NYC Car Accident Lawyer
Have you recently been involved in a car crash? Is the emotional trauma of the accident too much to bear? Are your physical injuries keeping you out of work and preventing you from living your life normally? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages.
NYC car accidents are increasingly common, but with help from a dedicated car accident attorney in New York City, you can hold the liable party accountable. Whether you need to file a claim with the insurance company or bring your case to trial, our legal team is here to help you demand justice.
Schedule a free consultation with our NYC car crash lawyers at Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP today to learn more about who you should sue for your damages, how much your case could be worth, and what you need to do to win.
Introduction to Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP
Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP is a distinguished law firm in the heart of New York City specializing in advocating for individuals affected by car accidents. Established with a commitment to excellence and a passion for justice, our seasoned team of attorneys brings unparalleled expertise and dedication to each case they handle.
With a track record of success, Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP has earned a reputation for our unwavering advocacy and client-centered approach. We understand the complexities of car accident cases and the impact they can have on individuals and families. Our firm’s mission is not only to secure fair compensation for their clients but also to provide compassionate support throughout the legal process.
Our clients trust us for our comprehensive legal knowledge, personalized attention, and relentless pursuit of favorable outcomes. From navigating insurance claims to litigating in court, our firm’s commitment to protecting the rights of those injured in car accidents is evident in every case they take on.
Our dedication extends beyond the courtroom; we prioritize building strong relationships with clients, ensuring open communication, and offering guidance every step of the way. Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP stands as a beacon of support and legal expertise for those seeking justice and fair compensation following a car accident in New York City.
Common Types of Car Accidents and Injuries in NYC
Car accidents in New York City can vary in nature due to the urban landscape and high volume of traffic. Our car accident attorneys regularly see claims arise from the most common types of car accidents, including:
Rear-End Collisions: This type of car accident occurs when a vehicle crashes into the back of another vehicle, often due to sudden stops or tailgating. Whiplash and neck injuries are typical in these accidents.
Intersection Accidents: Collisions at intersections happen due to running red lights, failing to yield, or misjudging the right of way. T-bone accidents, where one car impacts the side of another, are common here and can cause severe injuries.
Side-Impact Collisions: Also known as a broadside or “T-bone” car accident, these occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another. They often happen at intersections and can result in serious injuries, especially to passengers on the impacted side.
Head-On Collisions: Our car accident attorneys will tell you that these are among the most severe accidents and happen when two vehicles collide front-to-front. They often occur due to wrong-way driving, overtaking on two-lane roads, or driver distraction. Injuries in head-on collisions can be catastrophic.
Single-Vehicle Accidents: These involve only one vehicle and can happen due to various factors such as loss of control, road hazards, or wildlife. They can result in injuries to the driver and passengers.
As for injuries, a new York City car accident can lead to a range of physical harm:
Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden jerking movements in a collision can cause neck strain or whiplash, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur from the impact of the collision, ranging from mild concussions to severe brain trauma.
Back Injuries: Herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, or fractures can result from the force of a car accident, leading to chronic pain or even paralysis.
Broken Bones and Fractures: Impact during a crash can cause broken bones, which may require extensive medical treatment.
Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, or other internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Are you struggling with any of the car accident injuries mentioned above? Understanding these common types of accidents and associated injuries can help individuals seek the necessary medical and legal assistance if they’re involved in a car accident in NYC. Consulting with NYC car accident attorneys like Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP can aid in navigating the legal complexities and seeking compensation for injuries sustained in such accidents.
New York City Car Accident Statistics
With exceedingly high congestion levels at virtually all hours of the day and night, NYC is known for severe traffic conditions and collisions. It is not unusual for victims to suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries when a car crashes. In fact, up to four out of ten NYC car accidents result in critical injury or death.
In 2022, there were over 100,000 car accidents, with nearly 40,000 of them involving a serious bodily injury or fatality. These collisions most frequently occur when motorists are speeding. Accidents involving bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists are also common.
One of the boroughs with the greatest number of fatal accidents is Brooklyn. This is partially because of the fact that there are a greater number of vehicles traveling in the area. There were more than 12,800 motor vehicle accidents involving death or critical injury in Brooklyn in 2022. In comparison, Staten Island had the fewest number of severe crashes with less than 2,000.
Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx accounted for less than 50% of all collisions. Queens saw just over 10,500, Manhattan saw just over 6,000, and the Bronx had 6,660. However, it is worth noting that many of these crashes involve pedestrians and bicyclists. New York City has thousands of bicyclists and even more pedestrians making their way through the city.
