Dupée & Monroe, P.C. Secures Major Court Victory in Orange County Car Accident Case

At Dupée & Monroe, P.C., we are committed to fighting for the rights of injured accident victims both inside and outside the courtroom. While many personal injury cases are ultimately resolved through negotiated settlements, obtaining a favorable settlement often depends on first building a case that is ready for trial. A recent decision from the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Orange County, illustrates exactly why having experienced trial counsel can make a significant difference.

Just last month, in the case of Aris Franco v. Howard K. Fishman, the court granted our client’s motion for partial summary judgment on the issue of liability, ruling that the defendant was responsible for causing the motor vehicle accident. Although the amount of compensation our client is entitled to has not yet been determined, this decision represents a significant victory because the defendant’s liability has now been legally established.

The Facts of the Case

The lawsuit arose from a motor vehicle collision that occurred on January 2, 2024, at the intersection of Route 302 and Baker Road in the Town of Wallkill, New York.

According to the evidence presented to the court, traffic traveling on Route 302 had the right-of-way. Our client was traveling south on Route 302 and waiting to turn left onto Baker Road when the defendant, who had been stopped at a stop sign on Baker Road, attempted to make a left turn. During that maneuver, the defendant’s vehicle struck the rear passenger side of our client’s vehicle.

Importantly, the defendant admitted that he misjudged our client’s position before entering the intersection. Even so, the defendant refused to accept liability for the crash, leading to the present litigation.

After filing the lawsuit in September 2024 and completing the initial pleadings, our firm moved for summary judgment on the issue of liability, arguing that the undisputed facts established the defendant’s failure to yield the right-of-way.

What Is Summary Judgment?

Many people assume every lawsuit goes to trial. In practice, courts can decide certain issues before trial when there is no genuine dispute about the material facts. Many cases are won or lost on pre-trial motions long before the case gets to a jury. For instance, a motion for summary judgment asks the court to determine that one party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law because the evidence leaves no legitimate factual issue for a jury to decide.

In motor vehicle accident cases, summary judgment is often appropriate when the facts clearly demonstrate that one driver violated New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law. Rather than forcing the parties to try an issue that is not genuinely disputed, the court can resolve liability before trial. That is exactly what happened in this case.

The Court’s Decision

Our firm argued that the defendant violated New York traffic laws by failing to yield the right-of-way before entering the intersection. The defendant opposed the motion, claiming factual issues remained regarding liability. However, the court rejected those arguments. After reviewing the evidence, the court concluded that our client had established entitlement to judgment as a matter of law. The defendant’s own testimony confirmed that he attempted to enter the intersection after misjudging the position of our client’s vehicle. The court further found that the defendant’s arguments relied on speculation rather than evidence and therefore failed to raise a triable issue of fact. As a result, the court granted summary judgment in favor of our client on the issue of liability.

Why This Victory Matters

Winning summary judgment on liability is an important milestone in a personal injury case. When liability remains disputed, both fault and damages must be litigated. Establishing liability through a court order removes one of the largest obstacles to recovery. The defendant is no longer arguing that someone else caused the accident or that the injured person was responsible. Instead, the focus shifts to determining the amount of compensation the injured victim should receive.

That compensation may ultimately be determined by a jury if the case proceeds to trial. However, in many cases, once liability has been established, defendants and their insurance companies become much more willing to negotiate a fair settlement. Simply put, establishing liability significantly strengthens the injured person’s position during settlement discussions.

The Value of a Trial-Ready Law Firm

Insurance companies evaluate every case by considering the likelihood that they will lose if the case goes to trial. When a law firm consistently prepares cases thoroughly, develops strong evidence, and successfully argues motions before the court, insurance carriers take notice.

This case demonstrates why hiring a trial-ready personal injury law firm is so important. Some firms focus primarily on obtaining quick settlements. While settlement is often the appropriate resolution, obtaining the best possible result sometimes requires filing suit, conducting discovery, presenting persuasive legal arguments, and asking the court to decide critical issues before trial.

By successfully establishing liability in this case, Dupée & Monroe, P.C. significantly improved our client’s position as the case moves toward resolution.

We Fight for Accident Victims Throughout Orange County and the Hudson Valley

Every motor vehicle accident case presents unique facts and legal issues. While no attorney can guarantee a particular outcome, preparation, experience, and a willingness to litigate can have a substantial impact on the course of a case.

At Dupée & Monroe, P.C., in Goshen, we are proud to represent accident victims throughout Orange County and the Hudson Valley. Whether through skilled negotiation or aggressive courtroom advocacy, our goal is always the same: obtaining the best possible result for every client we represent.

If you have been injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, don’t assume the insurance company’s initial position is the final word. Contact Dupée & Monroe, P.C. today for a free consultation. We are prepared to investigate your case, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.