Car Accident Lawyers in Syracuse

If you or a loved one were severely injured in a car accident in Syracuse, or any motor vehicle collision in New York State, whether by another car, a truck, a bus, or even a motorcycle, you need expert legal guidance to ensure that you can secure the best possible compensation for all your injuries and losses. 

Contact the Porter Law Group for assistance. Our experienced personal injury attorneys have over two decades of experience in personal injury litigation in Syracuse, and throughout New York State. We work on a contingency fee basis, and offer free, no-obligation consultations. 

Call us today at 833-PORTER9, or email info@porterlawteam.com to get started. Don’t let insurance companies get away with lowball settlements. Reach out to the Porter Law Group today!

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Why Choose the Porter Law Group?

The lawyers at the Porter Law Group have decades of experience representing individuals and families whose lives have been devastated by catastrophic injuries. We have obtained some of the largest settlements and verdicts in courts throughout the State of New York. We are a state-wide firm that handles cases with a hometown feel.

Our clients come to us looking for guidance and answers. With seasoned trial lawyers, the Porter Law Group has the resources necessary to help you navigate the most complex cases, against goliath insurance companies that will stop at nothing to prevent you from receiving the compensation you deserve.  

You only get one chance to hire the best lawyer for you and your family. Hire the lawyers most recommended by former clients and local attorneys, and the firm that obtains superior results. 

When you or a loved one’s life has been devastated by a serious personal injury in Syracuse, don’t hire a lawyer without calling the Porter Law Group to learn why so many of our clients are thankful they trusted us with their case in their time of need.     

What are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Syracuse?

The following are the most common causes of car and motor vehicle accidents in Syracuse:

Distracted Driving 

Distracted driving has become increasingly prevalent on Syracuse's busy streets, particularly along Erie Boulevard and in downtown areas during rush hour. The combination of pedestrian traffic, numerous businesses, and multiple distractions from digital billboards and storefronts creates a particularly dangerous environment. Studies show that taking your eyes off the road for just five seconds at highway speed means traveling the length of a football field essentially blindfolded.

Speeding 

Interstate 81's elevated sections through downtown Syracuse and the winding paths of Onondaga Lake Parkway are notorious spots for speeding-related accidents. The Porter Law Group has handled cases where excessive speed on dangerous thoroughfares has led to devastating crashes, particularly during merge points and exit ramps. Our team understands how to prove speed was a factor in these accidents and works to secure maximum compensation for victims.

Drunk Driving 

The concentration of bars and restaurants in Armory Square and along Marshall Street near Syracuse University creates particular hot spots for drunk driving incidents. Late-night hours between 11 PM and 3 AM see the highest concentration of alcohol-related crashes, especially on weekends and during major sporting events. These accidents often result in the most severe injuries and, tragically, fatalities.

Weather Conditions 

Syracuse's location in the snow belt means dealing with some of the heaviest snowfall in the nation, particularly affecting elevated sections of I-81 and the Brighton Avenue hill. The James Street corridor becomes especially treacherous during winter storms, and the intersection at Erie Boulevard and South Crouse Avenue sees numerous weather-related accidents annually. 

Reckless Driving 

The complex intersection systems along Genesee Street and the tight turns of University Hill have become common sites for reckless driving incidents. Aggressive driving behaviors, such as weaving through traffic and running red lights, are particularly dangerous in these high-traffic areas where pedestrians and cyclists are abundant.

Drowsy or Fatigued Driving 

Long-haul truckers and shift workers traveling along I-90 and I-81 through Syracuse are particularly susceptible to drowsy driving accidents. The monotonous stretch of highway between Syracuse and Rochester has seen numerous fatigue-related incidents, especially during early morning hours and late at night.

Failure to Check Blind Spots 

The merger points where I-690 meets I-81, particularly around the Harrison Street exit, create dangerous conditions where blind spot accidents frequently occur. The complex system of on-ramps and exits requires drivers to be especially vigilant about checking their blind spots, yet many fail to do so properly.

Poor Road Conditions 

The freeze-thaw cycles common to Syracuse winters create significant pothole problems, particularly along South Salina Street and Erie Boulevard. The aging infrastructure of bridges and overpasses, especially along I-81, contributes to hazardous driving conditions. Construction zones, which are prevalent during Syracuse's brief summer months, create additional challenges for drivers navigating through temporary lane patterns and reduced speeds.

