Dobbs Ferry, New York

The village of Dobbs Ferry was named for a ferry service that ran along the Hudson River. Dobbs Ferry played a critical role in the American Revolutionary War when in August of 1781, with soldiers encamped in Dobbs Ferry, George Washington decided to change his original strategy of probing weaknesses in British defenses from the village and moved the troops along Ashford Avenue and Broadway to Virginia.

The Village was incorporated in 1873 and originally known as “Greenburgh.” The name was changed to Dobbs Ferry in 1882. The village is 3.2 square miles and has an approximate population of 11,541 as of the 2020 Census. Dobbs Ferry is home to the campus of Mercy College and the Masters School. Famous residents have included TV personality Meredith Viera, actress Jane Alexander and former major league baseball player Alvin Dark.

If you find yourself injured in Dobbs Ferry or find yourself accused of committing a crime, there is one law firm in the area that brings four decades of trial and negotiation experience to you: The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel. If you need a defense or personal injury lawyer, contact us today for a consultation.

What You Should Know If You Think You Have a Personal Injury Case in Dobbs Ferry

Accidents happen — but when you’re injured you are not just facing pain but also medical bills, missed work, and often worries about the future. If you’re in this situation in Dobbs Ferry, you should know that:

• You might be entitled to compensation. If your injury was caused by another party’s careless or reckless actions — in a car accident, on unsafe property, at work, or elsewhere — you may be eligible for compensation. This can cover pain and suffering, past and future medical expenses, lost income, future lost earnings capacity, property damage, and any incidental or additional losses you have suffered.
• Workplace accidents and car accidents operate under a “no fault” system. If you were injured in a car accident, New York’s no-fault insurance system means your own insurance covers your medical bills and lost wages regardless of who caused the crash. Butyou can step outside the no-fault system and sue the other driver if your injuries are “serious.” Similarly, if you are injured on the job, you are covered by workers’ compensation, no matter what caused the accident. However, in some cases you may have a third-party claim that allows you to seek more compensation than what is available through workers’ compensation.
• Waiting can hurt your ability to seek compensation. For most personal injury cases, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. However, you have two years for wrongful death cases and as little as 90 days to file if the defendant is a government entity. Missing these deadlines can mean losing your right to compensation entirely.
• Insurance companies do not work for you. Insurers may seem friendly,  but their job is to minimize payouts. They may offer a quick and low settlement offer, try to minimize your claim, or even try to get you to admit fault. While you pay premiums every month, the insurance company works for shareholders, not for you. Never sign or agree to anything without speaking to a personal injury attorney first.
• You don’t have to be blameless to get compensation. In the state of New York, if you were partially responsible for your own injury, you can still recover compensation — but it will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

There is a lot to remember if you’re injured. One way to find out what you need to know after an injury is to consult with an attorney. Consulting with an attorney at The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel is free and comes with no obligation, so there is no risk.

What You Should Know If You May Be Accused of a Crime in Dobbs Ferry

Whether you’re under investigation, have been arrested, or simply suspect you’re being watched, you need to know that:

• You should stay silent. It’s your right.  Anything you say — even if it seems harmless — can be taken out of context and used against you. You are not required to answer police questions without a lawyer, so politely say: “I’m exercising my right to remain silent and would like to speak with an attorney.” Many people worry that invoking their rights makes them look guilty. It does not. Asking for a lawyer and refusing to speak until your lawyer is with you does not harm your case and can very much strengthen it.
• Police make mistakes. Police are trained to gather evidence — not clear your name. They may be kind people, but if you make even small inconsistencies this will be used against you, so it is safest to let your attorney speak for you. Keep in mind, too, that some police officers do try to coerce confessions or have even engaged in police misconduct. Contacting an attorney early in the process is important to protect you from mistakes and even harm.
• You don’t have to wait until you’re arrested to consult with an attorney. If you think you’re under investigation — or if police have contacted you —speak to a criminal defense attorney immediately, even before you’re charged. A lawyer can advise you and protect you during questioning. In some cases, an attorney can prevent charges from being filed at all.
• You can’t assume that you don’t need an attorney because you are facing “minor” charges. There is no such thing as a “minor” charge. Any arrest or criminal record can hurt your reputation, your relationships, and even opportunities for employment. Your immigration status, housing, and even your freedom could be at stake, so consult with a defense attorney as soon as you can.
• What you do after being accused matters. If you are accused, avoid posting about it on social media, discussing it with anyone you know, or trying to contact potential witnesses or the alleged victim. Do not ignore any paperwork. Stay quiet and contact an experienced attorney.
• Being innocent is not an automatic guarantee that it will work out. The legal system presumes innocence, but it doesn’t always treat you that way. The burden is on the prosecution, but you still need to take action to protect yourself, especially since innocent people are sometimes found guilty of crimes they did not commit.

Even if you’re not convicted, an arrest record alone can appear in background checks. That’s why fighting the case from the beginning is so important — and why sealing may be worth exploring later, if you qualify.

Contact The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel

The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel specializes in personal injury and criminal law, and we pride ourselves on providing personalized, hands-on attention to each of our clients. From the moment the client enters our White Plains, New York offices, through the conclusion of their case by trial, mediation, arbitration or other resolution, our clients are fully apprised of the status of their cases at all times.

Our team works with engineers, investigator, independent medical professionals, and other experts who can strengthen your case. In addition, when you work with us our firm’s founder will personally oversee your case, so you have the benefit of his nearly four decades of legal experience.

We offer a free initial consultation to all clients, and are accessible through our two websites, injurylawny.com and dwilawnewyork.com, three blogs, and by fax, e-mail. When you work with us, you are working with a legal team with close to four decades of experience in trial law and negotiation. You’re also working with a dedicated team who genuinely cares about you, and not just your case.

Our office is only 11.5 miles from the Village Hall in Dobbs Ferry and directions can be accessed by clicking here.