The Advantage of Hiring The Best New York Car Accident Lawyer
Why You Shouldn't Handle Your Claim Alone
When you're recovering from injuries, the last thing you need is the added stress of fighting with insurance companies. Here's why working with our experienced New York injury attorneys gives you a significant advantage:
Higher Compensation
According to industry studies, accident victims represented by attorneys receive settlements that are 3.5 times higher on average than those who handle claims themselves.
Legal Knowledge
We understand New York's complex insurance laws, the serious injury threshold requirements, and how to navigate the unique legal system effectively in all five boroughs.
Resources for Investigation
We have access to accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and investigators who can strengthen your case by thoroughly examining the accident report and evidence.
Negotiation Expertise
Our attorneys have years of experience negotiating with insurance companies and know how to counter their tactics.
Courtroom Experience
If your case goes to trial, you'll have skilled litigators who know how to present your case effectively to a New York jury.
No Upfront Costs
With our contingency fee structure, you pay nothing unless we win your case, allowing you to focus on recovery without financial worry.
Insurance Company Tactics to Watch Out For
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses with a clear objective: to pay as little as possible for claims. Here are some common tactics they use and how we combat them:
Quick, Lowball Settlement Offers:
Insurance companies often rush to offer you a settlement, which is usually less than fair or full compensation for your injuries. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible before you find out what your claim could really be worth.
Claiming Your Injuries are Pre-existing:
Insurers often argue that your injuries existed before the accident or were caused by something else. We work with medical experts to clearly establish the connection between the accident and your injuries.
Delaying the Claims Process:
Some insurers deliberately drag out the claims process, hoping you'll get desperate and accept less. Our firm keeps constant pressure on insurance companies to move your case forward.
Requesting Unnecessary Documentation:
Insurers may repeatedly request additional documentation to wear you down or find inconsistencies they can use against you. We manage all communications and ensure proper documentation is provided.
Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring:
Insurance companies may monitor your activities and social media to find evidence that contradicts your injury claims. We advise clients on how to protect themselves during the claims process.
Recorded Statement Traps:
Adjusters may ask leading questions during recorded statements, trying to get you to say something that undermines your claim. Our lawyers prepare you for and attend these interactions to protect your interests.
Types of Car Accidents We Handle in New York
- Rear-end collisions:
Often caused by distracted driving or following too closely, these accidents frequently result in whiplash and other neck injuries. - T-bone (side-impact) collisions:
These dangerous accidents often occur at intersections when drivers run red lights or fail to yield the right of way. - Head-on collisions:
Among the most deadly types of accidents, often resulting from wrong-way driving or crossing the center line. - Rollover accidents:
Particularly common with SUVs and trucks, these accidents can cause catastrophic injuries to vehicle occupants. - Multi-vehicle pileups:
Complex accidents involving multiple vehicles, often occurring on highways or in poor weather conditions. - Rideshare accidents (Uber, Lyft):
These cases involve complex insurance issues, as coverage may come from the driver's personal policy or the rideshare company's commercial policy depending on the circumstances. - Hit-and-run accidents:
When a driver flees the scene, we help victims identify all possible sources of compensation, including uninsured motorist coverage. - Rollover accidents:
Particularly common with SUVs and trucks, these accidents can cause catastrophic injuries to vehicle occupants. - Accidents involving government vehicles:
These cases involve special rules and shorter deadlines for filing claims against government entities like the MTA, USPS, or municipal vehicles. - Pedestrian and bicycle accidents:
Often resulting in severe injuries due to the vulnerability of pedestrians and cyclists, these cases require specialized knowledge of right-of-way laws. - Motorcycle accidents:
These collisions frequently cause serious injuries and require attorneys who understand the unique challenges faced by motorcyclists. - Truck accidents:
Collisions with commercial trucks involve federal regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, and typically more severe injuries.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in New York
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that human error is responsible for the majority of all crashes. Our experienced New York car accident lawyers have successfully represented clients injured in accidents caused by:
Distracted driving and texting while driving:
According to the NHTSA, sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for about 5 seconds—at 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
Drunk or impaired driving:
NHTSA reports that every day, about 37 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes—that's one person every 39 minutes.
Speeding and reckless driving:
Speeding has been a factor in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities for more than two decades.
Failure to yield right of way:
This common error leads to thousands of intersection crashes each year in New York, particularly affecting older drivers and motorcyclists.
Running red lights and stop signs:
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that red-light running causes hundreds of deaths and tens of thousands of injuries each year.
Improper lane changes and merging errors:
These maneuvers require careful attention to blind spots and proper signaling, with failures leading to dangerous sideswipe collisions.
Tailgating and aggressive driving:
Following too closely reduces critical reaction time and is a leading cause of rear-end collisions, which account for approximately 29% of all crashes according to NHTSA.
Driver fatigue:
The NHTSA estimates that drowsy driving was responsible for 91,000 crashes in recent years, resulting in 50,000 injuries and nearly 800 deaths.
