle all communication, so you’re not pressured into saying something that hurts your claim. With us dealing directly with the insurer, they can’t manipulate the situation in their favor.

Shared Fault Doesn’t Cancel Out Your Rights

Think you can’t file a claim because you were partially at fault? Think again. 

New York follows a rule called comparative negligence. It means you can still recover compensation, even if you share some blame.

Say you were speeding, but the other driver ran a red light. If you’re found 20% responsible, you can still get 80% of your total damages. That’s a big deal when medical bills and lost wages are piling up.

The key is reducing the percentage of blame pinned on you. That’s where skilled legal work makes a difference. We dig through police reports, interview witnesses, and bring in crash experts if necessary. Our job is to protect your claim and your credibility.

Even if you think your role in the crash was significant, don’t rule out your case. Many crashes involve shared fault, and courts know that real life isn’t black and white. 

What matters most is whether your story is supported by solid evidence, and we know how to build that kind of case.

Time Isn’t on Your Side. Act Fast After a Crash in DeWitt

In New York, you generally have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. But if your crash involved a government vehicle, like a snowplow or town bus, you may have just 90 days to file a Notice of Claim.

Why else does timing matter?

• Evidence disappears. Skid marks fade. Damaged cars get scrapped. Without early documentation, proving fault gets harder every day. Skid marks fade. Damaged cars get scrapped.
• Witnesses forget. Even small details can make or break a case. As time passes, people may remember less or get confused about what they saw. Even small details can make or break a case.
• Medical documentation loses impact. The sooner it’s linked to the crash, the better. A delayed diagnosis opens the door for insurers to question causation. The sooner it’s linked to the crash, the better.

Waiting to call a lawyer might feel easier when you're still trying to rest. But delay can cost you real money and options.

You Don’t Have to Handle This Alone

Car accidents are hard. Medical appointments, lost income, stress, and uncertainty all pile up fast. But you don’t have to shoulder this alone.

Our car accident attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, handle the details so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery, your family, and your future. We’re here to help you get the full and fair compensation you deserve.

If you're ready to take that first step, one of the country’s most trusted law firms is ready to fight for you. Contact our office to request your free consultation.