Bedford-Stuyvesant Car Accident Lawyers

Beford-Stuyvesant is a neighborhood in the Brooklyn Borough of New York City and one of the most diverse communities in the area. Colloquially known as “Bed-Stuy,” the neighborhood boasts the largest collection of unaltered historic Victorian brownstones in the United States, drawing thousands of sightseers each year. The combination of a large population, workforce, and tourists creates crowded streets and traffic congestion, leading to many car accidents in Bed-Stuy each year.

Car accident injuries can cause financial hardship, lost income, or permanent disabilities. Our Bed-Stuy car accident lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki understand the difficulties injured clients endure.

What Are the Common Causes of Car Accidents in Bedford-Stuyvesant?

Car accidents happen for many reasons. Most accidents are caused by careless and reckless driving behaviors, including the following:

Distracted driving: Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of accidents in the United States due to cell phone use, interacting with onboard technology, eating, and other activities diverting attention from driving.
Drunk driving: A leading cause of accidents and fatalities, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs reduces reaction times, inhibits brain function, blurs vision, reduces focus, and more.
Drowsy driving: Studies have shown that sleep deprivation is just as dangerous as intoxication. Significant fatigue causes the same neurological impairments as drugs and alcohol.
Speeding: Traveling over the speed limit is also one of the most common causes of accidents. Speeding affects a driver’s ability to stop suddenly or avoid obstacles.
Aggressive driving: Reckless behaviors such as darting in and out of lanes, cutting off others, and ignoring traffic signs dramatically increases the risk of an accident.
Weather: Rain, snow, and ice make roads slick, reducing the tires’ ability to maintain traction, and actions such as speeding can cause the tires to slide across the surface and into other vehicles.
Tailgating: Traveling too close to another vehicle can lead to an accident.

What Are Common Car Accident Injuries?

Car accidents of any type can result in injuries ranging from mild to severe, the most common being:

Back, neck, and spinal cord injuries
Broken bones and fractures
Burns
Concussion and head injuries
Crushed or severed limbs
Cuts and lacerations
Disfigurement and scarring
Nerve damage
Organ damage
Paralysis
Psychological trauma
Whiplash
Soft tissue injuries
Traumatic brain injuries

How Much Is My Car Accident Claim Worth?

Personal injury claims have no set value. They are based on the accident’s circumstances. Economic and non-economic damages are possible.

Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to fixed expenses incurred due to the accident, such as:

In-home medical care
Lost wages and future earning capacity
Permanent or temporary disability
Medical expenses
Medical devices and equipment
Ongoing medical care
Rehabilitation and therapy
Repair costs
Funeral expenses

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages refer to incurred losses with no set financial value, such as:

Amputations
Chronic pain
Cognitive impairment
Disability
Disfigurement
Emotional distress
Loss of consortium
Loss of enjoyment of life
Pain and suffering
PTSD

New York’s Pure Comparative Negligence Rule

New York is one of about 13 states that follows pure comparative negligence, which means a plaintiff can be eligible to collect compensation regardless of the amount of fault. The law involves determining the amount of negligence of each party.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Bed-Stuy?

If you are physically able, there are several steps you can take to help your future accident claim, such as:

Reporting the accident and any injuries to the police.
Photographing the scene, injuries, vehicle damage, license plate numbers, weather and road conditions, signage, and other contributing factors.
Exchanging contact information with witnesses and obtaining statements.
Seeking medical attention. Some life-threatening internal injuries do not present symptoms until much later, and the medical report documenting your injuries is also vital to your future claim.
Maintaining all medical records, invoices, estimates, and communication-related to the accident and your injuries.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer with extensive knowledge of state laws and experience.

Additionally, do not argue with the other driver or make statements of apology that can be used against you later. Exchange contact and insurance information, and do not engage in any further conversation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim?

In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is three years from the accident date or two years from the date of death.

How Can Rubenstein & Rynecki Help Me With My Car Accident Case?

Following an accident, you should be focused on your recovery. Hiring a Bed-Stuy car accident lawyer lets you concentrate on healing and restoring your life. Our Rubenstein & Rynecki can help you in the following ways:

Investigate the scene of the accident.
File required documents.
Interview witnesses.
Hire outside experts.
Negotiate an appropriate settlement.
Represent you in court if necessary.

We have served Bed-Stuy residents for over 50 years and have earned a stellar reputation.