New York City Car Accident Lawyer

Parker Waichman LLP has recovered over $2 billion for injury victims across more than two decades of practice. Our experienced New York City car accident lawyers understand New York’s complex no-fault insurance system and know when victims can step outside this system to pursue additional compensation for serious injuries. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Don’t face the insurance companies alone. Contact our NYC personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation. Call us at (212) 267-6700 or fill out our online contact form to speak with a knowledgeable New York City car accident attorney who can evaluate your case and explain your legal options.

Why Choose Parker Waichman LLP for Your NYC Car Accident Case

When you choose Parker Waichman LLP to handle your car accident case, you gain access to a team of dedicated attorneys with a proven track record of success. Our firm has been helping injury victims for over 23 years, and we have the resources, experience, and commitment to take on even the most complex cases.

Our attorneys have recovered over $2 billion in compensation for clients across all practice areas. We handle car accident cases throughout New York City, including all five boroughs, and we have extensive experience navigating the local court systems, working with NYC judges, and negotiating with insurance companies that operate in the area.

Parker Waichman LLP operates on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs or attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. We advance all case-related expenses, so you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities of your claim.

Our team includes partners Jerrold S. Parker and Melanie H. Muhlstock, who bring decades of combined experience to every case. Mr. Parker has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America for Mass Tort Litigation and Class Actions from 2010 to 2026 and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Ms. Muhlstock has been named to The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers List annually since 2014.

We provide personalized attention to every client. You’re not just a case number at Parker Waichman LLP. We take the time to understand your unique situation, answer your questions, and keep you informed throughout the legal process.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP today for a free case evaluation. Our experienced NYC car accident lawyers are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Understanding New York’s No-Fault Insurance System

New York operates under a no-fault insurance system, which can be confusing for accident victims. Under this system, your own insurance company pays for your medical expenses and lost wages through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, regardless of who caused the accident. New York law requires all drivers to carry a minimum of $50,000 in PIP coverage.

While the no-fault system provides quick access to basic benefits, it has significant limitations. PIP coverage only pays for economic losses like medical bills and a portion of lost wages. It does not compensate you for pain and suffering, emotional distress, or the full impact the accident has had on your quality of life.

Additionally, PIP benefits may not be sufficient to cover all your expenses, especially if you suffered serious injuries requiring extensive medical treatment, surgery, or long-term rehabilitation. When your injuries are severe, you need more than what the no-fault system provides.

When You Can Step Outside the No-Fault System

New York law allows accident victims to step outside the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver when their injuries meet the “serious injury threshold” defined in New York Insurance Law §5102(d). This threshold exists to prevent minor injury claims from clogging the court system while ensuring that victims with significant injuries can pursue full compensation.

Your injuries meet the serious injury threshold if you suffered any of the following:

• Death – Wrongful death claims allow family members to pursue compensation
• Dismemberment – Loss of a limb or body part
• Significant disfigurement – Permanent scarring or disfigurement that affects appearance
• Fracture – Broken bones of any kind
• Loss of a fetus – Loss of pregnancy resulting from the accident
• Permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function or system – Complete and permanent loss of function
• Permanent consequential limitation of use of a body organ or member – Significant permanent limitation that affects your ability to function
• Significant limitation of use of a body function or system – Substantial limitation that is more than minor or mild
• Non-permanent medically-determined injury or impairment – An injury that prevents you from performing substantially all of your usual and customary daily activities for not less than 90 of the 180 consecutive days immediately following the accident

If your injuries meet this threshold, you can file a lawsuit to recover compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages that the no-fault system does not cover. An experienced car accident lawyer can evaluate your injuries and determine whether you qualify to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in New York City

Car accidents in New York City occur for many reasons, but certain factors appear repeatedly in collision reports. Understanding these common causes can help establish liability in your case.

Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of accidents in NYC. Drivers who text, use their phones, adjust GPS devices, eat, or engage in other distracting activities take their attention away from the road, often with devastating consequences.

Speeding and aggressive driving are particularly dangerous on NYC’s congested streets. Drivers who exceed speed limits, tailgate other vehicles, or engage in aggressive maneuvers have less time to react to hazards and cause more severe accidents.

Drunk driving and impaired driving continue to cause serious accidents despite strict DUI/DWI laws. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and reduced coordination.

Running red lights and stop signs is common at NYC’s busy intersections. Drivers who fail to obey traffic signals put pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists at serious risk.

Failure to yield right of way causes many intersection accidents, lane-change collisions, and pedestrian accidents. Drivers must follow right-of-way rules to prevent crashes.

