Rockland County Car Accident Lawyer

For more than 15 years, our experienced attorneys have been fighting for the rights of Rockland County accident victims, and they’ll do the same for you. Securing the largest possible cash award for your injuries is what we do best. Contact The Platta Law Firm today at 212-514-5100 for a FREE consultation and to find out how much your case may be worth.

Frequency of Rockland County Car Accidents

According to crash data from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management & Research (ITSMR), a research center dedicated to improving highway safety, automobile accidents and fatalities in Rockland County are on the rise. Preliminary data from 2022 reveals that there were 9,194 car crashes in Rockland County, up from 8,180 in 2021. Further, collision-related fatalities increased by almost 19%. In addition to escalating auto accident fatalities, personal injury and property damage numbers also grew.

Beyond these impactful statistics, the ITSMR reported that the far reach of car accidents in Rockland County included incidents involving single vehicles, multiple vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians.

Rockland County’s Most Hazardous Roadways

The main roadways in Rockland County are busy thoroughfares for traffic every day, especially during the work week. Many of the intersections in the county are dangerous to navigate even in the best of conditions.

Rockland County is also home to abundant wildlife that can cross roads at any time. In addition, narrow, twisting roads create dangers even for experienced drivers.

Rockland County residents will benefit by showing caution behind the wheel and by being aware of these risky roads and intersections:

• Route 45: This route, especially near Route 59, is one of the most perilous driving locations in Rockland County. This driving location sees hundreds of accidents each year resulting in injuries and even fatalities.
• Route 202: This route, specifically where it interconnects with Route 45 and the Palisades Interstate Parkway, is also treacherous. It is known for having a higher rate of auto collision than many similar routes in the area.
• Route 59: One of the busiest intersections in Rockland County is Route 59 at Airmont Road. Dozens of accidents resulting in property damage and personal injuries occur here annually, as well as on Route 59’s many on-ramps and off-ramps.
• I-87: Known as one of the five deadliest roads in New York, one source reports that I-87 has had more than 150 fatal accidents in the last decade. Because this roadway is so frequently traversed, drivers using this route should show abundant caution.

A Rockland County car accident lawyer from The Platta Law Firm is well aware of the potential for collisions on these busy thoroughfares. If you’ve experienced an accident on these roads or any other roads in Rockland County, we can help.

Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Rockland County

It only takes moments for a driving mishap to occur. On their own, the tight, twisting roads of Rockland County present enough of a challenge to safe driving. However, the county’s driving terrain has the potential to combine with any number of factors that can lead to an accident involving one or more vehicles.

Weather is often a reason that drivers fight to remain in control of their cars. The Hudson Valley experiences the full range of hazardous weather, from dense fog, to torrential rain, to heavy snow. During these conditions, visibility is compromised and roads become slippery or icy.

Distracted driving has also emerged as a leading cause of car accidents. Distracted driving can include texting, talking on the phone, eating, looking at GPS displays, trying to manage children or pets, or becoming drowsy. All of these factors can compete for your attention and take away your focus from remaining in control of your car.

Careless or aggressive driving also play a part in the injuries, fatalities, and property damage associated with auto collisions. Driving under the influence continues to be a problem on the road, as does speeding, tailgating, and weaving in-and-out of traffic.

Finally, mechanical failures and faulty car parts can contribute to unexpected driving catastrophes. According to the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police, worn tires, defective brakes, broken lights, and bad suspension systems are the physical car components that cause the most accidents.

Reducing risky behaviors on Rockland County roads can save lives and prevent devastating injuries. Understanding the most dangerous habits and practicing safe driving can help to minimize car accidents in Rockland County and can reduce the physical and financial costs that come with them.

Typical Injuries Suffered in Car Accidents

The type of injuries that can occur as a result of a car accident in Rockland County are many. Our attorneys have an extensive knowledge of the numerous possible physical and emotional damages that are possible, such as:

• Cuts and Scrapes: Broken glass and other debris from the wreck can cause cuts, tears, and abrasions to the skin.
• Whiplash: This type of injury often happens during rear-end collisions and can lead to neck stiffness and pain, headaches, and sometimes more severe symptoms.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Fractures, commonly known as broken bones, can include your arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, and more.
• Head Injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are common in car accidents. These injuries can lead to cognitive harm, memory problems, and mood changes.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe accidents can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis.
• Internal Organ Damage: The extreme impact of a car collision can cause internal bleeding in organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Bruises, muscle tears, and sprains can cause swelling, discomfort, and difficulty in moving.
• Emotional Trauma: Car accidents can cause emotional and psychological trauma, leading to conditions such depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The severity of your injuries depends on variables such as driving conditions at the time of the accident, the type of collision, and the speed of impact. No matter how much you have been harmed in your accident, a Rockland County car accident lawyer from The Platta Law Firm will work diligently to ensure that your rights to a full recovery are protected.

