Personal Injury Attorney in Syracuse, New York

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Accident Information System (AIS) indicates that there were 5,972 total crashes in Syracuse, New York in 2019. This number includes 1,166 cases of personal injury, 4,798 cases of property damage, and 8 fatalities. Whether you sustain a minor or severe injury, being injured in a traffic crash can be a difficult and unsettling experience. If you or someone you know were hurt in a negligent car accident, you may be eligible to pursue damages for your injuries.

At Nichols Law Offices, PLLC, we treat every personal injury and car accident case with the complete dedication, care, and detailed attention it deserves. Our staff will review the details of your personal situation and explore your legal options to recover damages. As your legal counsel, we will fight aggressively to protect your rights and help you pursue fair financial compensation to cover medical costs, lost wages, property damage, or pain and suffering.

Our team at Nichols Law Offices, PLLC is proud to represent personal injury victims and their families across Syracuse, New York, and the surrounding areas of Rome, Fort Drum, and Jefferson County.

Personal Injury Claims in New York

When a person is hurt in an accident caused by another person's negligent actions, the injured victim may be able to recover damages by filing a personal injury claim. New York is a "no-fault" state. Under this no-fault system, in the event of an accident, the parties involved will turn to their auto insurance providers to make injury claims, regardless of who was at fault. As a result, New York motorists are required to carry liability insurance with a minimum coverage of:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person in an accident

• $50,000 for bodily injury to two or more person in one accident

• $10,000 for property damage in one accident

Negligence and Duty of Care

When an accident occurs in the state of New York, the party deemed to have a duty of care may be held liable for damages. Legally speaking, a “duty of care” is often relative and covers various everyday activities, including:

• Motorists having the legal duty of care to drive safely at all times

• Storeowners having a legal duty of care to ensure that store premises are reasonably safe for shoppers

• Medical practitioners having a legal duty of care to perform their duties correctly using accepted methods

• Manufacturers having a legal duty of care to ensure that products are safe for consumers

If any of the following persons fail in their expected duty of care and this failure results in an accident, they may be held liable for injuries suffered by the victims.

Comparative Negligence Rule

New York uses a "pure comparative negligence" rule. This means an accident victim is able to pursue compensation even if they are determined to be 99% responsible for the incident. Their total share of the damages they may recover will be reduced by their fault percentage.

For example, if the jury awards $80,000 for your accident but decides that you were 30% responsible, you will only be able to recover 70% of the $80,000 ($56,000).

Statute of Limitations

According to New York Civil Practice Law & Rules Section 214(5), an action to recover damages for a personal injury shall be commenced within three years from the date of the accident.

Damages Available

The following damages may be recovered in a New York personal injury claim:

Economic Damages

• Medical bills

• Lost wages or benefits

• Loss of future earning capacity due to disability

• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering

• Loss of consortium

• Loss of quality of life

• Scarring or dismemberment

How an Experienced Attorney Can Help

Suffering an injury in an accident caused by someone else's negligence is never easy. If it leads to hospitalization, medical expenses, and missed wages, dealing with the consequences can be even more overwhelming. Thankfully, you don't have to face the challenges on your own. It is important that you retain an experienced personal injury attorney immediately to protect your rights and help you seek rightful compensation.

At Nichols Law Offices, PLLC, our team is highly experienced and knowledgeable in handling complicated personal injury cases from start to finish. As your legal counsel, we can:

• Thoroughly review the details of your situation

• Conduct an investigation into the accident

• Gather all required information and medical documentation

• Interview accident witnesses and review accident reports

• Determine the full extent of your injuries and estimate case-value

• Seek to prove fault and establish liability

• Help negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance provider

• Take additional legal action by filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, if necessary

Our staff will fight vigorously to protect your rights and represent your best interests. Having our team on your side can increase your possibility of obtaining the best available outcome in your personal injury lawsuit.