New York City
Car Accident Lawyers
- Free Consultation.
- No Upfront Fees for Injury Cases.
At the Law Offices of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC, our New York City car accident lawyers don’t just handle injury cases. We bring the legal firepower to win them.
When a reckless driver plows through a red light on Broadway, a cab swerves without warning on Fifth Avenue, or a distracted driver slams into your vehicle on the Cross Bronx Expressway, you deserve more than apologies. You deserve justice.
With offices in Manhattan and White Plains, our trial attorneys have taken on some of the toughest cases in the five boroughs and Westchester County.
Insurance companies know our reputation. They know we don’t settle for less. They know when we step into the courtroom, we mean business.
Why Hire Our New York City Car Accident Lawyers?
Because you want to win. When you’re up against billion-dollar insurance companies, you need lawyers who won’t blink.
At the Law Offices of Michael H. Joseph, we are your fellow New Yorkers, and we bring New York grit to every case.
- Our attorneys know the city streets where car accidents happen.
- We know the local courtrooms where injury cases are heard.
- Most of all, we know the tactics that insurance companies and their defense lawyers use to cheat accident victims out of what they’re owed.
Our Promise to Clients
When you hire us, you don’t get shuffled around a faceless law firm where your calls vanish into voicemail. You get real trial lawyers who pick up the phone, sit across the table from you, and tell it to you straight. We know you don’t have time for games or legal jargon. You want answers, you want action, and you want results. That’s what we deliver.
We don’t ask you to front a dime. No retainers, no hidden fees, no upfront costs at all. We take the risk with you, and we don’t get paid unless we win.
We’ll talk to you like a person, not a case number. Whether your accident was in the Bronx, Manhattan, or White Plains, we’ll give you clear, no-nonsense advice you can trust. Because in NYC, respect is earned—and our promise is to earn yours by the way we protect your rights.
- Call (212) 858-0503 Now. The Consult Is Free.
Client Testimonials
He works for you one on one and expedites his cases. Michael is a very smart and efficient lawyer and knows what he is doing. He is a great attorney overall, and I would tell anyone to use him.
I felt comfortable working with Attorney Joseph since day one, and he is a terror in the courtroom. He was knowledgeable and confident, and I would highly recommend him.
I would love to recommend him. He was proficient and answered everything with patience and courtesy. All of my concerns and questions were addressed and answered in a timely and efficient manner.
Meet Our Trusted Car Accident Lawyers in New York
Serving New York City and Westchester County
Common Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle
Every crash tells a story of negligence. Every injury demands accountability. We don’t just handle car accident cases at our law firm. We help our clients rebuild from the wreckage after:
Rear-End Collisions
On the FDR Drive, the BQE, or stuck in Midtown gridlock, rear-end crashes happen when drivers aren’t paying attention. The insurance company will try to minimize your injuries, but we know better. Whiplash isn’t minor when you can’t turn your head. Back pain isn’t insignificant when it keeps you awake at night. Our lawyers fight for every dollar your injuries are worth because we know what they cost you.
How common are rear-end collisions in New York City?
“Nationwide, about 30% of all car crashes are rear-end collisions. We see them frequently on the FDR and BQE. Most are caused by distracted drivers looking at their phones.”
Intersection Accidents
From the chaos of Times Square to busy Queens Boulevard, intersections are where impatient drivers gamble with your life. Red lights mean nothing to them. Right-of-way is just a suggestion. When their recklessness puts you in the hospital, we make sure they pay for every medical bill, every day of lost work, and every moment of pain they caused.
How many intersection accidents happen each year?
“Nationally, around 2.5 million intersection-related crashes happen every year, and about one in four fatal collisions occurs at an intersection.”
Drunk and Distracted Driving Accidents
A drunk driver behind the wheel. A texter who looked up too late. These aren’t accidents. They’re negligent behaviors that change lives. While the district attorney handles the criminal case, we focus on getting you the financial compensation you need to rebuild your life. We don’t just sue the intoxicated driver— we sue the bar where they got drunk. No excuses. No sympathy for the driver who chose to be reckless. Just results.
How serious are drunk and distracted driving accidents?
