Theodore A. Naima, Author at Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima, P.C.

Nov 10, 2021 | By Theodore A. Naima | Read Time: 3 minutes | Car Accidents

NYPD Traffic Accidents—How to Get Your Accident Report

Auto accidents can turn your life upside down. If you suffer injuries, it can take weeks or even months to get back on your feet. There’s also a chance you may struggle with a debilitating injury for the rest of your life. Obtaining compensation may be the most important thing you do following such a life-changing experience. If you file an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, a collision report from the NYPD documents the event and provides useful information. The details found in your NYPD accident report give your attorney the tools to conduct their investigation and build a case on your behalf. Car accidents happen every day across all five boroughs in New York City. Many of these car accidents cause injuries and sometimes death. Even the most careful driver may be involved in a car accident due to the negligence of another. If you suffered injuries following a car accident, contact a personal injury attorney. Your attorney fights on your behalf to recover well-deserved compensation for your injuries, so you can get your life back on track. How to Retrieve NYPD Accident Reports Always make sure you call the police and request a police officer to the scene of your accident. An NYPD collision report provides valuable information that may be forgotten over time but is vital to a claim for injuries. Fortunately, the NYPD makes it easy to retrieve a copy of your collision report. In Person In NYC, the most direct way to retrieve a copy of your accident report is in person. Determine the precinct where your accident occurred. It may take up to seven days before your report becomes available, so you may want to call the precinct to check on availability. There is no charge to obtain your collision report from the NYPD, but you must bring a completed copy of the Request for Copy of Collision Record form. Mail Perhaps it’s not convenient to head to the precinct in person. You may also mail your request to the correct precinct. The NYPD provides a directory of all locations to assist in your search. However, don’t take more than 30 days to pick up your report once available. At that point, the NYPD forwards the report to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. To obtain a certified copy of your accident report by mail, you must pay: $10 search fee, and $15 report fee for each report your order. The DMV also requires the form entitled Request for Copy of Accident Report. You must provide the following information: Date of the accident, and County where the accident occurred. You must also provide at least one of the following pieces of information: The license plate number of a vehicle involved in the accident, The driver’s license number of a person involved in the accident, and The name and date of birth of a person involved in the accident. The DMV keeps accident reports filed by police for four years from the accident date. Mail your completed form and check to the following address: NYSDMV MC-198C Processing 6 Empire State Plaza New York, NY 12228 Your personal injury attorney can also assist in obtaining a copy of your collision report. Online You may also obtain a copy of your NYC accident report from the NYPD website. Unfortunately, the NYPD portal is only accessible for people living in New York, Connecticut, or Massachusetts. The DMV also provides a way to purchase a copy of your accident report online. Once you pay the $15 fee, your report becomes accessible in downloadable form. Once purchased, access your report within seven calendar days or else you will need to purchase the report again. Contact Us At the Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima, we exclusively represent the victims of personal injury and families that have lost loved ones in cases like auto accidents. If you’ve been involved in an auto accident, we can help you obtain a copy of your NYPD collision report. This crucial piece of evidence assists in building your case against the party that caused you or your family member harm. Our office works to provide clients with the compassion, respect, support, and personal attention they deserve while fighting vigorously for their rights. Contact us today for a free confidential case evaluation!

