Accidents on the Long Island Expressway are unfortunately common occurrences, and recent news is no exception. The Nassau County, New York police reported that two people were critically injured Thursday in a two-car rush-hour crash near Exit 40. I’ll tell you more below, including when an attorney may be necessary in cases like these. If you find yourself injured after an accident, a New York car accident attorney at Buttafuoco & Associates may be able to help. Get in touch at 1-800-NOW-HURT for a free consultation.
What Happened During the Accident?
Just prior to impact, a 34-year-old man driving four others in his Nissan Pathfinder was headed eastbound on the Long Island Expressway. The driver suddenly lost control, striking the median. At this point, his vehicle spun across two lanes, ultimately colliding with a Ford Explorer driven by a 30-year-old woman. The accident happened at 8:40 am on Thursday.
Some injuries sustained by the passengers in the vehicle were severe. Three of the four were taken to area hospitals, and one passenger was listed in critical condition, according to police. Only the fourth declined medical attention at the accident scene.
The driver was also taken to a local hospital on Long Island, where his injuries were described as non-life-threatening.
Why Were No Charges Filed?
The accident closed the Long Island Expressway’s eastbound lanes during morning rush hour and caused traffic near exit 40 (the Jericho Turnpike at Syosset) to back up throughout the day. But ultimately, despite the wreckage, nobody filed charges.
It is not uncommon after an accident for victims to decide not to file charges, but the question remains: is this always the best plan? If you are obviously severely injured, and are convinced that a driver’s negligence caused the accident, it may be a good idea to get in touch with a New York car accident attorney. A good attorney can tell you more about your rights, and whether or not you have a case.
Regardless of your initial impression of how severe your injuries are, seeking medical attention immediately is essential. Even the best doctors can overlook injuries after an accident, especially if the victim is functioning well and appears coherent. Several types of injuries, from whiplash to severe sprains and even the discovery of broken bones, can arise hours, days, or weeks after the accident. A dangerous concussion may not be evident until after serious complications have occurred.
Even if your injuries are not life-threatening, if you fail to seek medical attention, it’s possible that receiving compensation for your injuries could be challenging if your case goes to court. This is because the longer you wait to report injuries and seek treatment, the more easily an insurance company or lawyer will be able to claim that the accident was not the cause of your injuries.
Because New York is a no-fault state, it is likely that your own insurance will pay for your medical treatment in most cases. But if your injuries are severe, you may have a lawsuit on your hands.
When to Contact a Car Accident Attorney Serving New Jersey
If you have been seriously injured in a car accident and believe the other driver was at fault, it may be in your best interest to get in touch with a car accident lawyer in New York. At Buttafuoco & Associates, we offer free consultations and can help you understand whether or not you have a case. Don’t take chances after an accident. Call us today.
Get in touch at 1-800-NOW-HURT.
