New York City Car Accident Lawyer

The Following People Contributed to This Page

Cindy Cordova

Legal Writer at The Orlow Firm | Website

Cindy Cordova is a seasoned legal writer with over seven years of experience crafting clear, informative, and professional content for law firm websites. With a B.A. in English from Trinity Christian College, she combines her strong writing background with a deep understanding of legal topics to help firms connect with their clients through trustworthy and accessible content.

Read More

Rukshani Lye

Fact-Checking & Research Specialist | Website

Rukshani Lye is The Orlow Firm’s IFCN-certified fact-checking and research specialist. With a master’s from Georgetown and 10+ years verifying complex data for legal, financial, and real-estate publications, she ensures every personal-injury article she reviews is accurate, up-to-date, and client-focused.

Read More

Pending Legal Review

Fact Checked

Legally Reviewed

• June 4, 2025

What are the biggest mistakes you can make after a car accident in New York?

There are two crucial mistakes you must avoid making after you’ve been a victim of a car accident. The first mistake is making a formal statement or signing any documents with your insurance company before speaking to an attorney.

If you are in an accident, you must usually notify your insurer promptly, or you risk having your claim denied. However, when reporting, keep it simple: state that there was a collision, where it happened, and whether your vehicle was damaged. Once you’ve notified them, speak to an attorney before providing a detailed oral or written statement to your insurance company. They may try to downplay your injuries and keep any statements you make on record.

The second mistake your need to avoid when dealing with car insurance companies is accepting the first offer they make. Insurance companies often make a quick offer of settlement before you’re able to consult with an attorney. These offers are almost always a low ball offer.

Immediately after a car accident, many people may not feel the full extent of their injuries. Adrenaline can sometimes mask pain, and what seems minor at first could turn out to be more serious later. Some injuries can affect your quality of life and may even lead to costly treatments. That’s why it’s important to speak with an experienced car accident attorney who can help you understand your rights and options.

It’s important to always consult with experienced car accident attorneys.

Hurt in a car crash in NY? (646) 647-3398 For A Free Case Evaluation

Should you file a lawsuit after your New York City car accident?

Most of the time a personal injury lawsuit is not necessary after a car accident. Insurance companies are required to provide compensation for covered losses under New York’s No-Fault system. However, getting payment from your insurance coverage and pursuing the maximum compensation you’re legally entitled to are two very different things.
Under New York law, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit if your injuries meet the state’s “serious injury” threshold or if your economic losses exceed the $50,000 limit provided by No-Fault insurance. Contacting a car-accident attorney can help you seek full and fair compensation.

In severe car accident cases where there are catastrophic injuries or death, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit. The Orlow Firm approaches each qualifying case with the level of preparation required for trial, ensuring we’re ready to negotiate from a position of strength and pursue full compensation where legally available.

Regardless of the severity of the accident or your injuries, you should always consult with an experienced car accident attorney. The Orlow Firm offers a free consultation and works exclusively on a contingency basis, meaning if we don’t win, there’s no fee. It never costs a dime for you to hire us.

Need a NYC car accident lawyer near you? Call (646) 647-3398 For A Free Case Evaluation

What can you be compensated for in an auto accident in New York City?

Many people make the mistake of assuming that their expenses after a car accident only include their emergency medical bills and vehicle repairs but the truth is that there’s many related expenses in the following days, weeks, months and years after a car crash. Some of these expenses include:

• Immediate Medical Bills
• Long Term Medical Bills
• Auto Repairs
• Auto Replacement
• Lost Wages
• Inability to Earn Future Income
• Physical Therapy
• Pain and Suffering
• Mental Anguish

Our approach puts people first, focusing on your story and your legal rights. We’re prepared to build strong cases through careful investigation and persistent advocacy. Our experience with car accidents allows us to see not only the immediate expenses associated with the accident, but also the long term expenses and we make sure you’re fairly compensated for them.

An Experienced NYC Car Accident Lawyer is Available: Call (646) 647-3398 to Get Started With Your Personal Injury Claim

How long do you have after a car accident to file a claim in New York?

You generally have 30 days to submit a written No-Fault claim 11 NYCRR § 65-1.1(d). A personal-injury action for a motor-vehicle crash must be started within three years of the accident CPLR § 214(4).

There are exceptions including:

• If the person involved in the accident was a child they have three years from the date they turned 18 in order to file a claim against the car that hit them. CPLR § 208
• When a municipal vehicle is involved you must serve a Notice of Claim within 90 days GML § 50-e and start suit within 1 year + 90 days GML § 50-i.
• A wrongful-death action must be filed within 2 years of the decedent’s death EPTL § 5-4.1.

