Monroe, New York
Personal Injury Lawyers

Personal injury cases arise when individuals suffer harm due to the negligence or wrongful actions of others. In Monroe, NY, we handle a wide variety of cases, each with unique circumstances and legal considerations. Here are some of the most common types of personal injury cases we win for local clients:

Car Accidents

• Examples: Rear-end collisions, T-bone accidents, head-on collisions, and multi-vehicle pile-ups.
• Causes: Distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, reckless driving, and failure to obey traffic signals.

Slip and Fall Accidents

• Examples: Slipping on wet floors, tripping over uneven surfaces, falling due to poor lighting, and accidents caused by lack of proper signage.
• Locations: Grocery stores, restaurants, office buildings, residential properties, and public spaces.

Bicycle Accidents

• Examples: Collisions with motor vehicles, dooring incidents (when a car door opens into the path of a cyclist), and accidents caused by road hazards.
• Causes: Driver negligence, failure to yield, distracted driving, and poor road conditions.

Pedestrian Accidents

• Examples: Being struck by a vehicle while crossing the street, hit-and-run incidents, and accidents in parking lots.
• Causes: Driver inattention, speeding, failure to yield to pedestrians, and impaired driving.

Truck Accidents

• Examples: Jackknife accidents, underride collisions, tire blowouts, and accidents caused by improper loading.
• Causes: Driver fatigue, speeding, improper maintenance, and violation of federal trucking regulations.

Motorcycle Accidents

• Examples: Collisions with other vehicles, single-vehicle crashes due to road hazards, and accidents caused by left-turning cars.
• Causes: Driver inattention, failure to yield, speeding, and hazardous road conditions.

Premises Liability

• Examples: Injuries due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, such as broken stairs, unsecured swimming pools, and inadequate security.
• Locations: Private residences, commercial properties, and public spaces.

Navigating the personal injury lawsuit process in New York can be complex and especially if you’re recovering from injuries. Understanding the steps involved can help you feel more confident and prepared as you seek compensation for your losses. Here’s an overview of the personal injury lawsuit process in New York:

1. Free Initial Consultation

• What to Expect: During the initial consultation, we will evaluate the details of your case to determine if you have a valid claim, and estimate the value of your case. This meeting is free of charge.Preparation: Bring all relevant documents, such as medical records, police reports, and any correspondence with insurance companies.

2. Investigation

• Evidence Gathering: We will collect evidence to support your claim, including medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and photographs of the accident scene.
• Expert Consultation: In some cases, we may consult with professionals such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical experts to strengthen your case.

3. Filing the Complaint

• Drafting the Complaint: We will draft a legal document called a complaint, which outlines your allegations and the damages sought.
• Filing: The complaint is filed with the appropriate New York court to officially start the lawsuit.

4. Service of Process

• Serving the Defendant: The defendant must be formally notified of the lawsuit through a legal process called service of process. This ensures the defendant is aware of the legal action and has an opportunity to respond.

5. Discovery

• Information Exchange: Both parties exchange information through a process called discovery. This includes written questions (interrogatories), requests for documents, and depositions (sworn statements taken outside of court).
• Purpose: Discovery allows both sides to gather evidence, understand the facts, and prepare for trial.

6. Pre-Trial Motions and Hearings

• Motions: Either party can file pre-trial motions to resolve certain issues before trial. For example, a motion to dismiss the case or a motion for summary judgment, which argues that there are no factual disputes and the case should be decided as a matter of law.Hearings: The court may hold hearings to decide on these motions and other procedural matters.

7. Settlement Negotiations

• Negotiation Process: Throughout the lawsuit, the parties may engage in settlement negotiations to resolve the case without going to trial. This can happen through direct negotiations or alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation.
• Settlement Agreement: If both parties agree on a settlement, the terms are put in writing, and the case is resolved.

8. Trial

• Trial Preparation: If a settlement is not reached, the case goes to trial. Both sides prepare by organizing evidence, planning witness testimony, and developing legal arguments.
• Trial Proceedings: The trial includes opening statements, witness examinations, and closing arguments. A judge or jury then deliberates and reaches a verdict.

9. Post-Trial Motions and Appeals

• Post-Trial Motions: After the trial, either party can file post-trial motions, such as a motion for a new trial or a motion to alter the judgment.Appeals: If either party is dissatisfied with the outcome, they may file an appeal to a higher court to review the case for legal errors.

10. Collection of Judgment

Enforcement: If you win the case and are awarded damages, the next step is to collect the judgment. The defendant may voluntarily pay, or you may need to take additional legal steps to enforce the judgment.