Car Accident Attorneys in Manhattan for All Types of Crashes
If you were injured in a car crash in Manhattan, New York, the best thing you can do is contact a knowledgeable and experienced attorney as soon as possible.
At Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., we have handled injury claims arising from all types of collisions, including but not limited to:
- Read-End Collisions
- Head-On Crashes
- Side Impact “T-Bone” Accidents
- Side Swipe Crashes
- Impaired Driving Accidents
- Hit and Run Accidents
- Uber & Lyft Accidents
- Fatal Car Crashes
- Defective Vehicle and Vehicle Part Accident
- Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Accidents
Whether you suffered whiplash in a rear-end collision or lost a loved one in a fatal head-on crash, we can help.
What to Do After a Car Crash in Manhattan
When you’re involved in a car crash, dealing with the aftermath can be very stressful. Here are the critical steps after a Manhattan crash to ensure your safety and recover the most compensation.
- Stop your vehicle and stay at the scene. It’s important to stay until you’ve been cleared to leave the scene. You could face a license suspension if you don’t wait.
- Call 911 if anyone was seriously injured. According to the NYPD, collisions that only result in property damage don’t need to be reported. However, calling is recommended, as they can create a report you can use in any third-party insurance claims and lawsuits.
- Note that if the police do not create a report, the crash must still be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days of the crash if it caused more than $1,000 in property damage
- Move the vehicles out of the way if possible. This decreases the chance of another crash and allows emergency responders to get to you easily.
- Exchange contact and insurance information. Even if New York is a “no-fault” state, you may need the other driver’s information for further lawsuits or claims. Look for any witnesses and get their information.
- Take photos and videos of the damaged vehicles and any injuries. Be sure to get evidence of the weather and look for any other cameras in the area so your attorney can request their video for evidence. If you’re taken away from the scene, have someone else photograph the area.
- Seek medical attention as soon as you can. This is essential for your health, but a medical professional can also identify “invisible” injuries caused by the accident. This information is also crucial if you file a lawsuit or third-party insurance claim.
- Call a Manhattan lawyer as soon as possible.
Common Causes of Car Crashes in Manhattan
The most common contributing factors to collisions in Manhattan include:
- Driver inattention and distraction
- Driver impairment due to drugs or alcohol
- Driver fatigue and falling asleep behind the wheel
- Following too closely
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Improper passing or lane usage
- Backing up unsafely
- Passing too closely
- Unsafe lane changes
- Improper turning
- Disregarded traffic control signs or signals
- Aggressive driving and road rage
- Young and inexperienced drivers
- Another uninvolved vehicle
- Bad weather and road conditions
Common Car Accident Injuries
Our Manhattan car accident attorneys handle cases involving:
- Broken bones
- Amputation
- Soft tissue injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Whiplash
- Spinal injuries and paralysis
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Knee injuries
- Facial and dental injuries
- Crush injuries
- Burns
HKD Fights For Max Compensation in Manhattan Car Accidents
In the aftermath of a car crash, you will be busy recovering from your injuries or adjusting to a new way of life. Although drivers in New York are required to have Personal Injury Protection insurance, there are limits to that coverage. And you may not be thinking of recovering compensation to pay for medical bills or property damage caused by someone else’s negligence.
Retaining an attorney will help you recover damages for:
- Medical Treatment expenses
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Lost Wages
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Reduced Earning Capacity
Some of our awards include:
Our Awards
Super
Lawyers
Super lawyers identifies outstanding attorneys in various practice areas based on independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations.
New York County Bar Association
One of the largest, most influential bar associations in the country with NYCLA members pioneering some of the most far-reaching legal reforms in America.
New York City Bar Association
The best lawyers in NYC, the City Bar’s mission is to equip and mobilize legal professionals to practice with excellence, promote reform, and uphold the rule of law.
New York State Bar Association
The largest voluntary state bar organization in America with the goals of facilitating access to justice and elevating professional standards.
Center for Justice Democracy
The CJ&D is a non-profit, non-partisan consumer rights organization dedicated to educating the public about the U.S. civil justice system and fighting tort reform.
Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Reserved for the top trial lawyers, membership is limited to those with multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Fewer than 1% of lawyers are members.