Poor weather conditions:
According to the Federal Highway Administration, weather-related vehicle crashes kill more people each year than large-scale weather disasters.
Types of Car Accident Injuries We Represent
We've helped clients recover compensation for all types of injuries, from relatively minor to catastrophic, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions:
These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, potentially causing long-term cognitive issues, personality changes, and even requiring lifelong care. - Spinal cord injuries and paralysis:
Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, fundamentally changing a victim's ability to perform basic daily functions and often requiring home modifications and specialized equipment. - Back and neck injuries:
These injuries, including herniated discs and vertebrae fractures, can cause chronic pain and significantly limit mobility, sometimes requiring surgical intervention. - Whiplash and soft tissue damage:
Often occurring in rear-end collisions, these injuries can cause persistent pain, reduced range of motion, and may require extensive physical therapy. - Broken bones and fractures:
From simple fractures to complex breaks requiring surgical repair, these injuries can take months to heal and may leave victims with permanent limitations. - Internal organ damage:
Blunt force trauma from car accidents can damage internal organs, causing internal bleeding and potentially life-threatening conditions requiring emergency surgery. - Burns and disfigurement:
Vehicle fires or contact with hot surfaces can cause severe burns, often leading to permanent scarring, multiple surgeries, and psychological trauma. - Amputations and loss of limbs:
Severe crashes can result in traumatic amputations or injuries so severe that surgical amputation becomes necessary, completely altering a victim's life and future capabilities. - Psychological injuries:
Many accident victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or other psychological conditions following a traumatic crash. - Wrongful death:
The most tragic outcome of car accidents, leaving families to cope with immeasurable grief and financial hardship from the loss of their loved one.
The Compensation You Deserve After a New York Car Accident
When we take on your case, we fight for every dollar you deserve, including compensation for:
Past and future medical expenses
This includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor appointments, medications, medical equipment, and any projected future medical care related to your injuries.
Rehabilitation and therapy costs
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other rehabilitation services that may be needed for months or years following an accident to help you regain function and independence.
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
Compensation not only for the income you've already lost while recovering, but also for your reduced ability to earn money in the future if your injuries result in permanent limitations.
Pain and suffering
Monetary compensation for the physical pain and discomfort you've endured and may continue to experience as a result of your injuries.
Emotional distress
Compensation for psychological impacts like anxiety, depression, PTSD, sleep disturbances, and fear of driving that often follow serious accidents.
Permanent disability or disfigurement
Additional compensation for permanent limitations or visible scarring that affects your quality of life and self-image.
Loss of enjoyment of life
Damages for your diminished ability to participate in hobbies, sports, recreational activities, and other pleasurable aspects of life that you enjoyed before the accident.
Property damage
Reimbursement for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the crash.
Our Client-Centered Approach to Car Accident Cases
At Ajlouny Injury Law, we are motivated by one thing: helping our clients rebuild their lives. Our mission is simple: we fight for our clients, we win for our clients, and we're motivated by succeeding for our clients.
From your first consultation through the resolution of your case, you'll experience the Ajlouny difference:
- Personalized attention from a team that genuinely cares about your recovery, recognizing that each client's circumstances and needs are unique
- Direct communication with the attorneys handling your case, ensuring you're never left wondering who's fighting for your interests
- Transparent updates on the progress of your claim, keeping you informed every step of the way
- Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies, using our data-driven approach to counter lowball offers
- Thorough preparation for trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached, giving you an advantage in the courtroom
New York Car Accident Laws You Should Know
Understanding the laws regarding car accidents in New York is crucial to protecting your rights. Our attorneys have deep knowledge of these complex regulations and how they affect your case:
New York's No-Fault Insurance System
New York operates under a "no-fault" insurance system, which means that regardless of who caused the accident, your own insurance company pays for medical treatment and other out-of-pocket costs through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Key aspects include:
- Basic PIP coverage:
Provides up to $50,000 per person for medical expenses, 80% of lost earnings (up to $2,000 per month for up to three years), and up to $25 per day for necessary expenses like household help. - 30-day notice requirement:
You must file an application for no-fault benefits with your insurance company within 30 days of the accident to be eligible for coverage. - Medical treatment deadline:
Medical treatment must generally begin within 14 days of the accident to be covered by PIP.
For more information on the no-fault system, you can visit the New York State Department of Financial Services website.
The "Serious Injury" Threshold Explained
To pursue compensation beyond what's available through no-fault insurance (particularly for pain and suffering), New York law requires that you meet what's called the "serious injury" threshold. According to New York Insurance Law §5102(d), a "serious injury" includes:
- Death
- Dismemberment: Loss of a limb or body part
- Significant disfigurement: Visible scars or deformities that would cause a reasonable person to view the injured person as objects of pity or ridicule
- Fracture: Any broken bone, including hairline fractures
- Loss of a fetus
- Permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function, or system: Complete loss of function, such as vision or hearing
- Permanent consequential limitation of use of a body organ or member: Significant and permanent limitations, even if not a complete loss
- Significant limitation of use of a body function or system: Substantial impairments that may not be permanent
- Medically determined injury or impairment that prevents performing usual activities for at least 90 days during the 180 days following the accident: Often called the "90/180 day rule"
Our attorneys can evaluate your injuries to determine if they meet this threshold and help you document your case appropriately.
