Car Accident Lawyer in New York City, NY

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NYC Car Accident Lawyer

NYC Car Accident Lawyer

Have you been injured in a car accident in New York City, New York? Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers. Contact us today at (212) 564 2800. Our New York City car accident lawyer can help you fight for the top-dollar monetary award you deserve.

Backed by more than 25 years of experience, New York Trial Attorney Jay Knispel has helped clients win tens of millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts. Injury victims and families have trusted us to help them take on insurance companies, government agencies, and other powerful adversaries after life-changing wrecks.

You have rights as a crash victim, including the ability to seek compensation for your resulting pain, medical expenses, and lost wages. Now, our top-rated car accident law firm is here to help you make the most of your claim. It is your time to schedule a time for a free consultation with our award-winning legal team.

New York City Car Accident Statistics

New York City Car Accident Statistics

New York City is home to some of the worst traffic in the nation. Not surprisingly, accidents are an everyday occurrence here.

According to statistics from NYPD data, 94,657 auto accidents were reported in the city in 2023.

That is 10.8 car accidents an hour across all five boroughs.

Brooklyn ranks first among all boroughs for NYC traffic accidents, accounting for a third (33%) of annual wrecks. Queens ranks second with just more than a quarter of all accidents (28%), while the rest of the city’s collisions are spread throughout the Bronx (18%), Manhattan (17%), and Staten Island (5%).

What Are the Most Dangerous Intersections in New York City?

What Are the Most Dangerous Intersections in New York City?

While car accidents can happen just about anywhere in New York City, some roads and intersections are known for being hotspots for wrecks.

These include:

  • Newkirk Avenue and Argyle Road (Brooklyn)
  • South Fourth and Keap Streets (Brooklyn)
  • Sterling Place and Kingston Avenue (Brooklyn)
  • Rogers Avenue and Clarkson Avenue (Brooklyn)
  • East 168th Street and College Avenue (the Bronx)
  • East 196th Street and Valentine Avenue (the Bronx)
  • Rivington Street and Ludlow Street and Clinton Street (Manhattan)
  • 37th Avenue at 101st Street (Queens)
  • Woodward Avenue at Willoughby Avenue (Queens)
  • I-95 approaching the George Washington Bridge
  • Cross Bronx Expressway near Sedgwick Avenue

New York has so many accident hotspots that it ranks second in the nation for dangerous intersections. Knowing their locations can improve safety for yourself and other people sharing the road.

How the Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel, LLC Can Help You After a Car Accident in New York City

How the Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Car Accident in New York City

You will have one opportunity to pursue compensation after a car crash in NYCNY, so you’ll want to make the most of it. You’ll face resistance from the insurance company and other parties at every turn. An experienced New York City personal injury lawyer can force more meaningful negotiations and set the stage for the financial recovery you deserve.

Choosing the Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel, LLC means working with a former insurance defense attorney who has since won some of the largest verdicts and settlements in the state.

Our determined pursuit of justice and focus on client satisfaction are just a couple of the reasons why we’ve been recognized as National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and AV Preeminent litigators by Martindale-Hubbell.

While you take the time you need to recover, our New York car accident law firm will handle your claim from start to finish; we will:

  • Launch a full-scale investigation into the collision to fully understand causation and liability
  • Evaluate accident reports, your medical record, video footage, photographs of your injuries and the scene of the accident, property damage, cell phone records, vehicle maintenance records, and other compelling evidence we obtain during the discovery process
  • Determine the available insurance coverage
  • Depose eyewitnesses, motorists involved in the wreck, and other parties to gain additional insight into your situation
  • Enlist experts in medicine, accident reconstruction, forensics, and other areas of specialty to weigh in as we build your injury case
  • Protect you from allegations of comparative negligence
  • Help you understand your legal rights and options at any given point in time
  • Seek a substantial settlement that makes you whole and compensates for the suffering you’ve endured
  • Bring your car accident lawsuit to a New York City court if the defense refuses to take responsibility for your wreck

You will want our highly skilled New York City car accident attorney fighting for you after your crash, but you don’t have to take our word for it. Countless client reviews and testimonials are a testament to our hard work, passionate advocacy, and consistent ability to secure top results.

Your first consultation is free. It’s best to contact our New York City, NY, firm to schedule yours as soon as possible.

Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

The insurance company wants to deal with you after an accident, not an attorney. Why? They designed the claims process. They handle thousands of claims like yours every year. They’ll be well-represented by skilled adjusters and savvy defense attorneys. As a result, they’ll have the advantage right out of the gate.

Things change when you hire an NYC car accident attorney to represent you.