At The Orlow Firm we always encourage you to contact us regardless of the circumstances of your case. There are many exceptions and fine print to the laws that only an experienced auto accident attorney can help you navigate. We offer a free consultation where you can speak directly to an attorney to determine all of your options.

Call (646) 647-3398 to explore your legal options and see how The Orlow Firm can support your recovery process.

Why should you hire The Orlow Firm?

The Orlow Firm has the experience, resources, and know-how to pursue the maximum compensation you’re legally entitled to. The Orlow Firm prepares each qualifying case as though it may go to trial, allowing us to negotiate from a position of strength and advocate for the full compensation our clients may be entitled to under the law.

The Orlow Firm is also a father and sons firm and our lawyers treat each client like family. Your case will always get the individual attention it deserves. We provide you with all of the information necessary to make informed decisions and never pressure you to accept a settlement. If your goal is a faster settlement, we stay on top of the process and push for timely responses from insurers and other liable parties.

Last but not least, our attorneys have secured significant settlements, including amounts in the six- and seven-figure range, for clients in various injury cases. We know how the system works and put it to work for you.

Our Experienced Car Crash Injury Law Firm Can Help. Call: (646) 647-3398 For Financial Compensation

What should you do after a New York Car Accident?

In order to maximize your case there are three main things you need to do following a motor vehicle accident:

1. Stay at the Scene
   Under New York law, leaving the scene of an accident without exchanging information is prohibited (VAT § 600) and may lead to criminal charges (such as hit-and-run), license suspension, or even jail time. Stay put unless you need emergency medical care. If your injuries require immediate attention, get help first. If you are well enough, make sure to exchange contact and insurance information with all other parties involved in the accident.
2. Call the Police if Necessary
   You are required to call the police if:
   – Someone is injured or killed
   – A parked car or property was damaged and the owner isn’t present
   – A domestic animal is injured or killed
   Even if it’s not required, having a police report can be very helpful for your case.
3. Get immediate medical attention.
   This may seem obvious to some, but oftentimes after a motor vehicle accident people think they don’t have serious injuries. A sore neck or back might feel like it’s temporary and that it will go away, and hopefully it does, but getting it documented by a physician immediately in case it doesn’t go away is very important. Always seek medical attention so that there is a record of your injuries as soon as possible after the accident.
4. Document the facts.
   The second most important thing is to get the facts including pictures, witnesses and any other details documented as soon as possible. You don’t want to rely on a memory that might fade or lose contact with a witness. Gather all relevant information so that you can prove what happened.
5. File a Report with the DMV (Form MV-104)
   If the accident resulted in injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage, New York law requires that you file an accident report (Form MV-104) with the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days (VTL § 605). Failing to do so can lead to license suspension or even misdemeanor charges.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company (Notify only)
   Under New York’s no-fault insurance laws, you typically need to notify your insurance company as soon as possible to preserve your right to claim benefits.
   Report the accident promptly, but as discussed earlier, do not give an official statements without speaking to an attorney first.
   Stick to the facts: date, time, location, and involved parties.
7. Contact a lawyer.
   A lawyer can help you navigate the deadlines and negotiate with the insurance companies so that you get maximum compensation for your injuries as well as pain and suffering.

Call (646) 647-3398 to explore your legal options and see how The Orlow Firm can support your recovery process.

How do you prove the other driver was liable for your accident?

First, it’s important to understand that under New York’s No-Fault insurance system, drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. This typically provides up to $50,000 in basic economic-loss benefits to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other necessary costs related to injuries for you and your passengers — unless you were driving under the influence, in which case coverage may be denied.

However, if your injuries meet the state’s definition of a “serious injury” under Insurance Law § 5102(d), you may be eligible to bring a claim against the at-fault driver for damages beyond what No-Fault covers. In this case, you need to prove the five elements of negligence which are:

• Duty
• Breach of duty
• Cause in Fact
• Proximate Cause
• Harm

Put simply, this means showing that the other driver acted carelessly — for example, by violating a traffic law — and that this behavior caused the accident, which directly resulted in serious injuries.

There are many different types of negligence when it comes to car accidents, but the most common types include:

• Drunk Driving

• Sleep Deprivation

• Distracted Driving (Texting)

• Hit & Runs

• Speeding

• Following too closely

• Failure to follow traffic laws

• Road Rage

Anyone involved in car crashes in NY should consult an experienced personal injury lawyer to determine liability and liable parties involved in the accident. Determining legal responsibility after an accident often requires careful investigation and knowledge of New York’s laws. That’s why it’s helpful to have an attorney who can guide you through the process and advocate on your behalf.

