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Hurt in a Car Accident? See if You May Be Eligible For a Huge Cash Settlement. If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay!

New York City Car Accident Lawyer

Were You in an Auto Accident? Call Our New York Car Accident Attorneys

Traveling the roads in New York is a necessity that most people are required to do on a daily basis. For many people, driving in their vehicle is the easiest way to get to work, take the kids to school, run errands, and do any number of other things.

Getting to your destination and arriving back home safely is the goal, but sometimes this is not the outcome.

Every day people are involved in a variety of different auto accidents. Some of them are just fender benders and require minor repairs to the vehicle and minimal involvement of insurance companies.

Others, though, are much more serious, and car accident victims may require the legal advice and representation of a skilled car accident attorney such as ours at Gregory Spekter & Associates.

What We Do

Our New York City law firm works tirelessly to ensure that our clients get the justice and compensation they deserve. We understand that an auto accident can result in various injuries and losses which can affect your financial stability.

During your free initial consultation with our team, we will discuss your car accident case and make sure that you understand all of the options available to you and how the process will proceed.

When you enlist the legal assistance of our New York City car accident attorneys, we will get your side of the story during the consultation and then gather evidence from police reports and witness statements from the scene. This ensures that we can build a strong case against the negligent party throughout the course of the lawsuit.

You deserve compensation for your losses, and our New York City personal injury attorneys work diligently to ensure the best possible outcome for your case. By allowing our team to handle your case, you can focus on the most important task – healing and recovery.

While you work on feeling better after your accident injuries, we will tackle the insurance company handling the case and ensure that your medical bills are covered.

In addition to serving clients across New York City, our team of experienced attorneys includes dedicated Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens, each equipped to handle the unique challenges of auto accident cases in their respective boroughs.

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What Should I Do After a New York City Car Accident?

If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident in New York City, there are crucial steps you should take to help ensure the best possible outcome for your car accident claims.

These Items Include:

Remaining at the Scene of the Auto Accident

New York law requires that all parties remain at the scene of car accidents. Leaving the scene may result in an arrest warrant being issued because you may be considered a “hit and run” driver.

This will most certainly complicate your personal injury claim. After a New York City accident has occurred, move the vehicles to the side of the road (out of the way of traffic) and wait for assistance to arrive.

Calling the Police

The police will conduct a short investigation at the scene of New York City car accidents and fill out a report. This report will detail the cause of the accident such as aggressive or reckless driving, any injuries that were sustained, and any other pertinent details.

Your accident attorney will likely use this report and the details the police officer takes note of to help in proving your accident claim.

 Seeking Medical Attention

After the motor vehicle accident, it is imperative that any injured parties receive medical attention as soon as possible. Any severe injuries should be treated immediately – the police will find you to fill out the report. If you can wait for the police, make a point of seeing the doctor immediately after the police conduct the investigation.

Not Apologizing or Admitting Fault

One of the most disastrous things you can do when it comes to filing a personal injury claim is admitting fault or apologizing for the accident at the scene.

The insurance companies will very likely use the apology against you and attempt to deny you the maximum compensation you deserve for the other party’s negligence. Be sure to remain quiet after the accident and speak only to the police, medical team, and your lawyer.

Not Accepting a Settlement without Your New York City Attorney

Insurance companies will often try to convince injured parties that they should accept a settlement offer that is far less than their injuries are worth. The adjusters may also attempt to convince accident victims that they have incriminating evidence which will deny the claim. Do not believe them or accept a settlement offer without discussing it with your attorney.

At Gregory Spektor & Associates, our legal team will handle all phone calls, emails, and conversations connected to car accidents. We will aggressively seek the maximum compensation you deserve because we are not afraid of fighting back against the insurance companies while you focus on healing and recovering from your injuries.

Contact a lawyer to ensure that you get the best possible outcome for your case and recover damages for the medical bills, lost wages, and any other medical expenses accrued following car accidents.

What causes car accidents in New York?

