
New York Car Accident Attorney
Some car accidents can be resolved quickly, but others result in serious injuries, astronomical medical bills, and even death.
If you were hit by a reckless, negligent, or distracted driver, the Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC can help you pursue compensation.
Our New York City, NY, Car Accident Attorneys can help you collect what you are owed...

Highly Rated Car Accident Attorneys in New York by New York Car Accident Victims
I searched “car accident lawyer” after going through an accident that changed my life completely! I’m so glad that I found him. I can’t thank him enough for everything he has done. If you’re looking for the best lawyer that handles car accidents, trust you will be in great hands. Thanks again for everything Michael.
I actually did an internet search for car accident lawyers in the area. Initially the meeting with my attorney went well. He put all terms into language I could understand. They were pretty affordable, and I was happy with the final result.
YOU NEED AN EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
Our Car Accident Attorneys Don't Get Paid Until You Win
Don't Settle for A Quick Payout
MEET OUR NEW YORK CITY AND WESTCHESTER
CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS
MICHAEL JOSEPH
CLIFFORD NELSON
Our car accident attorneys in New York, know that all too often, the insurance companies will contact you after an accident and lie to you and tell you that your injuries aren't serious and that you don't need a lawyer. These insurance companies do this to get car accident victims who were clearly injured because of the negligence or wrongdoing of another person, to quickly settle with the insurance companies for far less than they truly deserve. These insurance companies are throwing a small amount of money at you to get you to settle before you even know how seriously injured you are. Unfortunately, insurance companies aren't looking out for your best interests. They simply want to protect their bottom line
You need an New York experienced car accident attorney on your side to make sure you get what you deserve. In addition to free consultations, our auto accident attorneys in Manhattan and White Plains provide legal representation on a contingency basis, which means you don't pay us unless we win your case. Call us to meet with our car accident lawyers in N.Y.C.
WE ARE ON YOUR SIDE
Dealing With Your Own Insurance Company?
Talk to an Experienced Car Lawyer First- You Only Have 30 Days
To File A No Fault Application
New York is a no-fault state, which means that if you were injured in a car accident, your medical bills, lost wages and other ancillary expenses such as transportation to your doctor's office, are paid by your own insurance company, which means regardless of whether you were the driver or a passenger, or even whether you were on the policy or not, the insurance company for the car that you were in has to pay your medical bills and lost wages. A common misconception is that people think that if the other car was at fault they should pay the bills, but that is not how it works in New York. In New York our legislature created a system to make sure injured people get medical treatment, without fighting about who was at fault for the auto accident. Usually, if the other car was at fault, then your insurance company will get reimbursed, but in New York, your car insurance company must pay first. Don't delay filing a no fault application because you are afraid that your insurance rates will go up. If you were not at fault, the rates should not be raised because the insurance company will probably be reimbursed from the other side. Also, remember, not sending in the No Fault application can be the most costly mistake of all because you will lose your right to medical treatment and will get stuck with the medical bills.
To get these benefits, you need to file a no fault application within 30 days of the accident and if you don't file the application, the insurance company will try to deny payment of your medical benefits and lost wages. Our car accident lawyers will meet with you in our New York or Westchester county office and will make sure that you meet the no fault deadline.
Our New York City and White Plains car accident lawyers can prepare your no fault application, the same day you visit us. We make sure your benefits are set up so you can get the medical treatment that you need. If you were a passenger and don't know who the insurance company is, do not worry, our New York car accident lawyers can identify the car insurance company by looking at the police report.
OUR CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS HOLD THE OTHER SIDE ACCOUNTABLE
OUR LAWYERS DON'T BACK DOWN FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANIES
Our New York City and Westchster car accident lawyers have extensive experience in both settling car accident cases for the top dollar and in litigating and trying cases to verdict. If the insurance company gives you a low ball offer, your car accident lawyers will take them to Court and force them to pay you what you deserve. Our attorneys will treat you like you are family. We will make sure your insurance benefits are set up and that you get the medical treatment you need.
Our car accident attorneys in New York have the experience to understand even the most complex injuries and medical conditions and our car accident attorneys fight to make sure the insurance companies don't low ball you with an inadequate and insulting settlement offer for your injuries. Our lawyers will carefully review your medical records, and make sure the insurance company recognizes how seriously hurt you were. We fight to get you the best settlement offer possible.