Call Today: (646) 647-3398 Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys Available to Help With Your Personal Injury Claims

What types of injuries are common in car accidents?

While every car accident is different and the injuries resulting from car accidents can vary from mild to serious injuries, the most common type of injury resulting from car crashes include:

• Neck Injury

• Shoulder Injury

• Back Injury

• Broken Bones

• Spinal Cord Injury

• Internal Injury

• Brain Injury

• Fatalities/Death

It’s important to understand that the extent of your injury isn’t always obvious immediately following the auto accident. You might feel fine or think that the injury isn’t a big deal, but as time goes on and days turn into weeks the outlook can change drastically. It’s always best to seek medical attention after an auto accident regardless.

Call Today: (646) 647-3398 For A Free Case Evaluation With Experienced New York Car Accident Lawyers

What types of car accidents are the most common in New York?

At The Orlow Firm we handle auto accidents of all different types regardless of their severity. Some of the common auto accident types include:

• Truck Accidents

• Bicycle Accidents

• Motorcycle Accidents

• Pedestrian Accidents

• Head On Collisions

• Rear End Collisions

• Taxi Accidents

• Uber/Lyft Accidents

• Bus Accidents

Regardless of the type of accident you were involved in, it’s always best to seek an experienced auto accident attorney to help protect your rights and pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to under the law. Read more about the most common types of car accidents in New York here.

If you’ve been injured in NY, call today: (646) 647-3398 [Free New York Car Accident Lawyer Consultation]

Do you always need an experienced car accident lawyer after an accident?

If you’ve been involved in an auto accident in New York City can be challenging. especially if you’re unfamiliar with how claims are handled. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, and their adjusters are trained to protect the company’s bottom line. Most individuals are unfamiliar with the process. Accident claims involve many moving parts, and even small oversights can affect the outcome. It’s easy to make mistakes that could impact your compensation.

The following are just some of the things that a personal injury law firm handles for you when you’re in a car accident in NY:

• Investigate the accident and gather evidence
• Determine liability and calculate the claim
• Negotiate damages with the insurance company
• File a lawsuit if a fair settlement isn’t offered
• Represent you in court

Questions About Car Crashes in New York NY? Call: (646) 647-3398

How much is the average car accident claim in New York worth?

A The Orlow Firm, it’s our job as your New York car accident lawyer to evaluate, negotiate or litigate on your behalf the full extent of your injuries.

If you’re trying to figure out how much your car accident case is worth, there are some basic calculations you can do to get a ballpark figure. You can start by adding up all of the following:

• Medical bills including any future medical bills associated with your injuries.
• Any lost wages where you were unable to work due to your injuries.
• Any future lost income if you’re unable to return to work due to your injuries.
• Any auto repairs or vehicle replacement costs associated with the accident.

Now in addition to the above, especially when there’s a catastrophic injury or death involved in the accident, there’s additional damages which are less clear such as pain and suffering as well as mental anguish. Your auto accident lawyer will be able to help you determine these damages.

Examples of The Orlow Firm’s previous recoveries:

• $997,997 for a driver whose taxi was hit head on by a truck. He injured his back which required surgery.
• $750,000 for a maintenance worker was a passenger in a work vehicle that was involved in an accident with another truck. He required surgery to his neck and surgery to a pre-existing back injury.
• $650,000 for a woman who was a passenger on a bus that was struck by a tractor trailer. She injured her hand and shoulder both of which required surgery.
• $650,000 for a passenger on a motorcycle that was struck by a police car. She suffered multiple injuries, including a fractured jaw that required surgery.
• $485,000 for a client who was changing the tire on his vehicle when he was struck by another vehicle. His big toe was badly damaged and needed to be amputated.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. 

The best way to find out what you may be entitled to is by contacting The Orlow Firm as soon as possible. We can discuss your options with you during a free case evaluation.

Injured in a New York City Auto Accident? Call Now: (646) 647-3398

Can you file a car accident insurance claim without a police report?

Yes, you can still file an insurance claim without a police report. A police report certainly helps a claim, as it serves as a solid witness as to what happened at the scene of the accident. It should also be noted that a police report is required if there are any injuries involved in the accident in New York City.

A police report will include things like the damage to the car, the conditions of the road, etc. However if you were in an auto accident and didn’t think there were injuries so you didn’t call in the police but then later realized the extent of your injuries, you can still file a claim.

