Car Accident Lawyer in New York City & The Bronx

Leav & Steinberg LLP helps injured drivers and passengers recover damages following motor vehicle accidents. Most crashes stem from driver negligence, such as speeding, distraction, or impairment, which causes significant physical and financial harm. The firm investigates police reports, vehicle data, and eyewitness accounts to prove fault and pursue full compensation.

According to the National Safety Council, over 5 million Americans received medical care due to motor vehicle injuries in 2021. If you’ve been hurt in an auto accident in New York, you can count on the personal injury attorneys at Leav & Steinberg, LLP to answer your questions and help you pursue your legal options.

Do I Need an Attorney After a Car Accident in New York, NY?

A major car accident can be a traumatic experience for everyone involved. After taking pictures of the scene and exchanging information with the other drivers, discussing your case with a  car accident lawyer in New York can be the best way to protect your rights. An experienced attorney will offer guidance for dealing with insurance companies and pursuing financial compensation from the driver responsible for the accident.

At Leav & Steinberg, our auto accident injury lawyers will work diligently to properly document your injuries and help you understand your legal options. Along with an attorney, you’ll also have a paralegal and access to our online case management system. This system allows you to keep track of documents, emails, and more, even after your case ends.

Identifying specific attributes in a potential attorney is crucial to ensure the best outcome for your personal injury claim.

A top car accident lawyer should have extensive experience handling personal injury cases in New York City, demonstrating a track record of successful outcomes. Their expertise should be evident in navigating the complexities of insurance claims and understanding the nuances of city-specific regulations.

Communication skills are also paramount, as your personal injury lawyer should be adept at explaining processes, providing updates, and advocating fervently on your behalf. Being sure you choose a lawyer with these qualities can significantly impact the success of your case.

What to Do After You’ve Been in a Car Accident in NYC

The accident scene can be overwhelming in the moments following a motor vehicle accident.

If involved in an automobile accident, whether it’s due to drunk driving, distracted driving, or anything in between, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety and health. Call 911 immediately following your accident so medical professionals can properly check you for injuries. No matter if it’s a minor fender-bender with another vehicle or a pedestrian struck, causing a catastrophic injury, you should always seek medical attention. Some serious injuries might not manifest immediate symptoms.

Next, document the scene, capture photos if possible, and gather witness accounts. This can be vital for future insurance claims or personal injury lawsuits.

Contacting a reputable law firm experienced in traffic accidents and the New York Transit Authority rules of conduct can guide you in understanding your rights and help you recover compensation for damages like future medical bills. Remember, while most car accidents may appear straightforward, some situations, especially fatal crashes, require expert guidance to navigate the aftermath.

Types of Auto Accident Cases

Car accidents in New York City take many forms, and each type of collision presents unique legal challenges. New York follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning drivers typically file a no-fault claim within 30 days after an accident to cover medical expenses and certain economic losses. However, when injuries are serious or damages exceed the state’s no-fault limits, victims may pursue a personal injury lawsuit within three years of the accident.

Understanding the type of crash involved can help determine liability, available insurance coverage, and the best legal strategy. Leav & Steinberg’s New York City attorneys handle a wide range of auto accident cases and represent clients who have suffered injuries due to negligent drivers, unsafe road conditions, or insufficient insurance coverage.

Common types of auto accident cases we handle include:

• Left-turn collisions
• Rear-end collisions
• Pedestrian accidents
• Accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers

Each situation requires careful investigation and a clear understanding of New York traffic law to secure the compensation that injured victims deserve.

Underinsurance Case Representation

When the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage is not enough to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages, underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) may help bridge the financial gap. Unfortunately, many drivers discover too late that their policies provide far less protection than they expected.

Leav & Steinberg LLP assists accident victims in recovering compensation when a negligent driver’s insurance coverage falls short. Our legal team carefully reviews insurance policies, medical expenses, and long-term financial losses to determine whether additional compensation may be available through underinsured motorist claims.

Many policyholders believe they have “full coverage,” but underinsurance limits are often set at the minimum required by New York law unless specifically increased. If the at-fault driver’s liability coverage equals or exceeds your underinsured motorist limits, additional recovery may not be available under your own policy.

Our attorneys evaluate the details of each case and work with insurance providers to ensure policies are properly applied, and accident victims are not left with unpaid expenses after a serious crash.

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are a serious concern in New York City, where millions of residents, commuters, and tourists navigate crowded streets every day. When drivers fail to yield, speed through intersections, or drive while distracted, pedestrians face a significantly higher risk of catastrophic injury because they lack the physical protection of a vehicle.

