Car Accident Lawyers in New York

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 from 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 billion in verdicts and settlements 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 dedicated legal teams that focus on minimizing payouts and settling claims as cost-effectively as possible.

No matter how cordial an insurance agent may seem on the phone, they are paid to make sure that you emerge with the smallest financial recovery 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 can help 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.

Legal Standards for Proving Negligence in Car Accident Cases

To file a successful personal injury claim against the driver who caused your accident, you must prove that the other driver was negligent. Our experienced New York City car accident lawyers understand the legal standards involved and can work to build a strong case on your behalf.

To prove negligence, we must establish the following four elements:

1. Duty of Care: The other driver owed you a duty of care. By operating their vehicle on public roads, every driver is automatically subject to this duty of care.
2. Breach of Duty: The other driver breached this duty of care and was directly responsible for your accident. This can occur when a driver fails to follow traffic laws, drives recklessly, or operates their vehicle in an unsafe manner.
   If a driver breaks the law at the time of the crash—such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol—they are automatically presumed to have breached this duty of care.
3. Damages: You sustained actual damages, which typically come in the form of bodily harm, property damage, or financial losses resulting from the accident.
4. Causation: Your injuries and damages were substantially caused by the accident with the negligent driver. This element requires establishing a clear connection between the other driver’s actions and the resulting harm to you.

An experienced car accident attorney can identify the strengths and weaknesses of your case and implement a legal strategy that will maximize your financial recovery.

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 can 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.

Injury and Fatality Rates

New York City consistently sees a high volume of traffic accidents each year. Vision Zero, New York City’s initiative to improve street safety with the goal of zero deaths and serious injuries, reports that in 2024, there were a combined 53,158 injured motorists and passengers. Additionally, there were 252 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, driving over the speed limit, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, crossing the center line, wrong-way driving, and hit-and-run incidents. With the rise of rideshare services like Lyft and Uber, accidents involving these platforms have also become increasingly common. Traditional taxi accidents also remain a persistent problem, with taxi drivers often engaging in aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding and weaving through traffic.

Hit-and-Run Accidents in New York City

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that hit-and-run accidents have been growing at an alarming rate. In one year alone, these collisions were responsible for more than 2,000 deaths in the United States. Moreover, an average of one person is killed in a hit-and-run collision every week in New York City, according to numbers from the NYC Council.

The Challenge of Hit-and-Run Cases

Hit-and-run accidents present unique legal challenges because the at-fault driver has fled the scene. New York Vehicle & Traffic Laws make it very clear that leaving the scene of a car accident is an offense that can lead to civil damages. If you were injured by a hit-and-run driver, you do have rights and options for recovery.

Recovery Options When the Driver Cannot Be Found

If investigators and law enforcement are not able to track down and identify the hit-and-run driver, you can still recover compensation from your uninsured/underinsured motorists (UM/UIM) policy, which may have supplementary coverage. Hit-and-run accidents are often more challenging to prove, and negotiating a fair settlement from insurance companies requires skilled legal representation.

Why Hit-and-Run Drivers Flee

Hit-and-run accidents usually result from negligence such as distracted driving, speeding, or driving while under the influence. Perpetrators flee the scene for several reasons: some are driving without valid licenses or insurance, have warrants out for their arrest, or are simply afraid of getting caught. If the hit-and-run driver is later identified and charged with a criminal offense, this can strengthen your civil case.

Rideshare Accidents: Lyft and Uber Cases

Ridesharing has exploded in popularity over the past decade in New York City, offering convenience similar to traditional taxi cabs but often faster and more accessible. The growing rideshare market means more vehicles on the road, which translates to greater potential for accidents.

Complex Insurance Coverage in Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents are often complicated, particularly when determining liability and insurance coverage. Courts still can’t definitively decide if rideshare drivers are independent contractors or employees of the company, which affects liability determination.

Lyft’s Insurance Coverage Timeline:

• Off-Duty Drivers: The driver’s commercial insurance policy pays.
• On-Duty but Not Logged In: The driver is responsible for coverage.
• Logged-In, Waiting for Rides: The driver pays, but Lyft provides $50K per person and $100K per accident.
• Active Ride Period: Lyft’s $1 million insurance policy becomes effective from the moment a driver accepts a ride request through the end of the ride.

