Train Accidents
What should I do if I’m involved in a train accident?
First, prioritize your safety and health. If you're injured, try to get medical attention right away. If you can, take photos of the scene and your injuries, and gather contact information from witnesses. Report the accident to the train authorities but keep details minimal until you speak with a lawyer.
Can I get compensation if I was hurt in a train accident?
Yes, if the accident was due to someone else's negligence—like the train company or another party—you might be eligible for compensation. This can cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Slip and Fall
What should I do if I’ve had a slip and fall accident?
First, make sure to take care of your health. If you’re hurt, see a doctor. Then, if you can, take pictures of where you fell and what caused it, like wet floors or uneven sidewalks. It’s also good to get names and contact info of any witnesses. Report the accident to the property owner or manager but try to keep the conversation minimal and factual.
Can I get compensated for my injuries from a slip and fall?
Yes, if your fall was caused by someone else’s negligence, like a store not cleaning up a spill, you might be able to get compensated for things like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Bicycle Accidents
What’s the first thing I should do after a bicycle accident?
Ensure your safety first. Move to a safe spot if you can and check for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident and get medical help if needed. Try to take photos of the accident scene, your bicycle, any vehicles involved, and your injuries. Also, exchange contact and insurance information with the driver involved, but avoid discussing fault at the scene. It’s smart to see a doctor afterward, even if you feel okay, as some injuries show up later.
Can I get money for my injuries if the accident was partly my fault?
Yes. New York uses a rule called "comparative negligence," which means you can still get compensated even if the accident was partially your fault. The amount you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault. So, if you're found to be 30% at fault and your damages total $10,000, you could still receive $7,000.
Bus Accidents
What should I do right after being involved in a bus accident?
First, make sure you are safe and check if you or anyone else needs immediate medical help. Call 911 to report the accident. If you can, take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damages. Get the contact information of the bus driver, any witnesses, and passengers. It's also wise to note down the bus number and the name of the bus company. Then, consider seeing a doctor even if you feel fine, as some injuries might not be obvious right away.
Who can be held responsible for a bus accident?
Determining who's at fault can be complex. It might be the bus driver, the bus company, other involved drivers, the bus manufacturer, or even local government entities responsible for road maintenance. An experienced attorney can help figure out who is liable and should be held accountable for your injuries.
Taxi / Uber / Lyft Accidents
What should I do immediately after an accident in a taxi, Uber, or Lyft?
First, ensure your safety and the safety of others. Call 911 if there are any injuries or if the accident is severe. It's important to seek medical attention, even for minor injuries, as some symptoms may appear later. Exchange contact and insurance information with all parties involved, including the driver. Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damages. Finally, report the accident to the ride-sharing company if applicable.
Who is responsible for my injuries in a ride-sharing or taxi accident?
Liability depends on the specific circumstances of the accident. It could be the ride-sharing or taxi driver, another driver involved in the accident, the company itself, or a combination of parties. An experienced personal injury attorney can help determine liability and advise on the best course of action.
Medical Malpractice
What qualifies as medical malpractice in New York?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the accepted standard of care in the medical community, leading to injury or death of a patient. This can include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, birth injuries, failure to diagnose, and lack of informed consent.
How do I know if I have a medical malpractice case?
If you suspect your injury was caused by a medical professional's negligence, it's essential to consult with a medical malpractice attorney. They can review your medical records, consult with medical experts, and determine if your case meets the legal criteria for malpractice in New York.
Motorcycle Accidents
What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident in New York?
First, ensure your safety and seek medical attention, even if you believe you're not seriously injured. Call 911 to report the accident. If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damages to your motorcycle and other vehicles involved. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties but avoid discussing fault at the scene. Lastly, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer to understand your rights.
How does New York law protect motorcyclists in accidents?
New York law allows motorcyclists to pursue compensation for injuries and damages resulting from accidents caused by another party's negligence. Unlike motorists covered under New York's No-Fault Law, motorcyclists are not limited by the "serious injury" threshold to seek damages for pain and suffering.
Construction Site Accidents
What qualifies as a construction site accident?
A construction site accident includes any injuries or damages occurring on a construction site, such as falls, equipment-related injuries, or accidents due to safety violations.
Can I file a lawsuit if I'm injured on a construction site?
Yes, if you're injured on a construction site in New York, you may have the right to file a lawsuit for compensation. This could be against your employer, a contractor, or another party whose negligence contributed to your injury.
Automobile Accidents
What’s my first step after a car crash in New York?
First, make sure you're safe. Move to a secure spot if you can, and call 911. It's crucial to get medical help if needed and to report the accident. Swap contact and insurance info with the other driver but try not to blame anyone or admit fault right there and then. Take pictures and make notes about the crash scene.
How quickly do I need to act on my injury claim?
New York gives you three years from the accident date to start a personal injury lawsuit. But this can change depending on your situation, so it's wise to talk to a lawyer early to make sure you don't miss your chance.