New York Rental Car Accident Lawyer

If you’re searching for an experienced NYC rental car accident lawyer, our team is ready to fight for the results you deserve. Call (855) NYC-HURT today or fill out our online form to get the trial-ready team that never backs down.

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Sameer Chopra

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Sameer Chopra is a founding partner at our firm and a successful trial lawyer with 17 years of experience standing up to large corporations, government entities, and wealthy landlords on behalf of injured individuals. He is a true New Yorker and recognized as one of the Nation’s Top One Percent of attorneys by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

He was recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star from 2017-2019 and then became a Super Lawyer from 2020 to present. He was also recognized as the 2021 Attorney of the Year by Top 100 Lawyers and was selected by Top Attorneys in North America as a distinguished Exclusive Presidents Circle Attorney for his continued excellence within the legal community. Sameer has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts, including significant verdicts against the City of New York and/or their affiliated agencies, and independent insurance carriers.

Content Last Updated: September 24, 2025

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Renting a car in New York can be a lifesaver when you need to get around the city fast. But with the hustle of the five boroughs, heavy traffic, and the fine print that rental companies rarely explain, accidents happen more often than people realize. When they do, you need attorneys who understand the roads, the laws, and the insurance traps that come with driving a rental in NYC.

At Chopra & Nocerino, we fight for you. We’re real New Yorkers who know the system inside and out. Our team gives you direct, aggressive representation and the kind of compassion that helps you get through tough times. With us, you’re not just another case; you’re family, and we’ll stand by your side every step of the way.

Why Choose Chopra & Nocerino for Your Accident Claim

When you’ve been injured in a rental car accident, you want a law firm that is one of one. We bring no nonsense, no politics, just straight war when it comes to protecting your rights.

Our attorneys are trial-ready. With over 20 years of combined experience and millions recovered for clients, we know what it takes to win with personalized attention, compassionate support, and aggressive representation from start to finish.

We also offer support in many languages. Our multilingual team speaks:

English
Spanish
Greek
Italian
French
Mandarin
Cantonese
Haitian Creole
Hindi
Urdu
Punjabi

As experienced New York personal injury lawyers, we understand how high the stakes are after a rental car accident. Local knowledge matters, and hiring a local lawyer often gives clients the advantage of trial-ready attorneys already rooted in the community.

Understanding Liability and Insurance in NYC Rental Car Accidents

Rental car accidents in New York come with unique insurance complications. Unlike a standard crash, several overlapping sources of coverage may apply, each with its own limits and exclusions. Rental companies also often look for ways to push costs back onto the driver.

Rental Company Insurance Options: Many renters purchase a Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) at the counter. These aren’t true insurance policies—they are contractual waivers where the rental company agrees not to pursue you for damage to the rental vehicle. Still, restrictions are common. Waivers may exclude certain drivers, deny coverage for prohibited uses, or allow the company to bill you for “loss of use” while the car is out of service.
Your Personal Auto Policy: If you already have a personal auto policy, coverage may extend to rental vehicles, but only under certain conditions. Typically, it applies to personal rather than commercial use, and policy limits, deductibles, and exclusions will still apply.
Credit Card Coverage: Some credit cards provide secondary rental car protection, usually for damage to the rental vehicle itself. This coverage rarely extends to liability for injuries to others and often comes with significant exclusions or restrictions.
New York’s No-Fault Law: No-fault benefits cover medical expenses and certain financial losses regardless of fault. However, when injuries qualify as “serious” under New York’s serious injury threshold, victims may file a lawsuit for additional damages.

Unique NYC Rental Car Pitfalls

Here’s the raw truth—this is what they don’t tell you at the rental counter:

Companies may tack on costly “loss of use” fees for every day a car is unavailable, and inflated repair bills are common. Combine those tactics with Manhattan’s dense traffic, borough-specific hazards, and the added confusion out-of-state renters face trying to understand which laws apply, and it’s easy to see why so many drivers get caught off guard.

Why You Need a Specialized Rental Car Accident Lawyer in New York

Rental car accidents come with unique complications. Multiple parties may be involved, such as the rental company, the driver, insurers, and sometimes even manufacturers. Each has lawyers and adjusters working to minimize what you recover.

That’s why having an experienced rental car accident attorney in New York matters. A personal injury lawyer can resolve coverage disputes, identify every liable party, and untangle the complex claims process.

At Chopra & Nocerino, that’s exactly what we do. As real New Yorkers, we fight for our clients at every turn. While most lawyers focus on negotiating with insurance, we focus on winning. That commitment to going beyond negotiation is what sets us apart.

Proven Results for Our Clients

At Chopra & Nocerino, we’ve secured life-changing outcomes for clients across New York, proving our ability to take on tough cases and win. Our history of verdicts and settlements shows the difference trial-ready attorneys can make.

$19.5 Million Verdict — A middle-aged woman severely injured in an accident with a commercial truck.
$10 Million Verdict — A 77-year-old woman injured in Brooklyn when her vehicle struck a public bus.
$4.75 Million Verdict — Construction worker injured by a collapsing scaffolding.
$3.65 Million Settlement — Client sustained spinal injury from a chain-reaction rear-end car accident requiring fusion surgery.