“In 2022, more than 13,000 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes and over 3,300 in distracted-driving incidents. Those aren’t ‘accidents.’ They’re choices.”
Hit-and-Run Accidents
They hit you, and they left the scene, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. We work with investigators to track down phantom drivers, and we work to maximize your uninsured motorist coverage and other sources of recovery when the responsible driver can’t be found.
How many hit-and-run accidents happen each year
“In 2022 alone, nearly 3,000 people were killed in hit-and-run crashes — an almost 90% increase over the past decade. Even if the driver flees, we pursue every available insurance and investigative route for our clients.”
Vulnerable Road User Accidents
Not everyone on New York’s streets is protected by a car frame. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are the most exposed. When drivers break the rules, these vulnerable road users pay the price. Our attorneys know how to win these cases and hold reckless drivers accountable.
Pedestrians Hit By Cars
If you were a pedestrian and were hit by a car while crossing Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, the Grand Concourse in the Bronx, or Queens Boulevard, you need an experienced pedestrian accident attorney. You are entitled to have your medical bills and lost wages paid by the driver’s insurance company, but you only have 30 days to file a no-fault application. Miss that window, and you risk losing critical coverage. Our attorneys will determine who the proper insurance company is and get your medical and wage benefits secured. You can also sue the driver for compensation for your injuries. Our attorneys know the traffic laws so well, that we win most of our cases through summary judgment motions by proving that if the driver followed the Vehicle and Traffic laws, they would not have hit you.
Motorcyclists Hit By Cars
On the FDR, the BQE, or weaving through Midtown, motorcyclists are the most exposed drivers on the road. When a careless car cuts you off, opens a door into your lane, or blows through a light, the injuries are serious, often requiring long recoveries. Insurance companies love to blame bikers. Our motorcycle accident lawyers don’t let them. We prove fault, crush their excuses, and fight for every dollar you need to recover.
Bicyclists Hit By Cars
From Citi Bike riders in Manhattan to commuters in Queens and Brooklyn, bicyclists battle traffic every day. One reckless driver’s turn can put you in the ER. Helmets don’t stop broken bones or even prevent all brain injuries. New York’s traffic laws protect bicyclists, and we use them to hold drivers accountable. Our bicycle accident attorneys know how to win these cases, whether it’s against a rideshare, a delivery van, or a distracted commuter.
Special Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in New York
Not every car accident involves two sedans on a city street. In New York, we see unique crash scenarios that require a different level of skill.
Uber, Lyft, and Taxi Accidents
This is the city that never sleeps and never stops hailing rides. When you’re injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, or yellow cab crash, figuring out liability isn’t simple. Was the driver “on the app”? Was the vehicle properly insured? Rideshare companies carry commercial coverage, but they’ll fight to deny responsibility. We cut through the red tape and make sure the right insurer pays.
MTA Bus and Transit Accidents
Accidents involving MTA buses or similar vehicles come with special rules. You may only have 90 days to file a Notice of Claim against the MTA, The MTA Bus Company, the NYCTA or MaBSTOA in New York City, or Liberty Lines (the Bee Line) in Westchester. Miss that window, and your rights are gone unless you win a special proceeding to file a late notice of claim. Our attorneys have done this time and again, even for clients who came to us after the deadline. We know how to navigate municipal liability claims, and we don’t let the NYCTA, MTA, MTA Bus Company or MaBSTOA off the hook when their negligence causes injuries.
Commercial Truck Accidents
From 18-wheelers on I-87 to delivery trucks clogging Midtown, crashes with commercial vehicles are almost always complicated. These cases often involve multiple defendants, including drivers, trucking companies, maintenance contractors, and layers of insurance policies. We’ve been down this road before, and we know how to untangle the web to get you paid.
How We Fight for You After a Car Accident in New York
After a crash, the clock starts ticking. You only have 30 days to file an application for no-fault benefits, so that your medical bills get paid, and you can recover lost wages from the insurance company. If you miss this deadline, you may get stuck with the medical bills.