Leav & Steinberg LLP represents pedestrians injured by negligent drivers by conducting thorough investigations that may include traffic camera footage, eyewitness testimony, and expert accident reconstruction. Our attorneys pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, rehabilitation costs, and long-term care needs.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Failure to yield at crosswalks
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Driving under the influence
• Violating traffic signals or roadway safety laws

Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §1146, drivers must exercise due care to avoid striking pedestrians. When motorists fail to meet this legal obligation, they may be held responsible for the injuries that result.

Because pedestrian collisions often lead to severe injuries such as fractures, spinal cord damage, or traumatic brain injuries, victims should seek medical attention immediately and consult an experienced personal injury attorney to protect their legal rights.

Rear-End Collision Cases

Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of auto accidents in New York. These crashes frequently occur in heavy traffic, where drivers follow too closely, become distracted, or fail to react in time when vehicles ahead slow or stop.

Under New York law, a rear-end collision with a stopped or stopping vehicle typically creates a presumption of negligence against the driver of the trailing vehicle. Drivers are legally required to maintain a safe distance and control their speed based on road and traffic conditions.

Leav & Steinberg LLP represents victims of rear-end crashes by analyzing critical evidence such as:

• Skid marks and roadway conditions
• Vehicle damage patterns
• Black-box data from vehicles
• Cell phone records that may indicate distracted driving

Rear-end accidents often cause injuries such as whiplash, spinal trauma, and head injuries. Our attorneys negotiate with insurance companies and pursue litigation when necessary to ensure clients receive fair compensation for the harm they have suffered.

Left-Turn Collision Cases

Left-turn collisions frequently occur at intersections when a driver turns across oncoming traffic without yielding the right of way. These crashes often result in severe side-impact injuries because vehicles collide at high speeds.

Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §1141, drivers making a left turn must yield to oncoming vehicles that are close enough to pose an immediate hazard. Failing to yield the right of way can constitute negligence under New York law.

Leav & Steinberg LLP represents individuals injured in left-turn accidents by reconstructing crash scenes, reviewing traffic signals and surveillance footage, and applying relevant traffic laws to establish liability. Our attorneys are experienced in handling cases involving:

• Drivers who misjudge oncoming traffic speed
• Motorists who ignore traffic signals
• Vehicles turning without ensuring the movement can be made safely

Left-turn crashes are particularly common in dense urban environments like New York City, where heavy traffic and complex intersections increase the risk of dangerous turning maneuvers.

Do You Have a Case for a Car Accident Claim?

If you believe another driver was at fault for the accident that caused your injuries, you may have a strong claim for a lawsuit. A key factor in a successful case is proper evidence of an injury. Documentation for an accident injury should include proof of a medical evaluation, treatment, a police report, and pictures of your injuries and the damage to your vehicle. Section 5102(d) of the New York State Insurance Law states that a lawsuit can be filed for the following injuries:

• Death
• Dismemberment
• Bone fractures
• Significant cosmetic scarring
• Significant limitation of bodily function
• A medically determined injury that prevents a person from conducting all of their customary daily activities for at least 90 of the first 180 days after the injury

NYC Auto Accident Injury Lawyer Reviews

“I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Steinberg, who provided the best guidance and support. He always answered my calls, was always on top of everything, and guided me through the process. Would recommend him to anyone and everyone!” – Diane Puccio

“It was an absolute and great experience. Mr. Ricardo Martinez was very professional and fought hard for my rights. My note is 10, and I should recommend it to everyone I know. I also want to mention Britney and Loreta! It was Loreta who introduced me to your firm; at the end, I want to thank all at Leav & Steinberg!” – Mr. Lorenz V.

“I am so thankful and grateful for the experience I had with Leav & Steinberg, LLP. My lawyer, Stephen Chyi, went above and beyond to help me out after a tough accident. Not only is he professional and hardworking, but he’s also empathetic and made sure I was well-compensated for my suffering. The team paralegal, Emily, was also super helpful in answering any additional questions I had. They made this process as quick and painless as possible. I highly recommend this firm to anyone in search of a great legal team!” – Cassandra Fernandez

New York Car Accident Verdicts

• $3,000,000 Settlement in open court just before trial for an infant who was crossing the street with a walk signal in her favor when she was struck by an ambulance that was not using its lights or sirens. She was nine years old at the time of the incident. She sustained a fractured leg and fractured foot and required skin grafts.
• $2,100,000 Settlement obtained for a woman whose vehicle was hit in the rear while stopped at a red light. The plaintiff sustained shoulder, neck, back, and hand injuries and required spinal surgery for the removal of cervical discs and carpal tunnel release surgery on both hands.
• $1,250,000 Settlement at Mediation for a man who was waiting at a red light when his vehicle was rear-ended by a driver who admitted he was distracted by his cellphone. He sustained injuries to his neck and an aggravation of a prior back injury which required surgery.

Car Accident Lawyer New York FAQs