Car Accident Lawyers in New York

Douglas & London Presents: “How to Poison a Planet” Get Tickets for this Must-Watch Documentary

Official Documentary Trailer

Car accidents remain among the leading causes of injuries and fatalities in New York. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident due to the negligence of another party, you need a New York City car accident lawyer at Douglas & London. We leverage considerable resources, including an established network of forensics experts, investigators, medical professionals, and legal support staff.  

We work tirelessly so you have the best chance of recovering fair and reasonable compensation for your damages. Our New York personal injury attorneys at Douglas & London have recovered more than $18 million for injured parties—and we want to help you. Call us today to schedule a free consultation. 

Hiring a New York Car Accident Lawyer: The Importance of Legal Representation 

When up against powerful insurance companies, you face a formidable opponent that often prioritizes its bottom line over your well-being. These companies have extensive resources and legal teams dedicated to minimizing payouts and settling claims as cheaply as possible. This can make it incredibly challenging to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses. 

Without legal representation, you may be pressured to accept an offer that does not fully cover your expenses. An experienced lawyer at Douglas & London will ensure this does not happen by handling all communications with the insurance company, negotiating on your behalf, and fighting to ensure that your settlement accurately reflects your needs and the true extent of your damages. 

A Successful Car Accident Claim 

A successful car accident claim hinges on solid evidence such as police reports, medical records, witness statements, and even traffic camera footage. We will gather evidence, consult with accident reconstruction experts, and fight tenaciously for your rights, whether through negotiations or advocating for you in court, if necessary. 

Past success does not guarantee future outcomes.

New York City Car Accident Statistics 

Unfortunately, car accidents are frequent in New York City, with millions of residents, commuters, and a constant flow of visitors. The sheer volume of vehicles, gridlock during rush hour, and busy avenues all contribute to the high number of collisions in the city. 

Annual Collision Data  

New York City consistently sees a high volume of traffic accidents each year. As of May 2024, according to the NYPD, there have already been 7,999 motor vehicle collisions reported citywide.  

Injury and Fatality Rates  

NYPD also reports that in the first five months of 2024, there have been 3,677 injured motorists and passengers. Additionally, during this period, there have been seven reported fatalities due to traffic accidents in NYC. These numbers highlight the serious and often devastating consequences of car accidents on residents and visitors. 

Leading Causes of Car Accidents  

Driver inattention and distraction remain leading contributors to these accidents. Activities such as texting, talking on a cell phone, or other forms of distraction are responsible for a substantial portion of car crashes in NYC and nationwide. Distracted driving caused approximately 28% of all traffic accidents in the city this year. Other significant causes include failure to yield, unsafe lane changes, and driving over the speed limit. 

Dangerous Intersections in NYC 

Car accidents can stem from numerous factors, but congestion is a significant contributor in New York City. In addition, frustration, fatigue, and distractions have become more common. These factors, combined with NYC’s already complex and busy streets, make driving even more hazardous. 

Some of the most dangerous intersections include the following: 

• Fordham Road and the Major Deegan Expressway (The Bronx) 
• Flatbush Avenue and Atlantic Avenue (Brooklyn) 
• 37th Avenue at 101st Street in Corona (Queens) 
• Third Ave & E 13th St (Manhattan) 
• Sixth Ave & W 23rd St (Manhattan) 
• 3rd Avenue & East 14th Street (Manhattan) 
• Rivington Street and Clinton Street (Manhattan) 

Being aware of these high-risk intersections and practicing defensive driving can help reduce the likelihood of an accident. 

Steps to Take After a Car Accident 

Being involved in a car accident is often disorienting. However, knowing the steps to take immediately after an accident can help ensure your safety, protect your rights, and streamline the claims process. You should: 

• Ensure Your Safety: First, assess everyone at the scene for injuries and call for help. If you do not require immediate emergency medical care, follow up with your healthcare provider to rule out internal injuries and other conditions that can worsen over time. 
• Do Your Best to Document the Accident Scene. Take pictures of the damage and the location of the crash. Ensure the police file a report. 
• Exchange Information: Collect contact and insurance details from all involved parties. 
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident promptly. 
• Keep Accurate Records: Maintain records of all medical treatments, repair bills, and correspondence related to the accident. 
• Consult a Lawyer: Contact a car accident attorney at Douglas & London to learn more about your rights and options. Delaying can significantly hurt your case.  

Insurance companies may be quick to offer a settlement offer. However, they are motivated to pay out as little as possible, and accepting a settlement means you lose the right to sue. It’s best to discuss your options with a New York car accident lawyer before making any significant decisions or communicating with the other driver’s insurance company. 

Common Car Accident Injuries Due to Negligence 

If Some of the most common injuries in car accidents include whiplash, soft tissue injuries, lacerations and cuts, knee and leg Injuries, and chest injuries. Catastrophic injuries can upend your life and lead to permanent lifestyle changes, and include the following: 

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) 
• Spinal Cord Injury 
• Multiple Broken Bones 
• Internal Organ Damage 
• Severe Burns 
• Amputation 

Further, catastrophic injuries can significantly impact your quality of life and, in some cases, even shorten your life expectancy. The challenges do not end with the initial recovery period; many victims will face ongoing rehabilitation, chronic pain, and the need for adaptive equipment or home modifications.  

Types of Compensation Awarded for Victims of Car Accidents 

Every car accident case in New York City is different. Many elements will factor into what your claim is worth, such as the seriousness of your injuries and how much compensation is available–which If you have been in a car accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your losses. The amount depends on the severity of your injuries and how they have impacted your life. You could be entitled to a wide range of damages, including the following: 

• Past and future medical bills 
• Lost wages 
• Transportation costs to medical appointments 
• Pain and suffering 
• Emotional distress 
• Mental anguish 
• Property damage 
• Diminished future earning power 
• Loss of consortium 
• Expenses for medications, mobility assistance devices, and modifications to living space that are needed to facilitate the victim’s limitations due to injuries 

Finally, punitive damages are rare but may be assessed when the defendant’s actions are especially reckless or malicious. They are meant to punish them and discourage others from similar behavior.  

Schedule a Free Case Consultation with Douglas & London 

Choosing Douglas & London means partnering with a firm that cares about your well-being and is committed to going the extra mile for your case. Our goal is to provide our clients with the support and resources they need to rebuild their lives after a serious car accident. 

The time you have to take legal action is limited. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a top New York City car accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident. With our guidance, you can avoid common missteps jeopardizing your case and your right to compensation. Call or connect online to reach our team 24 hours a day, seven days a week. From our Manhattan office, our team at Douglas & London proudly serves clients across New York City and the state. We work on a contingency basis, so there are no upfront legal fees.