After getting hurt in a serious motor vehicle collision in New York, you likely want to hold the responsible party accountable for the devastation they have caused. We also know how important it is to seek financial compensation for your losses and that you are eager to know who may be liable for your injuries. In other words, you may be wondering: Whom can I sue after a motor vehicle accident? The answer to that question will depend on a number of factors, and our New York auto accident lawyers can provide you with the information you need.
First, are Your Injuries Serious?
In most cases where the at-fault party in a motor vehicle crash case is another motorist, you will only be able to file a lawsuit if you can prove that you have met New York’s “serious injury” threshold. As a no-fault auto insurance state, New York law typically requires the injured person to prove that their injuries are “serious” in order for that injured person to be eligible to file a lawsuit. The statute cites a variety of injuries that meet the “serious injury” threshold, including but not limited to dismemberment, significant disfigurement, fracture, and permanent organ damage.
If you want to file a lawsuit after suffering injuries in a motor vehicle accident, you should speak with an experienced car accident lawyer in New York as soon as possible. Your attorney can evaluate your case and help you to determine whether you are eligible to file a lawsuit and whether your injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold.
Parties Who May be Liable After a Motor Vehicle Collision
Multiple parties may be responsible for a person’s injuries after an auto accident, and in some cases the injury victim may be able to file a lawsuit against more than one party. People who are frequently liable for injuries in collisions include but are not limited to the following:
● Driver of another car: Another motorist’s negligence may have caused the crash, for example, through drunk driving, distracted driving, or aggressive driving.
● Truck driver: A driver of a large truck may have been negligent and caused the crash.
● Owner of the vehicle involved in the collision: The owner of a vehicle involved in a collision, even if that person was not driving or in the vehicle, may be responsible in some cases.
● Employer of the driver responsible for the crash: Employers can be held liable when employees negligently caused motor vehicle collisions.
● Negligent mechanic: Mechanics may be liable for negligent maintenance on a vehicle if that negligent maintenance caused the crash.
● Designer or manufacturer of a defective part of the vehicle: Defective auto parts can cause collisions, and when they do, the designer or manufacturer of the part or the vehicle may be at fault.
● Owner of the premises where the collision occurred: In some scenarios, collisions occur because of hazards on the premises. In such situations, the owner of the property may be responsible for injuries.
Seek Advice From Our New York Auto Accident Attorneys
Do you need assistance determining whether you can file a lawsuit and, if so, whom you may be eligible to sue after a motor vehicle crash in New York? One of our New York car accident attorneys can speak with you today and can evaluate your case. Contact Leitner Varughese, PLLC for more information about filing an auto accident lawsuit in New York.