Injured in a Car Crash? Talk to a New York Car Accident Lawyer Today

A car accident can change your life in a second. Whether you’re commuting through Manhattan traffic, navigating Brooklyn’s side streets, or merging onto the BQE, the aftermath of a crash in New York can be overwhelming. From physical injuries and emotional distress to insurance paperwork and legal questions, most people don’t know where to start.

If you’ve been injured in a car wreck anywhere in New York, it’s important to understand your rights, the laws that apply, and what steps to take next. Knowing when to seek legal help can make a significant difference in your recovery, both physically and emotionally, as well as financially.

What to Do After a Car Accident in New York

Your priority after a crash should always be safety. Call 911 if anyone is injured, and seek medical attention, even if you feel okay. Some injuries don’t show up right away. A medical exam not only protects your health but also creates a paper trail that may be important later on.

If it’s safe to do so, gather key information at the scene:

• Contact and insurance details from the other driver
• Names and phone numbers of any witnesses
• Photos or videos of vehicle damage, license plates, traffic signals, and road conditions

Additionally, ensure that a police report is filed. This document often becomes a crucial part of the claims process.

Finally, contact your insurance company to report the crash and refrain from making statements about fault until you have a thorough understanding of what happened.

Understanding Fault and No-Fault Insurance in New York

New York is a “no-fault” state, meaning your own insurance typically covers your medical expenses and a portion of your lost income, regardless of who caused the accident. This is done through your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits.

But that doesn’t mean fault doesn’t matter. If your injuries are considered “serious” under New York law, such as broken bones, disfigurement, or long-term impairment, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver for additional compensation. Proving fault becomes essential in those cases.

Partial Fault Doesn’t Bar You From Compensation

Under New York’s “pure comparative negligence” system, accident victims can still recover compensation even if they were partly to blame. The amount awarded is simply reduced in proportion to their share of fault. For example, if someone is found to be 30% responsible for a crash and the total damages are $100,000, they would still be eligible to recover $70,000.

This system allows for financial recovery even when liability is shared. However, it also gives insurance companies motivation to assign more blame to you to reduce their payout. Having a knowledgeable car accident lawyer can help protect your interests and challenge any unfair fault assessments.

Common Injuries in Car Accident Cases

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, some of which may not be immediately obvious. Among the most common:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Fractures and broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries and herniated discs
• Internal injuries and organ damage
• Facial injuries or lacerations
• Psychological trauma, including PTSD

Even low-speed collisions can result in long-term complications. That’s why getting a full medical evaluation after any crash is so important, even if you walk away from the scene.

Potential Compensation Available

If your injuries meet the serious injury threshold, a personal injury claim may allow you to recover damages beyond what no-fault insurance covers. These may include:

• Medical expenses (including future care)
• Lost wages and reduced earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disability or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium
• Vehicle repair or replacement costs

In rare cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may also be awarded.

Time Limits for Filing a Car Accident Claim in New York

New York law generally gives accident victims three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, certain situations require much faster action. If the accident involved a government vehicle or city agency, for example, a notice of claim must typically be filed within just 90 days.

It’s always best to consult an attorney as soon as possible. Acting quickly helps ensure compliance with critical deadlines and preserves the evidence needed to build a strong case.

What If the Other Driver Was Uninsured?

New York law requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or flees the scene, your UM coverage may step in to cover your injuries. If the other driver’s insurance isn’t enough to cover your losses, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage may also apply if you elected that coverage when purchasing your policy.

These cases can still be complicated, especially if your insurance company delays or disputes your claim. That’s where an experienced lawyer may be able to help.

Why Legal Help Matters After a Crash

It might be tempting to handle a car accident claim on your own, especially if the injuries seem manageable or the damage appears minor. But whether you’re dealing with a serious collision or a lower-impact crash, having legal representation can make a major difference in the outcome of your case.

Insurance companies are known to downplay claims or offer fast settlements that don’t reflect the full scope of your losses. Without an attorney reviewing the details, you could end up accepting far less than what your case is truly worth. A lawyer can help evaluate the value of your claim, negotiate with adjusters, and push back against efforts to shift blame or minimize payouts.

Injuries like soft tissue damage, concussions, or even psychological trauma aren’t always obvious at the scene and may take time to develop. Settling too soon without understanding the long-term medical or financial impact can leave you without the support you’ll need later.

At Morgan & Morgan in New York, our experienced car accident lawyers don’t back down when your future is at stake.

An experienced car accident lawyer can:

• Investigate the crash and collect evidence.
• Handle communications with insurance companies.
• Identify all potential sources of compensation.
• Fight for fair compensation through settlement or trial.

We Fight for New York Car Accident Victims

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in New York, you don’t have to go it alone. Morgan & Morgan has recovered billions of dollars for people just like you, and we’re ready to fight for you, too. With no upfront fees and no cost unless we win, you have nothing to lose by reaching out.

Whether you’re recovering from a crash on the FDR, dealing with an injury after a rideshare collision, or just trying to get answers after a hit-and-run, our attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation. We’re proud to serve clients throughout New York, and we’re ready to help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.