Syracuse Car Accident
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Car Crashes Top List of Injury-Related Deaths for New York State Residents

Statistics show that an average of three New Yorkers die every day from incidents involving motor vehicles. Traffic-related crashes are the leading cause of injury-related death. Additionally, they are the second-leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations and the third-leading cause of injury-related emergency department visits.

Car accidents are common in Syracuse’s suburbs and roadways. I-81 is one of the busiest and most dangerous highways in Central New York. Average daily traffic along I‑81 through Syracuse ranges from 43,000 to nearly 100,000 vehicles, including a significant number of commercial trucks. Heavy traffic and high-speed merges have made this stretch a hotspot for rear-end collisions, side swipes, and multi-vehicle crashes.

The sad reality is that drivers, passengers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bikers are hurt and killed every day. The emotional and financial impact can be catastrophic for victims and their families.

If you’ve been injured in a car crash, our car accident lawyers have the knowledge and experience to help you collect the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Common Car Accident Injuries in New York

Car accidents can often leave victims facing serious physical and emotional injuries that can take months or even years to heal. Here are some of the most common injuries we see in New York crash cases:

Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries

Whiplash is often reported following a crash, especially in rear-end collisions. It occurs when the head is suddenly jerked back and forth, straining the muscles and ligaments in the neck. While some cases resolve in a few weeks, others can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues that interfere with daily life.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Even a minor blow to the head can cause a TBI. Symptoms include headaches, confusion, memory loss, dizziness, or sensitivity to light and sound. TBIs can have lasting cognitive and emotional effects.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord can be life-altering. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, victims may experience numbness, loss of motor function, or even paralysis. These injuries often require extensive rehabilitation, assistive devices, and long-term medical care.

Psychological and Emotional Trauma

The impact of a serious car accident isn’t always visible. Many victims struggle with anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Emotional trauma is just as real as physical trauma, and it should be considered when pursuing compensation.

The Damages You Could Be Owed After a Car Accident

If your injuries were caused by a negligent driver, you have the right to pursue compensation for the damages you face because of the crash. That includes:

• Medical expenses such as ambulatory care, hospitalization, emergency treatment, physical therapy, ongoing care, and medications
• Past and future lost income because of time missed at work and reduced work capacity
• Mental and physical pain and suffering caused by the crash and resulting injuries

Calculating the true cost of your injuries can be complicated, but it’s important to understand all the ways they will affect your life. Our car accident attorneys can give you a FREE case assessment to help you determine a fair amount and then fight to get it for you.

Determining Whether You Have an Injury Case Against the At-Fault Driver

You might be wondering whether you have a car accident case that could result in compensation. If you’ve suffered serious injuries in a crash caused by another driver, you deserve compensation for the damages you’re experiencing now and in the weeks, months, and years to come.


But even if you’re entitled to compensation, that doesn’t always mean you’ll get it. Insurance companies might deny your claim or offer you far less than you deserve. We can help you decide whether further legal action is necessary to get the payment you’re owed.

You Pay Us Nothing Unless We Win Your Case

When clients hire our Syracuse car accident attorneys, they often lack the funds to cover legal bills due to medical expenses and lost wages. Catalano Law receives no fee unless a settlement or financial recovery is obtained for your car accident injury. There are no out-of-pocket costs to hire our law firm.

An initial case evaluation is completely FREE with no strings attached. You’re not required to hire Catalano Law. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and recommend next steps. What you decide to do after that is completely up to you.


There’s no risk in seeking answers. Reach out to our car accident lawyers if you or a loved have been injured in a car accident in Syracuse.

New York-Specific Car Accident Laws

Understanding how New York’s car accident laws work can help you make informed decisions after a crash.

No-Fault Insurance System

New York is a no-fault state. That means that after a car accident, your own auto insurance pays for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other basic economic losses, regardless of who caused the crash. This system is designed to expedite access to care and reduce the number of minor lawsuits.

However, there are limits. If your injuries are serious, such as broken bones, disfigurement, or long-term disability, you may be able to step outside the no-fault system and file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover additional damages, like pain and suffering.

Comparative Negligence

New York also follows a rule called “pure comparative negligence.” This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation, but your percentage of fault reduces your award.

For example, if you’re assigned 20% fault for the crash and your total damages are $100,000, you would still be eligible to receive $80,000. Insurance companies often try to shift more blame onto victims to reduce payouts, which is why having an experienced attorney on your side is so important.

What To Do Immediately After a Car Accident

Time is of the essence as soon as an accident occurs. The first 24 to 48 hours are crucial to gathering evidence and witness statements. Having the right information can make or break your car accident injury claim.

If you’re injured in a car accident, your priority is to seek medical attention. However, if you’re able, use your cell phone to take photos of the accident scene, damage to your vehicle, and important documents.

Depending on the circumstances, an investigator may need to examine the scene. An accident reconstructionist may also need to determine the cause of the accident based on witness interviews and photographs.

What To Do in the Days and Weeks That Follow a Car Accident

You can maximize the chances of getting the compensation you deserve by taking a few crucial steps:

• Get medical treatment and follow the doctor’s orders.
• Don’t return to work until you’re able.
• Keep documents and copies of bills related to all the costs you face.
• Request an accident report.


These steps can increase your chances of getting maximum compensation, especially with the assistance of an experienced car accident lawyer.

Requesting an Accident Report

If your accident involves over $1,000 in vehicle damage, injury, or worse, New York State law requires a report to be filed with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days. A certified copy of this report is required for insurance claims or legal proceedings.

To obtain a certified copy, you have three options:

1. Order using the DMV portal. Reports are typically available 14 to 60 days after the crash, depending on how they were filed.
2. Request by mail or in person. Complete a MV‑198C form with the crash date, county, and one of these: license plate, driver’s license number, or case number. Include a copy of your ID, a stamped return envelope, and all necessary fees. Mail it to the DMV Crash Records Center in Albany or take it to your local DMV branch.
3. Go through the police or sheriff’s office. Request the on-scene police report from the Syracuse Police Department’s Eserve System or through the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Records Unit.

Catalano Law is Here to Help

Statistics are just statistics until you become one of them. What should you do? Who do you talk to? Who can you trust? The questions can be overwhelming, and a lot is at stake in these cases.

Let an experienced car accident attorney help investigate your case, gather all the evidence, and consult expert witnesses. Catalano Law can determine the full extent of the losses you’ve suffered, so you’ll have the best chance possible at getting the payment you need.


If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, you’re not alone. At Catalano Law, our Syracuse-based team understands the unique risks of local highways and fights to hold negligent drivers accountable. Contact us now for a free consultation.