New York City Car Accident Lawyers
Every borough has different courts, different traffic patterns, and different insurance defense tactics. For 25+ years, we have handled car accident cases throughout New York City and understand the local factors that affect your claim.
Based on 300+ reviews
Why Hire Our New York City Car Accident Lawyer?
Nearly $1 Billion Won
We’ve recovered almost $1 billion for injured clients across documented cases
Largest MVA Recovery
Media Recognition
We’ve been featured in national and local outlets including the New York Post, Daily Mail, and CBS New York
No Fee Unless We Win
Because we work on a contingency fee, you won’t pay us a dime unless we win your case
New York City experiences thousands of traffic crashes each year, resulting in injuries and fatalities across all five boroughs. In 2024, NYC recorded 51,540 traffic injuries. When you suffer injuries and damages in an NYC car crash, you need a New York City car accident lawyer who understands New York’s no-fault insurance system, the serious injury threshold under New York Insurance Law, and the tactics insurers may use to challenge a claim.
Frekhtman & Associates, founded by lead trial attorney Arkady Frekhtman, has spent 25+ years recovering life-changing financial compensation for crash victims across all five NYC boroughs, including a landmark $69.25 million motor vehicle accident verdict. What we bring to your fight:
$900M+ recovered for injured clients across documented cases
25+ years fighting for New York injury victims
$69.25M largest single recovery in a motor vehicle accident case
300+ five-star Google reviews from real clients
Fluent in English and Russian
9.9 AVVO rating and National Top 100 Trial Lawyers
Featured in NY Post, Daily Mail, and CBS New York
No fee unless we win
Whether pursuing severe injury claims, wrongful death damages, or full medical expenses and lost wages, our aggressive personal injury lawyers fight for maximum financial recovery.
Call (866) 288-9529 24/7 for a free case evaluation or schedule one online.
NYC Car Accident Lawyer Serving All Five Boroughs | $900M Recovered
The Cross Bronx Expressway is one of the most dangerous highways in the state, and the Grand Concourse sees daily collisions at its complex intersections. Bronx juries are known among trial attorneys for delivering strong verdicts for injured plaintiffs. Our attorneys try cases in the Bronx County Supreme Court at 851 Grand Concourse and know how to present your case to a Bronx jury. We recovered $2.4 million for a Bronx tractor-trailer crash victim.
Brooklyn leads all five boroughs with over 22,000 crashes per year. Atlantic Avenue, Flatbush Avenue, and the BQE create constant hazards for drivers and pedestrians alike. We try cases in the Kings County Supreme Court at 360 Adams Street. We recovered $1 million for a Brooklyn car accident victim in this courthouse.
Queens Boulevard earned its nickname “Boulevard of Death” after claiming 186 lives since 1990. Despite recent safety improvements, Queens still records nearly 18,000 crashes per year across its sprawling neighborhoods. Cases move through the Queens County Supreme Court in Jamaica, where we know how to build winning cases for Queens residents. We recovered $1.2 million for a Queens driver rear-ended by a box truck on the LIE.
Manhattan’s grid of one-way streets, aggressive taxi traffic, and millions of pedestrians create unique accident dynamics. From FDR Drive pileups to Canal Street chaos, proving fault here requires fast evidence collection before footage disappears. Our Manhattan office at 488 Madison Avenue puts us minutes from the New York County Supreme Court at 60 Centre Street. We recovered $4.17 million for a Manhattan truck crash victim struck while stopped at a red light.
Staten Island Car Accident Lawyer
Hylan Boulevard spans 12 miles and carries some of Staten Island’s heaviest crash volume. Due to limited public transit, Staten Island residents drive more than those in other boroughs. We handle cases involving crashes on Hylan, Victory Boulevard, or the Staten Island Expressway in the Richmond County Supreme Court at 26 Central Avenue in St. George.
25 Years Fighting for Injured New Yorkers
Evidence disappears fast and insurance adjusters move faster. Call now for a free case review with no obligation.
