New York City Car Accident Lawyer: Your Guide to Legal Assistance After a Crash

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident in the bustling streets of New York City, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers at (212) 514-5007 today for a free consultation with experienced Ny Car Accident Lawyers.

For over four decades, Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers has stood as a pillar of strength for car accident victims in New York City. Our dedicated legal team is committed to fighting for your rights and maximizing your recovery. We understand the challenges you face after an accident, and we are here to help you navigate the complex legal landscape. Reach out to our Wall Street offices by phone or online to begin your journey to justice.

Understanding Car Accident Statistics in New York City

Traffic congestion in New York City

New York City, a vibrant metropolis of over 8.4 million residents, is known for its iconic landmarks and, unfortunately, its heavily congested roadways. It’s no surprise that NYC consistently ranks among the cities with the most traffic congestion both nationally and globally.

This dense traffic inevitably leads to a significant number of car accidents. In 2023, New York City saw an average of more than 259 motor vehicle accidents every day, highlighting the critical need for experienced New York car accident attorneys to assist those affected.

Here’s a closer look at the car accident statistics for New York City in 2023, providing a clearer picture of the traffic accident landscape.

Total Car Accidents in NYC

According to NYPD crash data, there were a staggering 94,657 car accidents in NYC throughout 2023. While this number reflects a decrease from the 100,511 crashes reported in 2022, it still underscores the high frequency of collisions in the city.

Historically, Brooklyn and Queens have recorded the highest number of car accidents, while Staten Island has experienced the fewest.

February typically sees the lowest accident numbers, with 6,696 crashes in 2023, while May often marks the peak, with 8,668 accidents reported in the same year.

Injury-Related Car Accidents in New York

Of the 94,657 car accidents reported in NYC in 2023, a significant 53,095 resulted in injuries. These injury-causing collisions affected various road users:

Motorists injured: 23,032
Passengers injured: 16,434
Bicyclists injured: 4,842
Pedestrians injured: 8,787

Alarmingly, there was a 5.8% increase in the number of individuals injured in car accidents between 2022 and 2023, emphasizing the rising risk of injuries on NYC roads.

Fatal Car Accidents in New York City

In 2023, New York City sadly witnessed 235 fatal car accidents.

These tragic crashes resulted in the deaths of:

Motorists: 89
Passengers: 38
Bicyclists: 22
Pedestrians: 86

While the number of injuries increased from 2022 to 2023, there was a slight decrease in fatalities, with 259 deaths reported in 2022. However, every fatal accident is a stark reminder of the dangers present on our city streets and the importance of seeking justice with the help of a New York City car accident lawyer if you’ve lost a loved one.

Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in NYC

While car accidents can occur anywhere in New York City, certain areas are statistically more prone to collisions. Research indicates that specific roads and intersections experience a higher concentration of accidents than others. Knowing these locations can help drivers be extra cautious.

Some of the most dangerous roads and intersections in NYC include:

Ludlow Street and Rivington Street, Manhattan
Tillary Street and Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn
2nd Avenue and East 59th Street, Manhattan
Bushwick Avenue and Jamaica Avenue and the Jackie Robinson Parkway, Queens
East 138th Street and Alexander Avenue, The Bronx
6th Avenue & West 23rd Street, Manhattan
Jay Street & Tillary Street, Brooklyn
Atlantic Avenue & Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn
3rd Avenue & East 14th Street, Manhattan
Chrystie Street & Delancey Street, Manhattan
St. Nicholas Avenue & W. 141st Street, Manhattan
Allen Street & East Houston, Manhattan
Graham Avenue & Grand Street, Brooklyn
Jay Street & Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn
Roebling Street & South 4th Street, Brooklyn
58th Street & Roosevelt Avenue, Queens
Castleton Avenue & Clove Road, Staten Island
37th Avenue and 101st Street, Queens

While avoiding these intersections cannot guarantee accident prevention, it might help reduce your risk by choosing alternative routes and practicing heightened awareness when navigating these areas.

Why Choose Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers as Your New York Car Accident Attorney?