Reckless lane changes and weaving through traffic create dangerous situations, especially on highways and multi-lane roads. These maneuvers often result in sideswipe accidents and multi-vehicle pile-ups.

Following too closely (tailgating) is a major cause of rear-end collisions. Drivers need adequate space to stop safely, especially in heavy traffic.

Poor weather conditions including rain, snow, and ice make NYC roads more hazardous. Drivers must adjust their speed and driving behavior to match conditions.

Defective vehicle parts and maintenance failures can cause accidents when brakes fail, tires blow out, or other critical systems malfunction.

Dangerous road conditions and potholes are unfortunately common in NYC. The city can be held liable when poor road maintenance contributes to an accident.

Rideshare accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles have become increasingly common as these services have grown in popularity.

Delivery vehicle accidents have surged with the rise of food delivery services and e-commerce, adding more commercial vehicles to already crowded streets.

NYC’s congested streets, heavy traffic, and constant activity create an environment where accidents can happen in an instant. When another driver’s negligence causes your injuries, you have the right to pursue compensation.

Types of Car Accidents We Handle

Parker Waichman LLP handles all types of car accidents throughout New York City. Our experienced attorneys have successfully represented clients injured in:

• Rear-end collisions – Often caused by following too closely, distracted driving, or sudden stops
• Head-on collisions – Among the most dangerous accidents, often resulting in catastrophic injuries
• T-bone/side-impact crashes – Common at intersections when drivers run red lights or fail to yield
• Sideswipe accidents – Occur during lane changes or when drivers drift out of their lanes
• Multi-vehicle pile-ups – Complex accidents involving three or more vehicles
• Hit-and-run accidents – We help victims pursue compensation even when the at-fault driver flees
• Intersection accidents – NYC’s busy intersections are frequent accident sites
• Pedestrian accidents involving vehicles – Pedestrians have the right of way and deserve compensation when struck
• Bicycle accidents involving vehicles – Cyclists are vulnerable road users who need strong legal representation
• Motorcycle accidents – Motorcyclists often suffer severe injuries in collisions with cars
• Truck accidents and commercial vehicle accidents – Large trucks cause devastating damage in accidents
• Rideshare accidents (Uber, Lyft) – These cases involve complex insurance issues
• Taxi and livery cab accidents – NYC’s iconic yellow cabs and livery vehicles are involved in thousands of accidents annually
• Bus accidents – City buses, school buses, and tour buses can cause serious injuries
• Parking lot accidents – Even low-speed collisions can cause significant injuries

No matter what type of accident caused your injuries, Parker Waichman LLP has the experience to handle your case and fight for maximum compensation.

Injuries From NYC Car Accidents

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to catastrophic. Even accidents that seem minor at the time can result in serious injuries that become apparent days or weeks later. Common car accident injuries include:

Catastrophic Injuries:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions that can cause permanent cognitive impairment
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis that change lives forever
• Amputations and loss of limbs requiring extensive rehabilitation and prosthetics
• Severe burns that cause permanent scarring and require multiple surgeries

Serious Injuries:

• Neck and back injuries including whiplash and herniated discs that cause chronic pain
• Broken bones and fractures that may require surgery and extensive recovery time
• Internal organ damage that can be life-threatening without immediate treatment
• Facial injuries and dental damage that may require reconstructive surgery

Common Injuries:

• Soft tissue injuries affecting muscles, tendons, and ligaments
• Lacerations and scarring that may be permanent
• Bruises and contusions that can be more serious than they appear
• Sprains and strains that can cause long-term mobility issues

Psychological Injuries:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that makes it difficult to drive or ride in vehicles
• Anxiety and depression stemming from the accident and its aftermath
• Emotional distress that affects your relationships and quality of life

Even injuries that initially seem minor can have long-term consequences. Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms immediately. This is why it’s critical to seek medical attention right away after an accident, even if you feel fine. Medical documentation is also essential for your legal claim.