Why Hire an NYC Car Accident Attorney?
- We Know New York’s No-Fault Laws: The serious injury threshold under Insurance Law § 5102(d) is where most claims fail. Insurers routinely argue that your herniated disc or soft tissue injury does not qualify. We have beaten these arguments in courtrooms across all five boroughs.
- We Investigate NYC Accidents Properly: Traffic camera footage from NYPD and private buildings disappears within days. We deploy accident reconstruction experts, pull surveillance footage before it is overwritten, subpoena cell phone records to prove distraction, and retain biomechanical engineers to establish how your injuries occurred.
- We Go to Trial: Founder Arkady Frekhtman has tried motor vehicle cases in courtrooms throughout NYC. The $69.25 million verdict we secured came after aggressive litigation. Insurance companies know we do not bluff.
- We Cover All Five Boroughs: Six offices across Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx, and attorneys who know every county courthouse. We know local judges, local juries, and local insurance defense tactics.
What to Do After a Car Accident in NYC
Your first hours after a crash determine the strength of your personal injury claim. Insurance adjusters start building their defense immediately. Follow these critical steps after a New York car crash:
How Much Is Your NYC Car Accident Case Worth?
Insurance companies offer quick car accident settlements, hoping you sign away your legal rights before understanding the true cost of your injuries. The average car accident settlement in NYC depends on injury severity, total medical bills, and lost wages. We calculate your claim’s maximum settlement value:
- Economic Damages: Full coverage for emergency room bills, future medical expenses, lost income, lost earning capacity, physical therapy, and property damage. Learn more about the types of compensation available.
- Non-Economic Damages: Financial recovery for physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, diminished quality of life, and permanent disfigurement.
- Punitive Damages: Pursued against drivers whose conduct goes beyond negligence, showing a conscious disregard for others’ safety, most clearly established in drunk driving cases.
Non-economic damages in a car accident case are only available if your injury meets the serious injury threshold under Insurance Law § 5102(d). Since New York’s 2026 auto reform (CPLR § 1411(b)), juries also decide fault before they reach that question, so the liability fight now comes first.
Car Accident Results We Have Obtained
Our track record speaks for itself. These are real results from real cases we have handled for auto accident victims in New York.
$69.25M
Motor Vehicle Accident
New York State
Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Ranked among the largest motor vehicle accident awards in New York State history.
$4.17M
Truck Crash
Manhattan, NY
Neck Injuries & Surgeries
59-year-old woman hit at a red light. Defense lowballed for 3 years; jury found truck driver 100% liable. Included future medicals and lost wages.
$2.4M
Tractor-Trailer
Bronx, NY
Spinal, Elbow, Wrist & Shoulder Surgeries
Truck driver rear-ended in a 4-vehicle crash. Secured via mediation in Bronx County Supreme Court.
$1.2M
Box Truck Rear-End
Long Island Expressway, NY
Neck & Back Injuries
37-year-old rear-ended. Overcame defense claims of abrupt stopping to secure a pre-trial settlement.
$1M
Pedestrian Hit by Car
Crosswalk
Traumatic Brain Injury
62-year-old grandmother struck in crosswalk, causing brain hemorrhages and permanent disability. Recovered full policy limits.
$1M
Car Accident
Kings County, NY
Vehicle Collision
Secured in Kings County Supreme Court.
$575K
Car Accident
Brooklyn, NY
Vehicle Collision
Secured in Kings County Supreme Court for Brooklyn accident injuries.
$500K
Pedestrian Knockdown
Manhattan, NY
Brain Injury
Pedestrian struck by a vehicle; resolved via mediation.
$500K
Car Accident
Bronx, NY
Vehicle Collision
Secured in Bronx County Supreme Court (Burgos v. Budget).
See our full verdicts and settlements page or learn more about our firm.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is unique, and the value depends on its specific facts.
Types of Motor Vehicle Accident Cases We Handle
Different accident types require different investigation approaches. We handle every type of motor vehicle collision in NYC:
Common in NYC’s stop-and-go traffic. Frequently cause whiplash and herniated discs that insurers try to minimize.
