New York City Car Accident Lawyers

New York City is a bustling hub of activity, its streets filled with cars, buses, taxis, and pedestrians at every turn. Whether traveling on the FDR Drive, navigating the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE), or weaving through the congested lanes of Canal Street, drivers in the city face unique challenges. Unfortunately, this dense web of roadways can be a hotspot for car accidents, leaving individuals and families to deal with physical, emotional, and financial pain.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in New York City, the Rothenberg Law Firm LLP can help. Our dedicated team understands how traumatic car accidents can be, and we believe no one should face such a challenging time alone. Speak with a New York car accident lawyer at our firm who will offer the compassion, guidance, and fierce advocacy you need to right the wrongs that have impacted your life. 

Why Choose Rothenberg Law Firm for Your Long Island Car Accident Claim

For over 50 years, the Rothenberg Law Firm has been standing up for accident victims who need it most. Our firm has built its reputation on being a voice for those injured because of someone else’s negligence. We are proud to have recovered billions of dollars in compensation for our clients, not just because of the result but because we know the profound difference it makes in the lives of those we represent.

What sets us apart is our approach. At the Rothenberg Law Firm, we treat every client like family. When we take on your case, we approach it with the same care, dedication, and determination as if we were advocating for a loved one. Our team takes pride in not just being legal advisors but also being a support system to help rebuild the lives of those devastated by an unexpected accident.

Additionally, we prepare each case with the expectation that it will go to trial. This ensures we are always ready to challenge negligent defendants and their insurance companies to secure the full and fair compensation you deserve. While many cases settle successfully, our willingness to take your claim to court when necessary sends a clear message that our clients cannot be shortchanged. When you choose the Rothenberg Law Firm, you’re choosing relentless advocates who give their all to make things right.

Laws Affecting Car Accidents in New York City

New York State has specific laws that impact car accident cases, which can be complex for anyone unfamiliar with them. Below, we’ll break down the key legal principles that affect accident claims in the city. 

New York’s Statute of Limitations

Time matters when it comes to filing a car accident claim. New York imposes a strict deadline, known as the statute of limitations, for pursuing compensation. Generally, you have three years from the date of the accident to file your personal injury lawsuit. If you fail to act within this timeframe, you may lose the ability to recover damages entirely.

It’s important to note that there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, if your claim involves a government entity, such as a city-owned vehicle, shorter deadlines may apply. Consulting with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible helps ensure your case is filed on time and in accordance with the law.

New York’s No-Fault Insurance System

New York operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning your own auto insurance policy will cover certain costs after a car accident, regardless of who was at fault. These benefits, known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP), typically cover medical expenses, lost income, and other related expenses up to policy limits.

However, there’s an important exception to this rule. If your injuries meet New York’s “serious injury threshold,” you can step outside the no-fault system and file a car accident lawsuit against the at-fault driver for additional damages, such as pain and suffering. Serious injury can include fractures, significant disfigurement, loss of a fetus, or injuries that prevent you from performing daily activities for at least 90 days. Proving serious injury can be challenging, so having an attorney by your side is key to building a strong case.

New York’s Pure Comparative Negligence Rule

New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your recovery will be reduced by the percentage of fault you’re assigned. For example, if you’re deemed 30% responsible for the accident and awarded $100,000, your compensation will be reduced to $70,000.

Insurance companies often try to assign as much fault as possible to accident victims to lower their payout. With the Rothenberg Law Firm on your side, we will fight to minimize any unfair fault assessments and maximize the compensation you receive for your injuries.

Do I Have a Car Accident Case?

At the heart of most car accident claims is the concept of negligence. Negligence occurs when someone breaches their duty to act with reasonable care, leading to harm. To successfully pursue a car accident case, you must prove the following four elements of negligence:

1. Duty of Care
   Drivers in New York have a legal responsibility to operate their vehicles safely and follow traffic laws to protect others on the road. This duty extends to pedestrians, passengers, and other drivers.
2. Breach of Duty
   When a driver behaves carelessly or recklessly, such as by texting while driving, speeding, or running a red light, they breach their duty of care.
3. Causation
   It must be proven that the driver’s breach of duty directly caused your injuries. For example, if a speeding driver crashes into your vehicle and causes you to sustain a spine injury, their actions are the cause of your harm.
4. Damages
   Finally, you must demonstrate the damages you suffered as a result of the accident, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Proving these elements requires a thorough investigation, evidence collection, and often, expert testimony. Our experienced attorneys know how to build compelling cases for our clients, ensuring they have the best chance of recovering the compensation they deserve.

Who May Be Held Liable in a New York City Car Accident?