Compensation Available in New York Car Accident Cases

If your injuries meet New York’s serious injury threshold, you can pursue compensation beyond the basic no-fault benefits. This compensation falls into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages compensate you for financial losses you can document with bills, receipts, and other records. These include:

• Medical expenses covering emergency room treatment, hospitalization, surgery, and all other medical care related to your injuries
• Future medical care and treatment for ongoing needs, including physical therapy, rehabilitation, and future surgeries
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy to help you regain function and mobility
• Lost wages and income for time you missed from work due to your injuries
• Loss of earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or earning the same income
• Property damage to repair or replace your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the accident
• Out-of-pocket expenses including transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, and assistive devices

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate you for losses that don’t have a specific dollar value but significantly impact your life:

• Pain and suffering for the physical pain you endured and continue to experience
• Emotional distress and mental anguish caused by the accident and your injuries
• Loss of enjoyment of life when injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed
• Disfigurement and scarring that permanently affects your appearance
• Loss of consortium allowing spouses to recover for the loss of companionship and support
• Disability and impairment that affects your ability to function independently
• In rare cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be available. However, these are uncommon in typical car accident cases.
• The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, the available insurance coverage, and other factors. Every case is unique.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP for a free case evaluation to determine what compensation you may be entitled to receive. Our experienced attorneys will review your case and explain your legal options.

What to Do After a Car Accident in NYC

The actions you take immediately after a car accident can significantly impact your health, safety, and legal claim. Follow these important steps:

• Check for injuries and call 911 – Your safety and health are the top priorities. Call for emergency medical assistance if anyone is injured.
• Move to safety if possible – If your vehicle is drivable and blocking traffic, move it to the side of the road to prevent additional accidents.
• Call the police and file an accident report – New York law requires you to report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. A police report provides crucial documentation for your claim.
• Exchange information with other drivers – Collect names, contact information, insurance details, driver’s license numbers, and license plate numbers from all drivers involved.
• Document the scene – Use your phone to take photos and videos of all vehicles, visible damage, road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, and your injuries. This evidence can be critical to your case.
• Gather witness information – Get names and contact details from anyone who saw the accident. Witness testimony can be valuable if liability is disputed.
• Seek immediate medical attention – See a doctor right away, even if you feel fine. Some injuries have delayed symptoms, and prompt medical care creates important documentation for your claim.
• Notify your insurance company – Report the accident to your insurer promptly, but be careful about what you say. Provide only basic facts and avoid admitting fault or speculating about injuries.
• Do NOT admit fault or apologize – Anything you say at the scene can be used against you later. Even a simple “I’m sorry” can be interpreted as an admission of fault.

Contact an experienced NYC car accident lawyer – Speak with an attorney before giving recorded statements to insurance companies or accepting settlement offers. Legal representation protects your rights and maximizes your compensation.

Additional important tips:

• Preserve all evidence including medical records, bills, and correspondence with insurance companies
• Keep a journal documenting your injuries, pain levels, and how the accident affects your daily activities
• Do not sign anything or accept settlement offers without consulting an attorney
• Do not post about the accident on social media – insurance companies monitor social media and may use your posts against you

New York Car Accident Laws and Deadlines

Understanding New York’s car accident laws and deadlines is essential to protecting your legal rights.

Statute of Limitations:

New York law imposes strict deadlines for filing lawsuits:

• Personal injury claims: You have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit
• Wrongful death claims: Family members have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit
• Property damage claims: You have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim for vehicle damage
• Missing these deadlines typically means you lose your right to pursue compensation, regardless of how strong your case may be.

Comparative Negligence Rule:

New York follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you were awarded $100,000 in damages but found to be 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000. This differs from some states that bar recovery if you’re more than 50% at fault. New York’s rule ensures that even partially at-fault victims can recover compensation.

Insurance Requirements in New York:

• New York requires all drivers to carry minimum insurance coverage:
• Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
• Property damage liability: $10,000
• Uninsured motorist coverage: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $50,000 minimum
• Many drivers carry only these minimum amounts, which may not be sufficient to fully compensate serious injury victims.

Importance of Acting Quickly:

While you have up to three years to file a lawsuit, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Here’s why:

• Evidence can disappear – skid marks fade, debris is cleared, and witnesses forget details
• Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras may be deleted or overwritten within weeks or months
• Insurance companies may try to take advantage of delays by offering quick, low settlements
• Medical records and documentation are easier to obtain soon after the accident
• The sooner you hire an attorney, the sooner they can begin building your case

Don’t wait – contact Parker Waichman LLP today to protect your rights and preserve crucial evidence for your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions About NYC Car Accidents

Contact Parker Waichman LLP Today

Parker Waichman LLP has over 23 years of experience helping injury victims throughout New York City and has recovered over $2 billion for clients. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in New York City, you need experienced legal representation to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters working to minimize what they pay you. You need someone on your side who will fight for your interests.

Don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Contact Parker Waichman LLP today for a free consultation. Call us at (212) 267-6700 or complete our online contact form to speak with an experienced New York City car accident lawyer who can evaluate your case and explain your legal options. We’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

View our proven results and settlements to see how we’ve helped clients like you recover the compensation they deserve.