BEST QUEENS CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS NEAR YOU

Car accidents are among the leading causes of serious injuries and deaths in Queens and throughout the New York City metropolitan area. If you have been in a motor vehicle accident, please seek medical attention immediately, and then contact our expert Queens car accident lawyers near you to discuss your options. We will schedule a free case evaluation for you with one of our Queens personal injury attorneys to discuss your options. When you work with the attorneys at Cohen & Cohen, you don’t pay attorney fees until we recover money damages for you.

From our offices in Queens, our firm represents plaintiffs in personal injury litigation matters near Queens and throughout the New York City metropolitan area. We have experience with all types of motor vehicle accidents and have Queens truck accident lawyers, motorcycle lawyers, and pedestrian accident attorneys ready to fight for you. Contact us to schedule a free case evaluation with our Queens car accident attorneys near you today. Read on to learn more about car accident payouts.

WHAT THIS PAGE COVERS

QUEENS, NEW YORK CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS

Car accidents are among the leading causes of serious injuries and deaths in and around New York City. If you have been in a car accident, please seek medical attention immediately and then contact us to discuss your options. Our New York car accident lawyers will schedule a free case evaluation for you with one of our Queens based car accident attorneys to discuss your options. When you work with the attorneys at Cohen & Cohen, you don’t pay attorney fees until we recover money damages for you.

We provide aggressive representation for plaintiffs injured in any kind of motor vehicle accident in communities throughout the NYC metropolitan area, such as:

• Drunk driver accidents
• Accidents caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers
• Commercial truck accidents
• Delivery van accidents
• Construction vehicle accidents
• Distracted driving accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• City bus accidents
• Garbage truck accidents
• Taxi and rideshare accidents
• Subway accidents
• Commuter train accidents
• Construction vehicle accidents
• Accidents in rideshare vehicles

Additionally, our firm represents injured pedestrians and those seriously hurt while bicycling. Our lawyers provide guidance every step of the way, and aggressive advocacy and we are committed to answering your questions.

COMMON NEW YORK CITY CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY QUESTIONS

• What do I do if I’m in a car accident in New York?
• Do I need a car accident lawyer?
• How do I choose the right New York car accident attorney for me?
• Who pays my medical bills for injuries caused in a car accident?
• How do I know what my case is worth?
• Am I eligible for lost wages after a car accident in New York?

Additionally, our firm represents injured pedestrians and those seriously hurt while bicycling. Our lawyers provide guidance every step of the way, aggressive advocacy and we are committed to answering your questions.

EXPERT ADVICE FROM CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS, NYC: WHAT TO DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT IN QUEENS NEW YORK

If you’re in a car accident in New York, there are a few things you can do to ensure you receive proper representation and reimbursement for your accident. If you’ve already been in an accident and were unable to follow these guidelines, that is okay, give us a call and we will help make sure you get what you are owed.