T-Bone Accidents (Side-Impact Crashes)
Side-impact crashes at intersections cause serious injuries because doors offer less protection.
Often involve wrong-way drivers or drunk driving. Frequently result in catastrophic injury or death.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
We work to identify the driver through surveillance footage and pursue compensation through uninsured motorist coverage.
NYC sees more pedestrian crashes than any city in the country. We represent pedestrians struck by negligent drivers.
Uber and Lyft accidents involve complex insurance layers. We know how to navigate all available coverage.
Commercial trucks cause catastrophic injuries. We know federal trucking regulations and how to hold carriers accountable.
Crashes involving MTA, school, or private charter buses involve complex claim procedures and short deadlines. If you were injured in a transit crash, speak with our NYC MTA accident attorney.
Taxi and For-Hire Accidents
Special insurance rules apply to yellow cabs and black cars. We navigate TLC regulations and identify all coverage.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accidents
We help you access all available coverage, including OBEL coverage, when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance.
Common Car Accident Injuries We Represent
The severity of your injuries directly impacts your claim value. We handle all injury types:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Concussions to severe brain damage causing permanent cognitive impairment. (We secured a historic $69.25 million TBI verdict).
- Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis: Herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, paraplegia, or quadriplegia. These often yield maximum settlement payouts.
- Broken Bones & Fractures: Complex fractures requiring surgical hardware, plates, screws, and rods.
- Severe Back Injuries: Bulging and herniated discs requiring physical therapy, epidural injections, or spinal fusion surgery.
- Knee Injuries & Joint Injuries: Torn ligaments (ACL/MCL) and meniscus tears requiring orthopaedic surgery.
- Internal Injuries: Ruptured organs and internal bleeding may not produce immediate symptoms. Same-day medical evaluation is critical.
- Emotional Distress: PTSD, anxiety, depression, and trauma following severe crashes are fully compensable non-economic damages.
- Catastrophic Injuries: Life-altering injuries requiring long-term care and significant compensation.
Some crashes are fatal, and no settlement can undo that loss. If your family lost a loved one in an NYC car accident, you may have a separate claim for funeral costs, lost income, and loss of companionship. Our NYC wrongful death lawyers handle these cases alongside the surviving family’s own injury claims when both apply.
You do not need a complete medical file or a final diagnosis to find out where you stand.
Most people call while they are still in treatment. We will tell you what your claim involves and what evidence needs preserving now.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Your Crash?
Identifying every liable party matters because each one may carry separate insurance. In NYC car accidents, fault is frequently shared:
- The Other Driver: Speeding, running red lights, distracted driving, drunk driving, and failure to yield all establish liability.
- Vehicle Owners: Under NY V&T Law § 388, owners are vicariously liable for accidents caused by anyone driving with their permission.
- Commercial Vehicles: 18-wheeler accidents, delivery vans, and commercial vehicles flood NYC streets. Employers face liability when employees cause accidents within the scope of employment.
- Rideshare Companies: Uber and Lyft accidents involve complex insurance layers. We know how to navigate TLC regulations and identify all coverage.
- Government Entities: Dangerous road conditions, missing signage, or defective traffic signals create liability. You must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days under General Municipal Law § 50-e.
- Manufacturers: Defective brakes, tires, or airbags can shift liability to manufacturers.
How Do You Prove Negligence After a Car Accident?
To win, you have to prove four things about the other driver. Here is what that means:
- They owed you care: Every driver on a New York road has a legal duty to operate safely. This one is rarely disputed.
- They broke that duty: Speeding, texting, running a red light, driving drunk, or anything else unsafe.
- That caused the crash: Their conduct led directly to the collision. Without it, the crash does not happen.
- You were injured: Medical bills, missed work, or ongoing pain traceable to the crash.
We build your case with police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, cell phone records, and vehicle black box data. Dense camera coverage and constant foot traffic work in your favor here. Know your rights after a car accident.
