New York City Car Accident Lawyer
Legally Reviewed by:
Alex Nocerino
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Alex Nocerino is a founding partner at our firm and a successful trial lawyer with roots in New York. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association, the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, and the American Association for Justice. He has helped injured individuals win hundreds of millions in compensation from large corporations, government entities, and wealthy landlords.
With 18 years of experience, he has been recognized as a Super Lawyer since 2019 and has a five-star Avvo rating. He is a true New Yorker and a successful trial lawyer who is unafraid to go up against even the powerful and combative defendants.
Content Last Updated: December 18, 2025
ON THIS PAGE
- Can You Sue for a Car Accident in New York?
- Why the Accident Attorneys at Chopra & Nocerino Stand Out
- Types of Car Accident Claims Handled by Chopra & Nocerino
- FAQs About New York Car Accident Claims
- What To Do Immediately After a Car Wreck in New York
- How Chopra & Nocerino, LLP Goes to Bat for Auto Accident Victims
- Understanding New York Car Accident Laws
- When You’re Hurt in a Car Accident, We Step Up to the Plate
Heavy traffic, crowded streets, and ongoing construction make driving in New York a daily challenge. These factors also increase the risk of car accidents, which can result in serious injuries and property damage. Accidents can cause financial and emotional strain, especially when injuries prevent you from working and supporting your family.
At Chopra & Nocerino, we understand the impact of these accidents and have helped clients secure significant compensation, including a $3.65 million settlement for a client who required spine surgery after a chain-reaction collision. If a car accident in New York caused injuries to you or a loved one, contact us today for a free consultation.
Can You Sue for a Car Accident in New York City?
In New York, personal injury protection (PIP), also called no-fault insurance, typically covers basic economic losses up to $50,000 per person. To seek additional compensation for pain and suffering in a lawsuit, most injured car occupants must show that they have suffered a serious injury under New York law. A serious injury generally includes:
- Death
- Dismemberment
- Significant disfigurement (for example, severe burn injuries or scarring)
- A fracture
- Loss of a fetus
- Permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function, or system
- Permanent consequential limitation of use of a body organ or member
- Significant limitation of use of a body function or system (such as certain traumatic brain injuries)
- A medically determined, non-permanent injury that prevents you from performing most of your usual daily activities for at least 90 of the 180 days following the accident
Motorcycle riders are generally excluded from New York’s no-fault system, so an injured motorcyclist can typically pursue a claim directly against the at-fault driver without having to meet the serious injury threshold that applies to most car occupants.
Why Should You Hire the New York Car Accident Attorneys at Chopra & Nocerino?
Chopra & Nocerino is a premier personal injury firm committed to helping car accident victims secure the compensation they deserve. Serving all five boroughs and Long Island, we help clients seek fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses.
When you work with our team, you gain dedicated, personal support from start to finish. We treat clients like family, ensuring you feel understood and supported throughout the process. We are proud to be New Yorkers who stand firm against insurance companies and opposing attorneys. We handle each case with care and diligence and are unafraid to take your case to trial to secure the necessary financial support for you and your family.
Notable Case Results
We have obtained millions in settlements and verdicts for clients throughout New York City, including:
These results reflect our commitment to guiding clients through complex cases and securing the compensation needed to recover and move forward. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
NYC Auto Accident Client Testimonials
Here’s what some recent clients have to say about working with our team:
“The attorneys and staff are professional, knowledgeable, very thorough, and compassionate. They truly work hard to get the best outcome for their clients. You will not be pressured to take an offer when they know you deserve more for your injuries.”
– Deborah
“I can’t express enough how grateful I am to the entire firm and especially the partners in particular. Chopra & Nocerino were clear and communicative throughout the entire litigation process. I was a new mother shortly before the accident occurred. They were extra kind and mindful of all I had going on while keeping me informed.”
– Linde
“When I got into my motor vehicle accident, everything seemed to be like a nightmare. I was left in pain and with a totaled car. The attorneys and staff at Chopra & Nocerino, LLP, did everything to make this process as smooth as possible. They are available at any time to speak, and are always on top of what they’re doing.”