In fact, you’re statistically more likely to succeed with your claim and secure a significantly higher financial payout when you have a lawyer.

Here’s why:

  • You put yourself on a level playing field and force the insurance company to take your car accident claim seriously
  • You will be protected from unsupported claims of shared fault that could hurt your ability to recover compensation
  • You can benefit from the firm’s resources, such as access to trusted expert witnesses and specialists

Hiring a lawyer also takes the stress of a car accident lawsuit off of your shoulders, giving you the time you require to rest, recover, and move forward with your life. You will have someone to investigate, handle documentation filing, and prevent you from making mistakes that could hurt your case.

Our accident lawyers help people in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, and throughout the greater New York City metro area.

Our case results include tens of millions in financial recoveries, including countless million-dollar and multi-million-dollar awards. Find out how we might be able to help you win big after your crash, too.

How Much Money Is My NYC Car Accident Case Worth?

How Much Money Is My NYC Car Accident Case Worth?

Every auto accident is unique. Every victim will have a different experience. That’s why the average comprehensive cost of a car accident can range from $17,500 to more than $13 million.

At the end of the day, the specific details of your crash and the severity of your injuries will influence how much money you might be able to recover through an insurance settlement or jury award.

  • What injuries did you sustain in the traffic accident?
  • Are you expected to make a full physical recovery?
  • How much does your medical care cost?
  • Will you be temporarily or permanently disabled due to the crash?
  • Has the collision changed your quality of life?
  • Can you still work in the same capacity?
  • How old were you at the time of the motor vehicle accident?
  • Are you getting blamed for the wreck? If so, is there any truth to these allegations?
  • What insurance coverage and benefits are available?
  • What have you done to mitigate your damages?
  • Did the accident aggravate a pre-existing medical issue?

It’s important and wise to know what your car accident case might be worth before you start to negotiate with the insurance company. That way, you’ll know whether a settlement offer is fair or if the insurer is trying to avoid paying you in full for your damages.

Learn more about your specific situation by discussing the details of your case with us. An experienced car accident lawyer in NYC provide a free case evaluation, so reach out to get started.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a New York Car Accident?

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a New York Car Accident?

Most car accident lawsuits are subject to a three-year statute of limitations in the state of New York.

While you usually have three years from the date of your wreck to take action, there are some exceptions. For instance, if you’ve lost a close family member in a fatal NYC car accident, you’ll have just two years to initiate a wrongful death lawsuit.

Similarly, you will face an expedited timetable if the government is liable – completely or in part – for your collision. If you have a government tort claim, you must provide notice of the intent to sue within 90 days and formally seek damages within one year and 90 days of the wreck.

You have to file your car accident claim before the applicable statute of limitations runs out. Once the time expires, you will lose the right to recover money from an at-fault party or their insurance company.

The best way to determine the deadline for your case and ensure that it is filed timely is to have an attorney advocating on your behalf.

What Types of Damages Are Available to Crash Victims in New York?

What Types of Damages Are Available to Crash Victims in New York?

New York car accident victims may be entitled to compensatory damages through insurance coverage or a lawsuit. This can include two distinct awards: economic and non-economic.

Economic damages help to make you whole after your accident by offsetting present and future costs, such as:

  • Current medical expenses, including medication, surgery, and hospitalization
  • Future medical bills related to medical devices, rehabilitation, and follow-up treatment
  • Nursing care and assistance
  • Costs of repairing or replacing damaged property
  • Out-of-pocket expenses, such as the cost of a rental car
  • Lost wages and benefits
  • Diminished earning capacity

In New York State, these damages are limited to your verified costs and losses that can be projected.

The costs of a car accident aren’t always easily valued in terms of dollars and cents. That’s where non-economic damages come into play, which help you cope with things like:

  • Chronic physical pain
  • Temporary and/or permanent disability
  • Emotional distress
  • Embarrassment
  • Disfigurement
  • Scarring
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

As a general rule, the more a car accident changes your life, the more you can expect to recover in non-economic awards.

Count on our experienced car accident lawyers in NYC to pursue all of the damages to which you’re entitled under NY law. We’ll work closely with experts and specialists as we build your case so that we fully understand the impact the crash has had on you – physically, emotionally, and financially.

When it’s time for negotiations, the defense must either come to the table with a reasonable settlement or take their chances against our top-rated litigators at trial.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

Hiring an attorney to help you seek compensation after a collision in NYC should make things easier, not more stressful. That’s why it costs absolutely nothing out-of-pocket to retain the Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel, LLC.

Our car accident attorneys represent crash victims and families on a contingency fee basis.