Following a car accident in NYC, selecting the right legal representation is crucial. At Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers, our experienced New York car accident attorneys bring over 40 years of dedicated service in handling complex car accident cases. Our deep-rooted experience in the heart of New York City gives us a unique understanding of the local legal landscape and the challenges you may encounter. We have a proven track record of securing millions of dollars in compensation for accident victims, and we are prepared to leverage our expertise to help you obtain the maximum possible settlement or verdict.

When you partner with our New York City law firm, you gain a team that is committed to:

Providing unwavering support and clear guidance throughout this challenging period.
Listening attentively to your account of the accident and using your perspective as the foundation for a thorough investigation.
Conducting an exhaustive investigation into all aspects of your car accident.
Meticulously gathering and analyzing crucial evidence, including police reports, photos and videos, medical records, and witness statements, to establish causation, fault, and liability.
Managing all communications with involved parties, particularly insurance companies, to protect your interests.
Vigorously challenging or minimizing any attempts to unfairly blame you for the accident.
Consulting with leading accident reconstruction experts and medical specialists to accurately determine the full value of your claim.

We are prepared to stand firm against insurance companies that may attempt to undervalue your claim. Our seasoned NYC trial lawyers are always ready to take your case to court if necessary. Our strong courtroom reputation often encourages insurers to offer fair settlements to avoid facing us before a jury. Having a skilled NYC car accident lawyer from Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers in your corner ensures that insurance companies will take your claim seriously and negotiate fairly.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in New York, NY

Understanding the common causes of car accidents in New York City can highlight areas for increased caution and awareness. Here are some of the most frequent factors contributing to collisions in the Big Apple:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving in NYC

Distracted driving occurs when a driver’s attention is diverted from the essential task of driving, whether by visual distractions (taking eyes off the road), manual distractions (hands off the wheel), or cognitive distractions (mind off driving).

In New York City, driver distraction is a significant problem, contributing to nearly one in three car accidents. This underscores the dangers of cell phone use, eating, or other in-car activities while driving in congested NYC traffic.

Following Too Closely

In heavy New York City traffic, maintaining a safe following distance can be challenging, but it is essential for accident prevention. Tailgating, or following too closely, reduces reaction time and is a frequent cause of rear-end collisions in the city.

Failure to Yield

Navigating New York City’s complex traffic patterns requires strict adherence to traffic laws and signals. Failure to yield the right of way, whether to pedestrians, other vehicles, or cyclists, is a common cause of accidents, particularly at busy intersections.

Speeding

Speeding is a major factor in car accidents throughout NYC. Exceeding speed limits reduces a driver’s ability to react to unexpected situations and significantly increases the force of impact in a collision, leading to more severe injuries.

Drunk Driving

Despite ongoing campaigns against drunk driving, it remains a persistent problem in NYC. On average, there are approximately 7 to 8 drunk-driving accidents each day in the city, resulting in preventable injuries and fatalities.

Improper Passing

Aggressive driving behaviors, such as improper passing, contribute to a substantial number of accidents in New York. Unsafe lane changes and passing in no-passing zones are risky maneuvers that frequently lead to collisions.

Road Defects

The condition of roads themselves can also play a role in car accidents. Potholes, inadequate signage, poorly maintained roads, and sharp curves can create hazardous conditions that contribute to collisions.

Defective Vehicles and Equipment

In some instances, car accidents are caused by defective vehicles or equipment. Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or airbag defects, can lead to accidents, and in such cases, the vehicle manufacturer or parts supplier may be liable.

Determining Liability in a New York Car Accident

After a car accident in New York City, understanding liability is crucial for pursuing compensation. Several factors and legal principles come into play when determining who is responsible for your injuries and losses.

New York’s No-Fault Insurance System

New York operates under “no-fault” insurance rules, meaning that regardless of who caused the accident, your own insurance coverage (Personal Injury Protection or PIP) is the primary source of compensation for medical expenses and lost wages. You must first file a claim with your own insurance company, even if you were not at fault.

However, no-fault insurance in New York has limitations. It may not fully cover all your losses, particularly in cases of serious injuries. Insurance companies may also attempt to minimize payouts, making it essential to have a New York car accident lawyer advocate for your rights.

