During the winter months, with shorter days and longer nights, you may spend more time driving in the dark. Add to this inclement weather, and you are at risk of being injured in an accident in New York.
Road safety tips for driving at night may be able to help you avoid an accident in New York. However, when another driver is negligent, you could still be injured. Contact a personal injury attorney in Manhattan to learn what your rights are and how you can protect them.
Tips for Safer Driving at Night
The first road safety tip for driving at night is to flip your rearview mirror to the night setting. This helps deflect the glare from cars that are behind you.
The second road safety tip is to dim the lights on your dashboard. The brighter it is on the inside of your car, the more difficult it will be to see outside.
A third road safety tip is to make sure your windshield is clean on the outside and inside. Smudges, dirt and other elements can reduce your vision. A dirty windshield can also magnify glare.
The fourth road safety tip is to make sure your headlights are clean. Dirty headlights can diminish the amount of light that shines.
Finally, don’t look directly into the headlights of oncoming traffic. The lights can interfere with your ability to see properly.
When You Are Injured in an Accident in New York
Despite following these road safety tips, you may find yourself the victim of an accident. If you have sustained serious or life-threatening injuries, you should seek legal counsel from an accident attorney in Manhattan.
Driving at night can be hazardous, whether you are traveling down Central Park West, Henry Hudson Parkway or a side street. If someone else acts in a careless or reckless manner and it leads to an accident and injuries, then you may be able to pursue a claim against the negligent party.
Here are some things you should do when you have been injured in an accident in New York:
- remain at the scene of the accident;
- call the police;
- take pictures of the accident scene and your vehicle if possible;
- seek immediate medical attention;
- notify your insurance company;
- take notes on what happened while the accident is still fresh in your mind (be specific);
- get a copy of the police report;
- get contact information of the driver who hit you and any witnesses to the accident; and
- seek help from an accident attorney in Manhattan when your injuries are serious.
Hiring an Accident Attorney in Manhattan
Your next step after an accident in New York is to hire an attorney. Injuries that are serious or life-threatening could lead to costly medical bills, lost income and other losses. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries and other damages if it can be shown that another driver was negligent.
By consulting with an accident attorney in Manhattan, not only can you learn what legal options are available, but also what types of compensation you may be eligible to receive. An attorney can explain the claims process and may be able to assist you with it, including the complicated paperwork and necessary evidence collection to prove your case.
Don’t delay in seeking help from an attorney. You may be entitled to damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, reduced quality of life, mental anguish, and more. An attorney will evaluate your case carefully to determine the losses you have suffered, whether they were financial, physical or emotional.
Contacting an Accident Attorney in Manhattan
When you have sustained a serious injury or lost a loved one as a result of an accident in New York, you are entitled to seek compensation for your damages and suffering. Consulting with an accident attorney in Manhattan can help you better understand your rights, determine liability for your injuries, and decide if filing an accident claim is right for you.
At Gacovino Lake & Associates we have formed a dedicated network of accident attorneys to serve clients nationwide. Our New York office serves residents of the 5 boroughs with their auto accident, medical malpractice, defective drug, premises liability, and Workers’ Compensation claims. For experienced help with your accident claim, contact us today – 1-800-246-4878.