Accident Prone Roads in Syracuse 

While accidents can happen anywhere, certain areas in Syracuse are more prone to collisions:

  • I-81 and I-690 Interchange: This busy intersection sees numerous accidents, especially during rush hour.
  • Erie Boulevard: The major thoroughfare is known for its high traffic volume and frequent crashes.
  • Destiny USA area: The congestion around this popular mall can lead to fender-benders and more serious collisions.
  • University Hill & Campus Area: With its high concentration of students and pedestrians, this area sees many accidents involving cars, pedestrians, and cyclists.
  • Onondaga Lake Parkway: This scenic route has a history of serious accidents, particularly involving oversized vehicles.

If you've been involved in an accident at these locations or anywhere else in Syracuse, the Porter Law Group is here to help. Contact us to discuss your case and see how we can assist you in seeking the compensation you deserve.

SUV Accidents 

Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) have surged in popularity recently due to their spacious interiors, rugged capabilities, and perceived safety advantages. However, the unique design characteristics of SUVs also make them more prone to certain types of accidents, especially rollovers. If you or a loved one has been injured in an SUV accident in Syracuse, the experienced attorneys at The Porter Law Group are here to help. 

While SUVs are famous for their size and sturdiness, those same characteristics can make them more accident-prone in certain situations. SUVs have a higher center of gravity and narrower track width than smaller passenger cars, which increases their rollover risk, especially during sharp turns or swerves. Rollovers are extremely dangerous crashes that frequently result in severe injuries like head trauma, spinal cord damage, and fatalities. Older model SUVs that lack modern stability control systems are particularly susceptible.

If you’ve been severely injured by an SUV driver, or in an SUV because of faulty parts and features, don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. We will walk you through your legal options, and determine if you are eligible for a personal injury claim against an errant driver, or even for a product liability claim against an SUV manufacturer. 

Truck Accidents 

Commercial truck accidents in Syracuse and across Central New York often stem from a complex web of factors, including corporate pressure on drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, fatigue from excessive hours behind the wheel, and inadequate vehicle maintenance. Whether on I-690, I-81, or in downtown Syracuse's busy streets, these massive vehicles become particularly dangerous when operators drive aggressively, exceed speed limits, or operate under the influence of substances used to stay awake during long hauls. 

The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks mean that even a moment's distraction or a minor mechanical failure can result in catastrophic consequences for other motorists, leading to life-altering injuries or fatalities. The combination of tight delivery schedules, corporate profit priorities, and the demanding nature of long-haul trucking creates a potentially dangerous situation for everyone sharing the road.

The Porter Law Group has extensive experience handling truck accident cases in New York State. We understand the unique challenges these cases present, including dealing with large trucking companies and their insurers. Our team will work tirelessly to investigate the accident, determine liability, and fight for your rights.

We'll examine factors such as driver fatigue, improper loading, and maintenance issues that may have contributed to the accident. Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation possible for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.

If you've been injured in a truck accident in Syracuse, don't wait to seek legal help. Time is critical in these cases, as evidence can disappear quickly. Contact us today to speak with our experienced truck accident attorneys and learn how we can help you. View the results we've achieved for previous clients to see how we've helped others in similar situations.

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Motorcycle Accidents 

Motorcycle accidents in Syracuse can result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection riders have compared to other vehicles. Whether you've been hit by a car on James Street or involved in a multi-vehicle crash on 481, we're here to help.

The Porter Law Group understands the unique challenges faced by motorcycle riders in Syracuse. We know that bikers often face unfair prejudices and stereotypes, which can affect their ability to receive fair compensation. Our team works hard to overcome these biases and ensure that your rights are protected.

We'll investigate every aspect of your motorcycle accident, from road conditions to the actions of other drivers. Our goal is to build a strong case that demonstrates the full extent of your injuries and losses, fighting for the compensation you need to recover and move forward.

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Bus Accidents 

Syracuse's public transportation system, including Centro buses, serves many residents daily. While generally safe, bus accidents can and do occur, often resulting in injuries to passengers, pedestrians, or occupants of other vehicles. If you were injured because of a Centro accident, you may be able to sue.

Staking a personal injury claim against a government-operated business, such as the Centro buses is no easy feat. You need to file the appropriate notice of claim with the Central New York Regional Transportation Authority (CNYRTA) within 90 days of the accident in order to prevent automatic dismissal of your case.

Don’t delay, if you’ve been hit by a Centro bus in Syracuse, contact the Porter Law Group today for a free consultation. We can take care of all the legal matters for you, so that you can focus on recovery. 

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What is the Serious Injury Threshold?

