Injuries Are Still Happening
Although the New York State courts have essentially closed during the current COVID-19 pandemic, the fact remains that individuals are still being injured due to motor vehicle and motorcycle accidents, workplace accidents, construction accidents, assaults and trip and fall accidents. Due to the uncertainty in today’s legal system, it is critical that injury victims have an experienced and modern law firm fighting on their behalf for the financial compensation they deserve.
How Courts Are Responding
To say the New York courts are in uncharted waters would certainly be an understatement. Governor Andrew Cuomo has tolled all procedural limitations of time on all legal matters, including statutes of limitation, until at least May 7, 2020. Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence Marks had postponed all non-essential functions of the courts from March 16, 2020, with limited non-essential matters returning after April 13, 2020 via video conferencing. However, Judge Marks has maintained the suspension of all non-essential legal filings with court clerks throughout the State. As such, the filing of new personal injury matters in New York is currently prohibited until further notice.
Don't Neglect Legal Help
Despite the unprecedented and evolving circumstances in the court system, it is still very important for injury victims to hire an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident. While a lawsuit cannot be started at the moment, the period immediately after an accident is when thoughtful trial lawyers accomplish a tremendous amount of important tasks for their clients’ cases, including: interviewing and obtaining statements from witnesses; visiting and photographing the accident scene; ensuring all parties responsible for causing the accident are accounted for; assisting clients with insurance paperwork and medical appointments; preparing court paperwork; and hiring experts to assist at a future trial. Achieving these important tasks in the time period immediately after an accident places a personal injury attorney, and their clients’ case, in position to achieve maximum financial compensation in future settlement negotiations or at a jury trial.
Even with the changes in daily life from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are still receiving numerous inquiries from injury victims, especially due to motor vehicle accidents. As many of us are currently working from home, the amount of motor vehicle traffic in New York has dramatically decreased. Unfortunately, we have noticed many using this as an excuse to disobey the rules of the road, including driving in excess of posted speed limits and driving recklessly, which can cause accidents and serious injuries. Although we are not permitted to file new motor vehicle lawsuits at the moment, this will eventually change, and the lawyers at Collins Gann McCloskey & Barry are working during this time period in the same way as usual—using our vast experience, resources and skills into preparing our clients’ personal injury cases to achieve maximum financial compensation for our clients in the future.
Collins Gann McCloskey & Barry PLLC is Here For You
As the New York court system evolves during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to have an experienced, cutting-edge law firm on your side to navigate the complex field of personal injury law. The attorneys at Collins Gann McCloskey & Barry have over eight decades of combined experience handling complex litigation in courts throughout Long Island and New York City, and are available to speak with you about your potential case 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.
Call us at (516) 294-0300 or reach out through our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