Over 5,500 New York City motor vehicle accidents in 2022 involved bicyclists. The city has taken steps to reduce the number of bicycle accidents by installing over 1,500 miles of bicycle lanes. In 2022, 12 NYC bicyclists suffered fatal injuries. Pedestrian accidents are also a serious cause for concern. Nearly 120 pedestrians died after being struck by motor vehicles while nearly 8,500 suffered severe injuries in that same year.
Only three percent of all motor vehicle accidents in 2022 involved motorcycles. This number amounts to approximately 2,700 motorcycle wrecks. Taxi accidents were significantly more common. Since there are nearly 110,000 yellow taxi cabs traveling throughout the city on any given day, it should come as no surprise that nearly 4,000 of the city’s 100,000 collisions involve taxis. In comparison, rideshare service providers accounted for over 650,000 motor vehicle trips throughout the year.
Common Causes of New York City Car Accidents
Figuring out the cause of your car crash will be your attorney’s top priority. Establishing the cause of the accident will help us to identify the liable party.
Here are some of the most common causes of NYC car accidents:
Dangerous Roads
Dangerous road conditions are one of the top causes of car accidents. This can include any number of road hazards, including lack of sufficient street signs, potholes, unsecured construction zones, and more. When the New York Department of Transportation fails to make necessary road repairs or respond to road hazard complaints in a timely manner, they can be held accountable for injuries victims sustain.
Negligent Driving
Negligent driving can include any type of unsafe driving by another motorist. Some examples could include:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Disregarding traffic control
- Improper turns
- Distracted driving
- Backing out unsafely
- Making an unsafe lane change
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Failure to yield to the right of way
- Making improper turns
- Lack of sufficient driver experience
- Failure to stop at traffic lights or stop signs
Defective Motor Vehicle Parts
Defective motor vehicle parts are another top cause of collisions. Under the worst circumstances, defects can affect virtually any car part. When tires, airbags, fuel tanks, engines, transmissions, and other essential parts are defective, they have the potential to cause life-threatening injuries. Auto parts manufacturers, designers, distributors, safety inspectors, and even motor vehicle dealerships can be held accountable.
Common Types of Car Accidents in New York City
Car accidents can come in multiple forms. Your car accident lawyer must carefully evaluate the type of collision you were involved in so we can gather the evidence needed to support your case. Some of the most common types of motor vehicle accidents include:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Drunk driving accidents
- Sideswipe accidents
- T-bone accidents
- Jackknife accidents
- Blind spot accidents
- Speeding accidents
- Tire blowouts
- Underride accidents
New York City Car Accident FAQ
You likely have many unanswered questions surrounding the car accident claims process and whether you are entitled to compensation after a collision in New York City. We hope to help you feel confident and empowered in pursuing your case.
With that in mind, we have answered some of the most commonly asked questions regarding NYC car accident cases below. If you have additional questions we did not discuss here, contact our personal injury law firm so we can answer your concerns in further detail.
What Damages Are Available if I’m Injured in a Car Crash in NYC?
If you suffer serious injuries in a car accident, there are specific types of damages you could be awarded. Some of these you’re entitled to recover, while others are not awarded in every car accident case.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages refer to the losses you are entitled to. Under New York tort laws, you have the right to be made whole. You should receive compensation for every loss you suffer due to another party’s negligence. This includes a combination of economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are strictly financial. Your car accident lawyer will closely evaluate your bank records, financial documents, receipts, and repair quotes to obtain the total value of your economic losses. This makes this category of damages one of the easiest to quantify. Some examples of recoverable economic damages for NYC car accident victims include:
- Lost income from taking time off work
- Loss of benefits provided by your employer, such as retirement savings contributions, health insurance coverage, and paid leave
- Loss of income
- Medical expenses related to your collision, such as wheelchairs and other medical devices, co-pays, prescription medications, future medical treatment, ongoing mental health counseling or physical therapies, and necessary accommodations to your home
- The value your vehicle lost after the accident and rental car expenses
- The increases to your auto insurance premiums
- Damage to your credit score
However, it is not only economic damages you are entitled to. Non-economic damages can be equally, if not more impactful. However, they are more difficult to quantify because they do not have a financial value. It will be up to your car accident attorney to review these losses and place a monetary value on the impact they have had and are expected to have on your life well into the future.
