Car accidents between passenger vehicles often pale in comparison to accidents involving vans and similar vehicles. As vans are typically larger than many passenger vehicles, a serious accident could result in long-term or life-threatening injuries. Fortunately, a victim of a van accident may be able to file a valid claim against the person that caused their injury. If you or a family member was injured in a van accident, consult with an experienced Queens van accident lawyer.
At Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP, we recognize how a serious van accident could change a victim’s life, and we are here to help you litigate for the compensation you deserve. 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 Queens, NY
Van accidents can be dangerous and can occur under a variety of circumstances. Understanding the cause of your car accident will help if you wish to file a claim against a negligent driver. The following is a list of common causes of van accidents.
Driving Under the Influence
Consuming alcohol or medication before operating a vehicle is extremely dangerous. Individuals that drive while intoxicated will likely be slow to respond or unresponsive to events on the road. The consumption of drugs and alcohol combined with the operation of a large vehicle like a van can result in a catastrophic accident that leaves many victims with severe injuries.
Speeding
Vans are often larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. As a result, these vehicles could cause serious damage to another vehicle and leave the occupant of a vehicle with serious injuries. This is especially true if the driver of a van decided to travel at speeds well above the speed limit. Van accidents that occur at a high rate of speed may result in the death of a victim.
Inexperienced Driver
Vans often have paneled windows that decrease the visibility of a driver. This can make it difficult for a driver to see when trying to maneuver the vehicle. If the driver is inexperienced and has limited visibility, they could operate their vehicle improperly and possibly collide with vehicles under a number of circumstances, like when a vehicle enters their blind spot.
There are other causes of van accidents that are not discussed above. To learn more about filing a lawsuit for a serious van accident, continue reading and speak with an experienced Queens personal injury lawyer.
Damages Available for a Queens Van Accident
There are a number of factors that could determine the damages available for a van accident in a personal injury lawsuit. For example, the severity of a victim’s injuries will be important when determining the amount of damages a victim may be awarded.
The following is a list of damages available if a victim prevails in their Queens van accident lawsuit:
- Medical expenses associated with the accident like prescriptions for pain medication, surgical procedures, medical equipment, etc.,
- Compensation for damage to a vehicle
- Damages for loss of consortium or loss of the ability to perform activities you previously enjoyed
- Damages for the loss of a loved one due to a van accident (wrongful death)
Damages that are awarded to compensate a victim for specific losses are referred to as compensatory damages. However, if a defendant was found to be acting recklessly when they caused a dangerous van accident, the court may award punitive damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish a reckless defendant and serve as a warning to others who would act recklessly behind the wheel of a vehicle or in similar circumstances.
When to File a Van Accident Lawsuit
If you were the victim of a van accident, you should be aware that your case is subject to the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations dictates the length of time that a claimant has to file a particular type of lawsuit with the court.
In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is three years from the date of the injury. If a claimant does not file their lawsuit within that three-year timeframe, the court will bar their claim from being filed. That is why it is important for the victim of a serious accident to act quickly if they wish to file a lawsuit. Waiting too long can make it difficult or sometimes impossible to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Contact Our Experienced Queens Van Accident Attorneys Today
If you or a family member was the victim of a serious van accident, contact an experienced Queens van accident attorney today. The personal injury attorneys at Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP possess decades of combined legal experience, and we have an unwavering commitment to providing you with aggressive legal representation for your case. To schedule a free case evaluation, contact Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP at (718) 843-0300.
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