If we are unable to reach an agreement with the insurance company, our New York car accident attorneys will file a personal injury lawsuit. With a combined eight decades of trial experience in the New York City and Westchester County Courts, you are in good hands with our car accident lawyers.
Our personal injury attorneys have helped thousands of clients recover fair, full compensation for their injuries both in settlements and in jury verdicts.We can help you, too.
Best car accident injury lawyer in Westchester County
5.0 stars
Michael is an excellent, intelligent lawyer who is committed to his clients and works through a case to a successful conclusion. He is extremely well versed, yet down to earth, and will keep you informed on all the details of your case from beginning to end. He is always accessible, and if he is not immediately available to speak with you, you can be certain to receive a call back within a short period of time.
Michael handled a personal injury automobile action for me that resulted in a large cash settlement. He was diligent in his preparation and a staunch defender of my rights throughout the entire process.
I have no reservations in recommending Michael Joseph to anyone. Anonymous
YOU WANT AN EXPERIENCED NEW YORK OR WESTCHESTER COUNTY
CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER ON YOUR SIDE
How Did Your Car Accident Happen?
While some accidents cannot be prevented, others are directly caused by the negligent behavior of other parties or because they don't follow the law. When the dangerous actions of another driver or company put you at risk, a New York City car accident lawyer can help you hold them accountable for the injuries you sustained in your accident. Some causes of car accidents include:
CAN I SUE IF THE OTHER DRIVER WAS USING A CELL PHONE
Cell Phone-Related Collisions in New York
According to data compiled by the National Safety Council, over 1.6 million automobile collisions in New York and across the nation are caused by motorist cell phone use each year. In fact, nearly one-quarter of all traffic crashes that occur in a given year result from distracted drivers who are talking or texting on a mobile device. Since 2012, New York’s law against the use of cell phones behind the wheel is a primary offense. This means a law enforcement officer may stop and ticket a driver for talking on a handheld device, texting, emailing, or viewing the web while driving. Although the ban includes an exception for emergency situations, ignorance of the law is not a defense.
Despite such statewide laws banning the use of handheld devices, cell phone-related crashes occur across New York at an alarming rate. In fact, about 50,000 of the nearly 300,000 motor vehicle collisions that occurred in our state in 2012 resulted from cell phone use or other distracted driving. Regrettably, such collisions can result in serious, long-term harm or even a tragic death.
Hold Distracted Drivers Accountable for Your Injuries
In general, proving fault following a cell phone-related collision is based on negligence. In such a context, negligence may occur when a motorist does not exercise the same level of care that a reasonably prudent driver would use in a similar situation. New York law requires that all drivers comply with traffic laws, such as the rule against cell phone use while driving. If a person who is distracted while texting a friend from behind the wheel causes a collision, that is a violation of New York's vehicle and traffic law and is sufficient to establish negligence, because the driver was on their phone and not keeping a proper look out. Our New York car accident attorneys always subpeona the other driver's cell phone records where it appears that the other driver may have been on their cell phone and not paying attention to the road.
Six Steps to Take after an Auto Accident
Stay on the Scene
Don't leave the scene of the accident. Doing so could make it look like an attempt to flee the scene. If possible, move yourself and the vehicles involved out of moving traffic. It is important to get a police report because it documents the other driver's information. Our New York City car accident cases have seen alot of cases where negligent drivers insist on not calling the police and just exchaning information, only to turn around and claim they were not in an accident or that the accident happened differently. If the police are called right away, people are usually more honest because they are nervous and haven't had time to think up a story.
Call the Authorities
If you or the other driver are injured, call 9-1-1 for medical assistance. If there are no injuries, call 9-1-1 and ask them to send an officer who can file a police report.
Get the Other Driver's Information
Take photos of the other driver's license, insurance cards, any damage to either vehicle, and contact information. You will need these when filing a claim with your insurance company. When exchanging information, don't discuss the details of the car accident with the other driver.
Take Pictures & Video
Document everything. Take pictures or videos of the scene of the accident, the cars involved in the collision, street signs, and injuries that were sustained during the car accident.Our car accident attorneys recommend taking pictures of the vehicles before they are moved. A careless drier will often tell a different story than what really happened to protect themselves. Photographs are the best witness in the world
Say as Little as Possible
While on the scene of the auto accident, say as little as possible regarding the accident. Most importantly, do not apologize to the other driver. While your emotions may be high, there may be details about the accident that haven't surfaced yet and a premature apology could be seen as an admission of fault.
