Best Auto Accident Lawyers in New York of 2025

Automobile injury law firms in New York handle cases where individuals have been harmed in car crashes, truck wrecks, rideshare accidents including representing passengers and drivers in Uber or Lyft accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, bus accidents, and other vehicle-related incidents caused by negligence or wrongdoing. These incidents are especially common in high-traffic areas of New York City, including places like Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Some of the most common cases include:

Car Accidents in NY: Injuries from auto wrecks throughout New York, including those caused by distracted driving, speeding, or reckless behavior.

Truck Accidents in New York: Cases involving large truck and tractor-trailer crashes, often resulting in serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries or wrongful death.

Motorcycle Accidents: Injuries from motorcycle crashes caused by negligent drivers or hazardous road conditions, which can lead to spinal cord injuries, fractures, or other catastrophic injuries.

Bicycle Accidents: Cyclists struck by cars, trucks, or other vehicles often suffer serious injuries due to minimal protection. New York’s growing cycling community faces risks on busy streets, especially in Manhattan.

Bus Accidents: Cases involving public transit, school buses, and private bus crashes due to driver error, mechanical failure, or unsafe conditions on the road.

Uber and Lyft Accidents: Injuries from rideshare crashes, whether as a passenger, driver, or pedestrian, are common in New York’s high-traffic zones.

Fatal Car Accidents: Wrongful death claims following fatal crashes caused by negligence are frequently seen throughout New York.

Pedestrian Accidents: When pedestrians are struck by vehicles, the injuries are often life-altering or fatal, particularly in densely populated areas of NYC.

Commercial Vehicle Collisions: Accidents involving Amazon delivery trucks, UPS and FedEx vehicles, and other commercial fleets often result in severe injuries such as internal trauma or brain injuries.

Traumatic Brain Injuries and Spinal Cord Injuries: These life-changing injuries are common in high-impact car, truck, and motorcycle crashes in New York.

Wrongful Death Claims: When a loved one dies due to negligence in any type of motor vehicle accident—including fatal car wrecks, truck crashes, and motorcycle accidents—families have the right to pursue a claim under New York law.

In New York, personal injury victims may be entitled to compensation for various damages depending on the specifics of their case. An experienced car accident attorney in New York can help recover financial and non-economic losses.

Medical expenses include compensation for current and future medical bills related to the injury, such as hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing treatments.

Lost wages cover income lost during recovery, as well as potential future earnings if the injury affects your ability to work.

Pain and suffering compensation accounts for physical pain and emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, loss of enjoyment of life, and insomnia.

Loss of consortium refers to damages for how the injury impacts relationships with a spouse or partner, including companionship and intimacy.

Property damage covers compensation for damaged or lost property, such as vehicles involved in a car accident in NYC or elsewhere in New York.

Punitive damages may be awarded in New York in cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct. While not capped, punitive damages are rare and typically reserved for cases involving extreme recklessness or egregious conduct.

Rehabilitation costs include coverage for physical and occupational therapy, helping victims recover and adapt after a serious injury.

Loss of enjoyment of life applies when the injury prevents someone from participating in activities or hobbies they previously enjoyed.

Emotional distress compensation is available for psychological effects like PTSD, anxiety, or depression resulting from the injury.

Wrongful death damages may be sought if a fatal car or truck accident results in a loss of life, allowing surviving family members to recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.

Permanent disability or disfigurement compensation is available for lasting physical impairments or changes in appearance that affect a person’s quality of life.

Since New York’s personal injury laws can affect the types and amounts of damages available, consulting a knowledgeable motor vehicle accident lawyer in NY can help ensure you pursue the full compensation you deserve.

In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including motor vehicle accidents, is three years from the date of the accident. This means you generally have three years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party for injuries sustained in a car, truck, or other vehicle-related crash.

However, there are exceptions. If the claim involves a municipal entity (such as a city bus or a government vehicle), you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days, and the lawsuit must be filed within one year and 90 days from the date of the incident.

For wrongful death cases, the statute of limitations is typically two years from the date of death.

Because strict deadlines apply and exceptions can shorten the filing window, it’s important to consult with the best car accident attorneys as soon as possible to protect your right to recover compensation.

Determining an "average" settlement for a motor vehicle accident, motorcycle crash, automobile injury, or any other personal injury claim in New York can be difficult, as compensation depends on many variables. Factors like the severity of the injury, clarity of fault, jurisdiction, available insurance coverage, and the quality of legal representation all play a role in shaping settlement outcomes.

