Queens Personal Injury Lawyer

What Do You Have to Prove in a Personal Injury Claim?

A sudden injury is not always grounds for a personal injury claim. If you wish to seek compensation for your injuries, you must prove negligence. The evidence must show that:  

• Another party had a duty to avoid harming you – This could be a motorist who should have been following the rules of the road, a property owner responsible for keeping their premises safe, or a contractor who should provide proper safety protections to the workers on a construction site.
• The other party neglected their responsibility in some way – You must demonstrate that the other party was negligent or violated the law in some way. For instance, you could show that a driver failed to yield the proper right of way, a property owner failed to warn visitors of potential hazards, or a contractor or site owner failed to comply with the safety laws for construction sites.
• You sustained injuries due to their negligence – It is not enough to prove that you were injured and another party was negligent. You must also link the other party’s negligence to your injuries.
• You suffered measurable losses as a result of your injuries – Finally, you must show your injuries resulted in personal and financial losses. Compensation can include money for medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity, lost quality of life, and more.

Why Trust Your Case to Our Queens Personal Injury Lawyers?

A severe injury can be life-changing, so it’s essential to entrust your case to a law firm with the experience and resources needed to protect your rights and future. When you hire The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C., you can rest assured your case is in good hands.

• Our team has over 40 years of experience serving injury victims in Queens and throughout NYC.
• We have a proven record of securing positive case results, with more than half a billion dollars recovered for our clients.
• Our cases have helped shape laws in favor of accident victims. 
• Our peers refer some of their most complex catastrophic injury cases to our firm.
• We have extensive knowledge of local laws and can hire the best experts to help support your case.
• Our law firm handles some of the toughest cases, so we may be able to help you no even if your situation is complicated.
• We prioritize customer service above all else, so you can count on us to keep you in the loop and address your needs every step of the way.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle

Our personal injury attorneys in Queens handle a wide range of complex cases for New York City clients, including:

Accident Statistics in Queens, NY

Queens is one of the five boroughs of New York City and has seen its fair share of motor vehicle accidents over the years. In one recent year, total accidents in Queens ranged from a low of 1,750 in June to a high of 2,833 in October. Fatalities were relatively low, ranging from 0 to 5 per month. Bicycle accidents peaked at 119 in October, while truck accidents were highest in November at 140.

The following year, total accidents in Queens fluctuated between 2,230 and 2,432 per month. Fatalities remained low at 0-3 per month. Bicycle accidents reached a high of 129 in August, with truck accidents peaking at 168 in June.

In the most recent year for which data is available, Queens has seen monthly accident totals ranging from 1,902 in February to 2,424 in May. Fatalities have been a bit higher, reaching 7 in August. September had the highest number of bicycle accidents at 127. Truck accidents peaked at 150 in February.

Overall, Queens experiences a significant number of motor vehicle accidents each month, with higher totals generally seen in the warmer months. Fatalities remain relatively low, but bicycle and truck accidents continue to pose risks to road users in the borough. Ongoing efforts to improve road safety and reduce accidents are crucial to protecting motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians across Queens and all of New York City.

Types of Damages You Could Recover in a Personal Injury Claim

In a successful personal injury claim, the money you recover for your losses is known as damages. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be entitled to damages for:

• Medical bills – The costs of any medical care you require for your injuries, such as the ambulance ride, hospitalizations, doctor’s visits, surgeries, prescription medications, and durable medical equipment
• Incidental costs – Any out-of-pocket expenses you incur, like the cost of traveling to and from medical appointments
• Lost wages – The value of any past and future lost income and benefits due to being unable to work 
• Future costs – The estimated value of future expenses, such as anticipated medical treatment
• Pain and suffering – The intangible cost of the physical pain, psychological anguish, and emotional suffering you endure as a result of your injuries

What is the Personal Injury Claim Process?

What is the Personal Injury Claim Process?

Navigating a personal injury claim can be a lengthy and complex process, but having a skilled Queens personal injury lawyer by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand what to expect:

1. Initial Consultation

During your first meeting with your personal injury lawyer, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case, ask questions, and receive an honest assessment of your legal options.

2. Case Investigation

Your Queens, New York, personal injury lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case, gathering crucial evidence to build a strong claim on your behalf. This may include collecting accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions.

3. Demand Letter

After assessing the extent of each serious injury and the damages you’ve incurred, your lawyer will send a demand letter to the insurance company of the party responsible for your injury. This letter outlines your personal injury case and demands fair compensation for your losses.

4. Negotiation

The insurance company will likely respond with a counteroffer, which is where your lawyer’s negotiation skills come into play. They will engage in back-and-forth discussions, fighting to secure a settlement that adequately addresses your needs.

5. Lawsuit and Litigation

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your personal injury accident attorney may recommend escalating the matter by filing a lawsuit and taking your case to court. This can involve additional steps such as discovery, depositions, and even a trial.

Throughout the process, your personal injury lawyer will keep you informed and provide guidance when critical decisions need to be made, such as whether to accept a settlement or continue fighting for more compensation in court. Their ultimate goal is to ensure that you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve for the hardships you’ve endured.

NY Statute of Limitations on Injury Claims

If you believe you have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit after an accident in Queens, you need to act fast. New York law imposes strict time limits on your ability to take legal action. These deadlines are called statutes of limitations. 

When it comes to personal injury lawsuits for negligence in New York against private people or companies, the statute of limitations generally gives you three years from the date of the injury to file a claim. If you fail to file within this period, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you will lose your right to compensation. There are also much shorter deadlines for other types of cases and those brought against municipal entities such as cities and city agencies.

It may seem like you have plenty of time after an accident to bring a claim or lawsuit, but when you factor in how long it takes to build a case and file a lawsuit in court, that time can fly. That’s why it’s important to seek help from a knowledgeable Queens personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. You want to give your legal team time to collect evidence before it is lost, erased, or altered.

How a Queens Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help With Your Case

The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C. provides comprehensive legal services to New Yorkers. We will:

• Explain your rights and provide dependable legal advice
• Conduct an independent investigation of your case to gather evidence and determine liability
• Prepare all documents for your claim
• Represent you at your deposition and take effective and, if necessary, aggressive depositions of the other witnesses
• Work with top-tier experts, such as medical professionals and accident reconstruction specialists, to gather valuable proof and testimony for your claim
• Keep track of important deadlines
• Communicate with insurance companies, attorneys, and other parties on your behalf
• Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation for you 
• Represent you at trial, if that’s what it takes to recover the money you deserve

Steps to Take to Protect Your Rights After an Accident

It’s common to feel disoriented and unsure of your next move after an accident. But you can take several steps to help establish a strong foundation for your case. You should:

• Seek prompt medical care to ensure your injuries are correctly diagnosed, treated, and added to your medical record.
• Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments to maximize your recovery and demonstrate you are taking your health seriously.
• Gather evidence from the accident scene, such as photographs, official accident reports, and witness statements. 
• Keep all accident-related documents, such as medical bills, doctor’s notes, pay stubs, bank records, and insurance company communications.
• Watch what you say to others about the accident. 
• Stay off social media while your injury claim is pending.
• Contact an experienced Queens personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries

A catastrophic injury leaves victims with long-term or lifelong complications. Sadly, these injuries happen far too often in Queens. Common types of catastrophic injuries include:

Our attorneys understand how a catastrophic injury can wreak havoc on your life and livelihood. When we represent you, you can rest assured you have aggressive trial lawyers pushing for maximum compensation for you.