Determining who is responsible for a car accident in New York City can be very complex as multiple parties may share liability. Identifying the right party or parties is critical to building a strong case and securing the compensation you deserve. Here are some examples of who may be held responsible:

• Negligent Drivers
  Drivers who break traffic laws, drive distracted, or act recklessly are often the main parties responsible for accidents. Whether someone was speeding, texting, or driving under the influence, their negligence could make them liable for your injuries.
• Employers of Commercial Drivers
  If the accident involved a commercial vehicle, such as a delivery truck or rideshare car, the driver’s employer might be liable for the crash. Employers are responsible for the actions of their employees operating vehicles during the course of their work.
• Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers
  Defective vehicles or parts can cause serious accidents. If a faulty brake system, airbag malfunction, or design flaw contributed to the collision, the manufacturer or designer of the vehicle or part could be held accountable.
• Government Entities
  Poorly maintained roads, faulty traffic signals, or hazardous conditions on public property may place responsibility on a local or state government agency. Suing a government entity involves specific rules and deadlines, so having an experienced attorney is essential for these claims.

The experienced lawyers at the Rothenberg Law Firm carefully investigate all potential sources of liability to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable for your accident.

Compensation Available to NYC Car Accident Victims

A car accident doesn’t just cause physical injuries; it can disrupt every part of your life. If you’ve been hurt, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages. These include:

• Economic Damages
  These damages cover measurable financial losses such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and damage to your vehicle. Future costs, like ongoing healthcare or reduced earning capacity, may also be included.
• Non-Economic Damages
  Not all losses can be calculated with receipts or pay stubs. Non-economic damages compensate victims for pain and suffering, emotional distress, the loss of enjoyment of life, and the impact the injuries have had on personal relationships.
• Punitive Damages
  These are awarded in rare cases where the at-fault party’s conduct was particularly reckless or egregious. Punitive damages are designed to punish wrongdoing and deter similar behavior in the future.

At the Rothenberg Law Firm, our team will work closely with you to ensure that the compensation covers the full scope of the harm you’ve endured. We’ll tailor our approach to advocate for what you need to rebuild your life.

The Insurance Company Offered Me a Settlement. Should I Take It?

If an insurance company has offered you a settlement, you may feel tempted to accept it immediately. After all, dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is stressful, and financial pressure can make a quick payout seem appealing. However, insurance companies often present their initial offer to minimize what they pay, not to fully compensate you for your injuries and losses. That’s why consulting with an experienced New York car accident attorney is essential before making any decisions.

When you work with the Rothenberg Law Firm, we will carefully evaluate the details of your case to determine the true extent of your damages. This includes not only medical bills but also lost income, emotional trauma, and any future expenses related to your injuries. Once we understand the full impact of your accident, we can counter insurance companies' lowball offers and advocate for the compensation genuinely needed to restore your life.

Don’t risk leaving money on the table or, worse, signing away your legal rights. Before you speak with an insurance adjuster or consider any settlement offers, contact us to ensure your case is handled with the expertise and care it deserves.

How Much Does a NYC Car Accident Attorney Cost?

The idea of hiring an attorney can feel overwhelming, especially after a serious accident has already left you with financial stress. You may be wondering, “Can I afford quality legal representation?” At the Rothenberg Law Firm, the answer is yes.

Our team works on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any upfront costs. We only get paid attorney’s fees if we successfully recover compensation for you. This structure allows anyone, regardless of their financial circumstances, to pursue justice without worrying about legal fees.

When you choose our firm, you’re choosing skilled advocates who are 100% committed to your case. There’s no risk to you—we only succeed when you succeed.

How Can a Lawyer Help with My Auto Accident Case?

After a car accident, you may feel like the odds are stacked against you. Dealing with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and navigating legal rules can quickly become overwhelming. A  car accident lawyer can handle these challenges for you, ensuring your right to fair compensation is protected. Here’s how our team can help:

• Thorough Investigation
  We will gather evidence to build a strong case, including accident reports, witness statements, photos, medical records, and more. We may also work with accident reconstruction experts to establish liability.
• Handling Insurance Companies
  Insurance adjusters often prioritize protecting their bottom line over offering fair settlements. We will communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf, negotiating aggressively to secure a compensation package that reflects the full value of your claim.
• Legal Representation in Court
  While many cases settle outside of court, some require litigation. If your case goes to trial, you can count on our team’s extensive courtroom experience and diligent preparation to fight for justice on your behalf.
• Providing Support and Guidance
  Beyond the legal process, we know how hard life can be after a car accident. Our lawyers take the time to understand your unique circumstances and provide the compassionate support you need to focus on healing.

Don’t go through this alone. From beginning to end, the Rothenberg Law Firm is here to make your path to recovery as smooth as possible.

Contact Our Dedicated New York City Car Accident Lawyers Today

New York City Personal Injury Lawyer, Allen L. Rothenberg, Esq.

Contact the Rothenberg Law Firm today at (800) 624-8888 or through our online form to speak with a caring legal professional during a free consultation. There’s no cost to get started, and no fee unless we secure compensation in your case. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by taking this important step.

New York City Car Accident Lawyers FAQs