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Lawyers Provide NY Car Accident Legal Rep

Albany Car Accident Lawyers

Serving Accident Victims throughout Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Saratoga Springs, and all of Upstate New York

Each and every day in this country, people are involved in car accidents – often, through no fault of their own. As the capital of New York State, Albany is a growing city spread out over a large area. Traffic can get heavy at times and driver distraction is a growing problem.

The moment you and/or a loved one are in a car accident, everything changes. There is a great deal at stake – more than you may realize. But rest assured, you are not alone; our experienced Albany car accident attorneys are here to help guide you every step of the way.

There are many complexities that you may not think of, or fully understand, in the wake of an auto, truck, or motor vehicle accident. A quick call to our trusted auto accident attorneys can be helpful in getting your bearings and understanding your rights and options.

Regardless of whether the car accident was a minor fender-bender or a tragic collision, our Albany car accident lawyers are available to assist you 24/7. Contact us at (518) 284-3183 today.

What Are the Most Common Types of Car Accidents?

Types of accidents are caused by the negligence of others, including – but not limited to – the following factors:

Texting While Driving

Texting while driving is the ultimate driver distraction. And the statistics illustrate that it is not just teenagers and Millennials who are guilty of this dangerous practice. Many adults partake in this bad habit, not only setting a bad example for kids and younger drivers but also causing completely preventable car accidents.

It is truly unfortunate, because texting while driving (and other forms of distracted driving) is something we all know is dangerous and unnecessary, yet it continues to serve as a leading cause of auto accidents. Here at Hacker Murphy, we have significant experience in representing clients who have been injured by those texting while driving.

Speeding and other violations of the rules of the road

Many car accidents in Albany happen because of outright rule violations, including speeding, ignoring traffic signals, following too closely behind the vehicle in front, and driving unsafely for the weather and road conditions. If you or a loved one were involved in a car accident because someone else wasn’t driving by the rules, we can help.

Drunk Driving Accidents

Like texting, while driving, drunk driving is something we all know is stupid, dangerous, and 100 percent preventable. Yet, one of the leading causes of a car crash in Albany involves drinking and driving.

Not surprisingly, drinking may decrease a driver’s reaction time, cause blurred vision, and create a false sense of security. These effects of alcohol make driving extremely dangerous and, in many cases, auto accidents can result.

In cases where impaired drivers cause accidents, there may be more than one party liable for damages. In some instances, the supplier of the driver’s alcohol may be found liable. It is crucial to contact an experienced car accident lawyer in Albany if you have been involved in a car accident and believe that the other driver was under the influence.

Asleep at the Wheel

We have all experienced fatigue while driving. Unfortunately, when driver fatigue causes an accident, people get hurt. Fatigued driving is preventable and it is so important to recognize the signs of tiredness before it is too late.

No deadline or appointment time is worth falling asleep at the wheel and injuring yourself or others. It is often difficult to prove that driver fatigue was the reason why someone caused a car accident. Experienced, skilled car crash attorneys in Albany can gather the necessary evidence to prove this claim.

Other Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle

Any type of car accident can be devastating.

Our trusted legal team also helps those involved with the following cases:

Contact our Albany, NY car accident attorneys online or at (518) 284-3183 to schedule a free consultation today!

No-Fault Car Accidents in New York State

New York is a no-fault auto accident state. This means that if you are injured in an auto accident in NY, you can file an insurance claim for accident-related medical expenses, lost earnings, and other costs, regardless of who was at fault. However, no-fault benefits are limited and there are traps for the unwary. At Hacker Murphy, we offer a free initial consultation to explain how your no-fault insurance works.

How New York No-Fault Insurance Works

In addition to medical expenses, no-fault insurance will pay your lost wages up to $2,000 per month for up to three years after injury. However, no-fault won’t pay unless a doctor assesses you and puts you on work restriction.

Regardless of who caused the accident, your auto insurance company is required to pay up to $50,000 for economic losses such as:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • And other expenses resulting from an accident

In addition to the driver, no-fault covers passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists who are injured in accidents involving motor vehicles.

To receive compensation, you must:

  • Within 30 days, file a No-Fault Application (form NF-2) with the insurance company of the car you were in. If you were a bicyclist or pedestrian, you must file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. If the owner of the car you were in was uninsured or you cannot determine the insurance company, you should send a notice to the New York State Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC).
  • If you are claiming lost earnings, ask your employer to send in proof of your income loss within 90 days of the accident. . You are also entitled to up to $25 per day for miscellaneous expenses including mileage to and from doctor’s appointments. You need to keep track of these expenses. Save all receipts for other out-of-pocket expenses, such as personal assistance needed as a result of the accident

Injured by a Vehicle in a Crosswalk? You Have Legal Rights

There are numerous New York State laws in place that are designed specifically to protect pedestrians. Crosswalks are part of these laws, designated areas in which pedestrians are supposed to be safe. Cars and other vehicles are legally obligated to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. Unfortunately, many drivers still do not abide by the crosswalk laws and other laws, resulting in serious pedestrian accidents and injuries.

Pedestrian Injuries in Upstate New York

Pedestrians who are struck by a vehicle while in a crosswalk often suffer very serious injuries, as they have no protection against a car or a truck.

We are sensitive to the needs of clients and family member who are dealing with the aftermath of all types of injuries, including:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Closed head injuries and concussions
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Crush injuries
  • Severe abrasions and lacerations (road rash)
  • Amputations and loss of limb
  • Burns

If you've been injured by a vehicle while in a crosswalk get in touch with one of our car accident lawyers in Albany at (518) 284-3183 today. 

