Manhattan Van Accident Lawyer

No motorist wants to be involved in a serious car accident and left contending with expensive medical bills and other expenses related to the accident. When a negligent motorist driving a van strikes a person, there is a higher potential for injury for an occupant of a vehicle. As a result, a victim could suffer long-term or even life-threatening injuries. If you or a family member were injured in a serious van accident, you should consult with an experienced Manhattan van accident lawyer today.

Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP has an unwavering commitment to providing victims of car crashes with the aggressive legal representation they need to pursue compensation for their injuries. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, contact Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP at (718) 843-0300, or contact us online.

Common Causes of Van Accidents in Manhattan, NY

Van accidents are dangerous for a number of reasons. For example, in comparison to passenger vehicles, vans often weigh a significant amount more than a passenger vehicle. When a crash occurs between a van and a passenger vehicle, the additional weight of a van could become a factor in determining the extent of an injury suffered by a victim. The increased weight of a van could mean that a victim suffers a crushing injury or similar types of injuries.

Speeding is another common cause of a van accident. As vans have a higher center of gravity and are typically heavier than passenger vehicles, speeding in a van can make it easier for a driver to lose control of the vehicle. When this happens, the van could roll over and cause a devastating accident.

Another common issue that can lead to a collision between a van and other vehicles in Manhattan is the consumption of drugs or alcohol by a driver. Using alcohol or drugs prior to driving a vehicle is extremely dangerous. The consumption of alcohol can dull the driver’s senses and it will make the driver more prone to causing a serious accident. For example, a driver could become drowsy or could fail to properly react to other vehicles on the road, which is especially dangerous when driving a vehicle like a van.

There are other common causes of van accidents not discussed above. For example, a negligent driver could cause an accident if they are unfamiliar with operating a van that often has limited visibility in comparison to a passenger vehicle. To learn more about filing a lawsuit after a van collision, contact an experienced Manhattan can accident lawyer today.

Determining Liability for a Van Accident

If you are involved in a van accident in Manhattan, you are likely considering filing a legal claim against the driver responsible for your injury. New York auto insurance laws operate on a no-fault system. This means that if an individual is involved in a van accident, they must seek compensation from their own insurance company. However, if a victim of a van accident suffers a serious injury, they can pursue a claim against the negligent driver that caused their injuries.

A serious injury can be defined in a number of ways. For example, if a victim suffers a bone fracture of any bone in their body, this is enough to meet the requirements for holding a negligent driver personally responsible. Other types of injuries that can qualify a victim to file a personal injury lawsuit include:

• An accident that caused the loss of an unborn child
• Disfigurement
• Loss of a limb
• Decreased sensation or range of motion in a body part
• Severe injury that may impact your ability to work for several weeks

It is important to note that there could be multiple parties that are liable for a van accident. For example, if operating a van was a part of a driver’s job, there may be a scenario where the driver’s employer is liable for the accident.

Generally, to hold an employer liable for the actions of an employee, the employee must commit some negligent act that is within the scope of their employment. For instance, if a van driver was performing a task for their employer that required the use of a van, the employer could be liable if the driver causes an accident while completing the task. This type of liability is referred to as vicarious liability. Depending on the circumstances of your claim, there could be more than one party liable for your injuries.

Contact Our Experienced Manhattan Van Accident Attorneys to Discuss Your Claim

If you or a family member suffered a severe injury during a van collision, you should contact an experienced Manhattan van accident attorney today. The devoted legal team at Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP possess decades of combined legal experience, and we are prepared to use this knowledge to fight for you. To schedule a free case evaluation, contact Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP at (718) 843-0300.