Call a Car Accident Lawyer in NYC For a Free Consultation
If you sustained a personal injury, you need to call a New York car accident lawyer as soon as possible. The personal injury attorneys at the Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC can review the details of your car accident case and guide you towards a positive outcome.
Why It's Important to Pinpoint the Cause
Many car accident cases are settled with insurance companies before a car accident lawyer has had the chance to investigate the accident and determine the cause. Because our New York car accident lawyers have been practicing personal injury law for over two decades, we have built a strong network of accident reconstruction experts who can clearly illustrate what happened during the accident.
The cause of the accident will tell us who is at fault and who is responsible for paying damages. Therefore, the cause of the car accident will determine how we go about your case. For example:
- If your crash was caused by a negligent driver, we will attempt to recover fair, full compensation from the insurance company
- If your accident was caused by unkempt roads, we can recover compensation from the party responsible for maintaining that roadway
- If your collision was triggered by a defective car or car part, we can hold the designer, manufacturer, or distributor accountable
Our law firm works with some of the most trusted accident experts to investigate your accident, determine the cause, and identify the responsible party.
Dozens of 5-Star Reviews
The staff at the office was always very professional. They were respectful of my time and always followed up when necessary. I was in a car accident for the first time so they were patient in explaining how they would help and walked me through the process step by step. I called other firms before finding them and no one wanted to take my case because I didn't go to the hospital right away and took time to find a physical therapist. I received excellent treatment for all of my injuries and a nice settlement.
View On Google"Been with the Law Offices of Michael H. Joseph since 2012, and he is just great. So understanding, and an awesome guy in general. He is always providing me me with thoughtful and well reasoned advice, and overall was so communicative with me whether it was through email or by phone. Recommend Michael."
View On GoogleNeed a Personal Injury Lawyer? Call for a Free Consultation Today
Were you involved in a serious car accident? Are you worried about how you'll manage your recovery or who will pay your medical bills or lost wages? With the Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC, you don't have to go it alone. Our New York City, NY, law firm has been representing car accident victims for more than two decades. We have offices in Manhattan and White Plains in Westcheter County.
Our skilled attorneys are affiliated with trusted legal organizations:
- New York State Trial Lawyers Association
- American Association for Justice
- New York County Lawyers Association
- Westchester County Bar Association
Ready to discuss your case with a legal professional? Request your consultation online or call us at (212) 858-0503 for our Mahattan office or (914) 574-8330 for our White Plains office.
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Trust Your Case to Us So You Can Focus on Healing
After your accident, you need to focus your time and attention on your recovery. The Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC can help you do that. Our New York City car accident lawyers take care of every step of your case. We are attentive, compassionate, and affordable. We'll focus on your case while you focus on your well-being. We have offices in Manhattan and White Plains.
To speak to one of our car accident attorneys, request your free consultation online or call us:
(914) 574-8330
What If You Were Partly Responsible for the Accident?
Although New York is a no-fault state, there are circumstances under which you are able to file a personal injury suit directly against the responsible party:
- Injuries resulted in at least 90 days of full disability
- A bone fracture resulted from the accident
- Injuries caused permanent disability
- A physician determines that the injuries are especially serious
If your case qualifies, but you and the other driver share fault for the accident, "comparative fault" rules will be followed. If this is the case, the total amount of your losses will be calculated along with the percentage of the accident that you are responsible for. The total amount you receive will then be reduced by a percentage equal to your fault.
Types of Car Accidents
No two car accidents are the same. Each has a different cause and outcome. The most common types of car accidents include:
Head-On Crash
Head-on collisions occur when drivers on opposite sides of the roadway collide. Because of the speed at which many of these accidents occur, they can lead to devastating injuries and even death.
Rear-End Collisions
Read-end collisions commonly occur when one driver is tailgating the other. If the driver who rear-ends you is speeding, the force of the impact can leave you with whiplash and other serious injuries.
Rollovers
Rollovers are extremely violent accidents that can seriously injure or kill drivers, passengers, bystanders, and people in other vehicles. Although all types of vehicles can be involved in a rollover, tall sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and trucks are more susceptible because of their high centers of gravity.
Side-Impact & T-Bone Collisions
Side-impact collisions are commonly caused by distracted drivers or drivers running red lights. At almost any speed, these types of auto accidents can be very dangerous because they come in such close contact with the driver and passengers of the vehicles.