We’ll front the costs related to pursuing your claim. You will only pay for our help if we win compensation for you.

When we’re successful, our fees will come directly out of your settlement or award. Typically, you can expect your attorney to recover between 33 percent and 40 percent of your damages.

Learn more about our legal services and fee structure by contacting our NYC auto accident lawyers.

Can I Get Compensation If I’m Blamed For a Crash in New York?

Can I Get Compensation If I’m Blamed For a Car Accident in New York?

Yes, as long as you’re not entirely at fault for the collision. However, since New York’s pure comparative fault statute will apply to your case, your recovery will be limited.

Simply put, the more fault you share for a car wreck in New York, the less money you will be able to receive when your claim is resolved.

Damages in a settlement or verdict are reduced proportionately to your percentage of blame. For example, if you’re 15 percent responsible for a recent fender-bender in NYC, your financial recovery will be reduced by 15 percent. If your case was initially valued at $100,000, this would leave you with a maximum recovery of $85,000.

Don’t be shocked if the driver who caused your accident or their insurance company tries to blame you for your wreck. This is a common tactic designed to shift liability and sidestep responsibility for your harm.

Our auto accident attorneys in NYC won’t let these claims go unanswered. We’ll be ready to counter these tactics and fight to help you maximize your recovery.

Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?

Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?

It’s unlikely, but possible. Statistically speaking, one out of every 20 car accident lawsuits goes to trial.

Several things can affect whether your case settles or moves forward to court:

  • Has the insurance company handled your claim in good faith?
  • What does your attorney believe your auto accident claim is worth?
  • Has the insurance provider offered a reasonable settlement?
  • Are both parties willing to cooperate and work toward a mutually agreeable settlement?
  • How strong is the evidence you have backing your case?
  • Is liability clear, or is it being disputed by the defendant?

The insurer will likely offer you the minimum amount possible for your losses. You can increase the odds of securing a swift and substantial settlement by having an experienced NYC trial attorney handle your case.

This shows the insurance company that you won’t be afraid to reject unreasonably low offers and bring your case to a jury. The result: more meaningful conversations about your case and a genuine attempt to reach a settlement.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in NYC?

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in NYC?

The steps you take in the hours, days, and weeks after your car accident matter more than you might think. In fact, your choices can have a serious and significant impact on your chances of recovering compensation, how much you can potentially be awarded, and your health and well-being.

So, after a crash in New York City, keep these tips in mind:

  • Ensure the safety of yourself and any passengers
  • Call 911 to report your accident to the NYPD right away and ask to have first responders dispatched to the scene to investigate
  • Stay at or near the scene of the accident until the police arrive
  • Exchange personal information – including insurance details – with other parties or provide that information to the police
  • Don’t apologize for the wreck or take responsibility – these things can be taken out of context or used against you when you pursue compensation down the line
  • Document the scene by taking some pictures of damaged property, physical injuries, and the area where the incident occurred
  • Obtain prompt medical treatment at the closest emergency room in New York City
  • Do not give the insurer a recorded statement
  • Resist the urge to accept the insurance company’s initial settlement offer, especially if you have yet to speak with an attorney
  • Direct any and all communication with the insurance company to your legal representative

The sooner you call our NYC motor vehicle accident attorneys for help, the better. Reach out to one of our offices – conveniently located in Brooklyn and Manhattan – to discuss the details of your collision. We are always available to take your call.

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle

Our attorneys have extensive experience helping clients who’ve been injured or lost family members in all kinds of car accidents across New York City, including those involving:

Rollover Accidents

Rollovers occur when a vehicle “trips” on a hazard in the road or makes a sharp turn at high speeds. In these wrecks, the vehicle loses balance and tips to the side, flips over onto its roof, or rolls over completely. Sometimes, defective or poorly designed vehicles are prone to rollovers.

Frontal Collisions

Frontal collisions occur when two vehicles collide head-on. Head-on crashes account for less than 4 percent of collisions but make up more than a quarter of all traffic accident fatalities annually.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end crashes tend to happen in stop-and-go traffic or at intersections. Many times, drivers are distracted and fail to pay attention to changes in traffic movement and patterns. While many rear-end collisions are minor, victims can suffer serious trauma, such as whiplash, traumatic brain injury, and other neck and back injuries. It’s important to get medical attention to protect your health and safety.