Identifying All Potentially Liable Parties

In cases of severe injuries or significant financial losses, you may need to step outside the no-fault system and file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. In New York, you can potentially sue any party whose negligence contributed to your car accident. This could include:

Negligent drivers of other vehicles
Drivers of your own vehicle (if you were a passenger)
Passengers in your car (if their actions contributed to the crash)
Truck drivers and trucking companies
Motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians
Bus drivers and transit companies, including the New York City Transit Authority
Employers of negligent drivers
Vehicle manufacturers or mechanics (in cases of defects or faulty repairs)
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft, and taxi companies
Government agencies responsible for road maintenance

This extensive list highlights the complexity of identifying all liable parties. A thorough investigation by a New York car accident attorney at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers is essential to uncover all sources of potential compensation.

Comparative Negligence in New York Car Accident Cases

New York follows a pure comparative negligence system. This means you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the car accident. Your recovery will be reduced proportionally to your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your damages.

However, insurance companies and defendants will often try to shift blame onto you to reduce their liability. It is crucial to have legal representation to protect yourself from unfair blame and ensure your degree of fault is accurately assessed.

Accidents with Uninsured Drivers in New York

Uninsured drivers in NYC

While New York law mandates car insurance, accidents involving uninsured drivers do occur. If you are hit by an uninsured driver, recovering compensation can be more complicated, but it is still possible.

One option is to utilize your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, if you purchased it. UM coverage is designed to protect you when an at-fault driver lacks insurance. It can cover damages up to your policy limits.

Another option is to sue the uninsured driver directly. However, recovering compensation from an uninsured individual can be challenging if they lack personal assets.

In cases involving uninsured drivers, a skilled New York City car accident lawyer will explore all potential avenues for compensation, including identifying other liable parties or maximizing your UM coverage.

Types of Recoverable Damages After a Car Accident in NYC

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in New York City due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, broadly categorized as economic and non-economic damages, and in some cases, punitive damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are intended to cover the direct financial losses and expenses you have incurred due to the car accident. These are quantifiable losses and typically include:

Past and future medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, therapy, and rehabilitation.
Costs of repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle and other property.
Lost income and wages, both past and future, if your injuries prevent you from working.
Diminished earning capacity if your injuries permanently affect your ability to earn a living.
Costs of necessary assistive care, such as nursing care or home health aides.

The goal of economic damages is to restore you to the financial position you were in before the accident.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate you for the intangible losses and suffering caused by the car accident. These damages are more subjective but equally important and include:

Physical pain and suffering caused by your injuries.
Emotional distress, anxiety, and depression resulting from the accident trauma.
Loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries limit your ability to participate in hobbies and activities.
Disfigurement and scarring, which can have a significant emotional impact.
Loss of consortium, which compensates a spouse for the loss of companionship and intimacy.
Reduced quality of life due to permanent disabilities or limitations.

New York State does not impose caps on non-economic damages in personal injury cases, allowing for full compensation for these subjective losses.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are awarded in rare cases to punish a defendant for particularly egregious or reckless conduct, beyond mere negligence. To receive punitive damages, you must prove that the defendant acted with a high degree of moral culpability or with willful and wanton negligence. Punitive damages are intended to deter similar misconduct in the future.

Determining the Value of Your Car Accident Case

Understanding the potential value of your car accident case is essential. The value depends on numerous factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial losses, and the long-term impact on your life. Consulting with an experienced NY car accident lawyer is the best way to accurately assess your case’s worth.

Factors that influence case value include:

The severity and nature of your injuries, including the need for surgery, hospitalization, and ongoing medical treatment.
The duration and intensity of your pain and suffering.
The impact of your injuries on your ability to work and earn income, both now and in the future.
The extent of property damage to your vehicle and other belongings.
The emotional and psychological impact of the accident, including any mental health conditions that have developed.
The need for ongoing care, rehabilitation, or assistive devices.

Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers collaborates with leading accident experts and medical professionals to comprehensively evaluate the full scope of your damages and build a strong case for maximum compensation.