Financial Impact of Auto Accidents in Rockland County

Auto collisions are not only a significant cause of pain, suffering, and death, they are also a financial burden to Rockland County.

According to the New York State Department of Health, vehicle collisions on Rockland County’s roadways resulted in $23.8 million in hospitalization and emergency department charges for injury treatments.

The average hospital fee due to a car accident was $92,378, and the average emergency department fee was $5,753. The highest average hospital fees were linked to motorcycle riders and car passengers. Vehicle occupants who did not wear seatbelts or use child seats incurred hospital costs that were on average $39,000 higher than those who used these safety devices.

If your Rockland motor vehicle accident case goes to trial, we will be prepared to fight for you at the Rockland Supreme and County Court. If you are missing documents, such as police reports, be sure to visit Rockland’s Sherrif’s Office for further assistance. For medical documents, we have our paralegals working hard by communicating with Rockland’s main hospitals, including:

• Good Samaritan Hospital of Suffern
• Helen Hayes Hospital
• Montefiore Nyack

As for better preparation in terms of road safety, here are some driving defense classes local to Rockland:

• Safety First Driving School
  151 South Main Street, New City, NY, 10956
• All County Driving
  39 S. Main St, New City, NY 10956
• Roger’s School of Driving
  3 Condon Mountain Rd, Tomkins Cove, NY 10986
• David Driving School
  80 Franklin Ave, Pearl River, NY 10965

Steps to Take After a Car Collision

If you’re involved in a car accident, you’ll want to take action to ensure your safety and protect your rights. While contacting one of our Rockland County car accident lawyers will be a priority, here are additional steps to take:

• Check for Injuries: Make sure you and any passengers are okay. If anyone is injured, call for medical assistance immediately.
• Move to Safety: If you can do so safely, move your vehicle to a safe area to reduce the risk of further accidents.
• Call the Police: It’s typically a good idea to call the police to report the accident no matter what the severity. The police can create an official accident report which can be helpful for legal or insurance claims.
• Exchange Information: Exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance companies, policy numbers, and license plate numbers with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Get witness contact information, too. But do not have any conversation with the other driver or occupants of the other vehicle regarding how the accident happened, or your injuries.
• Document the Scene: Documentation of the accident scene can be important evidence for legal purposes. Take videos and photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with the details and any documentation you’ve collected. Do not speak with representatives of the other vehicle’s insurance company.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt, get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries might not show up right away.
• Report to the DMV: Depending on your location and the severity of the accident, you might need to report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

The steps you take immediately after a car collision can affect the outcome of legal matters and insurance claims. Consult with a legal professional from The Platta Law Firm to obtain the best guidance in the aftermath of your accident.

Why Choose Our Rockland County Car
Accident Attorneys?

When you team up with a Rockland car accident lawyer from The Platta Law Firm, you’ll be in expert hands. You will have an ally standing by your side to provide the necessary support to get through the rigorous legal process associated with car accidents. With expert legal knowledge and a deep understanding of local traffic patterns and personal injury laws, we’ll set the foundation for building a powerful case on your behalf.

Our fierce negotiators will protect you from insurance companies who try to undervalue your claim. We’ll push for maximum compensation for your damages including medical bills, lost wages, property loss, pain and suffering, and ongoing emotional distress.

Finally, if negotiations fail, we’ll be ready to litigate. Our commanding courtroom abilities will be demonstrated front-and-center as we uphold our mission of obtaining the best possible outcome for you and your loved ones.

Call Now to Speak with a Rockland County Car
Accident Lawyer

Don’t go through the trauma following a car accident alone. Work with The Platta Law Firm to get the compensation you deserve. Call us at 212-514-5100, and we’ll connect you with a committed Rockland County car accident lawyer who will make your recovery a top priority.

Rockland Neighbourhoods We Serve

Congers, Garnerville, Haverstraw, Monsey, Nanuet, New City, Nyack, Orangeburg, Pearl River, Pomona, Spring Valley, Stony Point, Suffern, Tappan, Valley Cottage, and West Nyack.