Founding Partner
Our personal injury legal team understands the challenges of handling car accident cases in Queens. We work with clients dealing with complex traffic patterns on major highways like the Long Island Expressway. Additionally, we help clients understand New York’s no-fault insurance laws. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Parker Waichman LLP stands out among Queens car accident law firms for several compelling reasons. Founded by Jerrold S. Parker and Herbert L. Waichman in 1993, our firm has built a reputation for excellence in personal injury law over more than three decades of dedicated service.
Our track record speaks for itself. We have secured numerous multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for car accident victims. These results demonstrate our ability to handle complex cases and fight for maximum compensation.
What sets us apart is our comprehensive approach to each case. Our founding partner, Jerrold S. Parker, holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Furthermore, he has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America for Mass Tort Litigation and Class Actions from 2010-2026. Partner Melanie H. Muhlstock has been named to The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers List annually since 2014.
We maintain a local presence in Queens while offering the resources of a national law firm. Our Queens office allows us to provide personalized attention to local clients. Meanwhile, we leverage our extensive experience handling cases across New York, New Jersey, and Florida. Our Queens car accident attorneys understand Queens-specific traffic patterns, local court procedures, and the challenges accident victims face in this diverse borough.
Queens presents driving challenges that contribute to various types of motor vehicle accidents. Understanding these common accident types can help drivers stay safer. Additionally, this knowledge helps accident victims understand their legal options.
Queens features numerous busy intersections where multiple traffic flows converge. These areas create high-risk scenarios for accidents. Intersection accidents often occur due to drivers running red lights, failing to yield right-of-way, or making improper turns. These accidents frequently result in T-bone collisions, which can cause severe injuries due to the limited protection on the sides of vehicles.
Common intersection accident scenarios in Queens include drivers making left turns without properly yielding to oncoming traffic. Pedestrian accidents being struck in crosswalks also occur frequently. Rear-end collisions happen when drivers fail to stop for red lights. The complexity of determining fault in intersection accidents often requires thorough investigation and experienced legal representation.
The Long Island Expressway (I-495) and Grand Central Parkway are major thoroughfares that see heavy traffic volumes and frequent accidents. High-speed collisions on these highways often result in catastrophic injuries due to the force of impact involved.
Highway accidents in Queens commonly involve multiple vehicles, creating complex liability scenarios. Factors contributing to these accidents include aggressive driving, following too closely, improper lane changes, and distracted driving. Weather conditions can also play a significant role. Rain, snow, or ice can make these already challenging roadways even more dangerous.
Understanding accident patterns in Queens helps both drivers and accident victims recognize dangerous areas. This knowledge also helps people understand the scope of traffic safety challenges in the borough.
Several intersections in Queens have earned reputations as accident hotspots due to heavy traffic volumes, complex traffic patterns, and visibility issues. Northern Boulevard intersections, particularly those crossing major north-south arteries, frequently see accidents due to the high volume of commercial and passenger vehicle traffic. In 2025, Northern Boulevard recorded 68 traffic accidents. The most dangerous intersections occurred at Cross Island Parkway (38 accidents), Parsons Boulevard (21), and 126th Street (2).
The intersection of Queens Boulevard and various cross streets has historically been problematic. Queens Boulevard earned the unfortunate nickname “Boulevard of Death” due to its accident history. In 2025, Queens Boulevard recorded 65 traffic accidents resulting in 24 injuries and 0 fatality. While significant safety improvements have been implemented since 2015, including protected bike lanes and pedestrian islands, these areas still require extra caution from drivers. They often become the sites of serious injury accidents or wrongful death.
Queens experiences traffic patterns due to its role as a gateway to Manhattan and its proximity to major airports. Rush hour traffic creates congestion that increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions and road rage incidents. Areas near LaGuardia and JFK airports see increased traffic from travelers unfamiliar with local roads, contributing to accident rates. According to NYC traffic collision data, Queens had 2,537 reported crashes in the third quarter of 2025, making it the second highest borough by number of collisions.
