Carmel, New York

The Town of Carmel is on the southern border of Putnam County. The population of Carmel as of the 2000 Census was 36,465, and the town is 40.7 square miles. Carmel is approximately 50 miles from Central Park in New York City. The town was settled in 1740. On April 26, 1777, 16 year old Sybil Ludington became a female Paul Revere when she rode her horse through Putnam County warning residents that “The British Are Coming!” There is a statue honoring Ms. Ludington on Gleneida Avenue in the center of town.

The historic Putnam County Courthouse in Carmel was built in 1814. Just recently, in 2008, a new courthouse was constructed next door to the historic building, but luckily, the original remains in all its glory. Guideposts magazine originated in Carmel. An interesting fact about Carmel is that Lake Gleneida in the center of town was formed by ice age glaciers!

If you are accused of a crime or seriously injured, it’s important to contact an experienced attorney who can help you. At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, our team is dedicated to representing people who find themselves in these types of difficult situations in Carmel. If you need a personal injury or criminal defense attorney, contact us for a free consultation.

Have You Been Accused of a Crime in Carmel? Avoid These Mistakes

Having police show up at your door, accusing you of theft, assault, or any other crime, is overwhelming. It is easy to make mistakes, and these errors can harm your case. At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, these are the mistakes we see most often.

• Talking to law enforcement too soon. Police officers are skilled at asking questions in ways that can lead to self-incrimination, even unintentionally. If you’re approached by the police, calmly assert your right to an attorney. Having a criminal defense lawyer present ensures that you don’t accidentally say something innocent that could end up harming your case.
• Waiting to contact an attorney. Many people underestimate the severity of criminal charges and delay reaching out to an attorney. Some might think they can handle the situation on their own or believe it’s not necessary to get legal help at first. This is a mistake, since the sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner they can begin working on your defense.
• Not staying quiet. Talking to friends and family about the situation or posting anything on social media (even something that seems unrelated to the case) could hurt you. Friends or family members might inadvertently share what you’ve told them, and those statements could be used against you in court. Anything you post or say online will also be scrutinized and may be used against you. While it’s important to have emotional support, keep legal matters between you and your attorney and always talk to your lawyer about any online presence you have.
• Ignoring evidence. Often, people fail to gather important evidence or forget to document crucial details, thinking they’ll remember later. They usually do not. As soon as you can, take notes about what you remember of the specific incident, including dates and times. Share this information with your attorney and ask your attorney about any other documentation or evidence you should gather.
• Making decisions too fast. Sometimes, when faced with criminal charges, people feel overwhelmed and decide to plead guilty just to get the situation over with. In some cases, people decide on a plea deal quickly, just to get back to their everyday life. Any rash decision can be a mistake if you have not considered the consequences of your choice. Always speak with a criminal defense attorney before making a decision.

When you are accused of a crime, talking to a defense attorney immediately can help you avoid some of these common mistakes that could lead to a longer sentence, higher fines, and harsher penalties.

Mistakes People Make When Seriously Injured in Carmel

Just like in any city, Carmel sees its fair share of injuries, including harm caused by car accidents on the I-84 and on Route 301 as well as other roadways. Here are some of the common mistakes we see people make after a car accident, workplace injury, and any other injuries:

• Delaying medical attention. Some people neglect to seek medical attention right away, thinking the pain will subside or that the injury isn’t severe. This can make the situation worse, both in terms of health and legal claims. Always seek medical care immediately, and continue to follow up with your doctors and follow your treatment plan. If your symptoms change or get worse, get medical attention immediately or seek a second opinion.
• Failing to report the incident. Whether it’s a car crash, workplace injury, or a slip-and-fall at a store, failing to report your injury to the proper authorities can complicate your ability to seek compensation. When you fail to report an injury, it becomes easier for the insurance company or the other party to claim your injuries were caused by something else. In addition, under NY VTL 600(2)(a), failing to report a car accident where property damage or an injury occurred could result in misdemeanor charges.
• Talking to insurance adjusters on your own. Insurance adjusters may contact you soon after an accident, offering a quick settlement. People sometimes accept the first offer because they don’t realize they could secure more or because they just want to put the injury behind them. Before speaking with insurance companies, contact a personal injury attorney. A lawyer can ensure that you’re not shortchanged and will handle negotiations with the insurance company for you.
• Not keeping documentation. Another common mistake is failing to document everything related to the injury. Photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage can help in building a strong case. Many people don’t think to take pictures or write down details immediately after the event. Keep track of everything you can, including all medical visits, expenses, and lost wages. When you speak with your attorney, share this information and documentation with them, so they have everything they need to build a strong case.
• Ignoring medical advice. After an injury, it can be difficult to keep track of all medical appointments and treatments. However, if you stop attending medical visits or fail to follow doctor’s orders, it can hurt your recovery and weaken your legal claim. Insurance companies or opposing parties may argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed if you don’t stick to your treatment plan.

Remember that when you want to avoid common mistakes that people make that could hurt their claim, your attorney is your ally. Your attorney can protect you from anything that could hurt your case and can take on many of the details for you, so you can focus on your medical treatment.

Tips for Criminal and Personal Injury Cases

Whether you’re facing criminal charges or dealing with an injury, here is what you can do to give yourself the best chance at the best outcome possible:

• Stay organized. Keep a file of all documents related to your case, including police reports, medical bills, witness statements, and legal correspondence. Having everything in one place will make it easier when your attorney needs anything.
• Be very open with your attorney. Your attorney can’t effectively represent you if they don’t have all the facts. Be upfront about what happened, and share everything—even the things that might be uncomfortable. Your lawyer’s job is to represent you, not judge you. Many attorneys, like the team at The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, always treat you with compassion, so it’s safe to share even the difficult details of your situation.
• Be patient. Legal cases take time, and sometimes there will be delays, negotiations, and setbacks. Trust your attorney’s guidance and stay focused on the end goal.

How The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel Can Help

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. 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.

Contact our office at (914) 428-7386 to schedule an appointment for your free consultation or visit our websites at www.injurylawny.com or www.dwilawnewyork.com. Our law office is approximately 30 miles from the Carmel Town Hall, and directions can be accessed by clicking here.