Nov 8, 2021 | By Theodore A. Naima | Read Time: 2 minutes | Bicycle Accident

Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accident Claims

When researching bike accident claims, it’s common to have several questions about the process. You may be thinking, I was hit by a car on my bicycle and I don’t know what to do. At the Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima, we know how uncertain and intimidating the claims process can be during recovery. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about bicycle-hits-car insurance claims that we get from potential clients. What Are New York’s Bike Laws? New York Vehicle and Traffic Law has specific requirements (VAT § 1234) for bicyclists when riding on the street. In most cases, bicyclists should stay in the designated bicycle lane on the right-hand side of the street. However, New York allows bicyclists to move out of the bike lane to avoid: Pedestrians, Animals, Vehicles, Fixed objects, Moving objects, Hazardous surfaces, and Other bicyclists. Unfortunately, moving out of the bike lane poses a serious risk, especially since drivers don’t pay much attention to bicyclists on the road. I Was Hit By a Car on My Bicycle . . . Now What? Immediately following your accident, you may be extremely dazed or stressed. The most important thing to do is to be calm and get the help you need. Before anything else, call 911 and stay on the scene until first responders arrive. When the paramedics arrive, make sure to accept any medical attention they offer. This is not only important for your wellbeing, but also for your accident claim. Cooperating with emergency services is essential to your claim. If at all possible, you should also take photographs of the scene, including any injuries and vehicle damage. This helps show the severity of the crash and may even help reconstruct the accident if there were no witnesses. If there are any eyewitnesses, try to get their contact information. Can I Sue the Driver Responsible for My Injuries If I Was Hit by a Car on My Bicycle? Under New York Insurance Law § 5103 (New York Statutes), those injured in an accident may make a claim with the negligent party’s insurance company. In most circumstances, you cannot seek non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. However, if you or a loved one sustains a serious injury, you may be able to file a claim for pain and suffering. According to ISC § 5102(d), serious injury includes: Death, Dismemberment, Disfigurement, Fractures, Loss of a fetus, Loss of organ function, and Physical impairment or disability. This is why it’s important to work with a skilled New York bicycle accident attorney. They may be able to help you determine if you may sue for your injuries. Need Help Filing Your Bike Accident Claim? We Can Help When you or a loved one sustains an injury in a bike accident, you need trust, knowledge, and experience on your side. Attorney Ted Naima has more than 20 years of experience in personal injury and knows the devastating effects that accidents have on individuals and their families. His goal is to fight for the compensation you need to help recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Call 516-280-7311 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation with Ted Naima. We welcome clients throughout Long Island and the state of New York.

Nov 8, 2021 | By Theodore A. Naima | Read Time: 2 minutes | Motorcycle Accidents

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in New York

In the State of New York, motorcycle accidents often result in severe injury or death. Unfortunately, this continues to be one of the most difficult public safety challenges in the state. Here are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in New York and how negligent drivers may be liable for them. What Is the Main Cause of Motorcycle Accidents? According to the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research (ITSMR), the number one cause of motorcycle accidents in 2020 was driving at an unsafe speed. This contributing factor alone accounted for 657 crashes with injuries and 89 with deaths in the state of New York. In fact, speeding caused nearly 50% of all motorcycle crashes involving a fatality. While some of these fatalities happened to passengers and pedestrians, a majority of them happened to the motorcyclist. Other Causes of Motorcycle Accidents Despite speeding being the top cause of motorcycle crashes in New York, the second and third highest contributing factors come in close. Distracted driving was the second most common cause of accidents, resulting in a total of 634 crashes. Only 10 of these motorcycle accidents had a reported fatality, but more than 180 involved property damage. The third most common factor in New York motorcycle accidents was improper lane changes. In 2020, nearly 20% of all motorcycle accidents reported in New York resulted from a bad lane change. In addition, 40 of these crashes had a reported death, making improper lane changes the third most deadly cause of motorcycle accidents in the state. Liability in Motorcycle Crashes It’s important to keep in mind that the motorcyclist is usually the person injured in a motorcycle accident. In many cases, other drivers don’t even make contact with the motorcyclist, yet they still cause an accident by negligently cutting them off. This usually happens when the driver: Violates a traffic law (runs a red light, makes an illegal turn, etc.), Operates their vehicle while drunk or intoxicated, Becomes inattentive or distracted, or Falls asleep at the wheel. If a motorcycle accident doesn’t involve another driver, there may be other factors at play. For example, if the city leaves a hazard on the road, the government may be liable for an accident caused by that hazard. In addition, if a defective part on the bike causes the accident, the manufacturer may be liable. Since there are many possibilities when it comes to motorcycle crashes, it’s important to seek a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney. Injured in a New York Motorcycle Accident? Call Us Today Whether you get into an accident due to a negligent driver, government entity, or manufacturer, you don’t have to go through it alone. At the Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima, we know how difficult it is to manage a claim during recovery. Our goal is to help you get back on your feet, both physically and financially. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, contact us online or give us a call at 516-280-7311 to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve clients throughout the state of New York from our offices in Garden City, Queens, and Huntington.

