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New York City Car Accident Lawyer

A NYC car accident can happen at any time. Whether you are a New Yorker or a traveler, the resulting injury can turn your life upside down in an instant. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, seeking help from a New York car accident lawyer may help.

At Omni Injury and Accident Law, P.C., we are here to help you in your fight for justice.

A lawyer can manage your injury claim, fighting for  the damages you are entitled to. Our New York City legal team provides compassionate and respectful legal representation. Our caring approach and aggressive negotiations help our clients recover the compensation they deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation at 646-503-0404.
New York City Car Accident Lawyer

How a New York Car Accident Attorney Can Help You?

At Omni Injury and Accident Law, PC, our New York car accident lawyer advocates for car crash victims, helping them and their families recover fair compensation. Our goal is to assist families and help them get justice for their injuries.  

Our lawyer can provide you with:

  • A free case evaluation to discuss your claim and determine next steps. We will listen to your story and gather crucial information. 
  • Claim filing and management making sure that your claim is fully investigated, all sources of compensation are identified, and full and fair damages are sought.
  • Skilled settlement negotiation and legal representation at every stage of your case.
  • Lawsuit filing and courtroom representation if a fair settlement is not reached or the statute of limitations is about to expire.

If you need help with your claim, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our dedicated New York personal injury lawyer is available to answer your questions, file your claim, and fight for your rights.

Causes of Car Accidents in New York

Motor vehicle accidents happen every day for any number of reasons. Whether it is a single factor or a combination of conditions, understanding the reasons is critical for prevention and making an injury claim. 

The most common causes of car accidents in New York City are:

  • Driver inattention/distraction: Anytime the driver takes their eyes off the road and focuses on something other than driving, such as their phone or the radio, they risk causing a collision. 
  • Failure to yield right-of-way: If a driver disobeys a stop sign, yield sign, or is making a left turn and fails to allow another driver, cyclist, or pedestrian to proceed, this can cause a crash.
  • Following too closely: When a vehicle is following behind another vehicle too closely, it can cause rear end collisions if the front vehicle stops or slows and the following vehicle is unable to stop in time. 
  • Improper passing or lane usage: Passing in a no-passing zone or driving in the wrong lane of traffic can result in head on crashes or sideswipes. 
  • Passing too closely: If a vehicle passes too close alongside another vehicle, it may cause a sideswipe crash. 
  • Speeding: Driving over the speed limit or too fast for conditions can lead to crashes. Drivers are not able to react in time and the faster a vehicle goes the longer the stopping distance. 
  • Disregarding traffic controls: Ignoring stop signs and stop lights is extremely dangerous. If a person disregards traffic controls it may lead to collisions. 
  • Backing unsafely: Drivers should reverse with caution and check for hazards before backing up. Many parking lot accidents and driveway accidents are backing accidents. 
  • Turning improperly: Turning from the wrong lane, failing to yield, or failing to obey turn signals can lead to collisions with oncoming traffic. 
  • Unsafe lane changing: Failing to check blind spots or yield to oncoming traffic can cause sideswipes, rear end collisions, and front end crashes. 
  • Intoxicated drivers, i.e., alcohol/drug impairment: Driving under the influence is extremely dangerous behavior. Intoxication may cause erratic driving, slow reaction times, and impact the driver’s senses. 

Additionally, road hazards such as potholes, debris, or icy conditions can also contribute to crashes. Drivers should operate their vehicle with care, particularly in inclement weather.

Type of Car Accidents in New York City

Collisions can occur in a variety of different ways and depend on multiple factors. How and where a vehicle crashes may influence the severity of the damages and injuries. Some common types of car accidents in NYC are:

  • T-Bone Accidents: Also referred to as side impact crashes, this is when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another creating a “T” shape. These accidents typically occur at intersections.
  • Rear-End Crashes: A rear-end accident happens when the front of one vehicle collides with the back of another. Tailgating and distracted driving are common causes.
  • Head-On Collisions: When the front of two vehicles collide, this is a head-on collision. Unsafe passing or swerving into oncoming traffic may lead to a head-on crash. 
  • Rollover Accidents: When a vehicle flips onto its top or multiple times, this is a rollover. Trucks and SUVs are at greater risk of a rollover due to their higher center of gravity. 
  • Sideswipe Accidents: When the sides of two vehicles collide, this is a sideswipe. This can occur when merging, driving too closely to other lanes of traffic, or failing to check blindspots. 
  • Single Vehicle Accidents: A single vehicle accident only involves one vehicle and may occur if the driver hits an object, animal, or debris. Runoffs are another example of single vehicle crashes.
  • Multi-Vehicle Collisions: A multi-vehicle collision occurs when three or more cars are involved in a crash. Interstate pileups or chain reaction rear-end crashes are common examples.
  • Parked Car Accidents: A parked car accident happens when a vehicle driving down the road collides with a parked car. Typically, the moving vehicle will rear end or sideswipe the parked one.

