White Plains, NY Car Accident Lawyers
Let our White Plains car accident attorneys handle the insurance battle for you
From I-287 to Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains streets see more than their fair share of serious car crashes, many caused by speeding, distracted driving, or reckless behavior. Whether you were rear-ended in rush hour traffic or T-boned at an intersection, you have the right to compensation. Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t always play fair. That’s where Giampa Law comes in.
Our experienced White Plains car accident lawyers are here to take the weight off your shoulders. We’ll investigate your crash, deal directly with the insurance companies, and fight for full compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, and long-term needs. You focus on healing while we handle the rest. Contact us for a free consultation and find out how we can help you.
FAQs About White Plains Car Accidents
- What should I do immediately after a car accident in White Plains?
- Should I talk to the insurance company?
- How is fault determined in a car accident?
- What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
- Can I file a lawsuit even with New York’s no-fault insurance system?
- What if I was partially at fault for a car accident?
- How much is my car accident case worth?
- What kinds of damages can I recover?
- What if my injuries seem minor? Should I still file a claim?
- How long do I have to file a car accident claim in White Plains?
- Will my case go to trial or will it settle?
What should I do immediately after a car accident in White Plains?
Right after a car accident, your first priority should always be safety. If you're able to, move to a safe area and call 911 to report the accident. Even if you think your injuries are minor, get medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away, and having a medical record can help protect your health and your claim.
Next, try to document the crash scene. Take photos of vehicle damage, license plates, skid marks, traffic signs, and anything else that might be relevant. Get the contact and insurance information of the other driver, and if there are witnesses, ask for their names and numbers too.
Then, contact the White Plains car accident lawyers at Giampa Law. We’ll walk you through what happens next, help preserve important evidence, and deal with the insurance companies on your behalf. The earlier we get involved, the better we can protect your rights and build a strong case.
Should I talk to the insurance company?
It’s common for insurance companies to reach out quickly after an accident – but be very careful about what you say. While they might sound helpful on the phone, their goal is to reduce your compensation, not to protect your best interests. Even a simple statement such as “I’m fine” or “I didn’t see them” can be twisted and used against you later.
Before giving any recorded statement or signing anything, talk to a White Plains car accident attorney at Giampa Law. We can handle those conversations for you. We know the tactics insurance adjusters use, and we’ll make sure your words aren’t taken out of context. We’ll also review any settlement offers to make sure you’re not being lowballed.
Our job is to fight for the full compensation you deserve. Let us deal with the insurance company so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
How is fault determined in a car accident?
Determining fault in a car accident usually involves a detailed investigation into how the crash happened. Police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and even the damage to the vehicles all help tell the story. In New York, we use a system called “comparative negligence,” which means both drivers can share fault, and your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility.
That’s why it’s so important to have a skilled legal team on your side. The White Plains car accident attorneys at Giampa Law know how to gather strong evidence, bring in crash reconstruction experts when needed, and push back against unfair blame. Insurance companies may try to shift more fault onto you to reduce what they have to pay.
We make sure your side of the story is heard and supported with facts. We’ll fight to hold the right party accountable and pursue the compensation you’re entitled to.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
Getting into an accident with an uninsured driver can feel like a nightmare, but you're not out of options. In New York, your own auto insurance likely includes uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which is designed specifically for this situation. It helps cover your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering if the at-fault driver can’t pay.
Still, these claims can get tricky. Insurance companies may still push back or offer far less than you need. That’s where the White Plains car accident lawyers at Giampa Law come in. We’ll review your policy, help you file a UM claim, and make sure your insurance provider treats you fairly. If other sources of compensation are available (such as third-party liability), we’ll pursue those too.
You shouldn’t have to suffer financially just because someone else broke the law by driving without coverage. Let us handle the legal side so you can focus on recovering, knowing your case is in trusted hands.
Can I file a lawsuit even with New York’s no-fault insurance system?
You can still file a lawsuit even though New York has a no-fault insurance system, but only under certain conditions. No-fault means that after a car accident, your own insurance company covers your medical bills and lost wages, no matter who was at fault. But that coverage only goes so far.
If your injuries are considered "serious" under New York law (such as broken bones, significant disfigurement, or permanent limitations), you can step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver directly. That opens the door to compensation for pain and suffering and other damages that no-fault doesn't cover.
While no-fault helps to reduce lawsuits for minor injuries, it doesn’t block your right to take legal action if the crash caused major physical, emotional, or financial harm. It’s always best to speak to an experienced White Plains car accident attorney to understand your options.
What if I was partially at fault for a car accident?