Nov 8, 2021 | By Theodore A. Naima | Read Time: 3 minutes | Car Accidents

When to File a Lawsuit After a Crash With a Leased Car

Car accidents often bring about unease and stress, as handling a car accident claim can be challenging. A car accident in a leased car can heighten this confusion, as leased vehicles are different from owned cars. After a leased car accident, The Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima is ready to help. Understanding the Differences Between Leased and Owned Cars Leasing and owning a vehicle are two different things. When you lease a vehicle, it is almost like renting, but with more privileges and less protection. You treat the vehicle as if it’s yours, except someone else—a leasing company or a dealership—owns it. Additionally, you must provide your own insurance coverage to protect the vehicle in case of an accident. When you own your car, you are the rightful owner. If something happens to it, you are responsible and can handle the situation as you see fit. In New York, insurance for leased cars is the same as owned cars. You are required to have minimum insurance coverage on all vehicles. Coverage includes: No-fault (personal injury protection) to pay for certain expenses, including medical expenses, for those you’ve injured in an accident; Liability protection to protect against the damage your car might inflict on others and their property; and Uninsured motorist coverage to protect yourself in case of an accident with an individual that has no car insurance. It is equally as important to protect a leased car as it is an owned vehicle. Still, it is extremely beneficial to keep your leased vehicle protected by car insurance to protect yourself against headaches you may encounter in the future. What to Do After a Collision with a Leased Vehicle After a collision in a leased vehicle, you would essentially handle it the same way you should other accidents. It is recommended you: Call 911; Always receive medical treatment; Collect pertinent evidence and information; and Discuss your leased car accident with a knowledgeable lawyer. Additionally, you will want to notify your insurance company of your accident as soon as you possibly can. It is also wise to contact the leasing company or dealership in case there is anything you should keep in mind when handling your claim. Receiving Damages After a Car Accident In New York, there are multiple ways for you to receive damages for injuries and property damage for accidents in a leased car. You may file a claim with the insurance, use your uninsured motorist benefits if the collision involves an uninsured driver, or file a personal injury lawsuit. The best course of action to receive damages will depend on the details of your case. A New York personal injury attorney can help you decide what is best for you in an effort to receive the compensation you deserve. When to File a Lawsuit Not every collision requires filing a lawsuit. Nonetheless, it is important to note that insurance coverage will cover only so much. You may be able to receive compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and some lost wages. Beyond this, you may not be able to count on insurance. This is where a personal injury lawsuit may be required to help you receive the financial recovery you need after an accident. Because every accident case is different, it is best to consult with a New York personal injury lawyer. Discuss Your Case with a Qualified New York Personal Injury Attorney At The Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima, our firm practices only personal injury law. Therefore, you can feel confident knowing you are receiving top-notch legal services from a knowledgeable and experienced attorney. Ted Naima has over 20 years of trial experience and isn’t afraid to go the extra mile for clients in need. Contact our office today to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Nov 8, 2021 | By Theodore A. Naima | Read Time: 3 minutes | FAQ