In general, New York car accidents may result from driver negligence or intentional wrongdoing, or sometimes mechanical problems in a vehicle. Some of the common causes are as follows:
  1. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car crashes. This typically happens when New York drivers become too preoccupied with their electronic devices, texting, or taking calls – all of which may distract their focus behind the wheel.  
  1. Speeding and Other Traffic Violations
Car accidents usually happen when the impatient or otherwise drivers fail to abide by traffic rules. Potential violations include running red lights or stop signs, speeding, improper turns, or driving on the wrong side of the road. In the event of a collision, these infractions may result in severe injuries to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, or even death in extreme cases. Property damage is also a common outcome.
  1. Drunk Driving
History has demonstrated that driving under the influence (DUI). i.e., drunk driving, can prove to be disastrous and may even cause what the law describes as a victim’s wrongful death. Nearly 30% of fatal car crashes in New York are alcohol related. To protect everyone on the road, the life lesson here is to never drink and drive or get in a vehicle operated by an impaired motorist. Instead of getting behind the wheel, impaired drivers should call a cab or an Uber or ask a sober friend to drive them home.
  1. Poor Weather Conditions
Poor weather conditions such as fog, rain, sleet, or snow may worsen driving conditions. In these circumstances, roads may become slippery with low visibility. Therefore, drivers must be extra cautious while driving in inclement weather.
  1. Vehicle Issues
Vehicle defects can also sometimes cause car accidents. In such cases, the injured victim may potentially pursue compensation from the car manufacturer and/or parts manufacturer although establishing product liability, if at all, can be highly technical and arduous. Drivers who fail to keep their vehicles in good operating condition may also be deemed liable in some accident scenarios. 
  1. Reckless Driving
When drivers in New York engage in reckless or aggressive driving, accidents that result in personal injury may happen. Misbehavior of this nature which can also result in police citations may include excessive speed, weaving through traffic, tailgating,  and ignoring traffic signals.

Common Injuries from Car Accidents in NYC

The kinds of injuries – some of which are life-changing — that drivers, passengers, and/or pedestrians may experience in a New York City car crash include the following:
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Bone fractures
  • Burns
  • Paralysis
  • Neck injuries
  • Whiplash
  • Facial trauma
  • Leg and foot injuries
  • Post-traumatic stress
  • Loss of limbs
  • Wrongful death

Types of New York City Car Accident Damages

There are two major types of compensatory damages you may be eligible for following a New York City car accident: economic and non-economic damages. Punitive damages may also be awarded, depending on the situation. With our New York City car accident lawyers by your side, you can rest assured that you will get the best possible outcome for your claim.

We understand how difficult the healing process can be when you see mounting medical bills and income for the foreseeable future. That is why our attorneys at Gregory Spektor & Associates work diligently to get you the maximum compensation for your damages and losses.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover all financial losses and expenses incurred because of a car accident. The monetary damages may include:
  • Medical bills: transportation to and the stay at the hospital, surgery, diagnostic tests, medication  
  • Future medical expenses such as the cost of medical devices, follow up care, and medical equipment
  • Nursing care
  • Loss of wages and income
  • Rehabilitation and physical therapy
  • Cost of repair or replacement of damaged property
  • Low earning capability
  • Permanent or temporary disability after injury-causing collisions
At Gregory Spektor & Associates, our New York City law firm will help you recover all possible economic damages and get you back to your financial position prior to the occurrence of the accident. Contact us for more information and to schedule a free consultation in New York City!

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages refer to the losses associated with things that are not as easily quantifiable as medical expenses and lost wages. Though they are difficult to assess financially, that does not mean that accident victims do not deserve compensation for them. This type of damage can include pain, emotional anguish, humiliation, damage to reputation, loss of enjoyment and/or consortium, and worsening of prior injuries. In a similar manner to economic damages, non-economic damages can have a severe impact on your life. The attorneys at Gregory Spektor & Associates will discuss these damages with you and determine if they apply to your car accident case.

What Are Punitive Damages?

If you get involved in a vehicle accident due to the negligent actions of a second party, you can be eligible for monetary compensation for damages caused.