When you’re lying in a hospital bed wondering how you’ll pay the bills, insurance adjusters are already working to minimize your claim. Evidence disappears, witnesses vanish, and insurance companies move fast to protect themselves. We level that playing field from day one.
Step 1: Free Consultation
We meet you where it works for you: Our New York City office or our White Plains office, your home, or the hospital. Our attorneys also utilize technology to do virtual consultations, so you can discuss your case with us from the comfort of your own home. No charge, no pressure. Just straight talk about your case and your legal options.
Step 2: Immediate Investigation
While evidence is fresh and witnesses remember, our team is already at work. Police reports, traffic cameras, cell phone records, accident reconstruction—we gather everything before it disappears.
Step 3: Maximum Compensation Strategy
We know no-fault only goes so far. In New York, your own insurance pays the first $50,000 in medical bills and lost wages under the no-fault system. That doesn’t begin to cover the lifetime cost of a serious injury. To recover compensation for pain and suffering, future medical care, and economic losses beyond $50,000, we pursue claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Our attorneys calculate every dollar you’re owed and build the evidence to demand it — and we don’t stop until you get maximum compensation.
Step 4: Trial-Ready Negotiation
Insurance companies settle when they know we’re prepared to win at trial. Our courtroom reputation speaks before we even file papers. If they don’t budge, we’ll put your case in front of a jury.
Injured in NYC or Westchester?
Call (212) 858-0503 to schedule your free case evaluation
What Your New York Car Accident Case Is Really Worth
The insurance adjuster on the phone wants you to believe your case is worth whatever they’re offering. They’re lying. A car accident in New York doesn’t just cost you a few medical bills. It can destroy your financial future. Our lawyers fight for every dollar that crash cost you, not just the losses that are easy to calculate.
Medical Expenses—All of Them
Emergency room bills. Surgery costs. Physical therapy. Prescription medications. Medical equipment. Home health care. The MRI they want you to get next month. The surgery you might need next year. Insurance companies want to pay for last week’s bills and forget about everything else. We make sure they pay for the medical care you need for the rest of your life.
Lost Income—Past and Future
You missed work while you were in the hospital. Now you’re working fewer hours because of your injuries, or maybe you can’t work at all. Maybe you can’t do your job the same way anymore. Those financial losses are not your problem to absorb. They’re the other driver’s responsibility. We calculate every paycheck you’ve lost and every dollar your injuries will cost you over your entire career.
Pain and Suffering—The Injury You Can't See
Physical pain that wakes you up at night. Anxiety every time you get in a car. Depression from watching your life change overnight. Insurance companies act like emotional trauma doesn’t have value. New York juries disagree, and so do we. Your pain is real, and it deserves real compensation.
Wrongful Death—When a Family Member Is Lost
No amount of money brings back the person you lost. But when a negligent driver kills someone you love, the law demands they pay for the harm they caused. Lost income. Funeral expenses. The value of love, guidance, and companionship that was stolen from your family. We can’t undo the tragedy, but we can make sure you’re not financially destroyed by it, too.
Insurance companies bank on you not knowing what your case is worth. We make it our business to know exactly what they owe you, down to the last penny.
Common Car Accident Injuries and What They Cost
Every crash leaves scars—some visible, some not. And in New York, even “minor” injuries come with major medical bills. Our lawyers don’t just know how to prove your injuries in court. We help you recover the cost to treat them, now and for years to come.
- Head and Brain Injuries (TBI, Concussions): A traumatic brain injury can change your life in an instant. In NYC, hospitalization and rehab for TBI can easily exceed $150,000 in the first year, and severe cases can cost millions over a lifetime. We make sure juries and insurers see those numbers in black and white.
- Spinal Cord and Back Injuries: Herniated discs, nerve damage, partial paralysis; back injuries don’t just heal up with rest. A single spinal surgery in New York can run $80,000–$150,000, and that’s before physical therapy or lost wages.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: From a fractured wrist to multiple shattered bones, these injuries rack up fast. Surgery, hardware implants, and months of rehab can leave victims with $25,000–$100,000 in bills, depending on severity.