However, here are some general guidelines for personal injury settlements in New York City and across the state:

Minor Injuries: For soft tissue injuries such as minor whiplash, sprains, or bruising from a car accident, rideshare crash, or other vehicle-related incident, settlements often range from $1,000 to $10,000. These amounts typically cover basic medical expenses and limited lost wages.

Moderate Injuries: Injuries requiring more substantial medical treatment—like broken bones, herniated discs, or extended physical therapy following a truck or motorcycle accident—may result in settlements between $10,000 and $50,000. While these injuries may have lasting effects, they usually do not involve permanent disability.

Severe Injuries: When a car or truck accident results in catastrophic injuries—such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or permanent impairments—settlements can range from $50,000 to several million dollars. Compensation often reflects ongoing medical care, loss of future income, pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life.

Fatalities: In wrongful death cases stemming from a fatal motor vehicle accident in New York, settlements or jury verdicts may reach into the millions, depending on factors such as the age and earning potential of the deceased and the emotional and financial losses experienced by surviving family members.

Punitive Damages: While New York allows for punitive damages, they are rarely awarded and usually limited to cases involving extreme recklessness or intentional misconduct—such as drunk driving or egregious violations by a commercial carrier.

Insurance Policy Limits: In many personal injury cases, the at-fault party’s insurance policy limits may cap the available compensation, particularly if the individual or company has limited personal or business assets. An experienced car accident attorney in New York can help identify all possible sources of recovery, including underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage.

Because every injury claim is different, it's essential to speak with top auto accident lawyers who can assess your specific case, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue the maximum compensation available under New York law.

The duration of a truck accident, commercial vehicle crash, or other personal injury case in New York can vary significantly based on multiple factors. While some cases settle in a few months, others—especially those involving serious injuries or litigation—can take several years to fully resolve.

Complexity of the Case: Simpler cases, such as rear-end car accidents with clear liability, tend to move quickly. In contrast, cases involving disputed fault, multiple parties, or complex injuries—like those often seen in commercial truck crashes or pedestrian accidents in New York City—can take much longer.

Severity of the Injuries: When the injuries are severe or permanent—such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or long-term disability—more time is typically needed to evaluate the full extent of damages, including future medical care and lost earning capacity.

Medical Treatment Duration: Many New York personal injury lawyers recommend waiting until the injured party reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI) before negotiating a settlement. MMI occurs when a person’s condition has stabilized, making it easier to account for future medical needs and wage losses accurately.

Insurance Company Tactics: Some insurance companies may push low initial settlement offers, while others may drag out the process or deny liability—especially in high-value cases such as fatal accidents or truck collisions. These delays can significantly extend the case timeline.

Legal Processes: If a lawsuit is filed, the legal process—including discovery, motions, and pre-trial hearings—can add several months or longer. In New York, court backlogs and scheduling issues can also contribute to additional delays.

Willingness to Settle: Cases typically resolve more quickly when both sides are open to fair negotiation. However, if the insurer or defendant refuses to make a reasonable offer, litigation may be necessary, which adds time to the process.

Going to Trial: While most truck accident cases in New York settle out of court, those that proceed to trial—particularly those involving serious injuries or wrongful death—can take years to conclude, especially if appeals are filed.

Jurisdiction & Court Delays: The location where your case is filed may affect the timeline. Some courts in New York move cases more efficiently than others, while courts in densely populated areas like NYC may experience more delays due to caseload volume.

Negotiation Delays: Disagreements over liability, medical evidence, or case value can slow down the settlement process, especially in complex cases involving commercial vehicles, rideshare drivers, or multiple injured parties.

Because every case is different, working with an experienced New York truck accident lawyer can provide a more realistic timeline based on your specific circumstances. The earlier you consult with a qualified attorney, the better positioned you’ll be to avoid unnecessary delays and pursue full compensation efficiently.

Comparative negligence is a legal rule that affects how much compensation you can recover if you were partially at fault for an accident. In New York, the law follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means you can still recover damages even if you were mostly at fault—up to 99%.

However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of the blame. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but found to be 30% at fault, your final recovery would be reduced to $70,000.