Besides other cars, a crash may also involve bicyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and large trucks.

Common Car Accident Injuries In New York

As technology has advanced, so have vehicle safety features. While airbags, seatbelts, and crumple zones can reduce injuries, serious injuries may still result. How and if those injuries will depend on several factors including the type of crash, speed, and size of the vehicles. 

Some common injuries after an accident are:

  • Broken bones and fractures: The impact and force of a car crash may cause fractures on any part of the body. Serious breaks may require surgery and even cause permanent disability.
  • Burns: Burns can be caused by exposure to hot surfaces, chemicals, electrical wires, and airbag malfunctions during or after a crash. 
  • Spinal cord injury: Trauma to the spinal cord such as fractures, dislocations, or nerve damage that can lead to nerve pain, muscle weakness, and breathing problems.
  • Paralysis: If a spinal cord, neck, or back injury is serious, a person may be partially or completely paralyzed. 
  • Traumatic brain injury: A TBI is caused by the brain bouncing inside of the skull during a car crash. This can lead to temporary or permanent issues with cognition, memory, and motor skills. 
  • Neck, back, or shoulder injuries: The stress and impact of a crash can cause strain on the soft tissues and joints in the neck, back, and shoulders.
  • Whiplash: This is a soft tissue injury in the neck and back that is caused by the sudden whip-like motion caused by the impact of a collision.
  • Lost limbs: Limbs may be lost during the crash or medically necessary amputation may be necessary if injuries to limbs is severe. 
  • Disfigurement: Permanent scarring, amputations, and other changes to appearance caused by accident injuries. 
  • Anxiety or depression: The shock, fear, and stress caused by a car crash may lead to generalized anxiety and depression that can last for a few months or a lifetime.
  • PTSD: Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that is caused by traumatic events. It can cause distress, flashbacks, and other issues that may impact daily life. 
  • Temporary or permanent disability: Depending on the type and severity of injury, victims may find themselves temporarily or permanently disabled. This can impact their ability to earn an income in the short- or long-term.

What Should You Do After a Car Accident In New York?

After a car crash in New York, you will want to prioritize your safety, health, and legal rights. Taking prompt action is important. 

Here are some steps you should take after an accident:

  • Get yourself to safety and move your car out of traffic to prevent further injury and damage, if possible.
  • Contact emergency services to report the accident.
  • Never admit fault.
  • Seek medical attention.
  • Take photos and videos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
  • Gather contact information from other drivers and eyewitnesses.
  • Retain all documents, communications, and receipts related to the accident.
  • Call a lawyer immediately.

Once you engage an experienced attorney, they may handle filing your claim, communicating with the insurance companies, building a case, and negotiating a fair settlement.

What Type of Damages Can You Recover After a Car Accident in New York

The type of compensation you can receive will depend on your damages. Understanding your insurance policy limits and when you can pursue compensation from the other driver is crucial to maximizing your settlement. 

In general terms, you can seek economic damages or non-economic damages. Economic damages are your actual financial losses while non-economic damages are your non-tangible losses. 

Examples of economic damages include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Property damage

Examples of non-economic damages include:

  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Disfigurement
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

If a loved one was killed in a car crash, you may also be able to recover wrongful death damages. These damages include economic losses and possible pain and suffering suffered by the decedent before their death. New York law does not allow for non-economic damages for survivors. 

Punitive damages may be awarded in rare cases where the responsible party acted with wanton disregard of safety or malice. Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant for their bad actions and discourage the defendant and others from similar behavior. 

Understanding the extent of your losses and how to pursue full and fair compensation is vital after a car accident. Speaking with New York car accident lawyers may be advisable to effectively navigate your claim, gathering evidence, and negotiations.

