Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers
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Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers Serving Ellicott, NY

A motor vehicle accident in Ellicott can be life-changing whether it’s a small collision two blocks from home or a catastrophic one on I-86. The injured may suddenly face disruptions to their daily lives, chronic pain, decreased mobility, and piling medical bills. Loved ones may also struggle as they attempt to care for the injured, which can cause significant strain on formerly strong relationships. 

No one should have to suffer because of someone else’s careless behavior, and while the team with Fessenden Laumer & DeAngelo, PLLC can’t undo what happened, we can help you demand fair compensation for what you’ve suffered. Contact us today for a free consultation with a motor vehicle accident lawyer serving Ellicott, and let’s discuss your next steps together.

Why Choose Fessenden Laumer & DeAngelo, PLLC?

At Fessenden Laumer & DeAngelo, PLLC, we take pride in fighting to recover compensation for motor vehicle accident injury victims. Here’s why we think we’re the right choice to handle your case:

  • We’re local: Our firm has been serving residents of New York’s Southern Tier since 1984. Not only does this give us deep insight into what you’re going through, but it means we know the area courts and the defense teams we’re likely to see sitting across the negotiating table from us. This insight gives us an edge when you need it most.
  • We’re trusted: Generations of clients have trusted us because of the dedication we bring to every case we handle. We never take a “one size fits all” approach, because we know tailored strategies are what win the toughest cases.
  • We’re experienced: Our team of four dedicated attorneys have decades of collective experience to apply to your case. We’ve handled a wide range of cases stemming from motor vehicle accidents, and we’re ready to apply this experience to the job of maximizing your compensation.

 

When you reach out for your consultation, we’ll inform you of your rights, explain the legal processes involved in seeking compensation, and speak with you about the accident so we can better evaluate your claim or case. And because consultations are free and we only collect a fee when we win, you won’t have to worry about the expense of getting the legal help you deserve. Don’t wait—reach out today.

Motor Vehicle Accidents We Handle

There are many kinds of motor vehicle accidents, each with their own legal nuances. At Fessenden Laumer & DeAngelo, PLLC, we represent people who have been injured in any of the following:

  • Passenger vehicle accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Large truck and commercial vehicle accidents
  • Bicycle accidents
  • Pedestrian accidents

Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Collisions in Ellicott

Accidents occur all the time and for a variety of reasons. In Ellicott, the most common of those reasons include the following.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving accidents have skyrocketed in recent years. Talking on the phone, texting, or otherwise using a mobile device while driving are all major drivers of this tend.  However, they’re not the only reasons why drivers lose sight of the road and risk catastrophe. Eating and drinking, rooting around the center console or glovebox, or simply talking to passengers can also take a driver’s attention off of where it should be. 

Impaired Driving 

Tragically, driving drunk or under the influence remains a huge contributor to serious motor vehicle accidents. In fact, about a third of all fatal motor vehicle accidents involve tintoxication. Even minor impairment can alter perception and slow reflexes just enough to prevent a driver from reacting in time to prevent catastrophe.

Traffic Violations

Traffic laws are designed to reduce the risk for every road user. That’s why so many devastating accidents are related to one or more drivers violating those laws. Things like excessive speeding, running red lights or stop signs, merging without signaling, or making illegal U-turns can seem like victimless traffic violations—until they’re not. 

Bad Weather

Heavy rain, thick snow, and icy roads are notorious for their contributions to motor vehicle accidents. But while you can’t seek compensation from the weather, you can seek it from a driver who failed to adjust their behaviors to account for that weather. Drivers must exercise reasonable caution no matter what the meteorological conditions happen to be.

Unsafe Road Design

Sometimes negligent highway design or repair is responsible for the accident rather than another individual. Examples of this can include dangerous potholes, misleading signage, or poorly designed intersections. These cases tend to be complex, as they often include multiple potentially liable entities, which is why they call for experienced motor vehicle accident attorneys. 

What to Do After a Motor Vehicle Accident in Ellicott

Here are some practical steps you can take after a motor vehicle accident in Ellicott to protect yourself and your right to compensation:

  • Get to Safety: The very first thing you should consider is your safety. If your vehicle is drivable, get to the side of the road. Check yourself and your vehicle’s occupants for injury. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
    • Contact Law Enforcement: Too often, people involved in what seem to be minor accidents fail to report them to the police. This is a huge mistake. Yes, it may take some time and feel like a hassle, but always report the accident to the police. 
  • Exchange Information with Others Involved: Your next step is to collect the information of the other driver(s) including name, phone number, address, insurance information, and license plate number. The more information, and the more witnesses, the better. Someone who is potentially liable for damages won’t always be honest with you. 
  • Document the Accident: Police reports and personal accounts are often not enough evidence when it comes to proving liability in a motor vehicle accident. You need as much information as possible, which is why you should document the entire scene by taking pictures of all vehicles involved, the damage caused to them, and the surrounding area to provide broader context.
  • Notify Your Insurer: You’ll want to inform your insurance company as soon as you can about the accident. As a no-fault insurance state, New York requires your insurer to cover your basic economic loss. You might jeopardize this coverage by failing to report the accident.
  • Get Checked Out by a Doctor: Injuries don’t always reveal themselves immediately after a motor vehicle accident, and sometimes seemingly minor ones are more serious than they appear. Always get yourself checked out by a doctor as soon as you can for both your own safety and documentation purposes.

 

Finally, reach out to an experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer serving Ellicott. You could be entitled to compensation from the person who caused the accident, but getting the full amount you’re owed is easier said than done. A good attorney can communicate with your insurance provider on your behalf, investigate the accident to determine liability and fair compensation, and negotiate aggressively with both your insurer and the at-fault driver’s provider for fair compensation. 

Compensation Available for Motor Vehicle Accident Victims

There are several forms of potential compensation available to those injured in motor vehicle accidents. Some of the most common include:

  • Lost wages and benefits
  • Property damage
  • Medical expenses
  • Pain and suffering 
  • Emotional distress

Contact a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Serving Ellicott

If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident, reach out to Fessenden Laumer & DeAngelo, PLLC to speak with a motor vehicle accident lawyer serving Ellicott. Consultations are free, and we’ll only charge you a fee if we win your case.

Get The Results You Need. Contact Us Today.

Send us a brief email about your case, and a member of our team will reach out to you promptly.
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