Multiple Liable Parties in Rideshare Accidents

Liable parties in a rideshare accident could include:

• The rideshare driver
• Other vehicle drivers
• Pedestrians or cyclists
• Transit companies or bus drivers
• Taxi drivers
• Motorcyclists
• Companies responsible for defective auto parts

Under New York’s comparative negligence rule, you can potentially recover compensation from anyone who contributed to the accident. Naming multiple parties in a rideshare lawsuit can help victims maximize recovery.

Traditional Taxi Accidents in New York City

Thousands of New Yorkers take taxi cabs each day, so it should come as no surprise that with so many on the road, accidents are bound to happen. Unfortunately, taxi accidents are commonplace in New York City, with statistics showing a concerning frequency of these incidents.

NYC Taxi Accident Statistics

According to statistics compiled by the NYPD, there were 365 taxi accidents in May 2025 alone. This high rate of collisions highlights the significant risks associated with taxi transportation in the city.

Taxi accidents occur throughout all five boroughs, but statistics show that roughly half of all taxi accidents take place in Manhattan. This concentration is not surprising given the volume of cabs in that borough and the fact that other boroughs often rely on different means of transportation.

Why Taxi Accidents Are So Common

Taxi drivers have a reputation for aggressive driving behaviors that substantially increase the chance of accidents. In their effort to complete one fare and begin another quickly, they often:

• Speed through city streets
• Weave aggressively through traffic
• Make sudden lane changes
• Rush to arrive at destinations faster

This aggressive driving style, combined with the pressure to maximize fares, creates dangerous conditions for passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists.

Rights of Taxi Passengers

Most legal claims stemming from taxi accidents involve pedestrians, cyclists, or other motorists struck by the cab driver. However, passengers within a taxicab also have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries.

Taxi passengers could have multiple options for pursuing compensation:

• Claims against the taxi driver: Cab drivers hold a high duty of care to their passengers.
• Claims against taxi companies: These companies are required to carry substantial insurance policies to operate within New York City.
• Claims against other drivers: If another driver was at fault in the crash, passengers can bring claims against those drivers as well.

The complexity of these cases, including determining which parties owe compensation and what damages can be claimed, makes getting experienced legal representation essential for taxi accident victims.

Time Limits for Filing Car Accident Claims

Understanding the deadlines for filing insurance claims and lawsuits is crucial for protecting your right to compensation. In New York, these deadlines can be complex and vary based on the type of accident and injuries involved.

No-Fault Insurance Deadlines

New York is a no-fault car insurance state, which means you must first seek compensation through your own insurance policy for most injuries. Key deadlines include:

30-Day Rule: You must file a no-fault claim within 30 days of the accident to be eligible for insurance reimbursements, including medical expenses and lost wages up to $2,000 per month.

Serious Injury Threshold: Unless your injuries meet the threshold to qualify as “serious” under state law, you cannot sue the at-fault party and must seek no-fault benefits from your insurer.

Lawsuit Filing Deadlines

Standard Car Accident Claims: When you have suffered a serious injury that allows you to step outside the no-fault system, you must bring a lawsuit within three years of the accident.

Special Circumstances:

• Claims Against Government: If your accident involved a New York public employee, you only have one year to bring suit against the government, but you must first file a notice of claim within 90 days of the accident or lose your right to compensation.
• Discovery Rule: If the injury is not immediately obvious, the statute of limitations begins when you discover or reasonably should have discovered the injury.
• Minors: When a minor is injured, the filing deadline does not begin until they reach age 18 and expires on their 21st birthday.

Head-On Collision Accidents in New York City

When it comes to motor vehicle accidents, few are as potentially devastating as a head-on collision. These accidents are more likely to result in fatal injuries than any other type of crash. Head-on accidents occur when the front ends of two motor vehicles collide with each other, frequently involving vehicles traveling at high speed with catastrophic resulting impact.

Why Head-On Collisions Are So Dangerous

Head-on collisions are arguably the most devastating type of motor vehicle accident. Most of these collisions occur at high speeds, and since both vehicles are typically traveling in opposite directions, the combined force of impact is magnified significantly. This makes head-on crashes far more likely to result in severe injuries or fatalities compared to other types of accidents.

Common Causes of Head-On Collisions

There are different ways for a head-on collision to occur, but they typically fall into two main categories:

Crossing the Center Line: Most head-on collisions occur when one or more drivers cross over the center line of a two-way highway. This can happen when:

• Motorists take a wide turn on a curve and overcorrect, sending them into oncoming traffic.
• Distraction causes a driver to drift over the center line, even for just a second or two.
• Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs affects a driver’s ability to stay in their lane.
• Fatigue or drowsiness causes a driver to lose control.