Commercial districts in Queens also present elevated accident risks due to delivery trucks, double-parked vehicles, and pedestrian activity. Understanding these patterns helps our legal team investigate accidents thoroughly. We identify all potential contributing factors to build strong cases for our clients.
Parker Waichman LLP
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We Take Care of Everything
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If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident or have been injured by another party in some other way, we are here to stand up for your rights. Our personal injury attorneys have been representing injury victims and their families in Long Island and throughout the nation since the early 1980s.
New York’s insurance and legal framework significantly impacts how car accident cases are handled. These laws also determine what compensation victims can recover.
New York operates under a no-fault insurance system. This means that regardless of who caused the accident, each driver’s insurance company initially covers their medical expenses and lost wages up to policy limits. This system provides quick access to benefits without lengthy fault determinations.
According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, New York requires all drivers to carry minimum insurance coverage including:
However, the no-fault system has limitations. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits are capped at $50,000 per person. They don’t cover pain and suffering damages. To step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver, accident victims must meet New York’s “serious injury” threshold. This includes fractures, significant disfigurement, permanent limitation of use of a body organ or member, or other qualifying injuries.
New York law provides a three-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims arising from car accidents. This means accident victims have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties. However, certain circumstances can affect this timeline. This makes it important to consult with an attorney promptly after an accident.
Claims against government entities, such as accidents involving city vehicles or dangerous road conditions, may have much shorter notice requirements. Some claims must be filed within 90 days of the incident. This emphasizes the importance of seeking legal counsel immediately after an accident.
Car accident victims in Queens may be entitled to various forms of compensation. The amount depends on the severity of their injuries and the circumstances of their accident.
Economic damages form the foundation of most car accident claims. These include medical expenses, both current and future, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. Medical expenses can include emergency room treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care. Lost wages include not only time missed from work immediately after the accident. They also include future income loss if injuries prevent a return to previous employment.
Non-economic damages compensate victims for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages recognize that accidents cause more than just financial harm. They can fundamentally alter a person’s quality of life. In cases involving permanent disabilities or disfigurement, these damages can be substantial.
In rare cases involving particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages may be available. These damages punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. Examples might include accidents caused by extremely intoxicated drivers or those with multiple DUI convictions.
Property damage compensation covers vehicle repairs or replacement. It also covers damage to personal property in the vehicle at the time of the accident. While often the smallest component of a claim, property damage can still represent significant financial losses. This is particularly true for newer or luxury vehicles.
Our approach to Queens car accident cases combines thorough preparation with aggressive advocacy. We work to achieve the optimal outcomes for our clients.
We begin every potential case with a comprehensive, no-obligation consultation. During this meeting, we review the accident details, examine available evidence, and assess the strength of your potential claim. We explain New York’s no-fault insurance system and help you understand your rights and options.
Our evaluation process includes reviewing police reports, medical records, insurance policies, and any available witness statements or photographs. We also assess whether your injuries meet New York’s serious injury threshold. This determines your ability to pursue compensation beyond no-fault benefits. This thorough initial assessment allows us to provide honest, informed advice about your case’s prospects.
Once we accept your case, our investigation begins immediately. Time is critical in car accident cases, as evidence can disappear and witness memories can fade. Our team works quickly to preserve important evidence and build a strong foundation for your claim.
We conduct thorough accident scene investigations. We often work with accident reconstruction professionals to understand exactly how the collision occurred. We obtain and analyze police reports, interview witnesses, and gather surveillance footage when available. Medical record review is also important, as we work with medical professionals to understand the full extent of your injuries and their long-term implications.
Our investigation also includes examining the other driver’s background, including driving record and any history of violations. In cases involving commercial vehicles, we investigate the company’s safety record and compliance with federal regulations. This comprehensive approach helps us identify all potential sources of compensation. We build the strongest possible case.
