Car Accident Injuries in New York City: What You Need to Know

New York City never sleeps. Its streets are busy around the clock with cars, MTA buses, taxis, bicycles, and pedestrians. Add heavy congestion and complex traffic patterns into the mix, and the city becomes a hotspot for vehicle accidents.

If you or a loved one suffered car accident injuries on NYC roads, knowing your rights is crucial. We understand that the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident—managing medical care, negotiating with insurers, and figuring out your next steps—can feel exhausting. Our NYC car accident lawyers can walk you through your next best steps after an accident and protect your legal rights.

Common Car Accident Injuries in New York City

In 2023 alone, New York City saw over 38,000 motor vehicle crashes. While fender benders without injuries can occur frequently in congested cities like NYC, accidents with significant injuries are no rarity either. Here’s a look at some common car accident injuries in NYC:

Whiplash

According to the Mayo Clinic, whiplash is common in rear-end accidents and occurs when the neck is forcefully jolted forward and backward during impact. While whiplash is often considered a minor or “harmless” injury, it can cause chronic pain and the need for prolonged rehabilitation treatment.

Broken Bones

Accidents involving high-speed impacts or crashes with pedestrians and bicyclists can result in broken bones. Complex fractures may require multiple surgeries and could lead to permanent loss of mobility.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

TBIs typically occur due to a violent blow to the head or the head hitting the inside of the car in an accident. A severe TBI can cause permanent brain damage and lead to long-term cognitive or physical problems.

Spinal Cord and Back Injuries

Back injuries can be common in all types of motor vehicle crashes. While a muscle injury may heal relatively quickly, more severe injuries like spinal cord damage can result in irreversible paralysis and life-long adjustments.

Internal Injuries

A heavy impact, especially in accidents with large or commercial vehicles, can lead to internal organ damage. While typically invisible from the outside, organ damage and other internal injuries can be severe and even fatal. Such injuries usually require emergency medical treatment.

If you’re affected by any of these injuries or others after a car crash, see a doctor promptly. Fast medical assessment and treatment can be essential for protecting your legal rights and health.

New York Car Accident Laws Impacting Your Case

When you’re hurt in an accident, you may be surprised to discover the unique set of laws applying to NYC injury claims. Understanding state laws and regulations can be vital for asserting your rights and recovering fair compensation.

What Is No-Fault Insurance?

New York State operates under a no-fault insurance system. This means your car insurer typically covers your accident-related costs, such as medical bills and wage losses, regardless of who is responsible. However, you may be unable to sue unless your injuries and damages are severe. A NYC car accident attorney at Berkowitz & Weitz Law, P.C. can determine whether you qualify for a lawsuit.

Comparative Negligence

New York follows the comparative negligence rule, meaning fault is shared between the parties involved in a collision. If you’re partially at fault for an accident, your compensation will be reduced according to your degree of fault. Let’s say you have $100,000 in damages, and the court finds you 20% at fault. In this case, you would only be able to recover 80% of the total damages ($80,000).

A NYC car accident lawyer can minimize your share of fault and maximize your recovery in complex car accident cases.

Your Best Next Steps When Hurt in a NYC Car Accident

Taking specific steps after a car accident in NYC can be crucial to protect yourself and your rights. Here’s what to do:

• Call 911. Dial 911 for law enforcement and request medical assistance if you or any other parties to the accident suffered injuries.

• Exchange Contact Details. Exchange names, contact details, and insurance information with other drivers and eyewitnesses.

• Document the Scene. If possible, take pictures of the accident scene and any damaged vehicles. Jot down what happened in the moments before the crash, as memories can fade over time.

• Seek Medical Assistance. If you declined medical help at the accident scene, visit a doctor as soon as possible after the crash to ensure you haven’t sustained any underlying injuries.

• Document Your Damages. Retain all receipts and credit card statements showing your accident-related expenses.

• Notify Your Insurer. Contact your insurance company promptly and inform them of the accident. Your insurer can help you initiate the claims procedure right away.

• Contact a NYC Car Accident Lawyer. If you or a loved one experienced significant injuries, talk to an attorney to understand your rights and the next best steps.

Is Someone Else Liable for Your NYC Car Accident Damages?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), accidents often occur due to risky driving behaviors, such as drunk driving. If another driver caused your accident carelessly or recklessly, you could be entitled to compensation.

You could also have a personal injury case if your crash occurred due to a poorly constructed road or a vehicle defect. Here are some examples where you could hold another party responsible:

• Speeding. Driving too fast is a leading cause of car crashes. Excessive speed not only contributes to accidents but also increases the severity of injuries and car damage.

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs can cause serious crashes. More than 13,000 individuals died nationwide in alcohol-related crashes in 2022 alone.

• Distracted Driving. Driving distracted, such as talking to passengers or texting, takes a driver’s attention away from the road and can cause severe crashes.

• Violating Traffic Laws. If your crash happened due to another driver violating traffic laws, such as running a red light or stop sign, they could be responsible for your accident and damages.

• Poorly Constructed Roads. Substandard road construction or lack of maintenance can cause or contribute to NYC car accidents. If you experienced a crash due to a poorly maintained or designed road, you could have a case against a NYC government entity.

• Defective Motor Vehicle. Vehicle faults occasionally cause accidents. Such product defects can include faulty steering, defective brakes, tire defects, and others.

Since car accidents can involve complex liability issues, consulting a NYC car accident attorney is crucial for understanding your rights and obligations.

Compensation You Could Recover

You deserve adequate compensation if you suffered severe injuries and financial losses, and another is responsible. While every accident is unique and damages depend on the circumstances of your crash and the scope of your injuries, awards may include:

• Healthcare expenses and future medical bills
• Lost wages and future lost earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and anguish
• Loss of life enjoyment
• Emotional distress

A NYC car accident lawyer can help you understand the value of your claim and the compensation you could recover from the responsible party.

Get Started Now and Contact Berkowitz & Weitz Law, P.C.

You don’t have to handle the stressful aftermath of a NYC car accident alone. We know how much may be at stake for you and your family. Our attorneys are dedicated to helping NYC car accident victims avert financial hardship by pursuing the compensation they need to put their lives back together.

Don’t wait to seek legal advice, as the time to file a lawsuit in New York is limited. Contact Berkowitz & Weitz Law, P.C. today for a free case review.