American Association for Justice
The AAJ is a nonprofit advocacy and lobbying organization for plaintiff's lawyers in the U.S. with the mission to "promote a fair and effective justice system."
New York Insurance and Car Accident Settlements
In New York, drivers are required to carry certain types of insurance. As a result, your insurance policy and the at-fault driver’s coverage can impact your possible compensation and ability to pursue a lawsuit or third-party insurance claim.
New York Auto Insurance Requirements
- No-Fault/Personal Injury Protection: This policy pays up to $50,000 for lost wages and/or medical expenses and death benefits. It does not cover property damage.
- Liability: This policy pays for bodily injuries and property damage you cause other people. The minimum policy limits are $25,000 for one person’s bodily injuries, $50,000 for one person’s death, $50,000 for bodily injuries of two or more people, and $100,000 for fatalities of two or more people. The minimum property damage liability policy is $10,000.
- Uninsured Motorist: This policy pays for bodily injuries in crashes where the at-fault driver lacks liability insurance. It doesn’t cover property damage. The minimum policy limits are the same as liability insurance limits.
You can only pursue a third-party insurance claim or lawsuit if you were seriously injured. New York considers the following serious injuries: death, dismemberment, significant dismemberment, fractures, loss of a fetus, permanent loss of a body organ, member, function, or system, or a permanent disability.
Car Accidents Have Time Limits
If you were injured in a Manhattan car crash, you have limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is known as a statute of limitation. New York’s statute of limitation for personal injury claims is three years from when you suffered the injury. I
In other words, you have three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit based on your crash injuries. However, the statute of limitations is much shorter for claims against municipalities and New York State. There is also a requirement that before filing a lawsuit, a Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days.
Comparative Negligence Laws
After a car accident in Manhattan, you might believe the other driver was at fault. That driver may claim you were to blame. When there is a question of who is responsible, you need to talk with an attorney. You and the other driver may both be partly responsible, and in these circumstances, New York’s comparative negligence rule applies.
Under the comparative fault rules, you can still receive compensation if you are somewhat at fault. So long as you were less than half responsible, you can obtain compensation. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
If a judge or jury determines you are more than 50% at fault for the crash, you are prohibited from receiving any compensation.
Our Attorneys Are Ready
Our legal team has the experience and record of success you can trust. If you’re suffering and think you need a lawyer, we can help and know what it takes to win.
Learn More About the FirmWhat to Expect During the Manhattan Claims Process
After a crash, it’s important to receive help for any property damage or injuries you may have received. If you call the experienced lawyers at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., we’ll listen to your story and work to resolve any issues with your case. Your consultation is free, and you won’t be charged upfront: you’ll only pay if you win the settlement or the lawsuit.
We’ll ask you some questions during your consultation to get a sense of what happened. If we believe you have a case, then we will:
- Investigate the crash: We will investigate the accident thoroughly, gathering evidence of what happened. We’ll use the evidence, like police reports, crash scene photos, statements, or even expert opinions, to prove who was negligent.
- Calculate the Value of Your Case: During the investigation, we will keep track of any financial or emotional losses you may have experienced because of the crash to calculate a fair value in any settlement or lawsuits going forward.
- Negotiate with the Insurance company: Dealing with insurance companies can be difficult, especially as they work to protect the interests of their stockholders rather than your well-being. A lawyer can help keep them honest and get you a more attractive settlement.
- Send a Demand Letter: If we have to pursue a settlement or a lawsuit, your attorney will draft the demand letter, tallying your losses and keeping those responsible for the crash honest.
- Resolve Your Claim: If the insurance company does not agree to a settlement, we will prepare for a trial and work to get you your compensation.
Schedule a Free Consult with a Manhattan Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one were hurt in a car crash caused by a negligent driver, the last thing you want to do is worry about paying medical bills or property damage on your own. Hiring an experienced lawyer in Manhattan greatly increases the odds of a successful settlement or lawsuit.
At HKD, we are here to listen to your story, advise you, and, when appropriate, pursue compensation on your behalf. If you have a valid legal claim, we will build an aggressive strategy and fight for the maximum amount possible.
Our Manhattan car accident lawyers are ready. Call HKD today at 212-490-5700 or use our online form to set up a free, no-risk consultation. We are here 24 hours a day, seven days a week.