- Internal Organ Damage: Blunt force trauma from high-speed collisions often causes hidden injuries to the liver, lungs, or spleen. Emergency surgery in NYC trauma centers like Bellevue or Jacobi can push bills past $100,000 in a matter of days.
- Psychological Trauma (PTSD, Anxiety, Depression): It’s not just physical pain. Many crash survivors develop PTSD, fear of driving, or anxiety that lingers for years. Therapy and medication costs may look “small” to insurers, but over time they add up. We make sure they pay for it.
The New York Laws That Protect You (And the Ones That Don't)
New York car accident law isn’t designed to be fair. It’s designed to limit how much insurance companies have to pay. When you know the rules, you can use them to your advantage. When you don’t, you can get cheated.
No-Fault Insurance: Limited Help When You Need It Most
In New York, your own insurance pays some medical bills and lost wages, no matter who caused the crash. Hit by a car while walking? The driver’s insurance is on the hook for your medical bills and lost wages. Miss the 30-day deadline to file a no-fault claim, and you’re the one left paying. Sounds great until you realize how low the limits are. $50,000 for medical expenses in a city where an ambulance ride alone costs $1,500? No-fault insurance covers the basics, but serious injuries cost serious money. That’s where we come in. Our attorneys will immediately investigate and determine who the insurance carrier is.
Serious Injury Threshold: The Gateway to Real Compensation
Want to sue the driver who hit you? New York says you need a “serious injury”. This means fractures, permanent limitation, the inability to work or go to school for 90 days, significant disfigurement, or death. Insurance companies fight this threshold because they know what’s at stake. We know how to prove your injury meets the legal standard, even when it’s not obvious.
Comparative Negligence: Partial Fault Doesn't Mean No Recovery
Maybe you were speeding. Maybe you were texting. The other driver’s insurance will try to make it sound like that ends your case. It doesn’t. In New York, even if you’re 40% at fault, you can still recover 60% of your damages. We fight to minimize your fault percentage and maximize your recovery.
Three Years to File Suit: The Deadline That Destroys Cases
You have three years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit in New York. Miss that deadline by one day, and your case is worthless. Insurance companies know this. They’ll drag out negotiations, hoping you’ll run out of time. We don’t let that happen.
These laws can work for you or against you. The difference is having lawyers who know how to use them as weapons, not obstacles.
Every day you wait is another day for evidence to disappear and witnesses to forget. Call now for your free consultation. (212) 858-0503
Protect Your Rights:
What To Do After a Car Accident in New York
The accident is over, but the questions keep coming. You’ve seen the doctors, maybe you’re back home, maybe you’re still in the hospital. Either way, you’re sore, you’re stressed, and you’re not sure what to do next. You’re not alone. This is the point where a lot of New Yorkers realize they need legal guidance, not just medical care. The good news is, there’s a clear path forward. Don’t let cat insurance companies take advantage of you while you’re still healing.
Keep Every Medical Record
Hang on to every discharge paper, every test result, every bill—even parking receipts from hospital visits. These documents show the full picture of your injuries and what it takes to treat them. They’re not just paperwork. They’re proof that backs up your claim and shows the insurance company this isn’t going away.
Get a Copy of the Police Report
The NYPD or your local precinct will have it ready within a few days. This report is often the first thing insurers look at, and you need your own copy before they start spinning the story. It’s a critical piece of evidence, and sometimes the only neutral account of what really happened.
Be Careful Talking to Insurance Adjusters
When the other driver’s insurance company calls, and they will call, remember they’re not your friend. They may sound helpful, even sympathetic, but their real goal is to pay you as little as possible, as fast as possible, so you’ll drop the case. Don’t sign anything, don’t give a recorded statement, and don’t accept any quick settlement offers before talking to a lawyer.
Follow Through on Medical Care
If your doctor recommends physical therapy, that MRI, or follow-up visits, do it. Skipping treatment doesn’t just hurt your recovery. It gives insurance companies an excuse to claim your injuries aren’t serious. Consistent medical care shows the true impact of the accident and strengthens every aspect of your case.
Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer Early
You don’t have to figure this out alone while you’re trying to heal. A lawyer can explain your options, deal with the insurance companies, and make sure you’re not left paying for someone else’s mistake. The sooner you get legal help, the stronger your case will be—and the sooner you can focus on getting better instead of fighting with adjusters.