Wrong-Way Crashes: These occur when one driver travels the wrong way down a one-way street or highway. Wrong-way accidents are particularly destructive when motorists take the wrong on-ramp and travel the wrong way on a highway or interstate. While some wrong-way crashes result from honest mistakes, many are caused by intoxicated or distracted drivers.

Unique Legal Challenges in Head-On Collision Cases

Head-on collisions present specific legal challenges that require experienced representation:

• No-Fault Insurance Requirements: After any head-on car accident in New York, you need to file a no-fault claim within 30 days of the accident to be eligible for insurance reimbursements. This can include reasonable and necessary medical expenses up to your policy limits and lost wages of up to $2,000 per month.
• Serious Injury Threshold: New York applies no-fault insurance rules, which means you’re precluded from filing a lawsuit to collect damages beyond your PIP insurance recovery unless you can show that you sustained serious injuries. An experienced attorney can demonstrate how your injuries meet this standard to enable your lawsuit to move forward.
• Comparative Negligence: Fault can be challenging to determine in a head-on accident. Under New York State’s comparative negligence rules, your recovery might be reduced in proportion to your contribution to the cause of the accident. Your lawyer will marshal available evidence to demonstrate how the fault for the collision rests with the other party.

Drunk Driving Accidents in New York City

Drunk driving accidents represent some of the most tragic and preventable crashes on New York City streets. When drivers choose to get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they put the lives of other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at serious risk. The level of danger is immediately magnified for everyone on the road.

Whether involving drunk driving or drugged driving, an impaired driver can permanently change your life through no fault of your own. If you live in New York City, you know how hectic and frantic it can be to drive these streets under normal circumstances. When you add impaired drivers to the mix, the roads become even more dangerous.

Why Drunk Driving Cases Require Special Legal Attention

Drunk driving accidents often involve additional legal complexities that require experienced representation. When a driver is under the influence at the time of the crash, they are automatically presumed to have breached their duty of care by breaking the law. This can strengthen your personal injury case significantly, as it establishes clear negligence on the part of the impaired driver.

However, these cases can also be more emotionally charged and may involve criminal proceedings alongside your civil claim. Having an experienced New York City car accident attorney who understands both the legal and emotional aspects of drunk driving cases is crucial for maximizing your recovery.

The Devastating Impact of Impaired Driving

What makes drunk driving accidents particularly tragic is that the entire crash may have been completely preventable if the other driver had not decided to get behind the wheel while under the influence. Victims did nothing wrong, yet they suffer the consequences of another person’s poor decision-making.

The more serious the injury caused by a drunk driver, the more devastating these cases become. The knowledge that your life-changing injuries could have been avoided adds an additional layer of trauma to an already difficult situation.

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 as soon as possible 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. 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

Car accidents in New York City can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to catastrophic. The severity of injuries often depends on factors such as the speed of the vehicles involved, the type of collision, and whether safety equipment was properly used.

Head-on collisions, hit-and-run accidents, and other high-impact crashes can cause catastrophic injuries that upend your life and lead to permanent lifestyle changes.

Some of the most common injuries include:

Minor to Moderate Injuries:

• Minor bumps and bruises
• Cuts, scrapes, and lacerations
• Sprained joints and ligaments
• Whiplash
• Soft tissue injuries
• Knee and leg injuries
• Chest injuries
• Broken arms
• Burns
• Neck and back injuries
• Sprains and contusions
• Concussion
• Herniated discs

Catastrophic Injuries:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis
• Multiple Broken Bones
• Internal Organ Damage and Internal Bleeding
• Severe Burns
• Amputation and Severed Limbs
• Head and neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Collapsed lung

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.

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 and diminished work capacity
• Loss of earning capacity when you can work but not at full capacity
• Transportation costs to medical appointments
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and PTSD
• Mental anguish
• Property damage
• Diminished future earning power
• Loss of consortium and companionship
• Disability compensation
• Disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death compensation for families who have lost loved ones
• 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 prioritizes your well-being and is dedicated 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. At Douglas & London, we have handled thousands of cases over the years and have the results to back up our experience.

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 that jeopardize your case and 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.