Pedestrian and Car Accidents

The population of New York City as of 2005 was 8,143,197.

Over 8 million people are crammed into just 301 square miles.

That’s not even counting the 40 million or so visitors that the city receives each year.

On top of that staggering amount of humanity, you also have over 4,000 buses, over 6,000 subway cars, and over 12,000 licensed taxis, as well as over three million licensed drivers.

You don’t have to look at these statistics to know that New York is a crowded place. All you have to do is go outside.

The end result of this unprecedented mixture of people and transportation is, sadly and inevitably, accidents. In 2005, there were 71,167 accidents involving 134,671 vehicles. There were 10,880 pedestrians hit by cars, and 3,017 bicyclists were involved in automobile accidents as well.

There is any number of reasons for these crashes. Overcrowding causes a near constant flow of traffic, and if you add all the cell phones, iPods, and even DVD players that come standard with so many automobiles these days it simply gives that much more to distract drivers.

Given these circumstances, it isn’t surprising that insurance premiums in New York are the highest in the country. In 2003, the national yearly average for insurance was $914. In New York, the average was $1,313. They have only gone up since then.

It seems like a logical conclusion. If you live in a congested area with lots of pedestrians and drivers, then insurance premiums would be higher. You would also think that the higher premiums would enable the insurance companies to handle claims quickly and efficiently. Unfortunately, insurers do the same things in New York City that they do in Boise, Idaho or Topeka, Kansas.

They offer lowball settlements that won’t cover your injuries. They won’t pay for your lost wages at work. They treat you like a liar and a crook when you present them with legitimate medical costs. They tell you, in no uncertain terms, that it isn’t their problem that you can’t go back to your old job.

At this point, you have two options: The first option is to simply accept what they tell you and face a future of uncertainty and financial ruin. The second is to find legal counsel that can make sure that the insurers start treating you like a human being instead of just a set of numbers on their quarterly reports.

In New York City, you need Peter Panas.

The Law Offices of Peter Panas: Don’t Get Hurt Again

The victim of a car accident in New York is entitled to the following:

Lost Earnings: If you are unable to work or return to your old job, the insurers are under an obligation to re-imburse you. Those that are self-employed are equally eligible.

Medical Expenses and Prescriptions: Your only obligation is to submit your medical bills to the insurance company in a proper fashion.

Travel Expenses: Cabs, buses, or even mileage are eligible for reimbursement.

Household Help: You are also eligible for a small daily stipend for household help to handle various chores around the house that you are unable to perform because of your injuy.

You might be wondering why the insurance company in question didn’t mention any of this during their short and very terse consultation with you. In all probablility, they simply offered you a small check and told you that amount was all they were willing to give. Insurers routinely bank on the fact that the average citizen knows next to nothing about insurance law and will simply accept what they are told.

In fact, if you have suffered a serious injury, such as a fracture or head injury, you could be eligible for compensation for pain and suffering. The insurance companies certainly don’t want you to know about that, and by offering you a check almost immediately, they are hoping to absolve themselves of any more financial responsibility. Most checks from insurance companies are not only checks, but also waivers. Signing them basically absolves the insurance company of any further involvement in your case. For more information, follow this link to see what else insurers arent telling you.

Having experienced legal counsel can not only point out to you what the insurers are leaving out of their offer, but also point it out to the insurers themselves. An attorney with a complete command of the law can make your insurer listen with new ears.

Peter Panas has dedicated his career to helping injured New Yorkers get past the denials and delays of insurance companies so they can get back on their feet. He handles every case personally, and makes sure that all of his clients get his best efforts.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto or pedestrian accident, contact Peter Panas for a free case assessment today.

Library for Pedestrian and Car Accidents:

• Protecting Yourself from Auto Accident Injuries   
  Description: One kind of auto accident many of us fail to consider is the single car accident. According to NHTSA, in 2006 44% of auto accident fatalities were attributed to single vehicle accidents. The good news is that there are steps you can take as a responsible driver to ensure that you and your passengers don’t end up as just another statistic.
• What Causes Traffic Accidents and Fatalities in New York?   
  Description: Most people know that traffic accidents are responsible for quite a few injuries and fatalities each year, but many don’t realize that traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for Americans age 2 to 34. There are a myriad of accident causes, everything from intoxicated or distracted drivers to excessive speed and aggressive driving. A review of national and New York State traffic accident statistics is illuminating.
• Protecting Babies and Children in Automobile Accidents   
  Description: Automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for children under the age of 14. The best way to keep your children safe in the car is to buy and use an age and size appropriate approved car seat. Find out what New York law requires, why rear-facing is best for babies, and were you can go for more information on buying and correctly installing your car seat.
• Getting the Most from Your Insurance Company Before You Need Them   
  Description: The Law Office of Peter Panas provides tips for finding the best New York auto insurer for your needs. We encourage you do your homework and find a stable insurer with excellent coverage at a fair price before you find yourself needing to file a claim. Use the resources in this article to research New York auto insurance companies, and avoid the frustration of being stuck with a deadbeat company.
• High Tech Distractions: Texting While Driving is a Real Problem   
  Description: Phones can take pictures, record video, and get you on the internet. Too bad they can't drive your car for you, too.
• Insurance Company Tricks of the Trade: How Insurers Avoid Paying Claims   
  Description: Insurance companies employ some pretty standard methods to avoid paying claims in full.
• Consumer Guide to Car Accidents [PDF]   
  Description: In this excerpt from his multi-volume Consumer Guide, Peter Panas gives some practical information about dealing with the aftermath of a car accident.

Frequent Questions for Pedestrian and Car Accidents:

• How much time do I have to file for "No Fault Benefits?"
• The insurance company offered me a settlement almost immediately after my serious accident. Should I accept it?