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in New York City

At Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers, we have extensive experience representing clients in all types of car accident cases throughout New York City, including:

Rear-end collisions, often caused by distracted or following-too-closely drivers.
Frontal collisions, which can result in severe injuries due to the direct force of impact.
Side-impact or T-bone accidents, common at intersections.
Sideswipe accidents, frequently occurring during lane changes.
Rollover accidents, often involving SUVs or trucks.
Highway and interstate crashes, often high-speed and multi-vehicle incidents.
Single-vehicle accidents, which may involve road defects or driver error.
Multi-vehicle pile-ups, common in congested areas or during adverse weather.
Speeding-related accidents, known for causing serious injuries.
Intersection accidents, frequent in busy urban areas.
Red and yellow light accidents, often due to driver negligence.
Accidents involving rideshare vehicles like Uber and Lyft.
Truck accidents, which can be complex due to commercial regulations and severe damages.
Accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists, who are particularly vulnerable.

No matter the type of car accident you have experienced, our dedicated team is ready to provide the legal support you need.

Common Car Accident Injuries We Represent

We represent clients who have sustained a wide range of injuries in New York City car accidents, including:

Back, neck, and shoulder injuries, including whiplash.
Head injuries, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Burns, ranging from minor to severe and life-threatening.
Chest injuries, often caused by seatbelts or steering wheels.
Eye injuries, which can impair vision.
Degloving injuries, a severe soft tissue injury.
Amputations, resulting in permanent disability.
Spinal cord injuries, potentially causing paralysis.
Crushing injuries, often occurring in severe collisions.
Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains.
Fractures and broken bones, ranging in severity.
Catastrophic injuries, resulting in long-term disability and life-altering consequences.

If you have suffered any of these injuries, or if you have tragically lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, our compassionate wrongful death attorneys are here to help you pursue justice and compensation.

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in NYC

Steps to take after a car accident

Your actions immediately following a car accident in NYC are critical for both your health and any potential legal claims. Here are essential steps to take:

Stay at the Scene: New York law requires you to remain at the accident scene if there is property damage, injury, or death. Leaving the scene can result in serious charges, including hit and run.
Move to Safety: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic to prevent further accidents.
Call 911: Contact the police immediately. An official police report is crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health. Seek medical help immediately, even if you don’t feel seriously injured. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s).
Document the Scene: If you can, take photos of vehicle damage, the accident scene, and any visible injuries.
Avoid Admitting Fault: Do not apologize or admit fault for the accident, as this can be used against you later.
Do Not Accept Quick Settlements: Insurance adjusters may contact you with a quick settlement offer. Do not accept it without consulting with a New York car accident lawyer. These initial offers are often far less than what you are entitled to.
Contact a Lawyer: Reach out to Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers as soon as possible to protect your rights and understand your legal options. Direct all communication from insurance companies to your attorney.

The Cost of Hiring a New York Car Accident Lawyer

Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers works on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront legal fees. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you, either through a settlement or a jury verdict. Our fee is a pre-agreed percentage of your recovery, so you risk nothing by hiring us.

Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Lawsuits in New York

In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, including car accident cases, is generally three years from the date of the accident. This means you have three years from the date of your car accident to file a lawsuit.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. If you were a minor at the time of the accident, or if your injuries were not immediately discovered, you may have more time. Conversely, claims against government entities have significantly shorter deadlines, sometimes as little as 90 days to file a notice of claim.

It is crucial to consult with a New York City car accident attorney promptly to ensure you do not miss any critical deadlines and preserve your right to sue.

Contact Our Experienced New York City Car Accident Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in New York City, don’t hesitate to contact Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers for immediate legal help. Our experienced New York City car accident lawyers are dedicated to fighting for your rights and securing the maximum compensation you deserve.

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation. Contact our NYC law office or call us today to schedule your free case review. We are available to meet you at our office, your home, the hospital, or your workplace. Time is limited, so call us now to get started on your path to recovery and justice.

Top-Rated Auto Repair Shops in New York, NY

West Village Auto Repair: 743 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10014
Steve’s Auto Repair: 615 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
Ludlow Garage: 151 Attorney St, New York, NY 10002
Midtown Center Auto Repair: 537 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018

*Disclaimer: We do not endorse these companies and have no affiliation with them. This list is based on top-rated auto repair shops on Yelp for informational purposes only.

Client Review of Our New York City Car Accident Services

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