Car Accident Lawyer in New York City

Due to the high volume of people traversing the city’s streets, car accidents in New York City are unfortunately common. These accidents can cause severe injuries, property damage, and fatalities. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, seeking legal guidance is essential. Our experienced NYC car accident lawyers at Shulman & Hill have fought for many of our community residents to get the compensation they deserve and can help you do the same.

New York City is a bustling metropolis, teeming with cars, trucks, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Unfortunately, the sheer number of people and vehicles traversing the streets contributes to many car accidents that can result in severe injuries, property damage, and even fatalities.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, seeking legal guidance is paramount. Our skilled NYC car accident lawyers at Shulman & Hill can help you navigate your case and determine your legal options.

Rely on the New York City Car Accident Lawyers at Shulman & Hill

Having skilled legal guidance is crucial when navigating the aftermath of a New York City car accident. Determining your legal options alone can feel daunting in the face of confusing no-fault insurance laws and court deadlines, especially when you are dealing with serious injuries. This is where our skilled NYC car accident attorneys at Shulman & Hill come in.

We’re a community-centered firm that takes pride in focusing on our clients and their unique needs. We strive to deliver exceptional client service and have a diverse staff that reflects our community, including numerous bilingual team members, to guide you through the legal process.

Our attorneys have received several awards for their dedication and skill in representing our clients. Our partner, Alex Shulman, has been included on the list of New York Super Lawyers since 2017, an honor given to just five percent of attorneys in the state. Additionally, Shulman has been named by The National Trial Lawyers Association’s Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyers list—a highly selective association of top trial lawyers in the country.

Over the past decade, our team has fought for many residents across our communities in New York City and beyond. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, we can help.

Verdicts and Settlements

Our experienced New York City car accident lawyers at Shulman & Hill have recovered millions of dollars for our clients, including the following verdicts and settlements:

  • $1.35 million for a client who suffered clavicle and cervical spine injuries from a head-on motor vehicle crash
  • $1.1 million for an Uber driver rear-ended by another vehicle, causing injuries to his neck and shoulder
  • $1 million for a client who suffered neck injuries in a motor vehicle collision
  • $1 million for a client who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a T-bone motor vehicle accident
  • $1 million for a client who suffered injuries to her right knee, neck, and back in an accident
  • $650,000 for a taxi driver hit by a truck, resulting in injuries to his head, neck, back, and left shoulder

New York City Car Accident Statistics

Traffic injuries to pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and motor vehicle occupants are the leading cause of New York City’s injury-related morbidity and mortality rates.

The NYC Police Department’s December 2023 report demonstrated the shocking frequency of car accidents. According to the report, the city saw 8,027 motor vehicle collisions, 3,353 of which involved injuries or fatalities.

In these accidents, 4,549 people sustained injuries, while 19 were killed. These numbers included motorists, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists, with motorists and passengers experiencing the most injuries. Motorists and pedestrians experienced the highest fatalities.

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Notable Results
$1,600,000

Shulman & Hill obtained a $1,600,000 settlement for a 53-year-old union bus driver

$1,500,000

Shulman & Hill obtained a $1,500,000 settlement for a bus driver

$1,100,000

Shulman & Hill obtained a $1,100,000 settlement for a 51-year-old Uber driver

$1,000,000

Shulman & Hill recently obtained a $1,000,000 insurance policy tender for a client

$1,000,000
Shulman & Hill obtained a $1,000,000 settlement for a young man

Dangerous Intersections in New York City

While car accidents occur daily at various city points, some intersections involve more crack-ups than others. Based on the number of collisions, a few of the most dangerous intersections in New York City include:

  • Boston Road & Bronx River Parkway, Bronx
  • Buffalo Avenue & Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn
  • Francis Lewis Boulevard & Grand Central Parkway, Queens
  • East 96th Street & Madison Avenue, Manhattan
  • Clove Road & Narrows Road North, Staten Island

Some streets also prove more dangerous than others. Neptune Avenue, Lennox Avenue, Broadway, and Eastern Parkway saw more accidents than others.

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle

At Shulman & Hill, we handle a diverse range of car and truck accidents, including the following:

  • Hit-and-run accidents
  • Rear-end collisions
  • Sideswipe accidents
  • T-bone collisions
  • Head-on collisions
  • Rollover accidents
  • Multi-vehicle accidents
  • Single vehicle accidents
  • Uber & Lyft accidents
  • Taxi accidents

What are the Main Causes of Car Accidents in NYC?

Most car accidents in New York City stem from several common causes. These include the following:

  • Driving while intoxicated or under the influence
  • Speeding
  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Road conditions
  • Failure to yield to the right-of-way
  • Texting while driving or distracted driving
  • Passing too closely
  • Following too closely
  • Improper passing or lane usage
  • Unsafely backing up
  • Vehicle malfunctions

Common Injuries in New York Auto Accidents

Injuries from New York motor vehicle accidents range from minor scrapes and bruises to life-altering conditions. Many injuries are fatal. Some of the most common injuries include:

  • Sprains and strains
  • Lacerations
  • Whiplash
  • Broken bones
  • Amputations
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Head and neck injuries
  • Chest and back injuries

Available Compensation in New York City Car Accident Cases

Victims injured in a New York City car accident can pursue two primary types of compensation: economic and non-economic.

