NYC Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in New York City, you need experienced attorneys who understand both the law and the insurance system inside and out.
The Platta Law Firm has recovered millions for crash victims throughout all five boroughs—including over $2.5 million for a car passenger—and we’re ready to fight for your maximum compensation.
Whether it’s a minor accident in Midtown or a catastrophic collision in the Bronx, we bring deep legal knowledge, aggressive litigation strategies, and personal care to every case. Contact us 24/7 for a free consultation.
Why Choose The Platta Law Firm for Your NYC Car Accident Case?
- Proven Results: Multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, including:
- $2.5M for a bus crash victim
- $1.25M for a rear-end collision involving spinal injuries
- $1.1M settlement for a pedestrian struck in a crosswalk
- $1M for a commercial vehicle crash causing cervical fusion surgery
- Award-Winning Advocacy: Recognized by Super Lawyers and Top 10 NYC Personal Injury Lawyers
- Deep NYC Expertise: Decades of success in all boroughs, familiar with local streets, traffic patterns, and courts
- Hands-On Legal Care: You work directly with an experienced attorney—not just a case manager
- Contingency-Based Representation: You don’t pay unless we win
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in NYC
- Stop and Exchange Info (VTL § 600): Legally required. Provide your name, address (with street number), license, registration, insurance card, and policy number.
- Report the Crash: Call 911. If no officer arrives and there’s injury or damage over $1,000, go to the nearest police station to report.
- File DMV Report (VTL § 605): Within 10 days, submit Form MV-104 if there’s injury, death, or over $1,000 in property damage.
- Notify Your Insurer Promptly: Most NY policies require notice “as soon as practicable”—ideally within 24 hours.
- Document the Scene: Photos, videos, witness info, road and weather conditions. This evidence is critical.
- Seek Medical Care: Some injuries (e.g., TBI, internal bleeding) are not immediately obvious. Prompt records also support claims.
Understanding New York’s No-Fault Insurance & Fault-Based Claims
- No-Fault Coverage (Ins. Law § 5102):
- Up to $50,000 in medical and wage loss benefits, regardless of fault
- Covers $2,000/month lost wages (max 3 years), $25/day household expenses (1 year)
- Suing Beyond No-Fault:
- To sue for pain and suffering, injury must meet the serious injury threshold under Ins. Law § 5102(d):
- Fractures, disfigurement, loss of organ use, 90/180-day limitation, etc.
- Courts require objective evidence—not just complaints—to meet this standard
- Comparative Fault (CPLR § 1411):
- Even if you’re partially at fault, you can still recover
- Damages are reduced by your percentage of fault
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (Ins. Law § 3420):
- Mandatory UM coverage: $25K/person injury; $50K/person death
- Optional SUM coverage fills the gap when the other driver has low policy limits
Common NYC Car Crash Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Herniated discs & spinal cord damage
- Neck injuries (whiplash)
- Fractured ribs, limbs, and pelvis
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Fatal injuries
We work with leading physicians and life care planners to document the full extent of your losses.
Available Damages After a NYC Auto Accident
We pursue total compensation including:
- Past & future medical costs
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (spouse)
- Punitive damages (e.g., DUI)
We also handle complex multi-defendant liability cases with government entities, product manufacturers (defective vehicle parts), and uninsured drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Qualifies as a “Serious Injury” Under New York Law?
New York Insurance Law § 5102(d) defines it as death, dismemberment, disfigurement, fracture, loss of use, or significant/permanent limitation of a body system—or being unable to perform most daily activities for 90 of 180 days after the accident. Courts require objective medical evidence to support claims.
Can I Still Get Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault?
Yes. Under CPLR § 1411, your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault, but you’re not barred from recovery.
What if I Didn’t File the DMV Report in Time?
Failure to submit Form MV-104 within 10 days can lead to license suspension and misdemeanor charges under VTL § 605. File immediately or call us for help.
Does No-Fault Cover Pain and Suffering?
No. It only covers economic loss. Pain and suffering requires meeting the serious injury threshold and filing a separate tort claim.
Can I Sue if the Other Driver Was Uninsured?
Yes. You can file a claim under your Uninsured Motorist policy or SUM policy if their insurance was inadequate.
What if my Injury Symptoms Appear Later?
That’s common. Internal bleeding, soft tissue damage, and TBIs often take time to show. Get checked and documented immediately.
Will my Insurance Rates Go Up if I Use No-Fault?
No-fault benefits should not affect your rates. At-fault liability or citations may.
Is it Expensive to Hire The Platta Law Firm?
No. We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win.
New York City Car Accident Statistics (2023)
- 94,657 total collisions
- 53,095 involved injuries
- 235 fatalities
- 8,787 injured pedestrians
- 4,842 injured cyclists
Call an Experienced NYC Car Accident Lawyer Today
Time matters after a crash. Contact The Platta Law Firm at (212) 514-5100 or use our secure online form. We serve clients across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island—and we’re ready to fight for your recovery, justice, and peace of mind.