– Carmelo
Types of Car Accident Claims Handled by Chopra & Nocerino
Car accidents in New York can happen for many reasons. Regardless of the circumstances, Chopra & Nocerino brings the experience and guidance needed to handle your car accident injury claim.
Common types of car accident claims we handle include:
- T-bone or side-impact: These crashes pose unique risks because the sides of a car provide significantly less protection than the front or rear. Passengers in side-impact collisions can suffer injuries that are not common in other types of accidents.
- Rear-end collisions: These collisions are very common, occurring in a range of scenarios, from minor fender benders on neighborhood streets to serious crashes on highways. They can result in both vehicle damage and personal injury.
- Commercial semi-truck and delivery truck accidents: These accidents can cause significant damage because of the size and weight of 18-wheelers, charter buses, and delivery trucks. Delivery drivers must frequently stop, work on tight schedules, and navigate through busy city streets, which increases the risk of an accident.
- Motorcycle accidents: These collisions are extremely dangerous because motorcyclists are almost fully exposed to the impact. Riders are highly vulnerable to catastrophic injuries even in relatively minor accidents.
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents: These accidents can lead to serious or devastating injuries because pedestrians and bicyclists have minimal protection. Even slow-moving vehicles can cause severe harm in urban areas.
- Multi-car pile-ups: These often occur on major highways when one car stops suddenly, or drivers react too quickly or too slowly. The chain-reaction nature of these accidents increases the risk of multiple injuries and extensive vehicle damage.
- Rideshare accidents involving Uber and Lyft passengers: These accidents present unique challenges because rideshare liability laws differ from those of standard auto insurance. Passengers may face difficulties obtaining compensation for injuries and losses.
- Hit and run accidents: These incidents occur when a driver illegally leaves the scene of an accident, often because they are uninsured. Victims can pursue compensation through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage with the help of an attorney.
- Drunk and impaired driver accidents: These accidents occur when a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs causes a collision. Victims often require legal support to handle compensation while focusing on medical treatment.
- Bus accidents: Accidents involving tour buses or MTA buses are rare but can be devastating. Legal support is crucial for navigating the aftermath and pursuing compensation.
- Rental car accidents: Accidents involving rental cars can be complex due to the varying insurance policies and agreements associated with them. Determining liability and securing compensation may require careful legal guidance.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Car Accident in New York?
Taking the right steps after a crash is crucial for staying safe and positioning yourself well to pursue legal action. Here are key steps to take after a car accident in New York:
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you received care on the day of the accident, it is essential to follow up on medical treatment. Minor injuries can worsen, and previously invisible injuries may become apparent.
Report the Accident
If you could not file a police report on the day of the accident, do so as soon as possible. In New York, accidents must be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles using an MV-104 form within 10 days if they involve personal injury, a fatality, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Failing to report the accident may lead to suspension of your driver’s license or vehicle registration.
Make sure to inform your insurer about the accident promptly.
Gather Evidence
Document the accident scene with photographs and preserve key information, such as driver information and contact details from witnesses. For rideshare accidents, keep records of your ride, such as the driver’s name and receipts. Save copies of all medical bills for injuries resulting from the accident to support your claim.
Consult an Attorney
Contact a New York car accident attorney as soon as possible. If you need to talk with insurance adjusters, do not admit fault or provide detailed statements. Avoid signing or agreeing to any insurance offers before receiving guidance from your attorney.
A lawyer can help you understand your legal options, safeguard your rights, and guide you through the process of seeking compensation.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in NYC
Knowing how your accident occurred is important because courts and insurance companies use specific factors to determine fault and calculate compensation. Understanding the circumstances helps you establish liability and build a stronger case. Top causes of car accidents in New York City include:
- Distracted driving: Negligence is often proved through phone records, text logs, or other digital evidence that show a driver was not paying attention.
- Speeding: Documented violations, such as tickets or traffic citations, strengthen liability claims by showing the driver broke the law.