Economic damages cover the financial losses from your accident, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity.

Non-economic damages compensate for the non-monetary losses, such as pain and suffering, disfigurement, and emotional distress. PIP coverage doesn’t cover non-economic damages.

In rare cases, New York courts may award punitive damages to punish the defendant for their actions. However, these awards are rare because the victim must prove the defendant’s conduct was intentional, malicious, outrageous, or otherwise aggravated beyond negligence.

A knowledgeable NYC car accident lawyer can help you determine what types of damages apply to your case.

How Much is My Case Worth?

The value of your New York City car accident case depends on factors specific to your situation, including the severity of your injuries, the likelihood of making a full recovery, and applicable insurance factors. For example, the more severe your injuries, the more you may recover in a personal injury lawsuit.

Ultimately, the amount of damages at stake depends on your case, so values vary. Your lawyer will use information specific to your case to determine its worth.

How Shulman & Hill Can Help With Your Case

The prospect of traversing New York’s legal system, especially when dealing with a severe injury, can be daunting. Our talented New York City car accident attorneys at Shulman & Hill are here to help.

While you prioritize your recovery, we’ll guide you through the legal process:

  • Consultation: Our services start with a free consultation where you’ll tell us your story and provide any evidence you have to support your claim. We’ll answer any questions and help you determine whether you have a viable claim to pursue compensation.
  • Investigation: Next, we’ll conduct a thorough investigation to uncover evidence pertinent to your case, including dashcam footage, surveillance camera footage, police reports, witness statements, and expert testimonies.
  • Establish liability: Using information from the investigation, we’ll establish who is liable for your accident. Establishing liability in a New York City car accident normally involves proving the legal elements of negligence: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. We’ll connect the dots in your case, showcasing the extent of your damages and how they resulted from the at-fault driver’s actions.
  • Handle paperwork: Through the process, we’ll keep you informed of applicable deadlines and file appropriate documentation for you.
  • Settlement negotiation: When the insurance company offers a settlement, we’ll negotiate the offer and help you determine whether you want to settle.
  • Represent you in court: If you don’t receive a meaningful settlement amount, we’ll assertively advocate for you in court and fight for fair compensation.

Who is Liable in a New York City Car Accident?

New York is a no-fault state for car accidents, meaning victims must first file a claim with their own insurance company for compensation instead of the other driver’s insurer. This type of insurance is known as personal injury protection coverage, or PIP. Drivers must carry the following minimum coverages:

  • $10,000 for property damage in single accidents
  • $25,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for death for an individual involved in an accident
  • $50,000 for bodily injury and $100,000 for death for two or more individuals in an accident

This rule applies regardless of who was at fault.

However, if you suffer severe injuries or your economic losses exceed $50,000, you may pursue a personal injury claim against an at-fault party and seek additional damages. For example, if your accident causes significant disfigurement or permanent limitations on the use of a body part, you might be eligible to pursue compensation from the other driver.

Because liability and pursuing compensation hinges on the factors specific to your injuries, it’s essential to talk to a skilled New York City car accident attorney for personalized guidance.

What to Do After a New York Car Accident

  • Call 911: Call law enforcement immediately after the accident to get emergency responders on the scene.
  • Get medical help: When the first responders arrive, get medical attention, even if you don’t think your injuries are serious. Sometimes, injuries aren’t immediately apparent, and symptoms may show up hours or days after the accident.
  • Report the accident: New York law requires you to report vehicle accidents that injure or kill a person or domestic animal, require a vehicle to be towed, cause damage to a parked vehicle or property, or cause more than $1,000 in property damage. If you were driving as part of work, report the accident and injury to your employer because compensation laws covering employees may apply
  • Gather information: If it is safe to do so, collect as much information about the accident as possible. Take photos and videos of the scene and your injuries, collect witness statements and contact information, and exchange information with the other driver(s).
  • Contact a lawyer: Talk to a knowledgeable New York City car accident attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer can help determine your legal options and guide you through the next steps.

What is the Statute of Limitations for New York Car Accidents?

If you’ve been injured in a New York City car accident, you have a limited time to act under the state’s statute of limitations, which sets the deadline for filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party. The statute of limitations for most car accidents in New York is three years.

Failure to file your claim within three years of the accident date will likely prevent you from being able to proceed with your case against the at-fault party, so acting promptly is essential.

Shulman & Hill Can Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, talk to our knowledgeable New York City car accident lawyers at Shulman & Hill. We’ll walk you through every step and help you fight for your deserved compensation.

Contact us today at 212-221-1000 or complete our online contact form for personalized help with your case.

WE WORK WITH YOU TO GET YOU COMPENSATED

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