Pro Tip From New York Car Accident Attorney Michael Joseph
Take photographs of the damages to all vehicles and the position of the vehicles immediately after the accident. This will prevent the other driver claiming that you were at fault. Stories often change, and insurance companies love to rewrite history.
You’ve got enough to worry about with your recovery. Let us handle the insurance companies and the legal fight.
Call (212) 858-0503 today for a free consultation, and get our New York trial lawyers on your side.
The Numbers: Car Accidents in New York City
Car accidents in New York aren’t rare. They’re part of daily life on our streets. The scale of the problem is staggering.
- In 2023, NYC recorded 52,950 traffic injuries and 244 traffic-related fatalities
- During the first quarter of 2025, the city saw 41 traffic deaths and 7,936 injuries—the lowest fatality total for that time period since 2018, thanks in part to Vision Zero initiatives
Even with progress, the risks are everywhere. The Cross Bronx Expressway continues to rank among the deadliest roadways in the city, while intersections like Queens Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue see hundreds of crashes each year.
Behind every one of those numbers is a person or family struggling with medical bills, lost wages, and lasting pain. At the Law Offices of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC, we don’t just see statistics. We see neighbors, families, and New Yorkers who deserve justice. We use this data to show juries the dangers of our roads and to hold reckless drivers accountable for the harm they cause
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in New York
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a car accident in New York?
Generally, three years from the date of the accident. Wrongful death cases have a shorter deadline – usually two years.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes. New York’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover compensation even if you were partly responsible, though your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Do I have to go to court to win compensation?
Not always. Many cases settle out of court, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. That’s why insurers take us seriously.
Still Have Questions about Your Accident?
If you were hit by a car, the driver of the car has to provide first-party or no-fault benefits. This means that the driver’s insurance company will be responsible for paying for medical treatment and loss of wages.
If one of your family members was killed in a collision caused by a negligent or reckless driver, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim. Because the statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is only two years in the state of New York, you need to file a claim as soon as possible.
There is no set timeline for accident cases. The length of your individual case will depend on many factors, including the extent of your injuries, the clarity of liability, and the insurance company.
In short, yes. The New York State Dram Shop Act makes a bar or restaurant that serves alcohol to an already intoxicated or underage person is legally responsible for his or her actions. If that person is later involved in a drunk driving accident, the bar or establishment that served them alcohol may be held liable.
Different types of automobile accidents have different regulations when it comes to who is responsible for paying damages. The entity responsible for covering these costs could be the insurance company covering the vehicle you were riding in or the insurance company of the other vehicle involved in the accident.
Still Have Questions about Your Accident?
Who is at fault in a car-pedestrian accident?
If you were hit by a car, the driver of the car has to provide first-party or no-fault benefits. This means that the driver’s insurance company will be responsible for paying for medical treatment and loss of wages.
What if my family member was killed in a car accident?
If one of your family members was killed in a collision caused by a negligent or reckless driver, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim. Because the statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is only two years in the state of New York, you need to file a claim as soon as possible.
How long will it take to resolve my accident case?
There is no set timeline for accident cases. The length of your individual case will depend on many factors, including the extent of your injuries, the clarity of liability, and the insurance company.
Can I recover compensation from a bar that served a driver alcohol prior to an alcohol-related accident?
In short, yes. The New York State Dram Shop Act makes a bar or restaurant that serves alcohol to an already intoxicated or underage person is legally responsible for his or her actions. If that person is later involved in a drunk driving accident, the bar or establishment that served them alcohol may be held liable.
Who is going to pay my medical bills?
Different types of automobile accidents have different regulations when it comes to who is responsible for paying damages. The entity responsible for covering these costs could be the insurance company covering the vehicle you were riding in or the insurance company of the other vehicle involved in the accident.
Call the Law Offices of Michael H. Joseph Today
If you were injured in a crash in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, or Westchester County, don’t wait. The insurance companies are already building their case against you. Level the playing field by hiring lawyers who know how to win in New York courtrooms.