- Unsafe lane changes: Clear traffic law violations support your case by demonstrating the driver acted carelessly and put others at risk.
- Drunk and reckless driving: May qualify for punitive damages because courts can punish particularly dangerous or intentional behavior.
- Vehicle malfunctions: Evidence of poorly maintained or defective vehicles can establish a manufacturer’s or owner’s negligence in causing the accident.
How Much Is a New York City Car Accident Case Worth?
The value of your car accident case depends on the extent of your losses. Each case is unique, so the amount may range from thousands to millions of dollars based on the severity of the injuries.
Because New York is a no-fault state, most vehicle owners must carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. After a crash, no-fault benefits are typically the first source of payment for basic economic losses, regardless of who caused the accident, up to $50,000 per person, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Death benefits
- Other essential services
You may bring a lawsuit against the at-fault party if your injuries meet New York’s serious injury standard or your economic losses exceed $50,000. A lawsuit can also allow recovery of non-economic losses, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
If you lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim to recover funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the loss of companionship.
What if I Am Partly at Fault for the Car Accident?
Under New York’s pure comparative negligence law, you can still collect compensation even if you are mostly at fault for your injuries, up to 99% responsible. In personal injury cases, courts or insurance companies assign a percentage of fault to each party based on the circumstances.
This assigned percentage reduces the amount of compensation you can receive. For example, if a car accident causes $100,000 in total damages and you are assigned 60 percent fault, you can still recover 40 percent of the damages, or $40,000.
Where Are the Most Dangerous Intersections in NYC?
Every day, New York City streets and highways carry a mix of commuters, students, tourists, and commercial vehicles. Traffic accidents can happen anywhere, but several areas are frequent hotspots:
- 2nd Avenue and East 59th Street: High vehicle and pedestrian traffic, a complex road layout, and proximity to the Queensboro Bridge entrance
- 5th Avenue and East 42nd Street: Dense vehicle and pedestrian traffic, large delivery trucks, and a complex traffic pattern
- Broadway and Times Square (42nd Street): Tourists, jaywalking, and numerous distractions
- Queens Boulevard and Long Island Expressway: Heavy congestion and a mix of vehicle types and speeds
- Tillary Street and Flatbush Avenue Extension: Multi-lane merging, confusing traffic patterns, and limited sightlines
Knowing that an accident occurred at a high-risk intersection matters in a car accident lawsuit because it can influence liability and the compensation you may pursue. An attorney can argue that unsafe design or lack of maintenance played a role, which could create the opportunity for a claim against the responsible government entity as well as the other driver.
How Long Does a Car Accident Case Take in NYC?
Every day, New York City streets and highways carry a mix of commuters, students, tourists, and commercial vehicles. Traffic accidents can happen anywhere, but several areas are frequent hotspots:
- 2nd Avenue and East 59th Street: High vehicle and pedestrian traffic, a complex road layout, and proximity to the Queensboro Bridge entrance
- 5th Avenue and East 42nd Street: Dense vehicle and pedestrian traffic, large delivery trucks, and a complex traffic pattern
- Broadway and Times Square (42nd Street): Tourists, jaywalking, and numerous distractions
- Queens Boulevard and Long Island Expressway: Heavy congestion and a mix of vehicle types and speeds
- Tillary Street and Flatbush Avenue Extension: Multi-lane merging, confusing traffic patterns, and limited sightlines
Knowing that an accident occurred at a high-risk intersection matters in a car accident lawsuit because it can influence liability and the compensation you may pursue. An attorney can argue that unsafe design or lack of maintenance played a role, which could create the opportunity for a claim against the responsible government entity as well as the other driver.Car accident cases in New York can take anywhere from months to over a year, depending on the accident’s complexity, the severity of the injuries, and whether the case reaches trial. Quick resolutions can seem appealing, particularly in the face of financial pressures, but settling too quickly may reduce compensation by overlooking the full impact of your injuries and losses.
What Are the Key New York Car Accident Laws You Should Know?
Here are a few key New York car accident laws every driver should understand before pursuing a claim:
- Statute of limitations: You typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the accident involves a wrongful death or a government entity, timelines may be shorter.