How New York's No-Fault Insurance Works
New York is a no-fault state. After a car accident, your own insurance pays up to $50,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits for medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. Here is how no-fault insurance works in New York.
But there is a catch. To sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, your injury must meet the serious injury threshold under Insurance Law § 5102(d):
- Death
- Dismemberment
- Significant disfigurement
- A fracture
- Loss of a fetus
- Permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function, or system
- Permanent consequential limitation of use of a body organ or member
- Significant limitation of the use of a body function or system
The 90/180-day category was eliminated on May 26, 2026. Fewer routes to the threshold mean insurers fight the remaining ones harder. We document your treatment from day one to prove your injuries qualify.
How Insurance Companies Reduce Your Settlement
Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s profits. Their goal is to close your claim for the lowest amount possible. We know their playbook because we have beaten it for 25+ years. Here is how dealing with insurance companies actually works.
- Recorded Statements: They use your own words to minimize your injuries. Never give a recorded statement without us present.
- Shifting the Blame: Carriers misuse comparative negligence for car accident claims to argue you caused the crash. Every percentage of fault they pin on you directly cuts your payout.
- Computer Algorithms: Insurance companies use programs like Colossus and other settlement algorithms to calculate lowball offers.
- Delay, Deny, Defend: They drag out the process, hoping financial pressure forces you to settle cheaply. We force their hand with aggressive litigation.
- Challenging Serious Injury: They aggressively dispute whether your injuries meet the § 5102(d) threshold to avoid paying non-economic damages.
We handle all communication, so you cannot be manipulated. Reach out to us at (866) 288-9529.
Work-Related Car Accidents in NYC
If you were injured in a car accident while working, whether driving for your job, making deliveries, or traveling between work sites, you may have multiple claims:
- Workers’ Compensation: Covers medical bills and partial lost wages regardless of fault. You can file a workers’ compensation claim through your employer’s insurance.
- Third-Party Personal Injury Lawsuits: If a negligent driver caused the crash, you can sue them for full compensation, including pain and suffering, on top of workers’ comp benefits.
- Employer Liability: In some cases, your employer may share liability if they pressured you to violate safety rules or failed to maintain company vehicles.
Delivery drivers, truck operators, messengers, and employees running work errands all have unique claim options. We identify every available source of compensation. Start a free case evaluation.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in NYC?
New York law imposes strict deadlines. Miss them, and you lose your right to compensation permanently. See the details on the statute of limitations for car accident claims in New York.
- No-Fault Insurance Benefits: 30 days from the crash date to file your application under 11 NYCRR § 65-1.1.
- Personal Injury Lawsuit: 3 years from the accident date under NY CPLR § 214(5).
- Wrongful Death Lawsuit: 2 years from the date of death under NY EPTL § 5-4.1.
- Government Claims (NYPD / MTA / City of New York): 90 days to file a Notice of Claim, then 1 year and 90 days to sue.
- DMV Crash Reporting: 10 days for accidents involving injury, death, or $1,000+ in property damage under NY V&T Law § 605.
Don't Wait - Your Claim Has a Deadline
Evidence disappears fast: surveillance footage gets overwritten, and witness memories fade. Contact our accident attorney immediately to preserve evidence and file your legal claim.
New York City Traffic Accident Statistics
New York City recorded 205 traffic fatalities in 2025, the fewest in any year since record-keeping began in 1910. Injuries fell 7.7% over the same period, from 51,540 in 2024 to 47,557 as of December 15.
| Borough | 2025 Fatalities | 2024 Fatalities | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn | 63 | 69 | Down 9% |
| Queens | 57 | 74 | Down 23% |
| Manhattan | 39 | 44 | Down 11% |
| The Bronx | 33 | 54 | Down 39% |
| Staten Island | 13 | 12 | Up 8% |
Source: NYC DOT, January 2, 2026
What the 2025 Data Means for Injury Claims
- Pedestrians accounted for more than half of all deaths. 111 of 205 traffic fatalities in 2025 were pedestrians, down from 122 the year before.
