Westchester County Car Accident Attorneys
Our NY car accident lawyers have recovered millions of dollars for injured crash victims
In Westchester, car accidents often come out of nowhere. Maybe you were commuting on I-287, running errands on W 225th St in White Plains, heading to a restaurant by Peekskill Bay, or another scenario. It just takes one red-light-runner, drunk driver, or negligent motorist to change your life.
Many car accident victims are in similar situations: in severe pain, unable to work or complete everyday tasks, and uneasy about the medical bills stacking up next to monthly expenses. You're looking at an uncertain future. We can help you find your way forward.
FAQs About Westchester County Car Accidents
- How much is my Westchester County car accident claim worth?
- What types of car accident claims does Giampa Law handle in Westchester County?
- What causes most car accidents in Westchester County, NY?
- Where are the most dangerous roads and intersections in Westchester County, NY?
- Who is at fault for a car accident in Westchester County, NY?
- What evidence can help support my car accident claim?
- What is the average car accident claim settlement in Westchester, NY?
- What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
- Why does fault matter in ‘no-fault’ New York?
- How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in New York?
How much is my Westchester County car accident claim worth?
When the insurance company calls and offers to settle your case quickly, it may feel like a lifeline. Unfortunately, it isn't. Insurance companies always want to settle cases for as little as possible. The industry earns billions annually by denying claims and short-changing seriously injured accident victims.
Demand better. In Westchester County, Giampa Law stands up to the insurance companies. With one of our Westchester County car accident lawyers on your side, you can feel confident that your claim is moving forward while you focus on healing.
If you were injured in a car accident in White Plains, Yonkers, Greenburgh, New Rochelle, Spring Valley, Ossining, or anywhere else in Westchester County, contact us for a free case consultation. At no cost to you, a member of our team can estimate the value of your claim and help you decide what to do next.
What types of car accident claims does Giampa Law handle in Westchester County?
Giampa Law is an experienced personal injury and car accident law firm with offices in Valhalla and the Bronx. We are known for putting the highest value on our clients’ needs and aggressively pursuing results.
Our case results are full of big wins for complex catastrophic car accidents. But we know that there is no such thing as a "minor" car accident with injuries. We also know that there is no such thing as a simple injury claim, thanks to the insurance companies. Studies show that a vehicle occupant can suffer severe, lifelong injuries in crashes under 20 mph.
Here are some, but not all, of the types of car accident claims we handle at Giampa Law:
- Rear-end accidents.
- Intersection crashes.
- Red-light-runners.
- Pedestrian accidents.
- Drunk drivers.
- Distracted drivers.
- Head-on collisions.
- Road rage incidents.
- Hit-and-runs.
- Multi-car pileups, chain reaction accidents, domino effect accidents.
We see the devastating effects of accidents on individuals and families in New York every day. Helping injured accident victims regain the physical, mental, and financial health that was stolen from them by negligent drivers is what fuels our passion to win. Giampa Law fights to protect accident victims' rights. We don't give in. We dig in until we get results.
What causes most car accidents in Westchester County, NY?
Car accidents in Westchester County happen for many reasons, but most crashes are tied to driver error or negligence. Some of the leading causes include speeding, distracted driving, and failing to yield the right of way, especially at busy intersections and highway on-ramps.
Distracted driving is one of the most common contributors to car accidents in the area. Even a few seconds of looking away from the road can have devastating consequences. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol also remains a major factor, particularly in late-night and weekend collisions.
Giampa Law investigates each case thoroughly to identify the root cause of the crash and prove liability. If you were injured because another driver acted carelessly, we’ll fight to hold them accountable and get you the compensation you deserve.
Where are the most dangerous roads and intersections in Westchester County, NY?
A car accident can happen anywhere. But some places see more crashes than others. In Westchester, fatal crash data points to hotspots at:
- Tarrytown Road/Route 100 at Central Ave and Bronx River Pkwy in White Plains.
- Yonkers Ave between Nepperhan Ave and Walnut Street in Yonkers.
- Route 6/E Main St at Bear Mountain State Pkwy in Peekskill.
- North Ave at Beechmont Dr in New Rochelle.
- Crompond Rd (Route 202) from the Bear Mountain State Pkwy to the Taconic State Pkwy in Crompond.
Who is at fault for a car accident in Westchester County, NY?
Determining fault in a Westchester County car accident depends on the circumstances of the crash and the evidence available. Fault is usually assigned based on who acted negligently or broke traffic laws. Common examples of driver negligence include speeding, running red lights, failing to yield, distracted driving, and following too closely.
In New York, police officers who respond to the scene often issue a report that may include a preliminary opinion on fault. Insurance companies also conduct their own investigations, which can include reviewing photos, witness statements, and vehicle damage. However, just because an insurance company blames you doesn’t mean they’re right.
