A Huntington motorcyclist was killed in a Melville crash on Round Swamp Road after a collision involving a Kia Seltos, according to Suffolk County police. Learn more about motorcycle accidents and wrongful death claims on Long Island.
New York Construction Accident and Personal Injury Blog
Law Offices of Dennis Smith PC Is Now The Smith Injury Firm
Law Offices of Dennis Smith PC is now doing business as The Smith Injury Firm. Learn more about our new name, our continued commitment to injured clients, and our personal injury practice serving Long Island and New York City.
When to Sue for a Construction Accident
If you were injured in a New York construction accident, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit in addition to workers’ compensation. Workers’ comp typically covers medical bills and lost wages, but not pain and suffering or the full impact of the injury. Claims may be possible against third parties such as property owners, contractors, and equipment manufacturers, including cases involving defective ladders or scaffolds, unsafe site conditions, toxic exposure, or insurance bad faith. The Law Offices of Dennis Smith, PC represents injured construction workers across Long Island and NYC. Free consultation, no fees unless we win.
Hit-and-Run on William Floyd Parkway: Why UM/SUM Coverage Can Protect Long Island Families
A deadly hit-and-run on William Floyd Parkway is a reminder that the at-fault driver may be uninsured, underinsured, or never found. Learn how New York UM/SUM coverage works and the simple steps Long Island drivers can take to make sure they’re protected. A recent Patch article described a hit-and-run crash on William Floyd Parkway in Shirley where two men were changing a flat tire on the shoulder when they were struck around 6:45 p.m. One man died at the scene, and the other was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital with serious injuries. Police believe the vehicle involved may be a black Honda with front and passenger-side damage. As Long Island car accident lawyers, we see a painful reality far too often: even when the injuries are life-changing, the at-fault driver may have no insurance, not enough insurance, or may flee and never be identified. That’s exactly why your own UM/SUM coverage matters.
Understanding the Role of Personal Injury Attorneys for Brain Injury Victims and Their Families
This guide explains how New York personal injury lawyers help brain injury survivors access necessary rehabilitation services, navigate insurance processes, and secure adequate compensation. It highlights the legal guidance, advocacy, and litigation support attorneys provide to ensure survivors receive the care and financial resources they need for recovery.
Understanding Your Rights: A Guide for New York Construction Workers and Their Families on Accident
This guide helps New York construction workers and their families understand their rights after a construction accident. It covers Labor Law protections, identifying liable parties, proving fault, and navigating workers’ compensation and personal injury claims. The guide provides essential insights to maximize compensation and protect workers’ legal rights.
Understanding Damages in Personal Injury Lawsuits: A Comprehensive Guide for Victims in New York
This guide explains the types of damages available in New York personal injury cases, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It also highlights the critical role of a personal injury attorney in evaluating eligibility, gathering evidence, and pursuing maximum compensation for victims.
Insurance Company Tactics: How to Protect Your Injury Claim
Insurance companies often aim to minimize compensation for injured victims by disputing injuries, questioning accident causes, or offering low early settlements. Accepting these offers can prevent victims from receiving fair compensation later. At the Law Offices of Dennis Smith, P.C., our New York personal injury lawyers advise clients on their rights, guide them through the claims process, and ensure settlements accurately reflect medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Understanding Deceptive Practices of Insurance Companies: A Guide for Personal Injury Victims
Insurance companies often use deceptive practices to minimize payouts in personal injury claims. Common tactics include delaying claims processing, offering lowball settlements, disputing liability, requiring unnecessary documentation, misrepresenting policy language, and denying claims without just cause. Major insurers like GEICO, State Farm, Liberty Mutual, and Progressive have been known to employ these strategies. To protect yourself, hire a personal injury lawyer, document everything, understand your policy, don't accept the first offer, and be persistent. These steps can help ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
New York Ladder Fall Lawyer: Comprehensive Legal Guide to Ladder Accident Cases
New York Ladder Fall Lawyer: Your Legal Advocate in Ladder Accident Cases In New York, ladder falls are common and can result in severe injuries. A specialized New York ladder fall lawyer can help victims navigate the complexities of legal claims, secure compensation, and protect their rights. This comprehensive guide highlights the causes of ladder falls, the types of injuries sustained, and the critical steps to take after an accident. It also emphasizes the importance of hiring an experienced lawyer and outlines the process of filing a claim. With expert legal support, victims can effectively pursue justice and receive the compensation they deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What Are Punitive Damages?
After suffering catastrophic injuries at the hands of someone else, you may be entitled to full restitution. Your personal injury lawyer will need to complete a thorough investigation into the incident in question and gather the evidence needed to establish fault. Once the liable party has been u...