- The contributing factors NYPD cites most often in city collisions are driver inattention, failure to yield right-of-way, and following too closely. Each one is a liability argument before it is a statistic.
High-Risk NYC Corridors
These roadways carry the city’s highest crash volumes:
- Belt Parkway (Brooklyn/Queens): The city’s highest-crash roadway. Narrow shoulders and a 1930s design carrying modern highway speeds.
- Long Island Expressway (Queens): Constant merging and heavy truck volume make rear-end collisions the signature crash type.
- Atlantic Avenue (Brooklyn/Queens): Fast-moving traffic crossing dense commercial intersections.
- Grand Concourse (Bronx): Complex multi-lane geometry with heavy bus and service-road traffic.
- FDR Drive (Manhattan): Short merges, no shoulder, and blind curves at highway speed.
- Canal Street (Manhattan): Truck traffic funneling toward the Holland Tunnel through crowded pedestrian crossings.
- Hylan Boulevard (Staten Island): The borough’s main east shore artery, with commercial driveways feeding traffic in both directions.
If you were injured on any of these roadways, an experienced NYC car accident attorney can review what happened and explain your options. Call (866) 288-9529.
NYC Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in NYC?
Most New York City personal injury firms, including ours, operate on a contingency fee basis. That means no upfront legal fees, and the lawyer only gets paid if there’s a recovery. Fees are often a percentage of the settlement or verdict. Ask for the fee terms in writing before you sign.
Can I Recover Compensation If I Was Partially At Fault for the Crash?
Yes, you can still recover compensation, but less, and sometimes nothing, under New York’s 2026 motor vehicle accident reforms. For motor vehicle lawsuits filed on or after May 26, 2026, New York’s modified comparative negligence rule reduces your award by your share of fault: 30% at fault in a $100,000 case means $70,000. If your fault is greater than that of the drivers you sue, recovery is barred entirely.
What If the Other Driver Was Uninsured?
You file against your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. New York requires a minimum of $25,000 UM. If you carry higher limits, you can recover more. We also search for additional liable parties with insurance.
How Long Does It Take to Settle an NYC Auto Accident Claim?
There is no average timeline. It depends on injury severity, treatment length, and whether fault is disputed. Some clear-liability cases resolve in months, but cases involving surgery, long-term disability, or serious injury threshold disputes can take longer, especially if litigation is needed in Kings County Supreme Court.
Should I Accept the Insurance Company's First Offer?
No. First offers are calculated to close your file cheap, before anyone knows the full extent of your injuries. The offer that arrives in week two is not built on your MRI results, because you have not had one yet. Do not sign anything.
Do I Have to Go to Court for a Car Crash Claim?
Most cases settle. We prepare every one as if a jury will hear it, and that preparation is what moves the offer. If the number is not right, we try the case. See what to expect from court vs settlement.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
If you have significant injuries, yes. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working against you. An experienced auto accident lawyer in NYC levels the playing field. We can help you decide if you need a lawyer.
Can I Switch Lawyers During My Case?
Yes. If you are unhappy with your current representation, you have the right to change lawyers at any time. See how to switch lawyers during your case.
Speak With an NYC Car Accident Attorney Today
Every day after an accident matters. Insurance companies are already building their case against you. Evidence is disappearing. The 30-day no-fault deadline waits for no one. Frekhtman & Associates responds immediately. We stop insurance games, preserve critical evidence, and fight for your full recovery. You pay nothing unless we win.
Call 866 ATTY LAW. Get a trial lawyer on your side.
(866) 288-9529 24/7 | Start your free consultation
We represent car accident victims throughout all five boroughs. Our attorneys handle cases from Williamsburg to the South Bronx, from Astoria to St. George.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is unique and the value depends on its specific facts.
The Right Representation Near You
While it’s possible to handle a personal injury case on your own, having an experienced attorney by your side significantly increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome. We have our office located all over New York City, so you don’t have to worry about office visits. You can find and visit one of our offices near you.