Poughkeepsie Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys

On the Scene & Ready to Help with your Case

When you have been in a bad wreck in Poughkeepsie, you need to know that you can trust the legal team that helps you with your motor vehicle accident claim. At Basch & Keegan LLP, we strive to do everything we can for our clients to give them the confidence they need to see their cases through. We are known for being able to get to the scene of an accident shortly after it happens – sometimes the same day – to start collecting evidence. It is just one of the many ways that we go above and beyond our clients’ expectations from the moment they call us.

Work with a team that has 100+ years of collective legal experience. Call our team today at (845) 251-4545.

One Law Firm for Any Motor Vehicle Accident Case

There are all sorts of vehicles on the road of Poughkeepsie on any given day. Does that mean you need to go to all sorts of law firms just to find someone who can help with your case? No, not when you come to Basch & Keegan LLP! Our eclectic legal background and teamwork-centric approach allow us to manage virtually any motor vehicle accident case that comes to our attention.

We are here to help you pursue compensation after a:

Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents can result from various factors, including:

• Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of accidents, distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio take the driver's attention away from the road.
• Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit reduces a driver's ability to react to hazards and increases the severity of accidents.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time, leading to a higher risk of accidents.
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and disregarding traffic signs increase the likelihood of collisions.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, fog, and ice can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, increasing the chances of accidents.
• Fatigue: Driving while tired can impair judgment and reaction time, similar to driving under the influence.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven surfaces, lack of signage, and inadequate lighting can contribute to accidents.
• Mechanical Failures: Malfunctioning brakes, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues can lead to loss of control and accidents.
• Inexperienced Drivers: Lack of experience and poor driving skills increase the likelihood of accidents, especially among young or newly licensed drivers.
• Failure to Obey Traffic Laws: Running red lights, failure to yield, improper lane changes, and other violations increase the risk of collisions.
• Driving at Night: Reduced visibility and increased fatigue make driving at night riskier than during daylight hours.
• Tailgating: Following other vehicles too closely reduces reaction time and increases the risk of rear-end collisions.

Suing After Suffering a Serious Injury

New York is one of a few states that require drivers to purchase personal injury protection (PIP) insurance as part of their auto insurance policy. Under PIP insurance, you should get damage coverage from your insurance provider, regardless of who caused your motor vehicle accident. Whether you caused the crash or someone else did, you must use your PIP insurance first when seeking compensation.

What about the other driver? Shouldn’t they pay for your damages? You can only file a claim against the other driver if your injuries are considered “serious” based on New York’s legal definition.

New York only considers an injury to be “serious” if it causes:

There is a wide range of injuries that can fall into the “serious” injury category in New York’s laws. Yet insurance companies are constantly looking for a new, clever way to argue that an injury is not serious due to some technicality. Our law firm is ready to refute their arguments if they try this tactic for your case.

Who is to Blame for Your Motor Vehicle Accident?

The party that caused your motor vehicle accident is known as the liable party. Determining liability can be a complex process, especially when there are multiple parties involved in a crash. It is important to establish liability fairly, so you can get as much compensation as you are owed. New York’s pure comparative fault law reduces your award by a percentage equal to your own liability. If you are 0% liable, then you can pursue 100% of your damages, like lost wages, medical treatment costs, pain, and suffering.

We can attempt to establish liability through the use of convincing evidence and eyewitness statements. The reports that we can collect from first responders, for example, tend to be powerful pieces of evidence that show liability. The same can be said for dashcam footage if you have a camera installed in your vehicle.

FAQs About Motor Vehicle Accidents in Poughkeepsie

What should I do immediately after a car accident in New York?

Ensure everyone is safe and call 911 if there are injuries.  
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.  
Document the scene by taking photos and getting witness contact information.  
Report the accident to the police if there are injuries or property damage exceeding $1,000.

What should I do immediately after a car accident?

• Ensure everyone is safe and call 911 if there are injuries.
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
• Document the scene by taking photos and getting witness contact information.
• Report the accident to the police if there are injuries or property damage exceeding $1,000.

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in New York?

In general, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident in New York is three years from the date of the accident. However, it's best to consult with a lawyer, as there may be exceptions depending on the specifics of your case.

What should I do if the other driver doesn't have insurance?

If you're involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you can file a claim with your own insurance company under the uninsured motorist coverage, if you have it.

What should I do if the insurance company offers me a settlement after a car accident?

Before accepting any settlement offer from the insurance company, it's wise to consult with a personal injury lawyer who can evaluate the offer and ensure you're receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Do I need a lawyer for a car accident case?

While not required, having a lawyer experienced in local car accident cases can greatly benefit you, especially if there are complex legal issues or disputes over fault or damages.

We’re Ready – Call (845) 251-4545

There is no better time than right now to explore your legal options after being in a motor vehicle accident in Poughkeepsie. If you wait too long to take action, you might forget important details of the crash or, even worse, the statute of limitations could expire. Once the statute has expired, the court probably won’t even hear your case at all! Don’t risk it. Get Basch & Keegan LLP on your side today.

Your case shouldn’t wait. Arrange a consultation now.