However, a court of law can award extra compensation if the responsible party’s actions were determined significantly harmful or intentional. These extra compensatory awards resulting from intentional actions are called punitive damages.

Punitive damages can be described as a punishment for the responsible person and are essential in discouraging similar future actions. To get compensated with punitive damages, you have to prove that the defendant acted in a way that goes against morals or is pure negligence.

The fact that a defendant was careless does not guarantee the awarding of punitive damages, but evidence must demonstrate extreme carelessness.

Determining Punitive Damages

The car accident lawyers at Gregory Spektor & Associates will investigate and identify if the defendant was extremely careless on the road and if you may be eligible to pursue punitive damages. For an accident to be deemed deliberate, it must be:
  • Willful and wanton failure to follow basic traffic routines designed to cause intentional harm
  • Actual evil intentions or malice from the responsible party

Our expert legal team can assist you in pursuing punitive damages against the party at fault. When you come to our offices, we will carefully analyze the case to determine whether you are eligible to file punitive damages. If that is the case, we will take immediate action against the responsible party to ensure that you receive full compensation for your troubles. When you have been in a vehicle accident, it is important to involve car accident lawyers at every step of the process to ensure that you can pursue compensation and justice.

Common New York City Car Accidents 

Given the traffic congestion in New York City, car accidents are a daily occurrence and range from mere fender benders to crashes that result in serious injury.  Our auto accident attorneys handle numerous types of these claims which are discussed below.

  • Pedestrian Injuries
    The maximum number of people were killed in pedestrian accidents in comparison to other types of crashes in NYC. Pedestrians can suffer injuries while jaywalking, but can also become victims of distracted driving, intoxicated driving, and a motorist’s failure to yield the right of way. 
  • Rear-End Collisions
    Rear-end crashes amount to 42% of accidents according to the National Safety Council. They are known to cause back and neck injuries or even concussions. 
  • Intersection Accidents
    This type of accident is known to cause the most severe injuries and usually happens when a driver fails to yield the right of way. Some common scenarios that lead to intersection accidents may include running a red light  sign, failing to yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk, or turning into oncoming traffic. 
  • Head-On Collisions
    Head-on collisions are extremely dangerous and have resulted in 10% of driving fatalities. This is because they cause some severe harm such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and spinal cord injuries, among others. 
  • Side-Swiping Car Accidents
    Side-swipe crashes refer to accidents that involve two vehicles that are traveling in a similar direction. These accidents happen when one driver changes lanes without looking carefully or when they slide into the side of the next lane. These accidents may cause injuries and severe damage if drivers are driving at high speed. 
  • Single Car Accidents
    Car accidents don’t always involve two or more vehicles. Sometimes, the driver may fall asleep or become distracted or operate a vehicle while impaired, thereby potentially becoming liable for any injuries or property damage. In some situations, a driver may strike a fence, post, mailbox, or another structure. These accidents can also occur during bad weather conditions or in connection with debris or animals on the road, although the facts and a determination as to who is actually at fault and why have to be sorted out. Damage to a parked car can also occur in which the property owner may seek compensation from a driver.

Other Common Car Accident Claims That We Handle Include:

  • Speeding accidents
  • Seat-belt-related injuries
  • Self-driving car accidents
  • Drunk driving 
  • U-turn accidents
  • Passenger negligence
  • Parking lot accidents
  • Uninsured motorist claims

If you have been the victim of a New York City car accident, do not delay. Call Gregory Spektor & Associates today to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case.

How Long Do I Have To File a Car Accident Injury Claim?

From the time of the accident, you have up to three years to file your personal injury claim. Although you have this window of time to file car accident cases, our New York City law firm recommends that victims of motor vehicle accidents file their claims as soon as possible.

This ensures that all evidence can be gathered immediately, witnesses will have a clear memory of the accident, and you will have the best possible chance of a successful outcome.

New York City Car Accident Statistics

As of March 2024, New York City 2023 car accident statistics are still preliminary. In 2022, total car accidents were 100,508, however. In the year that was largely influenced by COVID, the number of car accidents was 97,059 less than in 2022.