The actions you take immediately after a car accident can significantly impact your health, safety, and legal rights.
Your first priority after any accident is making sure everyone is safe and getting necessary medical attention. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s often wise to have emergency responders evaluate everyone involved. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
If it’s safe to do so, move vehicles out of traffic to prevent additional accidents. Turn on hazard lights and set up flares or reflective triangles if available. Take photographs of vehicle damage, the accident scene, road conditions, and any visible injuries. These photos can be important evidence later.
Exchange information with all drivers involved, including names, contact information, insurance details, and driver’s license numbers. Get contact information from witnesses, as their testimony may be valuable if there are disputes about how the accident occurred. Avoid discussing fault or admitting responsibility, even if you believe you may have contributed to the accident.
Contact your insurance company to report the accident as soon as possible. However, be careful about what you say. Provide factual information about what happened, but avoid speculating about fault or the extent of your injuries. Remember that insurance companies are businesses focused on minimizing payouts, not maximizing your compensation.
Be particularly cautious when dealing with the other driver’s insurance company. While they may seem helpful and eager to settle quickly, an insurance adjuster’s goal is to minimize their financial exposure by denying your claim. Avoid giving recorded statements or signing any documents without first consulting with an attorney. Quick settlement offers are often far below what your case is actually worth.
New York’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. However, this deadline can vary depending on specific circumstances. Claims against government entities often have much shorter deadlines, sometimes as brief as 90 days. It’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. This helps make sure you don’t miss any important deadlines
New York requires all drivers to carry minimum insurance coverage. Unfortunately, some drivers operate vehicles without proper insurance. If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, you may be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage, if you have it. You may also be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the uninsured driver. However, collecting damages can be challenging if they lack sufficient assets.
New York follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means you can recover compensation 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 found to be 20% at fault and your damages totaled $100,000, you could recover $80,000. This makes it important to have experienced legal representation to minimize any fault attributed to you.
At Parker Waichman LLP, we handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of any settlement or verdict we obtain, so our interests are aligned with yours. We only get paid when you do. We also advance all case expenses, so you don’t have to worry about upfront costs for professional witnesses, medical records, or other case-related expenses.
The compensation available in your case depends on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life. Economic damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases meeting New York’s serious injury threshold, these damages can be substantial. Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings is also recoverable.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Queens, don’t wait to seek legal representation. Contact Parker Waichman LLP today for your free consultation. Call our Queens office at (718) 469-6900 or reach out through our contact form. With over $2 billion recovered for clients and more than three decades of experience, we have the knowledge and resources to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our Queens office is conveniently located at 118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400, Forest Hills, NY 11375. This makes it easy for local residents to meet with our experienced legal team. We’re here to help you handle this difficult time and secure the financial recovery you need to move forward with your life.
Parker Waichman LLP
4.8 from 549 Reviews
Our law firm is ready to represent you in your injury case. We’ve helped many New York residents as well as those needing help nationwide. Contact our team for a free case consultation today.
I had a great experience with them , everyone was very helpful and sweet.
Michelle Murphy
4 months ago
Zarahi was very professional and very Quick and very knowledgeable i realy appreciated her patience and perseverance she Deserves 100 stars 🌟 but since i can only send 5 i Guess i will just have to send that truly yours Rashine Downs
Kush Three
6 months ago
VERY NICE WORK PLACE THEY HAVE BEEN GOOD TO MY MOM
Whitney Brinson
5 years ago
They treated me with tender love and care
Terrell Weaver
2 months ago
Wonderful people. They made the whole process if dealing with a gov’t agency so easy. Special compliments to Gina Viti
Michael Ross
2 months ago
I’m a 9/11 first responder, and I can honestly say that Parker Waichman made me feel like they had my best interest in my VCF case. Ms Candalino & Ms Viti are top notch in my book. I was constantly informed on the status of my case. I would definitely recommend Parker Waichman LLP to family and friends.
D D
6 years ago
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
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