We Are Trusted By Our Clients

The strength of our firm is best reflected in the voices of the people we’ve served. Their words reflect the compassion, dedication, and relentless advocacy that define our firm.

“I can happily say I am very satisfied with my results with Chopra & Nocerino. Alex is the best lawyer, Very professional, Caring, Super knowledgeable. I definitely recommend them !”

– Erika Sarrios

“Champion Advocates ! I trusted Chopra & Nocerino with my case.

“They handled all communication with the insurance companies, coordinated medical care, and made sure I never felt lost in the process. I received regular updates and felt supported every step of the way. Their firm clearly has the resources and experience—shown by their multimillion‑dollar verdicts and record-setting New York settlements .If you’re facing a personal injury case in New York, Chopra & Nocerino delivers results with heart. I’m forever grateful. Highly recommend!”

– Wilmer Gonzalez

“After hiring another law firm, I found This law firm a bit late. I had the privilege of speaking with JP at the firm. My call was returned promptly and professionally. JP was so patient, heard my entire story, felt like he knew exactly what I was feeling. He put himself in my shoes, provided all the coordination with the attorneys at the firm, answered each and every question I had. He spent a good hour on the phone with me without me even retaining at this point. It’s hard to find this dedication in a firm and yet staff like JP. He’s a true gem. His expertise impressed me. Wish you well! Now I know where to refer friends. Thanks.”

– Daemar Construction Corp.

Common Causes of Rental Car Accidents in New York

Rental car accidents happen for many reasons. Unfamiliar controls often lead to distracted driving, while poor maintenance by rental agencies can cause dangerous issues like tire blowouts or brake failures. Other common causes include reckless motorists and tailgating, frequently leading to rear-end collisions. Weather adds another layer of risk, with rain, snow, and ice making city streets hazardous year-round.

If your crash didn’t involve a rental, our New York car accident lawyers handle all types of vehicle accidents, including serious cases like those involving truck accidents.

What Compensation Is Available to Victims of Rental Car Accidents in New York?

Victims of rental car accidents in New York may recover both economic and non-economic damages. As NY rental car accident lawyers, Chopra & Nocerino work tirelessly to secure full compensatory damages for their clients, fighting to maximize every recovery category, from immediate medical bills to long-term financial security.

For accident victims, economic damages can help cover:

Medical expenses
Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
Property damage and replacement of personal items
Out-of-pocket expenses, including travel to medical appointments
Rental car replacement costs during repairs

Beyond financial losses, non-economic damages may compensate for:

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Impacts on relationships

For families who may have unfortunately lost a loved one, a wrongful death attorney can help pursue damages such as:

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support and benefits
Loss of companionship and guidance
Emotional trauma for the surviving family

What Should You Expect When Filing a Rental Car Accident Lawsuit With Chopra & Nocerino

Filing a lawsuit after a rental car accident can feel overwhelming, but Chopra & Nocerino make the process clear and manageable. We support you like family by arranging medical appointments, answering late-night questions, and handling the heavy lifting with real New Yorker grit and compassion.

Free Consultation: Honest, straightforward case review with no obligation.
Evidence Gathering and Analysis: Collecting police reports, rental agreements, insurance policies, witness statements, and medical records.
Identifying All Liable Parties: Holding the rental company, other drivers, or manufacturers accountable when defective vehicles are involved.
Filing the Lawsuit: Meeting New York’s strict legal deadlines. The rules on how long you have after a car accident to sue make acting quickly essential.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies: Fighting for the maximum settlement. Knowing the dos and don’ts of talking to insurance helps protect your rights during this stage.
Going to Trial if Necessary: Trial-ready attorneys who refuse to back down, forcing insurers to take your case seriously.

New York Rental Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions

Who Pays for Damages in a Rental Car Accident in NYC?

Who pays for damages in a New York rental car accident depends on the coverage. A waiver from the rental company may cover the vehicle itself, while a personal auto policy or certain credit cards can also provide coverage. In many cases, multiple insurers are involved.

Does My Personal Auto Insurance Cover Rental Cars?

Personal auto insurance often covers rental cars, but usually only for personal use. Policy limits, deductibles, and exclusions still apply, so it may not cover everything.

What if I Only Bought the Rental Company’s Insurance?

Rental company coverage may pay for damage to the car, but it often excludes liability for injuries or other vehicles. Waivers can also have exceptions for unauthorized drivers or restricted uses.

How Long Do I Have To File a Claim?

In New York, you generally have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit from the accident date. Even if you believe the deadline has passed, it’s worth reaching out to a lawyer, as there may be exceptions that allow your case to move forward.

Will I Owe the Rental Company Even if the Crash Wasn’t My Fault?

Yes, you may still owe charges under the rental agreement, such as repairs, “loss of use” fees, or administrative costs. In many cases, liability is shared, and comparative negligence in New York can affect what each party ultimately pays.

Let Us Fight for You if You Were Injured in a Rental Vehicle

Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you were injured in a rental car accident in New York, Chopra & Nocerino is ready to fight for you. We are trial-tested, aggressive advocates who provide the compassion you need during recovery.

The best step you can take right now is to call us today at (855) NYC-HURT or fill out our online form for a free consultation

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