Manhattan’s Top Accident Attorneys: Get Your Free Case Evaluation Today
Understanding Your Rights After a Manhattan Accident
Accident attorney Manhattan services are critical when you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence in New York City. Here’s what you need to know right away:
Quick Answer: Finding the Right Manhattan Accident Attorney
- Free Consultation: Most reputable firms offer no-cost case evaluations
- No Win, No Fee: Contingency basis means you pay nothing unless you recover compensation
- Act Fast: You have 3 years to file most personal injury claims in New York, but 30 days for No-Fault benefits
- Types of Cases: Car accidents, pedestrian injuries, truck collisions, subway incidents, slip and falls, construction accidents
- Compensation Includes: Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, future care costs
- Key Requirement: Proof that another party’s negligence caused your injuries
Manhattan’s dense population and heavy traffic contribute to a high risk of accidents. The New York City Police Department records over 135,000 car crashes annually, leading to thousands of injuries and fatalities. If you’ve been hurt, you shouldn’t be stuck with mounting medical bills and lost income. Navigating New York’s complex legal system while recovering is a daunting task, but you have rights.
The good news is that a Manhattan accident attorney can level the playing field against large insurance companies. I’m Mark Segal, and for over three decades, our firm has represented injured New Yorkers. As a Manhattan-based accident attorney Manhattan residents trust, we work on a contingency basis—you don’t pay unless we win your case. We understand the unique challenges of accident claims in this city and have recovered millions for clients facing the devastating impact of serious injuries.
Common Accidents in Manhattan and What They Entail
Manhattan’s constant energy creates real dangers. Between the stream of cabs, delivery trucks, pedestrians, and cyclists, accidents happen with alarming frequency.
The numbers tell a sobering story. According to the New York City Police Department, over 135,000 car crashes occur city-wide each year, resulting in more than 34,000 injuries and 134 fatalities annually. The primary cause is often driver error. Distracted driving is a leading factor, with thousands of crashes attributed to drivers not paying attention. Other common causes include failure to yield at crosswalks, following too closely, speeding, and reckless behaviors like drunk or impaired driving. Sometimes, factors like automotive defects or dangerous road conditions contribute. An accident attorney Manhattan residents trust can investigate the cause and identify who is responsible for your injuries.
Types of Cases Handled
At Segal & Lax, we have over 75 years of combined experience representing injured New Yorkers. We know how to fight for the compensation you deserve in a wide range of cases:
- Car Accidents: We handle all types, from rear-end collisions to complex cases involving uninsured motorists.
- Pedestrian Accidents: We advocate for people hit while crossing the street, on the sidewalk, or waiting at a corner.
- Truck Accidents: These often cause catastrophic injuries. We investigate driver fatigue, improper loading, and company negligence.
- Bus Accidents and Subway Accidents: These cases can involve multiple parties and claims against government entities like the MTA, which have special rules and shorter deadlines.
- Premises Liability: We handle slip and fall cases from wet floors, icy sidewalks, broken stairs, or inadequate lighting.
- Construction Accidents: New York has specific laws protecting workers injured by falls, falling objects, or safety violations. An accident attorney Manhattan construction workers rely on understands these laws thoroughly.
We also represent clients injured in motorcycle, bicycle, and rideshare (Uber/Lyft) accidents. When a tragedy results in a fatality, we help families pursue wrongful death claims to seek justice and financial support.
Your First Steps: What to Do Immediately After an Accident
What you do in the moments after an accident can significantly impact your health and any future legal claim. Stay calm and follow these critical steps:
- Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention: Check for injuries and call 911 immediately. Getting prompt medical care is crucial for your health and documents a link between the accident and your injuries.
- Report the Accident: Call the NYPD to create an official police report. State the facts clearly but avoid admitting fault or apologizing.
- Document Everything: Use your phone to take photos and videos of the scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange Information: Get names, contact details, insurance information, and license plate numbers from all drivers and witnesses.