Taking a closer look at the 2020 data, during which the pandemic was raging, the number of collisions was 88,323 as compared to 134,224 in 2019

In 2022, Brooklyn experienced the largest number of New York City traffic accidents. The chart below lists the percentage and number of collisions that took place in different New York City boroughs.

BoroughNumber of car accidents (2022)Percentage of car crashes (2022)
Brooklyn32,78833%
Queens27,94328%
Bronx17,67818%
Manhattan16,82717%
Staten Island5,2725%

In 2018 and 2019, the largest percentage of car accidents in NYC occurred in Queens, whereas in 2020, Brooklyn experienced the largest number of car crashes.

NYC Car Accidents Resulting In Fatalities

Hundreds of people get injured or tragically lose their lives in New York City car crashes each year. Here is a recent year-by-year breakdown:

Year Number of fatalities
2023235
2022259
2021254
2020239

Motor- Vehicle Collisions Causing Injuries & Fatalities In NYC In 2023

In 2023, the number of total collisions reported in NYC which caused injuries amounted to 94,657. Among those injured were motorists, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Let’s take a closer look:  

Injured TypeNumber of people injuredNumber of fatalities
Motorists23,03289
Passengers16,43438
Bicyclists4,84222
Pedestrians8,78786

NYC residents and visitors should also take into account roads that are dangerous and proceed with caution.

Some dangerous roads where most collisions happen are as follows:

Dangerous RoadsCounty in New York
Ludlow Street and Rivington StreetManhattan
Tillary Street and Flatbush AvenueBrooklyn
2nd Avenue and East 59th StreetManhattan
Bushwick Avenue and Jamaica Avenue and the Jackie Robinson ParkwayQueens
Jay Street & Tillary StreetBrooklyn
East 138th Street and Alexander AvenueThe Bronx

How Much Is a Car Accident Worth?

Having a New York City car crash and sustaining serious injuries will impact your life and your ability to complete daily activities. Recovering from lost income, medical expenses, and pain and suffering will help to relieve the stress and anxiety associated with the accident and allow you to focus on recovery.

Determining the exact worth of these damages and how much compensation you deserve can be a challenge. That is why it is important to hire an experienced New York City car accident lawyer to file your personal injury lawsuit and work for the highest level of compensation.

Some of the most common considerations that your accident lawyers will factor into their determination of compensation for your case include:

  • Seriousness of injuries that were sustained
  • Need for surgery or hospitalization
  • Need for rehabilitation or physical therapy
  • Future medical bills
  • Ability to return to work following recovery
  • Ability to earn the same level of income
  • Damage to the vehicle
  • Emotional and mental suffering and depression
  • Effect on your ability to complete daily activities
  • Need for assistance in regular tasks such as eating, bathing, and personal care

If you have been involved in an accident caused by distracted driving, recklessness, DUI, or any other kind of negligence on the road, contact Gregory Spektor & Associates to discuss your situation and determine the level of compensation you may be eligible to pursue.

Can You Be Sued for a Car Collision if You Have Insurance?

The law requires that all vehicles on New York City’s roads be insured in case of accidents so that injured parties can be compensated. New York is a no-fault state, so most of the time, the responsible party will not be sought in a lawsuit.

However, an individual can be sued if that person’s actions resulted in significant damage, the actions were intended to cause deliberate harm, or those actions resulted in wrongful death. So, even with insurance, a negligent driver can be sued for damages.

Who Is at Fault in a Car Accident When Backing Up?

Auto accidents commonly occur when backing up from a parking space or on the road. Collisions in parking lots are normal, and you need not be worried when you have the experienced attorneys at Gregory Spektor & Associates at your side.

We will work to ensure your rights are protected, and we will give you legal advice in case of any lawsuit that arises from your parking lot accident. If you are unsure who was responsible for the collision, talk to an experienced car accident attorney at our law firm to ensure that you are not held liable for something you did not cause.

Who Is at Fault in a Parking Lot Collision?

Determining who is responsible for a parking lot collision can be a complex undertaking. That is why you need representation from an experienced New York City car accident lawyer.