• Stay at the scene. Call the police. Leaving the scene of an accident can be considered a crime, and can also hurt your case. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries and provide first aid if needed. Once the police arrive, explain what happened. Do not take the blame or accept fault for the accident. Do not say that you are not injured. If the officer asks if you are injured and you are unsure, let them know that you’d like to see a doctor.
• Seek medical attention. If you have serious injuries, go directly to the closest emergency room for treatment. Even if your injuries are not severe or noticeable at all, head to urgent care or see a doctor as soon as possible. Some severe injuries don’t show up for days or even weeks after an accident occurs. Follow all instructions for treatment and keep a record of all treatments and all follow-up appointments.  Follow up can be especially important with some injuries like traumatic carpal tunnel injuries – that may not manifest until the scar tissue forms after an accident.
• Exchange information. Exchanging information with the other driver in an accident is required. Make sure to get their name, contact information, and insurance information. It may also be beneficial to make note of their vehicle’s make, model, and license plate number.
• Photograph or video the scene of the accident. Use your smartphone to take photos and even video of the scene. There may be details that you forget or don’t notice at all, and a visual reminder can be incredibly helpful. Take pictures of any injuries you and any passengers have sustained and any damage to your vehicle. It may be beneficial to take photos of damage to the other car as well. Photograph or video the scene of the accident as a whole, including traffic lights, speed limit signs, or other details that may be relevant. Writing or recording your own statement of what you remember about the accident while your memory is fresh is also a good idea.
• Gather witness statements. Ask your passengers or any other witnesses on the scene of the accident to remain on the scene and provide police with their statements from the accident. Get their contact information so it is easy for your personal injury attorney to get ahold of them in the future if necessary.
• Do not admit fault or apologize for the accident. First and foremost, accident victims rarely know the details about what may have happened in the immediate aftermath of a wreck. Do not admit fault to the other driver, the police, other first responders, or the insurance companies. Accident scenes are often complicated. A full investigation will likely uncover facts that you are unaware of. Admitting fault, or even making apologies, may harm your claim.
• Do not accept a settlement offer without legal review. If you have not consulted with a lawyer before receiving a settlement offer, it is critical to have the offer reviewed. A quick settlement agreement may waive rights to significant compensation and benefits that you may not be aware you are entitled to receive.
• Stay away from social media. Posting information online is becoming second nature after any kind of event or activity. Unfortunately, everything you post may be used against you in your personal injury claim. Talking about the accident is not the only activity that may harm your claim. Discussing daily events, even if unrelated to the accident or injury, may be misconstrued to minimize the true harm you have suffered.
• Contact an attorney. After you seek medical attention, your next step should be to contact an experienced car injury lawyer near you. Provide any evidence you collected at the scene, including photos and video footage, witness statements, contact information, medical records, and the police report. This information can be incredibly helpful in giving your attorney an idea of what you may be able to recover should you choose to pursue a case. Retaining a car accident attorney in NYC early on will make things easier for you. Your attorney can work with insurance companies to ensure proper coverage and handle legal proceedings so that you can focus on healing.

Following these steps can greatly assist in achieving a positive outcome in your New York City personal injury case. Watch the video below for even more insight to the 5 things you should do after a car accident.

5 THINGS TO DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT VIDEO

DO I NEED A NEARBY CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER?

If you have been injured in an accident, yes, you should contact a car crash lawyer. Injury claims can be incredibly complex, and an injury attorney will ensure that you get fair compensation for your losses. Because most injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, you do not have to pay fees unless you win.

Discuss fees up front, as contingency fees can vary. Typically, they’ll be a percentage of your overall settlement. Be sure to look at more than the contingency percentage, as some inexperienced attorneys will charge lower fees to build up their case experience. Here at Cohen and Cohen, you can rest assured that you’re getting both experience and quality representation for your personal injury case. We’ve got decades of experience here in New York City, and our clients are our number one priority. Our car accident lawyers in NYC are happy to give you an honest assessment of your claim and potential outcomes with you before proceeding with your case.

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT NEW YORK CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY FOR ME?

Several factors go into choosing the right representation for your specific case. We recommend that you start local. Attorneys local to New York City know the area and the local players and will have a distinct edge on someone coming in from out of the area.

While well-meaning friends and family will offer recommendations, be sure to check reviews and specialties for any attorneys you are considering working with. Personal injury cases can be intricate, and you want someone who specializes in personal injury law.

You also want an attorney you can trust, and that you feel comfortable working with. You will be working together for weeks, months, or even years depending on your case. Having someone in your corner that you can count on to represent you effectively while caring for your specific needs is critical.

WHO PAYS MY MEDICAL BILLS FOR INJURIES CAUSED IN A CAR ACCIDENT?

Accident victims often find themselves left with staggering medical bills, and sometimes, a reduced capacity to be able to pay them due to lost wages. Who is responsible for paying them? The answer to this question can vary based on a variety of factors including who is at fault in your accident, their insurance coverage, your insurance coverage, and even the quality of your representation throughout your case.

Insurance settlements and jury awards may be subject to liens. We devote a substantial amount of our practice to estate planning and asset preservation. We offer the advantage of helping our personal injury clients use estate preservation strategies to reduce liens. Through lien reduction strategies, trusts, and other instruments, we can help you retain control over a larger portion of your settlement than other litigation firms may be able to do.

We get into our cars or board buses, trains, or subways every day trusting that other drivers on the road and licensed operators will act responsibly. In densely populated New York City and the surrounding communities, it becomes even more critical that people obey the rules of the road and operating procedures – lives are at stake. When a negligent driver, operator, or conductor makes a mistake, it can result in a catastrophic accident that can have a life-altering impact on injury victims, such as spinal cord injuries, back injuries, traumatic brain injuries, paralysis including paraplegia or quadriplegia, and more. Many people do not know where to turn, or what to do after a car accident.