- Notify Your Insurer: Report the accident to your own insurance company, sticking to the basic facts. Do not give a recorded statement or accept a settlement offer until you have spoken with an attorney.
Understanding New York’s Legal Deadlines
Time is of the essence. New York has strict deadlines, called statutes of limitations, for filing claims. Missing them means losing your right to compensation, no matter how strong your case is.
- Personal Injury Lawsuits: 3 years from the accident date.
- Wrongful Death Claims: 2 years from the date of death.
- No-Fault Benefits: 30 days from the accident to file for medical and wage benefits.
- Claims Against Government Entities (e.g., NYC, MTA): 90 days to file a Notice of Claim.
Given these tight windows, contacting an accident attorney Manhattan immediately is vital to protect your rights and preserve crucial evidence.
Why You Need an Accident Attorney in Manhattan
After an accident, you’re dealing with physical pain, financial stress, and emotional trauma. The last thing you need is a battle with an insurance company. That’s where an accident attorney Manhattan comes in to be your shield and advocate.
Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to protect their profits by paying you as little as possible. They use trained adjusters to ask leading questions, pressure you into lowball settlements, or deny valid claims. We know their tactics. When you hire us, we handle all communications, paperwork, and negotiations, so you can focus on healing.
New York’s laws are complex. Navigating the no-fault system, the “serious injury” threshold, and comparative negligence rules requires specific legal knowledge. If your claim involves a government entity like the MTA, the rules and deadlines are even stricter. We handle these legal complexities so you don’t have to. For more information, visit our Why Hire Us page.
We determine the true value of your case. Your losses go beyond current medical bills. We work with medical and financial professionals to calculate the full impact of your accident, including future medical care, lost earning capacity, and the cost of your pain and suffering. We build a comprehensive case by gathering police reports, tracking down witnesses, obtaining surveillance footage, and collecting all necessary medical evidence to prove your claim.
While most cases settle, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This readiness often convinces insurers to offer a fair settlement. If they don’t, we are always prepared to fight for you in court.
How to Choose the Right Accident Attorney in Manhattan
Choosing the right firm is crucial for your recovery. Look for these key qualities:
- Specific Experience: You need a firm that focuses exclusively on personal injury law. Our team has over 75 years of combined experience in this field.
- Proven Track Record: A history of significant verdicts and settlements shows a firm’s ability to win tough cases.
- Client Testimonials: See what former clients say. Our Testimonials reflect our commitment to compassionate and competent representation.
- Clear Communication: You deserve an attorney who keeps you informed. We pride ourselves on being responsive and accessible.
- Contingency Fee: We work on a “no win, no fee” basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
- Free Consultation: Use a free consultation to discuss your case and get to know the attorney. It should leave you feeling confident and informed.
What Compensation Can You Expect?
If another party’s negligence caused your injuries, you can seek compensation for all related losses, known as “damages.”
Economic damages are your calculable financial losses. This includes:
- All medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage and other out-of-pocket costs
Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible, personal losses that don’t have a price tag, such as:
- Pain and suffering (physical and mental)
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In cases of a Catastrophic Injury like a Brain Injury or Spinal Cord Injury, these damages can be substantial. We fight to recover the maximum compensation available to make you as whole as possible.
Navigating the Legal Landscape of a NY Accident Claim
New York’s accident laws have unique rules that can be confusing. Understanding them is key to a successful claim.
New York’s No-Fault Law means your own auto insurance initially pays for your medical bills and a portion of lost wages (up to $50,000), regardless of who caused the accident. This is designed to provide quick access to benefits.
However, to sue the at-fault driver for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, you must meet New York’s “serious injury” threshold. This has a specific legal definition, including injuries like a fracture, significant disfigurement, permanent limitation of a body organ, or an injury that prevents you from performing daily activities for 90 of the 180 days post-accident. Proving a serious injury with medical documentation is critical.
New York’s pure comparative negligence rule is another key concept. It means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your compensation is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your total damages.
Most cases end in a settlement (an agreement outside of court), but we prepare every case for a verdict (a decision at trial). This thorough preparation is the best way to secure a fair settlement offer.