Some of the motor vehicle accident cases we have handled include:

  • A motorist who was reversing out of a driveway and collides with another driver
  • Two cars that backed up and hit each other
  • A motorist who was backing up and collided with a moving car
  • A motorist who hit a parked car when reversing or backing up

It can be difficult to determine who was at fault in almost all these situations unless the driver hit a parked vehicle. However, if the car was wrongly parked, you may not be held responsible for the accident. When the accident involves two moving vehicles, determining who was at fault can be a challenging process.

Unless video footage surveillance can be obtained, the one at fault may not be determined. The parties involved can present different accounts of the same scenario, providing difficulties even for law enforcement. The important steps to take should be calling the police and our law firm immediately, take photos, gather witness accounts, and refuse to accept responsibility for the accident.

If you have suffered injuries, it is critical to enlist a personal injuries law firm to help recover compensation for damages and losses stemming from catastrophic injuries.

Should Injury Victims Hire an Attorney After a Car Crash?

You have the right to legal representation if you are involved in a collision that is not your fault. Even though you are the victim of someone else’s negligence, you should not assume that you will get the justice you deserve. You must fight for your rights as a victim!

Car accident cases can be complex, and you will have to deal with the responsible party, your insurance company, and the negligent party’s insurance company.

Fatal crashes can be especially traumatic events and result in stress, frustration, and injuries for you and your family. You should not have to deal with legal and insurance matters when you should be focused on your recovery process.

It is critical that you involve an experienced car accident lawyer to defend your rights while you seek medical attention for your injuries.

When a second party makes a mistake in the crash, you should not have to pay for damages and medical bills. Consulting with an attorney will ensure that you get the best possible advice and representation for your car accident injuries against the responsible party.

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost in New York?

Anyone injured in a motor vehicle crash should promptly hire an experienced car accident lawyer. Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency-fee basis rather than billing a client hourly or on a retainer. If you are the injured party, this means that you do not have to pay your attorney unless or until you receive compensation, i.e., money damages.

A New York City car accident lawyer generally charges 33% of the total financial recovery as the contingency fee when the case is resolved. The amount may differ, however, based on the individual lawyer or law firm and the complexity of the case. Therefore, you should always inquire about legal fees during the initial consultation.

Contact Us For Effective Legal Representation After an Automobile Accident

All drivers strive to avoid car crashes at all costs. However, being on the road presents different situations, and sometimes accidents can happen. Whether it was your fault or not, you need to hire legal counsel.

Our New York car accident lawyers have the required experience and expertise to handle auto accident cases and ensure that you recover compensation and justice.

It is important to keep in mind that time is a major factor for most car accidents when it comes to pursuing your compensation, so be sure to contact our New York City legal professionals as soon as possible. We form a strong attorney-client relationship with our clients, and we take each auto accident case very seriously.

Let Us Handle The Legal Issues as You Focus on Regaining Your Optimal Health

Vehicle collisions can be stressful, and the healing process requires your full attention. Distractions from auto insurance companies, medical expenses, and other issues that arise from the accident should not be your primary focus. That should be handled by skilled accident attorneys.

During your healing time, you should get assistance for your legal proceedings as you focus on making a full recovery. We have a passionate team of car accident attorneys who will work diligently to get you the compensation you deserve for your car accident injuries and damages.

Get a Free Consultation with Our New York Car Accident Lawyer

At our law practice, you will get a free consultation, during which our car accident attorney will record all the necessary information required for a successful car accident lawsuit. During the first meeting, our New York car accident lawyer will discuss the details of your case with you and work to determine if you are eligible to file a lawsuit.

Following this initial consultation, we will continue to pursue your case, examine the situation, gather evidence, and develop a strong claim for you and your family.

Our legal team has vast experience and comprehensive knowledge in personal injury law, and we are here to help victims like you get the justice they deserve.

When crashes happen on the New York City roads, collision victims should not be left to deal with the consequences by themselves. It is critical that they get legal representation from a law firm that cares.

Contact Gregory Spektor & Associates today for your consultation.