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in New York
The article provides an overview of New York State's minimum auto insurance requirements, highlighting three key types of coverage: No-Fault (Personal Injury Protection, PIP), Liability Insurance, and Uninsured Motorists Coverage. No-Fault coverage offers up to $50,000 per person for medical expenses and lost earnings, applicable regardless of fault, and covers drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, but not vehicle damages. Liability Insurance includes legal defense and covers damages or injuries caused to others by the insured vehicle, with specific minimum coverage limits set by New York law. Uninsured Motorists Coverage protects against injuries from uninsured or hit-and-run drivers within New York State, excluding vehicle damage. The article also notes exceptions to PIP benefits, insurance nuances when renting cars, and the role of the Insurance Information and Enforcement System (IIES) in monitoring vehicle insurance coverage.
A Battle for Justice Against Insurance Giant GEICO Amidst COVID-19
The ordeal began on a seemingly ordinary morning, January 23, 2020, when a red light violation led to a serious accident, leaving the plaintiff with a fractured thumb and a torn ulnar collateral ligament. An ambulance in the area witnessed the defendant's vehicle running the red light and T-boning the plaintiff’s vehicle, provided medical aid at the scene, and recorded their observations in the ambulance call report. As a result of the impact, the plaintiff fractured his left thumb, and tore the ulnar collateral ligament, requiring surgery. While such incidents are typically followed by insurance claims and settlements, the plaintiff's journey through the legal and insurance system became anything but typical.
Why You Need a Specialized Attorney for Your Construction Accident Claim in New York
Hiring a specialized attorney for construction accident claims in New York, particularly in Manhattan, Queens, and Long Island is important because of their specialized knowledge in construction laws, experience with site hazards, navigating liability, and maximizing compensation.
Common Injuries in Construction Accidents and Their Long-Term Impacts in New York
Construction sites in bustling areas like Manhattan, Queens, and Long Island are often scenes of rigorous activity and, unfortunately, accidents. As seasoned construction accident attorneys in New York, we have seen various injuries that workers suffer on these sites.
Legal Options for Families Affected by Fatal Construction Accidents in New York
This blog post is for families in Manhattan, Queens, and Long Island seeking legal guidance after a fatal construction accident. It discusses wrongful death claims, workers’ compensation benefits, third-party liability, and the importance of understanding the statute of limitations.
Top Safety Violations on Construction Sites: How They Lead to Accidents
This post, aimed at residents of Manhattan, Queens, and Long Island, delves into common safety violations on construction sites, such as inadequate fall protection, scaffolding hazards, electrical risks, poor equipment maintenance, and insufficient training. Highlighting the risks these issues pose to workers, the post emphasizes the need for strict safety adherence and the availability of legal assistance for accident victims.
What should I do after an accident to protect my personal injury claim?
Basic steps to take after an accident to protect your personal injury claim.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?
A personal injury lawyer in New York typically charges a contingency fee, which means you don't pay any upfront fees. Instead, the lawyer gets paid only if they win your case or reach a settlement. Their fee is a percentage of the compensation you receive. Additionally, we offer free initia...
Long Island Personal Injury FAQ
When you're injured, recovering can be a difficult and complex process. You may have more questions than answers in the aftermath of your accident. If you have questions about your claim, check out the questions we've answered below. Then, give a Long Island personal injury lawyer a call about t...
What Are the Different Types of Negligence?
Negligence comes in many forms, from gross negligence as often seen in medical malpractice lawsuits to vicarious forms that result in an employer being held liable for the actions of an employee. Regardless of your situation, filing a claim after being hurt because of someone else's recklessness ...
Long Island Car Accident Resources
Being involved in a car accident can leave you feeling scared and confused. The aftermath of a car accident on Long Island can be just as traumatizing. Getting back to your life could prove to be more difficult than you thought. In the hopes of helping you get through this challenging time, we h...
Common Causes of Car Accidents
For any car accident claim to be successful, your lawyer will need to be able to show the courts, based on a preponderance of the evidence, the accused party is liable for your injuries. But before we can do that, your car accident lawyer will need to thoroughly investigate the accident to deter...
How Does Your Car Insurance Deductible Work After an Accident?
As a New Yorker, you know that you need to have an active car insurance policy in order to operate your vehicle and that this vehicle must have a minimum amount of coverage in order to be in compliance with the state's car insurance laws. But that may be the extent of what you know about your au...
Top 5 Ways a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You
After suffering catastrophic injuries, no one wants to be troubled by a difficult legal process. Unfortunately, going through it may be the only way to not only obtain the injury settlement you need but to hold the at-fault party accountable for its negligent actions...