This rule applies to car accidents, truck crashes, pedestrian injuries, and other personal injury claims throughout New York. Insurance companies often try to use comparative negligence to reduce payouts, which is why it’s important to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side to push back against unfair blame and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Most auto accident lawyers in New York City, including areas like Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront. Instead, the attorney’s fee is a percentage of your settlement or court award, depending on the complexity of the case.

If your case is successfully resolved, the motor vehicle accident lawyer’s fee is deducted from your final compensation. However, if you don’t win your case, you generally don’t owe any attorney fees. Some law firms may also cover case-related expenses, such as court filing fees, expert witnesses, and accident investigations, but these costs may be reimbursed from your settlement.

Since every firm has different fee structures, it’s best to discuss payment terms during your free consultation with a New York car accident attorney—whether you're located in NYC or any other part of the state—to understand exactly what to expect.

A valid car or truck accident claim in New York generally requires proving that another party’s negligence caused the crash and resulted in injuries, financial losses, or other damages. If the accident was caused by a reckless or careless driver, hazardous road conditions, or a defective vehicle, you may have grounds for a claim.

Medical records, accident reports, and witness testimony can help establish a clear connection between the accident and your injuries. The severity of your injuries and their impact on your daily life, ability to work, and long-term health are crucial in determining the strength of your case.

If the insurance company disputes your claim or tries to minimize your settlement, seeking legal representation can help you understand your rights. Whether you're looking for car accident lawyers in Brooklyn or truck accident attorneys in Manhattan, experienced legal help is crucial. Auto accident law firms in New York can evaluate the details of your case, determine if you have a valid claim, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Commercial vehicle accidents are often more complex than standard car crashes due to several factors, including federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and higher insurance coverage limits. Victims of commercial vehicle accidents face challenges when dealing with large corporations and their insurance providers, which is why legal representation is crucial. A commercial vehicle accident lawyer in New York can help navigate the legal process and fight for fair compensation.

One of the major complexities in these cases is liability. In a big rig truck accident, 18-wheeler crash, or semi-truck collision, liability could fall on the driver, the trucking company, the vehicle manufacturer, or a third-party maintenance provider. Similarly, in a garbage truck accident, delivery van accident, or tow truck accident, the company that owns or operates the vehicle may also be held accountable.

Another challenge is insurance. Commercial vehicles are often covered by high-limit insurance policies, meaning insurance companies may aggressively defend against claims. A New York truck accident lawyer can investigate the accident, gather critical evidence, and challenge insurance adjusters who may attempt to minimize your compensation.

Moreover, accidents involving Amazon trucks, UPS trucks, and FedEx trucks may involve corporate policies and tight delivery schedules that contribute to driver fatigue or reckless driving. Proving violations of federal trucking regulations or corporate policies can help strengthen your case and increase the likelihood of securing a higher settlement.

Given the complexities of these accidents, working with an experienced commercial vehicle accident attorney in New York can ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable and help maximize your compensation. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a truck wreck or commercial vehicle crash, speaking with a lawyer can guide you through your legal options and protect your rights.

Liability in a rideshare accident involving Uber or Lyft depends on several factors, including who was at fault, the driver’s status at the time of the crash, and the insurance policies in place. Because these cases involve corporate insurance policies, independent contractors, and state regulations, they can be more complex than standard car accidents. A rideshare injury lawyer in New York can help determine the best legal course of action based on the specifics of your case.

In New York, Uber and Lyft provide third-party liability coverage, but it only applies under certain conditions. If the rideshare driver was actively transporting a passenger or was en route to a pickup, Uber or Lyft’s $1 million liability policy may cover damages. However, if the driver was logged into the app without an active ride request, coverage may be significantly lower, and the driver’s personal insurance may come into play.

If another driver caused the accident—such as in a T-bone collision, rear-end crash, or multi-vehicle wreck—their insurance company may be responsible for covering damages. However, insurance companies often try to deny or minimize claims, making it crucial to consult with an Uber accident lawyer or Lyft accident attorney who understands the complexities of New York rideshare accident laws.

Additionally, if Uber or Lyft’s own negligence contributed to the accident—such as improper driver screening or failure to enforce safety protocols—you may have grounds to file a claim directly against the rideshare company. This is especially relevant in cases involving reckless driving, distracted driving, or intoxicated rideshare drivers.

Since rideshare accident cases involve multiple insurance policies, corporate legal teams, and strict filing deadlines, consulting an experienced rideshare injury law firm in New York can help protect your rights and maximize your compensation.