Side-Impact Accidents

Side-impact collisions can include T-bone accidents, broadside accidents, and sideswipes. These wrecks often occur at intersections or when a motorist miscalculates the amount of time they have to execute a left-hand turn safely.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

New York state law requires motorists to remain at the scene and/or exchange insurance information with other parties after a wreck causing property damage, injury, or death. Despite this, there are roughly 128 complaints of hit-and-run accidents every day across the city. Many times, drivers flee the scene because they’re uninsured/underinsured, sought by the police, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Regardless of the type of collision you were involved in or the injuries you sustained, our NYC accident lawyers are here to help you through this difficult time. We can even visit you at home or in the hospital, so call or message us to learn more.

Who Could Be Liable For My NYC Car Accident?

Under New York law, anyone who contributes to your car accident can potentially be responsible for your resulting damages. That means multiple people or entities could share responsibility for the losses you sustained.

Depending on how and why the wreck happened, liable parties could include a:

  • Driver of a passenger vehicle
  • Pedestrian
  • Bicyclist
  • Motorcyclist
  • Bus driver
  • Truck driver
  • Transportation service
  • Property owner
  • Vehicle manufacturer
  • Vehicle passenger
  • Negligent party’s employer
  • Government agency

Situations involving negligent pedestrians, drunk drivers, and other involved parties can lead to catastrophic injuries. It can be difficult to allocate fault and gather the evidence required to prove liability. However, our accident lawyers have handled cases similar to yours and know how to get top results.

Keep in mind that New York operates under a no-fault insurance system. So, after a crash, you will be required to seek compensation from your own PIP (personal injury protection) insurance provider. If your injuries are severe and your damages exceed your policy limits, you can set your sights on seeking additional compensation from a responsible party or their insurer.

Common Car Accident Injuries

We represent clients who’ve suffered a wide range of injuries in New York City auto accidents; that includes:

Automobile accidents are anything but convenient. Fortunately, getting the legal help and support you need can be. We are available to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact our auto accident lawyers for the help you need and deserve.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in New York City?

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in New York City?

Most auto accidents in New York City happen because someone is careless or makes a poor decision at the wheel. That’s why the main cause of action for car accident cases is negligence.

Some of the leading contributing factors include:

  • Speeding
  • Illegal turns
  • Unsafe passing
  • Braking errors
  • Texting and driving
  • Distracted driving (e.g., sending a text or chatting with passengers)
  • Drunk driving
  • Driver fatigue
  • Merging errors
  • Reckless driving
  • Running stop signs and red lights
  • Rolling stops
  • Failing to yield the right of way
  • Failure to maintain lane
  • Defective vehicle parts (e.g., brake failure)
  • Road defects
  • Dangerous construction zones

Our New York City car accident attorneys will carefully assess your collision so that we can understand the underlying cause. Once we know the cause(s), we’ll begin to build a compelling personal injury claim on your behalf that is designed to help you not only win but maximize your recovery.

Call Our NYC Car Accident Lawyers For Help Today

Call Our New York Car Accident Lawyers For Help Today

You deserve maximum compensation if you’ve been hurt in a crash in New York City, NY. The Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers can help you take on the insurance company in pursuit of the substantial monetary award you need to move on with your life.

Jay Knispel has over 25 years of experience handling complex legal disputes. As an insurance defense attorney turned plaintiff’s litigator, he’s helped clients secure tens of millions in monetary awards – including some of the top recoveries in the state of New York.

Reach out to our law firm near you in New York City to schedule a free consultation with a NYC car accident lawyer at (212) 564 2800. We’re always here to help. We have an office in Manhattan at 450 7th Ave #1605, New York, NY 10123, United States. Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 40.693618408700814, -73.9910327551955.

Client Review

incredibly law firm! They’re what you need! Amazing Jay and his amazing team really fought for me every step of the way and always informed me of everything every step of the way! Thank you for all your hard work and effort! – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cathy Sarkis
https://maps.app.goo.gl/XUg7kp57z5xYPLTS6

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Visit Our Car Accident Law Firm in Manhattan, NYC

Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers
Address: 450 7th Ave #1605, New York, NY 10123
Phone: (212) 564-2800
Phone: (516) 715-5944

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Additional Resources & Information

Local Auto Repair Shops Near You

  • Manhattan Auto Repair Inc. – 552 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036
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  • Hybrid Auto Tech Inc – 519 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036

*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website. These were some of the highest-rated auto repair shops on Google.

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Our Locations

New York City Office 

450 7th Ave Suite 1605
New York, NY 10123
(212) 564 2800

Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury - New York City Office in 450 Seventh Ave., Suite 1605 New York, New York 10123

 

Brooklyn Office 

26 Court St., Suite 2511
Brooklyn, NY 11242
(718) 802-1600

Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury - Brooklyn Office in 26 Court St., Suite 2511 Brooklyn, New York 11242

 

We are available to take your call 24/7

 

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