Some examples of potentially recoverable non-economic damages include:
- Reduced quality of life
- Permanent disability
- Chronic pain
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Damage to your reputation
- Psychological torment
- Extreme fear and anxiety
- Apprehension and anticipation
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages could substantially increase the amount of compensation you recover in your claim. However, these are not awarded in every car accident case. According to New York laws, exemplary damages can only be issued in lawsuits when the defendant’s conduct is intentionally malicious, grossly negligent, or reprehensible. For this reason, you should never expect to be awarded compensation for punitive damages.
Caps on Car Accident Damages
Many states cap the amount of compensation you can recover for your damages. This limits the amount of compensation victims can be awarded for their pain and suffering and other non-monetary losses. Thankfully, this is not something you need to be worried about if your accident happened in NYC. New York state does not currently impose any caps on economic or non-economic damages, which means you have the opportunity to be reimbursed in full for your suffering.
How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
At this point in time, it is impossible to say how much your car accident case is worth. To find out, your car accident attorney will analyze your damages in their entirety so we understand the true value of your losses. Once we have quantified your non-economic damages and calculated the value of your economic damages, we will know how much to seek when you file your claim with the insurance company or bring your case to trial.
Certain types of damages will be covered by the insurance company. However, insurance is unlikely to cover every loss. Generally, insurance payouts are limited to the types and amounts of coverage purchased by the policyholder. This limits the amount of compensation you can recover from your insurance claim. Thankfully, when you go to trial, you have the right to be made whole. Although no amount of compensation will change the trauma of your experience, you will have access to the financial support you need to move forward with your life and put this traumatic experience behind you.
Which Roads and Intersections in NYC Are the Most Dangerous?
Millions of motor vehicles use New York City roads to travel. However, certain intersections and roadways across NYC’s boroughs are more dangerous than others.
Here are some of the most hazardous roads and intersections in NYC:
The Bronx
The Bronx has several particularly dangerous intersections, including:
- E 138th St & Alexander Ave
- W 179th St & Cedar Ave
- W Fordham Rd & Major Deegan Expy
- Bronx River Ave & Bruckner Blvd
- E Fordham Rd & Southern Blvd
- E 138th St & Bruckner Blvd
- White Plains Rd & Bruckner Blvd
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is home to the greatest number of NYC residents, and also the greatest number of collisions. Some of the most dangerous intersections in Brooklyn include:
- Westminster Rd & Beverley Rd
- Atlantic Ave & Flatbush Ave
- Atlantic Ave & 4th Ave
- Tillary St & Flatbush Ave Ext
- Washington Park & Willoughby Ave
- Ocean Pkwy & Church Ave
- 4th Ave & 9th St
- 56th St & 18th Ave
Queens
There are a significant number of commercial and personal vehicles traveling through Queens at any given time. Some of the most dangerous roads and intersections include:
- Kessel St & 72nd Ave
- Union Tpke & Utopia Pkwy
- Union Tpke & Parsons Blvd
- Myrtle Ave & Park Ln S
- 140th St & Jewel Ave
- Metropolitan Ave & Park Ln S
Manhattan
Manhattan has the greatest number of dangerous roadways. Be especially aware of your surroundings if you are traveling through any one of the following Manhattan intersections:
- Montgomery St & FDR Dr
- Madison Ave & E 84th St
- 2nd Ave & Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
- Lexington Ave & E 84th St
- Madison Ave & E 85th St
- 1st Ave. & E 87th St
- Lexington Ave & E 85th St
- E 59th St & 3rd Ave
- 2nd Ave & E 59th St
- 2nd Ave & E 37th St
- 2nd Ave & E 36th St
- 6th Ave & W 24th St
- E 30th St & 3rd Ave
- E Houston St & Bowery
- Canal St & Bowery
- Delancey St & Bowery
Staten Island
Even though Staten Island may be less congested than the other boroughs, it still has its fair share of dangerous intersections and collisions. The most hazardous areas include:
- Victory Blvd & Montgomery Ave
- Victory Blvd & Jewett Ave
- Crystal Ave & Forest Ave
- Richmond Ave & Morani St
- Van Pelt Ave & Netherland Ave
- Todt Hill Rd & Ocean Terrace
- Westwood Ave & Todt Hill Rd
- Tompkins Ave. & Vanderbilt Ave
- Steuben St & W Fingerboard Rd
How Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP can Assist You After a Car Accident
Hiring the lawyers at Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP after a car accident can be immensely beneficial for several reasons. Our attorneys are well-versed in car accident laws specific to New York City. We understand the nuances of the legal system, including statutes of limitations, liability laws, and procedural requirements, which can be complex for someone without legal experience.