Single-Car Accidents
According to an article published by Forbes, one out of five accidents involves single vehicles. Single-vehicle accidents are still very dangerous, leading to over 8,000 deaths each year in the United States alone.
Car Accidents Are Common in New York
New York City, Manhattan, White Plains, and other communities are heavy with traffic, making accidents a very common part of life. In data gathered from 2012 to 2014, the New York State Department of Health found that car accidents were the leading cause of injury or deaths from injury among the residents of New York. The Department of Health also concluded that:
- Over 1,000 deaths on average took place each year because of car accidents
- Over 12,000 patients were hospitalized each year due to auto accidents
- Nearly 137,000 patients visited the emergency room each year due to car accident injuries
Are you one of the thousands of New Yorkers affected by an accident? We want to hear from you.
"We Got Everything Taken Care Of..."
"Michael has done two cases for me since 2010. One was a business case and the other was as the result of an accident. He excelled in both instances for me and we got everything taken care of. " Kayla J.
Auto Accidents Can Lead to Serious Injuries
Car accidents are all too common and can lead to life-changing injuries, such as:
- Broken Bones: Broken bones require expensive medical care and rehabilitation. They can also affect your ability to work, limiting the income you can earn.
- Burn Injuries: Burn injuries can leave patients permanently disfigured or disabled.
- Chest Injuries: Chest injuries caused by seat belts or air bags can be dangerous or even deadly, hurting delicate internal organs.
- Hearing or Vision Loss: Patients who experience hearing or vision loss may have a difficult time adjusting to their new lives and participating in the activities they once loved.
- Lacerations: Deep cuts and scrapes can require costly medical attention and a painful recovery period.
- Whiplash: Whiplash most commonly occurs during read-end accidents when the passenger's neck is rapidly rocked back and forth, resulting in stiffness, headaches, and significant pain.
- Head Injuries: Head injuries are very serious because they can cause permanent brain damage (traumatic brain injury) that can affect a patient's memory, behavior, mood, and ability to function.
- Spinal Cord Injury: A spinal cord injury can leave a patient disabled or immobilized. Those who are paralyzed may be wheelchair-bound for the rest of their lives, leaving them unable to hold their previous job or carry out certain functions.
- Fatality: A devastating number of accidents end in death. The National Safety Council estimates that approximately 40,000 victims were killed in car accidents in 2018 alone. These victims leave behind mourning families who deserve to be compensated for medical expenses, funeral expenses, gaps in income, and more.
*According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Take Action before Time Expires
Did you know that New York and most other states have a statute of limitations in place to limit how much time can pass between an accident and a lawsuit? New York's statute of limitations for personal injury cases is three years from the date of the accident, so don't wait. Failure to meet the deadline can affect the strength and validity of your case.
Why Wait? We Offer Free Consultations
Ready to talk to a car accident lawyer about your case? Call the Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC for a complimentary consultation. We have two convenient locations serving New York City, Manhattan, and White Plains. If you are badly injured, we can also come to you. Simply request your appointment online or call us:
(914) 574-8330
Clients Appreciate Our Attentive, Accessible Service
"I'm disabled and can't get around too well, but Michael made personal visits to me on several occasions to discuss my case. I really appreciated that."
Quinn W.
YOU NEED AN EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
Our Car Accident Attorneys Don't Get Paid Until You Win
Don't Settle for A Quick Payout
MEET OUR NEW YORK CITY AND WESTCHESTER
CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS
MICHAEL JOSEPH
CLIFFORD NELSON
Our car accident attorneys in New York, know that all too often, the insurance companies will contact you after an accident and lie to you and tell you that your injuries aren't serious and that you don't need a lawyer. These insurance companies do this to get car accident victims who were clearly injured because of the negligence or wrongdoing of another person, to quickly settle with the insurance companies for far less than they truly deserve. These insurance companies are throwing a small amount of money at you to get you to settle before you even know how seriously injured you are. Unfortunately, insurance companies aren't looking out for your best interests. They simply want to protect their bottom line
You need an New York experienced car accident attorney on your side to make sure you get what you deserve. In addition to free consultations, our auto accident attorneys in Manhattan and White Plains provide legal representation on a contingency basis, which means you don't pay us unless we win your case. Call us to meet with our car accident lawyers in N.Y.C.
WE ARE ON YOUR SIDE