Are There Any Differences Between NY State and NYC Driving Laws?

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Many different types of driving laws and statutes can affect a personal injury claim. Following an accident, many drivers wonder about the differences between state and city laws.
 
When an accident happens in New York, victims may wonder, “Are there any differences between NY state and NYC driving laws?” Below, we will explore this question further.
 
If you have been injured in an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligent driving, it is vital to speak with an attorney. The skilled legal professionals at Morgan & Morgan have decades of experience successfully fighting for accident victims in New York.
 
No matter what the circumstances of your car accident or injury claim might be, we can help. No case is too difficult, and no situation is too complex.
 
You should not have to bear the financial costs of an accident or injury that you did not cause. The seasoned professionals at our firm know what it takes to file a successful car accident claim. 
 
After an accident in New York, you may wonder “Are there any differences between NY state and NYC driving laws?” When you have questions, Morgan & Morgan has answers.
 
Fill out the easy-to-use contact form on our website to schedule a completely free consultation.

Understanding New York Driving Laws

New York residents and visitors both wonder, “Are there any differences between NY state and NYC driving laws?” When most people consider this question, they are thinking of the significant differences in traffic laws.
 
However, most of the differences between NY state and NYC driving laws are a result of different driving environments. 
 
Many New Yorkers do not use motor vehicles. Instead, they often walk or take public transportation. 
 
Because New York City is home to more than eight million people, the driving laws take the high population into account. For instance, speed limits may be slower in crowded urban areas than they are in upstate New York.
 
There can be different rules for driving in the city when compared to travelling through the countryside. But some traffic laws apply across the state, no matter where you are.
 
As a motorist, it is vital to understand the distinctions between these types of traffic laws. If you have been involved in a collision in New York state or NYC, it is critical to speak with a knowledgeable legal representative. 
 
Make sure to pay close attention to arrows on roadways, speed limits, and parking instructions, too. Failing to obey city or state traffic laws may result in accidents and injuries.

Are There Any Differences Between NY State and NYC Driving Laws Regarding Personal Injuries?

If you or someone you love has sustained a personal injury in a New York car accident, you may be unsure about how to proceed. Contacting a trusted legal professional can help you to recover the financial compensation that you are due.
 
So are there any differences between NY state and NYC driving laws regarding personal injury claims? No. The laws regarding personal injury claims are the same whether your accident took place in the city or elsewhere in New York state.
 
An accomplished personal injury lawyer will examine the facts of your case to determine your best path forward. 

Most car accident claims in New York involve the legal concept of “negligence.” When someone’s negligence causes you to become injured, you can hold them accountable for the damages that you sustain. 

There are four primary elements to the legal concept of “negligence.” The trusted legal team at Morgan & Morgan will help you prove the following four elements in your case:

Duty of Care

A New York car accident victim must show that the liable party had a duty of care in the situation. For instance, motorists have a duty of care to other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
 
This duty of care is a legal responsibility to drive in a safe and reasonable manner. Fulfilling a duty of care involves adhering to the rules of the road and obeying state or city traffic laws.

Breach of Duty

To successfully prove negligence, the claimant must show that the other party breached their duty of care. In the context of a car accident case, this may mean that they broke a traffic law or otherwise maneuvered recklessly.
 
A skilled personal injury attorney will use the evidence from your case to show that the liable party breached their legal duty of care.

Cause

The plaintiff must also prove that the breach of duty was the reason for the damages that followed. In other words, the relationship between the liable party’s carelessness and the harm to the victim must be causal.
 
If there was another contributing factor to the damages the victim sustained, it may be difficult to prove negligence. 

Actual Damages

A negligence case will only be successful if the claimant can show actual damages. In other words, the plaintiff must prove that they suffered harm as the result of the at-fault party’s actions.
 
If the person filing the claim did not suffer any measurable damage, they will not be able to prove negligence. 
 
To build the strongest personal injury case possible, reach out to the experts at Morgan & Morgan. If you are wondering, “Are there any differences between NY state and NYC driving laws that apply to my case?” we can help you to navigate the relevant laws.

Common Damages in Car Accident Cases

Whether you have been involved in a crash in New York City or in the NY state, you can seek compensation for the damages that resulted. The term “damages” refers to monetary payments made by the liable party to the victim of an accident or injury.
 
The specific damages in a New York car accident case will depend on many factors. Most personal injury damages can be categorized as either “economic” or “non-economic.”

Economic Damages

This type of compensation is intended to make up for direct financial losses resulting from the accident or injury. When someone is hurt in a collision, they do not only face the physical and mental strains of their injury. Injury victims usually experience significant financial strain, as well. 

When you file a personal injury claim with the help of a legal expert, you may be able to seek the following economic damages:

• Current medical bills
• Anticipated future medical costs and expenses
• Lost wages and income caused by missed work
• Decreased earning capacity 
• Property damage
• And more

Typically, a legal professional will use relevant documents to determine the total financial cost of the accident. These documents include invoices, bills, statements, and medical receipts.
 
The attorneys at Morgan & Morgan will evaluate the circumstances of your case and calculate appropriate economic damages. 

Non-Economic Damages

Some of the negative consequences for victims of car accidents do not involve monetary loss. Many of the most difficult outcomes from an injury are intangible.
 
For instance, some victims are unable to sit, stand, or walk comfortably because of their injuries. In some cases, injured people can no longer engage in the activities they enjoy.
 
“Non-economic damages” is the term for payments intended to compensate for these intangible losses. 

Some of the most common examples of non-economic damages in New York car accident cases include:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Emotional turmoil like stress or anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Embarrassment
• Disfigurement and disability

Sometimes, car accidents result in the deaths of those involved. If you have lost a loved one because of another person’s negligence, you can seek compensation through a wrongful death claim.
 
Through a wrongful death lawsuit, the decedent’s family can claim compensation for:

• Funeral costs
• End-of-life expenses
• Burial costs
• Loss of consortium

The skilled attorneys at Morgan & Morgan can help you file any type of claim following an accident. No matter the circumstances of your collision, a legal expert can accurately evaluate appropriate damages in your case.