Our team of NYC auto accident attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, collecting crucial evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage. This helps build a strong case to support your claim for compensation.
We will work tirelessly to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages you may have incurred due to the accident. Hiring our team after a NYC car accident allows you to focus on recovery while they handle the legal complexities. Their compassionate approach ensures that you have the support and guidance you need during what can be a challenging time.
Should the case proceed to court, Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP will provide strong legal representation. Our experienced trial attorneys will advocate on your behalf, presenting your case effectively in front of a judge and jury if necessary.
But that’s not all. Your car accident lawyer will be responsible for protecting you from profit-driven insurance companies. Dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming. Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP can handle communications with insurance adjusters, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you’re not taken advantage of by insurance tactics that may undervalue your claim. It’s not uncommon for insurers to attempt to take advantage of car accident victims during these difficult times. The insurance company cares about one thing — their profit margins. Insurance adjusters will go to great lengths to protect their losses. Some have been known to misrepresent the terms of the policy to reduce payouts.
Establishing fault in a car accident is crucial for determining who should be held responsible for damages. Others manipulate statements given to them by injury victims to make it appear as though they are partially to blame for the accident or their subsequent injuries. However, when you have an experienced car accident attorney working for you, you can breathe easier knowing you will not be tricked into settling for less than you deserve or have to contend with unfounded allegations of shared liability. Our attorneys have the expertise to assess the circumstances of the accident and determine liability, whether it involves another driver, a manufacturer, or another party.
Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP’s successful track record and client testimonials proves you will find the best New York car accident lawyer here. Hiring Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP offers you the expertise of seasoned professionals who are dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve after experiencing a car accident in New York City. We will not shy away from filing a personal injury lawsuit if necessary.
How Much Is a Typical Car Accident Settlement in NYC?
There is no average car accident settlement in NYC. The average numbers are skewed greatly by low and high payouts that do not accurately represent how much injury victims may actually be awarded. Some car accident survivors are awarded tens of thousands of dollars while others are awarded millions.
The extent to which your life has been affected by the accident and your injury will determine how much your claim is worth. You can find out how much your car accident settlement could be valued when you discuss your damages in extensive detail with your personal injury lawyer.
Can You Sue for a Car Accident in NYC?
If someone else is responsible for causing your car accident, you can file a lawsuit against them. In some cases, you may be able to avoid going to trial by having your lawyer negotiate with the insurance company or liable party outside of court.
However, if the insurance settlement you receive is not enough to fully cover your damages or the insurance company refuses to settle your claim fairly, bringing your case to court is your best option if you want to maximize your financial compensation.
How Long Does a Car Accident Settlement Take in NYC?
The entire car accident claims process can take anywhere from several months to several years. Several factors influence the amount of time it will take to resolve your car accident lawsuit, such as:
- The availability of evidence
- How much insurance coverage you purchased
- Whether the liable party has insurance coverage
- Whether multiple parties share blame for the accident
- If you are accused of sharing liability for the collision
- The extent of your injuries
How Long After a Car Accident Can You Sue in NY?
The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits under New York Civil Practice Law & Rules Section 214 sets the deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. According to the law, you have up to three years from the accident date to file. However, certain situations may allow the statute of limitations to be temporarily paused.
This often occurs when victims are under the age of 18 or are not diagnosed with their injuries until a later date. Unfortunately, if your case is not filed before time runs out, no matter how sympathetic the court is to your case, they will be legally obligated to prohibit you from moving forward with your lawsuit.
The same is true for filing a claim with the insurance company. Insurance companies have the authority to set deadlines for claim filings. Some insurance companies allow only 48 hours to pass before this deadline while others may require claims to be filed within 30 days. Your car accident attorney will carefully review the insurance policy in question to determine how long you have to file your claim with the insurance company.
Get Help From Our New York City Car Accident Lawyers Today
Pursuing compensation after an auto accident in NYC can be overwhelming, especially when your injuries are debilitating or leave you with significant emotional distress. Fortunately, you can get the legal guidance and support you need when you need it most by contacting an experienced car accident lawyer from Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP.
We work on a contingency fee basis for our clients, so you never have to put money down to hire a personal injury attorney. You won’t have to pay anything for our services unless we win.
Make the at-fault party pay when you contact our office for a 100% free consultation. You can reach us by phone or through our convenient contact form to get started on your case as soon as today.