Personal Injury Law

Elmira Accident Lawyer Explains Fault and Recovery in NY and PA Accident Cases

By Jim Reed

If you are involved in a New York car accident or a Pennsylvania car accident, you may be entitled to a settlement even if you were partially at fault.

Both New York and Pennsylvania have accident laws that allow you to recover even if a judge or jury concludes that you played a part in causing the accident.

These laws are called “comparative negligence” laws because they compare the relative negligence of each of the parties involved in an accident. These laws may permit you to recover money, but the amount may be reduced by the percentage you were found to be at fault.

How your degree of fault affects your settlement

Sound confusing so far? Here is an example: You were in an accident. The other driver was found to be 70% at fault and you were found to be 30% at fault.

The jury returned a total verdict in your favor in the amount of $100,000. The verdict would be reduced to $70,000, lowered by 30% (the amount of your fault).

This is a very simplistic explanation of a complicated area of the law, but it illustrates the general idea of comparative negligence.

Put expert advice to work for you

Your best bet is to hire an experienced personal injury attorney, with knowledge of New York and Pennsylvania accident laws. The Ziff Law Firm can analyze your accident case and guide you to the most favorable outcome.

Contact us for counsel on your car accident case, and check out our Accidents webpage for more information.

Thanks for reading, Jim

_________________________________________

James B. Reed, Esq.

Personal Injury & Malpractice Attorney

Ziff Law Firm, LLP

303 William St., Elmira, NY 14902

Tel. (607) 733-8866  Fax. (607) 732-6062

Toll Free 1-800-943-3529

mailto:jreed@zifflaw.com      http://www.zifflaw.com

Share on Facebook

Full post as published by New York Injury Law Blog on January 29, 2009 (boomark / email).