In New York State, the "Serious Injury Threshold" under Insurance Law § 5102(d) plays a crucial role in determining whether an injured party can pursue a lawsuit following a motor vehicle accident. This threshold was established as part of New York's no-fault insurance system to limit litigation to only the most significant injury cases. Under this system, basic economic losses are covered by no-fault insurance regardless of fault, but to sue for non-economic damages (pain and suffering), the injury must meet the serious injury threshold.

To qualify as a "serious injury" under New York Insurance Law, the injury must fall into at least one of these specific categories:

  • Death
  • Dismemberment
  • Significant disfigurement
  • Fracture
  • Loss of a fetus
  • Permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function, or system
  • Permanent consequential limitation of use of a body organ or member
  • Significant limitation of use of a body function or system
  • Medically determined injury or impairment of a non-permanent nature which prevents the injured person from performing substantially all of their usual and customary daily activities for not less than 90 days during the 180 days immediately following the accident

The burden of proof lies with the injured party to demonstrate that their injuries meet this threshold. Medical documentation is crucial, and courts require objective medical evidence to support claims of serious injury. This typically includes diagnostic tests such as MRIs, CT scans, EMG studies, and detailed medical reports that specifically document the extent and duration of the injuries. Subjective complaints of pain alone, without supporting medical evidence, are generally insufficient to meet the threshold requirements.

Our experienced personal injury attorneys have longstanding partnerships with board-certified medical experts from various fields of specialization. These experts can review your tests and medical records, determine if you qualify under the serious injury threshold, and issue the required certificate of merit. And should it be necessary, they can also testify on your behalf. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your car accident claim, and view the results we’ve achieved for previous clients throughout the State. 

Learn more about the serious injury threshold here.

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What is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Syracuse?

New York State sets the statute of limitations for car accidents. Since Syracuse is under this jurisdiction, understanding the State-mandated statute of limitations for car accident claims is crucial as it sets strict deadlines for taking legal action. The general statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from motor vehicle accidents is three years from the date of the accident. However, if the accident resulted in a death and a family wishes to pursue a wrongful death claim, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of death.

There are several important exceptions and special circumstances that can affect these time limits:

  • Claims against municipalities or government entities must be preceded by a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident
  • The statute of limitations for claims against state agencies is even shorter, requiring filing with the Court of Claims within 90 days
  • For accidents involving public transportation like buses, special notice requirements and shorter filing deadlines may apply
  • If the injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations may be "tolled" (paused) until they reach the age of 18
  • No-fault insurance claims for medical bills and lost wages must be filed within 30 days of the accident

Missing these deadlines can permanently bar an injured person from pursuing their claim, regardless of how serious their injuries are or how clear the other driver's fault may be. This makes it essential to consult with a legal professional as soon as possible after an accident to ensure all necessary steps are taken within the required timeframes. Additionally, early action helps preserve evidence, locate witnesses, and document injuries while information is fresh and readily available.

Learn more about the statute of limitations for car accidents in New York State here

What Damages are you Entitled to in a Car Accident Case?

If you've been injured in an automobile accident in Syracuse, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:

  • Medical expenses (current and future)
  • Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • In-home care expenses

At the Porter Law Group, we'll work diligently to ensure that all your damages are properly calculated and included in your claim. Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation possible to help you recover and move forward after your accident.

How We Can Help

From investigating your accident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court if necessary, we handle every aspect of your case. We keep you informed throughout the process and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.

We also work with experts in multiple industries like medicine, accident recreation, and engineering, to make sure that every detail of your case is fleshed out. We take care of the legal heavy-lifting for you, so that you can focus on what truly matters, recovery, and spending time with your family after a devastating car accident.

Contact Car Accident Lawyers in Syracuse Today 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car, SUV, truck, bus, motorcycle, or any motorized vehicle accident in Syracuse, don't face the legal challenges alone. We're here to help you navigate this difficult time and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at 833-PORTER9 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis, so you don't pay unless we win your case.

Last Updated on 
December 23, 2024
Syracuse Personal Injury Lawyers
We offer free consultations, work on a contingency fee basis, and are available to discuss your case 24/7
100 Madison St # 1500, Syracuse, NY 13202
info@porterlawteam.com
Availible 24/7 for Emergency Consultations
Serving Syracuse, Onondaga County, and Central New York
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Our mission is simple: to defeat the powerful insurance companies that will stop at nothing to take advantage of our injured clients and their families.

If you or a family member has suffered a catastrophic injury or death due to someone’s negligence, you get only one shot to hire the best law firm for your family—the one with the experience and proven ability to get our clients the justice they deserve. Choose the Porter Law Group.
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