New York Car Accident Statistics

In 2023, there were 8,027 crashes across NYC, according to data from the NYPD. As a result of these accidents: 

  • 1,941 motorists were injured and eight were killed. 
  • 1,368 passengers were injured and two were killed.
  • 351 cyclists were injured and two were killed.
  • 889 pedestrians were injured and seven were killed.

According to November 2024 data from the NYPD, the city saw 7,039 crashes at that time. The following injuries and fatalities resulted:

  • 1,724 motorists injured and five killed.
  • 1,111 passengers injured and four killed.
  • 367 cyclists injured and one killed.
  • 925 pedestrians injured and twelve killed.

Even with one month left in the year, the number of passengers killed was twice as high as previous year and the number of cyclists and pedestrians injured had increased.

Statute of Limitations for Car Accident in New York

An accident victim generally has three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This legal deadline is known as the statute of limitations. You’ll want to retain a New York Car Accident attorney as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can determine the deadline for filing, whether any exceptions apply to your case, and make a timely filing.

Who Is Responsible For Car Accidents in New York City?

New York is a no-fault insurance state. Under no fault laws, each driver must file a claim with their own insurance. Therefore, fault may not be an issue. However, there are some cases where a driver can pursue the responsible party.

A lawsuit may be brought against the responsible driver if (1) their negligence caused the accident and (2) the economic losses exceed the no-fault insurance benefits or non-economic losses in the event of a “serious injury.” An attorney for car accidents can help identify the responsible party and determine what, if any, compensation you can seek. There may be other instances when  someone may be able to recover damages from an at-fault party. That’s why it’s important to retain an experienced car accident attorney who can guide you through New York’s no-fault insurance laws. 

How Much Is My Car Accident Worth in NYC?

The value of your car accident claim will depend on several factors. First, the type of compensation you are entitled to recover. Second, the extent of those damages. And third, the available sources of compensation. 

Besides understanding your own no-fault insurance policy limits, identifying fault and whether your injury exceeds the serious injury threshold is crucial for determining the value of your claim. During your free consultation, your attorney may help you set expectations for the amount of damages you may be entitled to receive. 

Which Roads and Intersections are the Most Dangerous in New York?

The bustling streets and boulevards of New York City welcome New Yorkers and travelers alike. Whether a driver is familiar or unfamiliar with traveling these roads, accidents happen. Unfortunately, certain roads and intersections seem to be more dangerous than others. Some of these roads and intersections include:

  • Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan
  • Atlantic Avenue in Manhattan
  • Brighton Beach in Brooklyn
  • Broadway in the Bronx
  • Grand Concourse in the Bronx
  • Newkirk Avenue and Argyle Road in Ditmas Park
  • East 168th Street and College Avenue in Concourse
  • Ludlow Street and Rivington Street in the Lower East Side
  • 37th Avenue and 101st Street in Corona

If you were involved in a crash anywhere in New York City, Omni Injury and Accident Law, P.C. can help you with your car accident claim. 

What If the Other Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured in New York?

By law, New York drivers must take out car insurance coverage that includes at least $50,000 of uninsured motorist coverage. This is the same as the required liability coverage for no-fault. That means that if an uninsured motorist (including someone who flees the scene before being identified) crashes into you, your UM coverage should cover medical bills and other bodily injury losses.

Similarly, an injury victim can make an underinsured motorist claim if the other driver has insurance but the coverage amount is not enough to compensate you for your losses. Accident lawyers in New York can also assist with these types of claims and negotiate a fair settlement with your and the responsible party’s insurer.

How Much Does a New York Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

At Omni Injury and Accident Law, P.C., our car accident attorney works on a contingency fee basis. This means that there are no upfront costs or lawyer bills until after you win. Once you receive a settlement or a verdict, we will deduct our fees.

Typically, the contingency fee is a percentage of the compensation you recover. During the initial consultation, we will discuss our fee percentage and any additional costs you may expect.

Contact New York Car Accident Lawyers Today To Discuss Your Claim

At Omni Injury and Accident Law, P.C., our experienced New York auto accident lawyers help car accident victims navigate their insurance claim. We know that receiving fair compensation is important for you and your future and we will aggressively fight for the settlement you deserve. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a NYC car accident, don’t hesitate to contact our car wreck attorneys today at (646) 503-0404 to schedule a free consultation. We will manage every aspect of your claim so you can focus on yourself and your family.

How can we help you?
Contact us today for a free consultation, and an attorney will respond to you promptly

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