Is It Worth Hiring an Attorney in New York

If you sustained injuries due to someone else’s negligence, you might be wondering, Is it worth hiring a personal injury attorney? If you plan to pursue a claim for compensation against the negligent party, it’s essential to understand how insurance companies work and the tactics they use. Insurance companies rely on the fact that you don’t have any legal experience. When you hire a New York personal injury attorney, you have someone who will protect your rights and help you pursue the maximum compensation possible. How a New York Personal Injury Attorney Can Help If you are unsure about the benefits of hiring an attorney, here’s a look at some of the ways the Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima can assist you with your personal injury claim: Obtaining your accident report; Ordering copies of your medical reports, lost earnings statements, and repair estimates; Interviewing witnesses; Obtaining other evidence, such as surveillance video; Speaking with the defendant’s insurance company; Negotiating a potential settlement offer with the defendant’s insurance company; Filing a lawsuit within the statute of limitations; Hiring potential experts such as accident reconstructionists, medical doctors, etc.; and Gathering any other evidence and documents that support your case. We will also be prepared to represent you at trial, if necessary. Assistance with Car Accidents Under New York’s No-Fault System New York follows no-fault rules when it comes to car accidents. That means that you must initially seek reimbursement from your own insurer for your injuries no matter who was at fault. However, there are circumstances where you can bring a lawsuit against an at-fault driver. If you are bringing a personal injury claim for a car accident, you must have damages that exceed $50,000, or you must have an injury that meets the serious injury threshold as outlined in New York Insurance Law Section 5102(d). New York law defines a serious injury as one that results in: Death; Dismemberment or significant disfigurement; Fracture; Loss of a fetus; Permanent loss of a body organ, member, function, or system; Permanent limitation of a body member or organ; Significant limitation of a body system or function; or Medically determined impairment or injury of a non-permanent nature that prevents you from performing your normal daily activities for a minimum of 90 days. When you retain us to represent you, we will immediately begin an independent investigation to build the strongest case for you. Our priority is to document your damages and provide evidence that shows your injury meets the legal threshold of serious injury if applicable. Types of Damages You Could Be Entitled to Receive When deciding whether to hire an attorney, consider some of the damages you could be entitled to receive. Every case is different, so your potential settlement will vary. Common types of damages in a personal injury case include: Medical expenses to date; Future expected medical expenses; Lost wages to date; Future loss of earnings; Equipment such as a wheelchair or walker; Physical pain and suffering; and Disability and/or disfigurement. In very limited cases, you might be entitled to receive punitive damages. These damages apply only in cases involving malice, fraud, etc. That means someone can’t just be careless; they must have behaved in a manner that completely disregarded your health or safety. Punitive damages are not easy to obtain. If you believe you have a case that qualifies for a punitive damages award, you need a personal injury attorney who has experience with these types of cases. Contact a New York Personal Injury Attorney Today If you want to pursue a personal injury claim in New York, having an attorney on your side is essential. We are the only ones who have your best interests in mind. No matter what the defendant’s insurance adjuster tells you, they are only looking out for their insured, not you. With over two decades of experience, the Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima can help you recover financial compensation in a New York personal injury case. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment to learn more about how we can help.

Nov 8, 2021 | By Theodore A. Naima | Read Time: 3 minutes | FAQ

Do I Need A Personal Injury Lawyer?

After an accident, you may struggle with questions of what to do next. One of the most important questions to ask yourself is, Do I need a personal injury lawyer? While there are some cases where a lawyer may not be necessary, it’s important to reach out to a personal injury lawyer if your situation involves any of the following circumstances. You Suffered Severe Injuries Serious injuries don’t always result from catastrophic car accidents but also occur from everyday activities. For example, if you slipped and fell in your local grocery store, you may have suffered a concussion, broken bones, or soft tissue damage. These injuries can cause long-term, debilitating conditions affecting you for months or years. It’s difficult to focus on recovery when you feel overwhelmed by an increasing financial burden. A personal injury lawyer fights to obtain the just compensation you deserve so you can prioritize healing. There Are Questions About Fault Prevailing on a personal injury lawsuit requires establishing that someone else caused your injuries. When the at-fault party is not immediately apparent, a personal injury attorney works to gather the necessary evidence and builds a strong case on your behalf. In some cases, multiple parties may share liability. A personal injury lawyer identifies all liable parties and fights to collect compensation from each. You Need Help Negotiating The involvement of multiple parties in your lawsuit also introduces multiple insurance companies. It’s a mistake to speak to insurance companies without an attorney. Insurance companies rarely work quickly to pay out claims, and they typically provide weak initial offers. Your attorney negotiates with insurance companies to obtain a fair settlement on your behalf. You’re Concerned About Filing Your Claim on Time In New Jersey, a person must file a personal injury claim within two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file your personal injury lawsuit within this timeframe, New Jersey courts may refuse to hear your case. When dealing with injuries and property damage following an accident, your time to file may expire quicker than you would expect. Your personal injury lawyer works to ensure your lawsuit is filed before this deadline, so you can continue to pursue your claim. You Want to Get the Most Compensation Possible Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer greatly increases the value of your claim. Lawyers are experienced in what it takes to build a solid personal injury case. Your attorney analyzes the complexities of your case while providing clear expectations on the value of your lawsuit. While no guarantees can be made on what you could receive, your attorney prioritizes a just compensatory award so you can focus on your recovery. Contact Us After an injury, you may feel overwhelmed with mounting medical expenses and lost wages. But remember that a personal injury lawyer is there to help you move forward. With over twenty years of trial experience, Attorney Theodore Naima has worked tirelessly on behalf of thousands of victims who suffered serious injuries following myriad types of accidents. First and foremost, we know that we represent real people suffering real injuries. The consequences of mounting medical bills and the inability to work rarely just affect the livelihood of the victim but also their families. Contact the Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima today for a free confidential case evaluation and consultation. Time is of the essence. Don’t delay—let us help you get back on your feet!