Additionally, if the accident involves injury, death, or property damage over $1,000, New York law requires you to file an accident report (Form MV-104) with the DMV within 10 days.

Note, however, that after an accident, you must first notify your insurance company as soon as possible to avoid the risk of a denied claim. This initial step is called reporting or notifying, and it should be simple: mention that a collision occurred, where it happened, and whether your vehicle was damaged. Your insurer will then open a claim, and an adjuster may contact you to gather additional information

Whether or not you have a police report, The Orlow Firm offers a free case evaluation. A personal injury lawyer can help assess your situation and explain your legal options moving forward.

How do you file an insurance claim for a car accident?

You generally have 30 days to submit a written No-Fault application (Form NF-2) to the insurer covering the vehicle you occupied, as required by 11 NYCRR § 65-1.1(d). You should contact your insurance company, usually by phone, and let them know about the accident. They’ll open up a claim and an adjuster will then contact you to find out more details about the accident.

Typically the adjuster will ask for the following:

• A police report
• The other owner’s contact information
• Witness information
• They’ll take pictures of your car
• They’ll ask for you to release your medical records so that they can discuss your injuries with your doctor
• They’ll try to determine the damages to your vehicle.

Based on the above factors, the adjuster may present a settlement offer. Before deciding whether to accept it, you may benefit from speaking with a personal injury attorney. Our firm offers free case evaluations to review your situation and help you understand your legal options.

Call Our New York City Auto Accident Lawyers: (646) 647-3398

Who pays for my medical bills after a car accident?

In New York, the No-Fault Law requires that medical expenses and other basic economic losses (up to $50,000) are typically covered by the insurance policy for the vehicle you were in at the time of the accident, regardless of fault. If your expenses exceed $50,000 you may be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover additional damages beyond No-Fault coverage.

There are many exceptions to this, for example if you were a cyclist or a pedestrian, and you don’t have auto insurance, then you can make a claim on the vehicle that struck you. If the vehicle that struck you was uninsured or it was a hit & run, you can file a claim on a family member of the same household’s plan. If no one in your household has auto insurance, then you can file a claim with MVAIC.

If you’re having trouble determining liability or understanding the complex nature of these laws, contact a personal injury law firm like The Orlow Firm and we can help you navigate this process. We offer free case evaluations where you can speak to experienced lawyers about your case and discuss your options. If you decide to hire us, we work exclusively on a contingency basis, meaning if we don’t win your case, there’s no fee.

Our Car Accident Lawyers Are Available for Free Case Evaluations:  (646) 647-3398

How long does a car accident claim take?

The duration of an auto accident claim varies greatly depending on the complexity of the case. If it’s a No-Fault benefits case and the insurance company is cooperating it can take less than a year. If there are catastrophic injuries or death, it can oftentimes take 2-3 years or more before a settlement is reached. The average settlement is usually within 1-3 years.

At The Orlow Firm, we understand that some clients may need timely compensation. While we work to move the claims process forward efficiently, we also take care to build a strong case aimed at securing fair compensation under the law. Our attorneys handle negotiations strategically, with the goal of achieving the best possible outcome for your situation.

Speak to a Car Accident Lawyer Today (646) 647-3398 For A Free Case Evaluation

How much does it cost to hire The Orlow Firm?

There are no upfront fees to hire The Orlow Firm. We offer free case evaluations, during which you can speak with a car accident lawyer about your case.

If you decide to hire us, we work on a contingency fee basis meaning our fee is a percentage of the recovery we obtain on your behalf.

Call The Orlow Firm Today (646) 647-3398 For A Free Case Evaluation

Contact The Orlow Firm Today

If you’ve been in a car accident and need help navigating the complex laws, give us a call today for a free, no obligation consultation where you can speak directly with a lawyer and discuss your options.

Call Now: (646) 647-3398

The Following People Contributed to This Page

Cindy Cordova

Legal Writer at The Orlow Firm | Website

Cindy Cordova is a seasoned legal writer with over seven years of experience crafting clear, informative, and professional content for law firm websites. With a B.A. in English from Trinity Christian College, she combines her strong writing background with a deep understanding of legal topics to help firms connect with their clients through trustworthy and accessible content.

Read More

Rukshani Lye

Fact-Checking & Research Specialist | Website

Rukshani Lye is The Orlow Firm’s IFCN-certified fact-checking and research specialist. With a master’s from Georgetown and 10+ years verifying complex data for legal, financial, and real-estate publications, she ensures every personal-injury article she reviews is accurate, up-to-date, and client-focused.

Read More

Pending Legal Review