Even if you were partly to blame for the crash, you can still pursue compensation in New York. That’s because New York follows a rule called pure comparative negligence. It means that your compensation is reduced based on your share of the fault, but it doesn’t stop you from recovering damages entirely.
For example, if you’re found to be 30% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you’d still be eligible to receive $70,000. It’s a fair system that acknowledges that car accidents are rarely black and white. But it also means the other driver’s insurance company might try to shift more blame onto you to lower how much they have to pay. That’s why it’s so important to have someone in your corner who can gather the right evidence and tell your side of the story clearly.
How much is my car accident case worth?
The value of your car accident claim depends on how badly you were hurt, how much medical treatment you needed (or still need), how the injuries affect your ability to work or enjoy life, and whether you’re dealing with long-term or permanent damage.
Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and even the impact on your relationships can all play a role in how much your case is worth. Economic losses such as medical bills and lost wages are easier to calculate, but non-economic damages such as pain and suffering are often where the bigger numbers come in.
Cases involving serious, life-altering injuries or clear negligence (for example, drunk driving) tend to result in higher settlements or verdicts. Only a thorough review of your case by a White Plains car accident lawyer can give you a realistic estimate.
What kinds of damages can I recover?
If you were injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to several types of damages, both economic and non-economic. Economic damages are the actual, measurable losses you’ve suffered. These include:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages if you had to miss work
- Reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to the same job
- Out-of-pocket expenses such as transportation or help at home
There are also non-economic damages, which are harder to put a number on but just as important. These include compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship if your injuries affect your relationships
Every case is different, so the damages you can recover will depend on how the crash impacted your life. Giampa Law can help make sure nothing is left out when determining how much money you’re owed.
What if my injuries seem minor? Should I still file a claim?
Even if your injuries seem minor right now, you should still file a claim. After a car accident, adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries may not show symptoms until days or even weeks later. What feels like a sore neck today could turn into chronic pain tomorrow. Filing a claim preserves your right to compensation if things worsen, and it creates a paper trail that could be crucial later on.
It’s also worth noting that medical bills, lost wages, and other related costs can add up quickly, even for seemingly “minor” injuries. If you wait too long or try to tough it out, you might lose your opportunity to recover those costs. Insurance companies may also try to downplay your injuries if there’s a gap between the accident and when you seek treatment.
Protect yourself by getting checked out medically and filing a claim. It doesn’t mean you’re suing anyone, just that you’re covering your bases in case things don’t heal as quickly as expected.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in White Plains?
Under New York’s statute of limitations, you generally have three years from the date of the car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss it, you likely lose your right to sue the at-fault driver for damages, no matter how serious your injuries are.
Additionally, if your claim involves a government vehicle or agency, you may need to file a Notice of Claim within just 90 days, and the lawsuit itself must typically be filed within one year and 90 days. There’s also a different time limit for wrongful death claims, which is usually two years from the date of death.
The smartest move is not to wait. The longer you delay, the harder it can be to gather evidence, contact witnesses, and build a strong case. Speaking with a White Plains car accident attorney as soon as possible after the crash can help you understand exactly what deadlines apply in your situation and keep your case on track.
Will my case go to trial or will it settle?
Most car accident cases settle before ever going to trial, often well before a courtroom even becomes part of the conversation. That’s because going to trial can be expensive, time-consuming, and unpredictable for both sides. Insurance companies often prefer to avoid that risk, especially when the evidence of fault is strong or the injuries are significant.
Whether your case settles or goes to trial depends on how clear the liability is, how severe your injuries are, how reasonable the insurance company’s offer is, and whether both sides can agree on a fair number. Sometimes, if the insurance company lowballs you or refuses to take your claim seriously, Giampa Law may take your case to court. But even then, trials are usually a last resort.
Our goal is to resolve your case in a way that’s fair to you, without unnecessary delays or stress. Our White Plains car accident attorneys will prepare for both scenarios while working hard to get a solid settlement first.
Get help from a trusted White Plains car accident attorney
If you were injured in a car accident in White Plains, don’t wait to get the legal help you deserve. Giampa Law offers a free consultation to review your case and explain your rights with no pressure, no obligation. You won’t pay us anything unless we win your case. That’s because we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning our payment depends entirely on the success of your claim.
Our legal team proudly serves White Plains, the Bronx, Westchester County, and surrounding areas. We understand the local courts, the insurance system, and how to get results when it matters most. Whether you were hurt in a rear-end crash, hit by a distracted driver, or injured in a rideshare or taxi accident, we’re ready to stand up for your rights. Don’t let the insurance company decide what your future is worth. Contact us for your free consultation with a White Plains car accident lawyer.