Nov 8, 2021 | By Theodore A. Naima | Read Time: 3 minutes | Car Accidents

What to Do After a New York Car Accident

If another driver recently hit your vehicle, you may be wondering what to do when you’re in a car accident. The weeks and months after an accident are undoubtedly an incredibly stressful times. However, it is important that you take several steps to protect not only your health but also your ability to pursue a personal injury case in the future. Report the Accident Immediately reporting a car accident is extremely important. Not only does New York law require you to report an accident, but it triggers an emergency response team. Emergency medical responders will determine if anyone needs potentially lifesaving treatment. By reporting the accident, you also create official documentation of the collision, which can make recovering for your accident-related expenses much easier. Conduct a Mini-Investigation After an accident, you should obtain some basic information from any other drivers involved in the collision, including the following: Name, Address, Insurance information, and Driver’s license number. If any other motorists or bystanders witnessed the accident, collect their contact information as well. Be sure to provide your own information to the other driver. If possible, you should also take pictures of the scene, focusing on the position of the vehicles and any road signs or traffic markings. Collectively, this information will help an attorney prepare a claim on your behalf should you decide to pursue one. Be Careful Who You Talk To After an accident, it’s natural to want to engage with the other drivers involved. However, to the extent possible, limit your conversations to the exchange of information. You don’t want to escalate the situation or make a statement in the heat of the moment that you later regret. Similarly, when you speak with an insurance company representative, it is important that you do not admit fault, minimize your injuries, or make any statements that it could later use against you. Remember, insurance companies are self-interested and will use whatever information they obtain to reduce the value of your claim. Obtain Prompt Medical Treatment As soon as possible, visit the emergency room, an urgent care facility, or your primary care provider. Tell the doctor that you were involved in an accident, and let them know about any pain you are experiencing, even if you think it’s something minor. Sometimes, car accidents can cause severe injuries that may not immediately appear to be serious. A doctor can determine the full extent of your injuries, ensuring you get the proper medical care. Contact a New York Car Accident Lawyer When you are ready, reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your case. A lawyer can explain what to do if you are in an accident so that you can maximize your chances of a full and fair recovery. Have You Been Injured in a New York Auto Accident? Not knowing what to do when you’re in a car accident is completely normal. If you have questions about a recent car accident or want to learn more about the recovery process, contact the Law Offices of Theodore “Ted” A. Naima for immediate assistance. Ted has more than 20 years of experience helping accident victims obtain the compensation they need and deserve after suffering serious injuries. We handle personal injury and wrongful death cases stemming from auto accidents, slip and falls, construction injuries, dog bites, and more. To schedule a free consultation with the Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima, call 516-280-7311 today. You can also connect with us through our online form.