- Serious injury threshold: To seek compensation beyond basic no-fault benefits, including pain and suffering, you must demonstrate that your injuries meet New York’s standard for “serious injury” or that your economic losses exceed $50,000.
- Pure comparative negligence: New York lets you recover damages even if you share some fault in the accident. Your compensation is reduced according to your percentage of responsibility.
New York City Car Accident Claim FAQs
Below are answers to common questions about New York City car accident claims.
Contact Our NYC Car Accident Lawyers Today
Below are answers to common questions about New York City car accident claims.
1. How Do I File a Car Accident Claim in NYC?
In New York, the process of pursuing a personal injury claim typically starts with reporting the accident to the police if there are injuries or significant property damage and promptly notifying your insurance company to preserve your rights. After that, you or your attorney gather evidence such as photos, videos, medical records, and witness statements to support your case. An experienced attorney can guide you through each step, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and file a lawsuit and prepare for trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
2. How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in New York?
A common misconception many car accident victims have is that they cannot afford an experienced attorney to help them with their case. At Chopra & Nocerino, you don’t owe us anything until we win your case. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you do.
Understanding how car accident lawyer fees work in New York could help you feel more confident moving forward.
3. Is There a Time Limit for Filing an Injury Claim After an Accident?
Yes, there is a deadline to file a legal claim after a New York car wreck. In most motor vehicle accident cases, you have three years from the incident date to file a lawsuit to recover damages. However, there may be exceptions in some circumstances. Speak with our team to initiate your case so you don’t miss out on compensation for your injuries and suffering.
4. What Happens if You Are Hit and Injured by a Driver Without Insurance?
If the driver who caused your accident does not have insurance, you can still claim financial support for your losses. First, you can use your personal injury protection or no-fault insurance to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. If that does not fully cover your damages, you can file a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage. You may also qualify to sue the driver responsible for the accident.
5. Can I Submit a Car Accident Claim in New York if I Was a Passenger?
Yes, as a passenger in an accident, you have the right to sue for damages. You can file a claim under your or the other driver’s insurance policy or pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault party if you suffered serious injuries. Contact a New York car accident lawyer to learn more about your rights and options.
6. How Common Are NYC Car Accidents?
New York car accident statistics show that motor vehicle crashes occur daily throughout the city. In 2024, there were over 91,300 auto accidents, leading to 253 fatalities. That’s an average of at least 250 collisions citywide reported to the New York City Police Department each day.
7. How Is Evidence Obtained?
Scene Investigation
- Visiting the accident site to document hazards, traffic signals, and road conditions.
- Taking photographs and videos of skid marks, debris, or any environmental factors.
Surveillance and Dashcam Footage
- Obtaining CCTV footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or residential security systems.
- Using dashcam videos from vehicles involved in the accident or bystanders.
Surveillance and Dashcam Footage
- Extracting speed, braking, and acceleration data from vehicles involved.
- Helpful in disputing driver claims in high-speed or intersection accidents.
Cell Phone Records & Metadata
- Subpoenaing phone records to prove distracted driving (e.g., texting while driving).
- Analyzing GPS location history to track movement before the accident.
Contact Our NYC Car Accident Lawyers Today
Do not let insurance companies offer less than your claim is worth. At Chopra & Nocerino, our New York car accident lawyers will make sure you are treated fairly and fight for the maximum compensation for your claim.
Contact us online or call (855) NYC-HURT today for a free consultation.
CONTACT A LAWYER TODAY
ON THIS PAGE
- Can You Sue for a Car Accident in New York?
- Why the Accident Attorneys at Chopra & Nocerino Stand Out
- FAQs About New York Car Accident Claims
- Types of Car Accident Claims Handled by Chopra & Nocerino
- What To Do Immediately After a Car Wreck in New York
- How Chopra & Nocerino Fights for Auto Accident Victims
- Understanding New York Car Accident Laws
- When You’re Hurt in a Car Accident, Call on Chopra & Nocerino
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