Comparative Negligence in New York
New York follows a "pure comparative negligence" rule (CPLR Article 14-A, Section 1411), which means:
- You can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident
- Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault
- Even if you were 99% at fault, you can still recover 1% of your damages
This makes it crucial to have skilled legal representation to minimize your assigned percentage of fault and maximize your recovery.
Statute of Limitations
In New York, you generally have:
- Three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit
- Two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit
- 30 days to file a Notice of Claim if your case involves a government entity
- 90 days to file a Notice of Intention to Make Claim against the State of New York
Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to compensation, which is why contacting an attorney promptly is essential.
How Our New York Car Accident Attorneys Will Handle Your Case
When you choose Ajlouny Injury Law to represent you after a car accident in New York, our comprehensive approach includes:
Thorough investigation of the accident scene, vehicles, and circumstances, often deploying investigators within hours of being retained to preserve critical evidence
Collection of critical evidence, including police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and other data that can reveal vital details about the moments before impact
Consultation with accident reconstruction experts to establish exactly what happened, creating compelling visualizations that can be presented to insurance companies or juries
Detailed documentation of your injuries and their impact on your life, including comprehensive medical records and testimony about how your injuries affect daily activities
Coordination with medical experts to establish the full extent of your injuries and future care needs, including specialists who can testify about long-term prognosis and treatment requirements
Calculation of all damages, both economic and non-economic, using sophisticated financial models to project lifetime costs of injuries
Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies for maximum compensation, backed by meticulously prepared evidence and expert opinions
Court filings and litigation if a fair settlement cannot be reached, including discovery, depositions, and pretrial motions
Trial preparation and representation by experienced litigators who know how to effectively communicate your story to a jury
How much is my car accident case worth?
Every case is unique, with compensation depending on factors like the severity of injuries, impact on your life, available insurance coverage, and circumstances of the accident. According to industry data, the average auto liability claim for bodily injury was approximately $20,000 in recent years, but serious injury cases often result in much higher settlements. At Ajlouny Injury Law, we've secured settlements ranging from hundreds of thousands to multi-million dollar awards for car accident victims. During your free consultation, we'll evaluate the specific details of your case to provide an estimated range of potential compensation.
How long will my car accident case take?
The timeline for resolving a claim varies based on the complexity of the case, severity of injuries, and willingness of insurance companies to offer fair compensation. Some cases settle within months, while more complex cases—especially those involving serious injuries or disputed liability—may take a year or longer to resolve through litigation. Rest assured, we work efficiently to resolve your case as quickly as possible without sacrificing the quality of your representation or the value of your recovery.
What if the driver who hit me doesn't have insurance?
If you're injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver in New York, you may still have options for recovery through:
- Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM)
- No-fault personal injury protection (PIP) benefits
- Medical payments coverage on your auto policy
- Health insurance coverage
- In some cases, third-party claims against other potentially liable parties
A significant percentage of drivers are uninsured or underinsured, making proper insurance coverage particularly important. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate all possible sources of compensation for your injuries.
Do I need an attorney for a minor car accident?
Even seemingly minor accidents can result in injuries with long-term consequences. Research shows that accident victims who hire an attorney receive settlements 3-4 times larger than those who handle claims on their own. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize compensation or deny valid claims. Having an experienced New York car accident lawyer ensures your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation for all damages. With our contingency fee structure, there's no financial risk in seeking legal representation.
What should I do immediately after a car accident in New York?
- Ensure safety and call 911: Move to a safe location if possible and call for medical and police assistance
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent
- Exchange information: Get contact and insurance details from all drivers involved
- Document the scene: Take photos of vehicles, the accident scene, and your injuries
- Get witness information: Collect names and contact information from any witnesses
- Report the accident: Notify your insurance company about the accident
- Don't discuss fault: Avoid admitting fault or making statements about the accident to other parties
- Contact an attorney: Consult with a New York car accident lawyer before providing recorded statements or accepting settlement offers
How does New York's no-fault insurance system affect my accident claim?
The no-fault system means your own insurance covers your initial medical expenses and some lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. However, this system limits your ability to sue the at-fault driver unless you've suffered a "serious injury" as defined by New York law. Our experienced New York attorneys can help determine if your case qualifies to step outside the no-fault system to pursue additional compensation for pain and suffering and other non-economic damages.
Contact Our New York Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in New York, don't wait to seek legal representation. The sooner we can begin investigating your case, the stronger your claim will be.
Call Ajlouny Injury Law at (888) 495-8087 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
We're available 24/7 to take your call. Let our experience, resources, and determination work for you during this difficult time.
Remember: The insurance company has lawyers working against you from day one. Level the playing field with Ajlouny Injury Law on your side.