Crosswalk Fatalities and Legal Options

Unfortunately, due to the speed of the car and the lack of protection for the pedestrian, many crosswalk accidents result in the death of the pedestrian. We compassionately provide information and guidance to surviving family members who have questions and concerns about their rights.

It may be possible to file a wrongful death lawsuit, in order to hold the negligent party responsible, obtain justice, and seek compensation for the financial losses that may accompany the loss of the loved one.

New York State Thruway Accidents

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident while using the New York State Thruway, the Thruway Authority may share liability for damages with the insurance company of the driver at fault.

With the Thruway running right through the Albany region, our Albany, NY attorneys are uniquely familiar with the hazards and conditions that often lead to serious accidents. Senior partner James E. Hacker has earned recognition as a preeminent personal injury attorney and is a member of the National Order of Barristers. He is past president of the Capital District Trial Lawyers Association.

Whether you are a New York commuter or from out of state, if you become a victim of a car accident injury on the New York State Thruway, talk to us first. The law firm of Hacker Murphy has been helping hundreds of car accident victims recover maximum compensation when insurance companies won’t recognize their responsibilities. Contact our offices in Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga Springs.

Our New York State Thruway Accident Lawyers handle Thruway vehicle accidents claims such as:

  • Wrongful death claims
  • Car accident injuries
  • Truck accident injuries
  • Motorcycle accident injuries
  • Passenger accidents
  • Unsafe road design accidents
  • Construction zone accidents

Head-on Accidents Require Proven Lawyers for the Most Serious Crashes

A head-on collision almost always ends in severe injuries. It also raises many questions, especially if both drivers are incapacitated. It may be necessary to reconstruct the events to determine who was at fault.

Legal Options for Head-On Car Accident Injuries in NY

It is important to understand your legal options when involved in a car accident in New York State.

If liability is disputed, we will track down any witnesses and bring in accident reconstruction specialists to help prove the negligence of:

  • A swerving drunk driver
  • A driver who fell asleep at the wheel and crossed the center line
  • Teens racing on the highway
  • Or a driver who was making an unsafe pass or lost control

We are familiar with the awful outcomes when two vehicles collide straight on at highway speeds, including:

  • Head and chest injuries
  • Spinal injuries
  • Injuries to extremities from compaction of the cab
  • Bad burns from car fires
  • And all too often fatality

We work with many professionals to determine appropriate damages for medical care, lost earnings, pain, and suffering, or for a loved one’s wrongful death.

Hire our Experienced Albany Car Injury Attorneys

If you and/or if someone you love were injured in a car accident, we are here to help. There are situations where insurance companies make collecting the benefits you deserve very difficult.

There are also situations where automobile insurance coverage may not cover the medical needs of a car accident victim, and that is where our skilled Albany car accident attorneys come in. There is no charge to meet with our car accident lawyers and if we take your case, there are no out of pocket fees.

Our Car Accident Lawyers in Albany, NY are Available to You 24/7

Reach our car crash lawyers by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, even on holidays. We also have three convenient Capital District Region offices to make it easy for you to meet with one of our attorneys. Our legal team will work with you and your family to schedule a convenient time and location to discuss your case.

We have the following office locations:

Recognized as one of the best law firms in Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Greater Upstate New York, our Albany car accident attorneys will always have you and your loved ones in mind throughout the legal process.

Remember, hiring an experienced New York car accident attorney doesn’t need to be more expensive. Auto accident cases regularly have no out-of-pocket fees for clients. We do not collect a legal fee unless your case is successful.

For a free consultation with one of our expert car accident lawyers contact us online or at (518) 284-3183.

Additional Injury Cases We Handle

Hacker Murphy also represents clients with the following injury cases:

Albany car accident lawyers - Glove Compartment Guide

We’ve prepared a valuable list of things to do (and not do) in the case of an automobile accident.

Download a copy and place it in the glove compartment of vehicles that you and loved ones drive for easy reference.

In a Car Accident? Our Albany, NY car accident attorneys are available 24/7 if you need to speak to a skilled lawyer. We are here to help you and your family through this difficult situation. Contact us today!

Hacker Murphy – Serving Car Accident Victims and Their Families in Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Saratoga Springs and Beyond Since 1898.

Have Questions?

  • If I hire an attorney but do not want to go to trial, can I settle?
    In the course of preparing a case for trial, your personal injury attorney will work with the defense attorneys and insurance companies in an effort to secure a fair settlement for you and your family. The final decision to accept an offer of settlement or go to trial is yours alone to make.
    Contact us now to discuss your case with one of our experienced attorneys.
  • If arrested, what steps can I take on my behalf?

    1. Do not discuss your situation with anyone except your attorney.

    2. Unless your attorney says otherwise, do not discuss your case with law enforcement.

    3. Request to have your attorney present if you are to be put in a lineup or subjected to testing.

    4. Remain calm and courteous. Allow your attorney to speak for you to ensure that your rights are protected and you are given all the benefits afforded to you under the law.
    Contact us now to discuss your case with one of our experienced attorneys.

  • What is the difference between criminal procedure and civil procedure?
    When a crime has been committed, action is taken by a government agency against the person, persons, organization or other entity that violated the law. The first purpose of a criminal prosecution is punishment, which frequently consists of a fine or jail time. In a civil matter, the dispute is between two or more individuals or entities. The first purpose of a civil prosecution is obtaining compensation for the wronged person or entity. Settlement in a civil matter is generally an award of a money judgment. A criminal sentence is not imposed in a civil matter.
    Contact us now to discuss your case with one of our experienced attorneys.