New York follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, which means more than one driver can be held partially responsible. Even if you were 80% at fault, you could still recover compensation for the other 20% of damages. That’s why it’s important not to admit fault at the scene and to contact a lawyer immediately. Giampa Law can conduct thorough investigations and fight to make sure you’re not unfairly blamed for a crash you didn’t cause.
What evidence can help support my car accident claim?
Strong evidence is the foundation of a successful car accident claim. The more documentation you have, the harder it is for insurance companies to deny or undervalue your case. After a crash in Westchester County, some of the most useful pieces of evidence include the police accident report, medical records, and photos of the scene, injuries, vehicle damage, and road conditions. If any surveillance or dashcam footage exists, it can help significantly in proving fault.
Witness statements are also incredibly helpful. If anyone saw what happened, try to get their names and contact information. Skid marks, debris patterns, traffic signals, and vehicle positions can all help accident reconstruction experts determine how the crash occurred. In cases involving distracted or impaired drivers, cell phone records, toxicology reports, or witness accounts can also strengthen your case.
An experienced Westchester car accident lawyer can help you collect and preserve the right evidence before it disappears. The legal team at Giampa Law moves quickly to investigate the crash, gather proof, and build a strong claim that insurance companies can’t ignore. The right evidence can make all the difference in recovering the compensation you deserve.
What is the average car accident claim settlement in Westchester, NY?
The average Westchester car accident settlement can be tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. How much you get for a car accident is affected by the type and severity of the injury, fault, and available insurance and assets.
Typically, the more severe and life-altering an injury is, the more compensation a victim can receive.
Common car accident injuries for which you can collect compensation include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries like brain hemorrhages and concussions.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Back and spine injuries like herniated or slipped discs and fractured vertebrae.
- Neck and shoulder pain.
- Torn ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
- Burns.
- Internal injuries.
- Cuts, lacerations, and punctures.
- Fractured bones in the wrist, ankle, leg, arms, skull, and hands.
- Whiplash.
- Nerve damage.
If it was a fatal crash, the victim's family is also often entitled to compensation.
The insurance company doesn't value your health or your comfort. The goal of any insurance adjuster is to reject a claim or settle it for as little as possible. They can't get away with much if you have the attorneys from Giampa Law on your side. We know how the system works in Westchester County. We are relentless in pursuit of the results you deserve.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If you’re hit by an uninsured driver in Westchester County, you still have options, but things get more complicated. New York law requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage as part of their auto insurance policy. This means you can typically file a claim with your own insurance company to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering if the other driver doesn’t have coverage.
However, just because you’re dealing with your own insurance provider doesn’t mean the process will be easy. Insurance companies often treat UM claims with the same skepticism as third-party claims, and they may still try to limit your compensation. That’s why having a lawyer on your side can give you an advantage.
In more serious cases, you might qualify for compensation through the New York Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC), a state program designed to help victims of uninsured or hit-and-run drivers.
Giampa Law can review your coverage, explore every avenue for compensation, and make sure you’re not left footing the bill for someone else’s negligence.
Why does fault matter in 'no-fault' New York?
New York is a no-fault state, meaning that if you are injured in a car accident, you file a claim with your car insurance company first – regardless of who caused the crash. However, if you have a significant injury, you are usually eligible to "step outside" the no-fault system and file a liability claim for additional compensation. Our legal team can analyze your situation and explain your options in a free consultation.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in New York?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you miss the deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation, no matter how strong your case is.
However, there are important exceptions. If the crash involved a government vehicle, such as a police car, school bus, or sanitation truck, you typically must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident. Similarly, if the accident resulted in a fatality, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death lawsuit is generally two years from the date of death.
The sooner you take action, the better. Over time, evidence can disappear, witnesses may forget details, and insurance companies become more difficult to deal with. The team at Giampa Law can evaluate your case and ensure all deadlines are met so you don’t miss your opportunity to recover full compensation.
Contact a Westchester County car accident lawyer today
At Giampa Law, our Westchester County car accident attorneys have taken on the same insurance companies you may be dealing with and have come out on top.
If you were injured or a loved one died in a Westchester County car accident, contact Giampa Law for a free case consultation. At no cost to you, we can answer your crash-related questions and explain compensation options. Our law firm has offices in Valhalla and the Bronx. But if you can't come to us, we can go to you.
We proudly serve all of Westchester County – including White Plains, Yonkers, Ossining, and Greenburgh. In addition, we offer legal representation to crash victims on contingency. That means there is no upfront cost, and you pay no fees unless we win your case.
Don’t delay. A statute of limitations applies to car accident and wrongful death legal action. A member of our team is available any time, day or night, to hear from you. Contact us to schedule your free case consultation right now.