27 October, 2023
In New York’s buzzing metropolis, navigating in the legal land of car accident claims is confusing and complex. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, it is always a good idea to seek help from an NY personal injury attorney before accepting an offer from insurance.
Because New York is a no-fault state, your injury claim starts with your auto insurance provider. If you have severe injuries, you may be able to file a lawsuit against an at-fault offender.
This is where fault and negligence enter the picture. Typically, to receive compensation, you must show that the other driver caused the accident, which led to your injuries. It’s important to know the difference between contributory negligence and comparative negligence when filing a personal injury claim.
New York is a pure comparative negligence state. So, you can be 99% at fault and still receive 1% of the settlement amount. Historically, states in the U.S. followed the doctrine of contributory negligence. This doctrine prevented a plaintiff from suing another party if they were injured and partially to blame for an accident. However, states, over time, found this rule to be unfair and inequitable.
Other states have established some form of comparative negligence standard in their legislation. Therefore, plaintiffs may still be able to pursue a claim if they are partly to blame, with the recovery decreasing in proportion to each party’s share of guilt.
In many states, the bar is set at 50% or 51% for filing a lawsuit. That means you have to be either 49% or 50% at fault to file a claim and receive compensation.
You can use the doctrine of pure comparative negligence in one of several types of personal injury claims, not just those involving motor vehicles. Below are some examples.
In any of the above examples, if you were injured, but were guilty to some extent, you can still file a claim.
To ensure you do things right legally, you should contact a trusted personal injury lawyer at The Barnes Firm. Our team can help you learn more about your rights along these lines.
Don’t talk to the other party’s insurance company until you discuss your case with an attorney. A lawyer will investigate the accident and collect the required evidence to prove the culpability of each party.
Your lawyer will:
Without legal help, insurance companies will likely take advantage of your lack of experience and pressure you into accepting far less compensation than you deserve. Don’t let that happen to you. Get yourself an advocate who knows how to work in the legal system and fights for your rights. Comparative negligence claims can be complicated, an experienced lawyer at The Barnes Firm will advocate on your behalf in order to help you get the best result possible.
New York’s pure comparative fault rule, known as CPLR Section 1411, enables you to seek compensation proportionate to your share of the obligation. You won’t have to worry about being completely barred from recovery of a claim.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in New York, contact The Barnes Firm about your accident claim today.
Written by The Barnes Firm, reviewed by Richard Barnes
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Rich Barnes
President
Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”
Years of Experience: 30+ years
LinkedIn Profile: Richard Barnes
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney president Rich Barnes who has more than 30+ years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury trial attorney.
The Barnes Firm is here to help you. Our personal injury firm helps individuals and their families who
have suffered an injury in an accident.
Whether your car crash was minor or serious, any injuries sustained in an accident can be painful and costly.
All motorcycle accidents are different, the compensation you receive will depend on the circumstances surrounding your accident.
A truck accident can be catastrophic, even in low-impact crashes, if you or your family are involved, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation.
There are dozens of accidents involving school buses each year, most commonly, involving children outside a school bus.
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