How a Manhattan Accident Attorney Handles Complex Cases
Our accident attorney Manhattan team has deep experience with complex claims that go beyond simple accidents.
- Commercial Vehicle Accidents: When a truck, bus, or taxi is involved, we investigate the company’s liability, including driver logs, maintenance records, and corporate policies, to hold all responsible parties accountable.
- Rideshare Accidents: Uber and Lyft cases have complicated insurance structures that depend on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. We know how to steer these policies to maximize your recovery.
- Catastrophic Injuries: Cases involving a Brain Injury or Spinal Cord Injury require projecting a lifetime of costs. We work with medical and economic professionals to calculate the full, long-term financial impact to ensure your future needs are met.
TABLE: Comparing Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Claims
| Feature | Personal Injury Claim | Wrongful Death Claim |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Compensates the injured person for their losses. | Compensates the deceased’s surviving family for their losses. |
| Claimant | The injured person. | The deceased’s estate, on behalf of surviving family members. |
| Damages Recovered | Medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage. | Funeral expenses, medical bills incurred before death, loss of financial support, loss of companionship/guidance, emotional suffering of survivors. |
| Statute of Limitations | Generally 3 years from the date of injury in NY. | Generally 2 years from the date of death in NY. |
| “Serious Injury” Threshold | Must meet New York’s “serious injury” threshold to sue for non-economic damages. | Not applicable; the fatality itself meets the threshold. |
| Legal Basis | Negligence of the at-fault party directly caused the injury. | Negligence of the at-fault party directly caused the death. |
A Wrongful Death claim is brought by the deceased’s estate for the family’s losses, including lost financial support and companionship. The timeline is shorter (two years from death), and we handle these sensitive cases with the dedication they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions about Manhattan Accident Claims
After an accident, it’s normal to have questions. Here are concise answers to some of the most common concerns we hear from Manhattan accident victims.
What is a contingency fee basis?
A contingency fee means you pay us nothing unless we win your case. When you hire an accident attorney Manhattan firm like Segal & Lax, we cover all upfront costs of investigating and litigating your claim. Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. This arrangement removes the financial risk for you and allows everyone access to quality legal representation.
How long do I have to file an accident claim in New York?
New York has strict deadlines, and missing them will bar your claim. The key deadlines are:
- 3 years for most personal injury claims (car accidents, slip and falls).
- 2 years for wrongful death claims, starting from the date of death.
- 30 days to file for No-Fault insurance benefits for medical bills and lost wages.
- 90 days to file a Notice of Claim for accidents involving a government entity (like the city or MTA).
Because these deadlines pass quickly, it is crucial to seek legal help as soon as possible.
What should I do if the at-fault driver’s insurance is not enough?
This is a common problem, as New York’s minimum insurance requirements are low. However, you have options. The most important is your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/SUM) coverage. This part of your auto policy is designed to cover your damages when the at-fault driver has little or no insurance. We can help you file a claim against your own policy to make up the difference.
Additionally, we investigate every case for other potentially liable parties. This could include the owner of a commercial vehicle, a municipality responsible for a dangerous road condition, or a manufacturer of a defective car part. We explore every avenue to ensure you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.
Conclusion: Secure Your Right to Compensation
If you’ve been injured in a Manhattan accident, you’re facing a difficult road. Medical bills, lost income, and calls from insurance companies can be overwhelming. You don’t have to face it alone.
Remember: You have rights, and you deserve fair compensation.
Navigating New York’s complex legal system requires experience. Deadlines are strict, and insurance companies are focused on their bottom line, not your well-being. An experienced Manhattan accident attorney levels the playing field.
At Segal & Lax, our “no win, no fee” promise means you pay nothing unless we recover money for you. With over 75 years of combined experience, we have the knowledge and resources to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. We handle the legal battle so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.
Your path forward starts with a conversation. Contact us for a free personal injury case evaluation today. There is no cost and no obligation. As your accident attorney Manhattan residents trust, we are ready to fight for you.