OUR NEW YORK CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS WILL HANDLE EVERYTHING, SO YOU CAN FOCUS ON RECOVERING YOUR HEALTH

If you suffered an injury or have lost a loved one in an accident on a New York road, railway, bus route, or subway line, turn to COHEN & COHEN PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS, P.C., for help. Our personal injury attorneys near you have extensive experience in helping people protect their rights after suffering an injury or loss in a motor vehicle accident. We have recovered millions of dollars in financial compensation for our clients. We will act quickly to handle everything about your case – from gathering police reports and health records to evidence supporting your claim, we will take care of every detail so you can concentrate on your health and your family.

From our offices in Forest Hills, we represent plaintiffs in personal injury litigation matters in Queens and throughout the New York City metropolitan area. Contact us to schedule a free case evaluation with a Queens motor vehicle accident attorney today. You pay no attorney fees if you don’t recover money in a settlement or jury award.

NEW YORK CAR ACCIDENT FAQS

As with any frequently asked questions page, you need to remember that any FAQ (including this one) can only provide the broadest of outlines when dealing with legal issues. Every legal issue is unique because every person is unique. That means circumstances must be analyzed by an attorney who understands how to apply the law to a given situation. That is when real answers can be provided.

A frequently asked questions page, however, is worthwhile as a starting point. Rather than providing answers, FAQ pages often help people formulate better questions they can ask of an attorney once they are actually speaking with an attorney during a consultation.

To that end, we provide below a few questions you can start considering when formulating your own questions for legal counsel.

Q: The insurance company wants to talk to you. Should you?

A: You should speak with a car crash attorney first. Insurance company representatives are there to protect the insurance company’s bottom line by paying out as little as possible if anything. They are not there to help you, even if they sound friendly.

Q: What is the value of your case? The insurance company says it wants to pay you less than you thought they would.

A: This is also where an attorney can help. An experienced attorney can help you see how your case should be valued as opposed to the insurance company using their initial number as a place to begin bargaining. An attorney can handle that back-and-forth on your behalf.

Q: When should I see a doctor?

A: If you have not already seen a doctor, you need to do so. Car accident injuries can often be hidden from plain sight. Your attorney should be able to assist you in locating a reliable medical professional.

Q: How long will a car accident case take?

A: The real answer depends on a variety of factors that can be taken into account by your attorney. That answer will depend on the complexity of the injuries, the complexity of any insurance provisions, and if the insurance company counsel is reasonable, just to name a few factors.

Q: What about going to court? Is that always necessary?

A: No, it is not always necessary. Many times, negotiating for a settlement will prove sufficient. There are times, however, when a trial will best protect your rights. You should be able to rely on your attorney to develop a relationship with you so they can help you understand the legal options that best meet your needs and goals.

WHAT CLIENTS SAY ABOUT OUR NYC CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS

Read this 5-star Google review below regarding a car accident case in Queens.

“I was involved in a car accident a few years ago where I had injured my back. Hired the attorneys of Cohen and Cohen, and was glad that I did. They were very professional from the beginning, and whenever I had questions regarding my case, they always answered my questions in a prompt manner. Also kept me updated to what was going on..”

By: Mark J
Rating: 5/5
Read more reviews on Google.

CAR ACCIDENT SETTLEMENT EXAMPLES IN NEW YORK

Car Accident Settlement – Knee Injury
Final Settlement: $750,000

In Queens, NY, the plaintiff, a delivery driver, was on a break resting in his car when it was sideswiped at low speed by a vehicle exiting a parking space behind him. The collision caused minimal damage to the plaintiff’s car. Despite the low-impact nature of the accident, the plaintiff later required significant medical treatment, including a left knee arthroscopy and an anterior cervical discectomy with fusion for a disc herniation at the C5-6 level. The plaintiff had a prior history of neck issues, with an MRI showing a similar large herniation at C5-6 before the accident. The defense contested the claim, hiring an accident reconstructionist who argued that the low-speed impact could not have caused the plaintiff’s injuries, especially given the pre-existing cervical condition. Nevertheless, after successfully securing a summary judgment on liability against the defendants, the case was settled for $750,000 just one week before trial, despite an initial settlement offer of $50,000.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE CAR ACCIDENT SETTLEMENT IN NEW YORK?

Car crashes happen frequently in New York, and their impact on the individuals involved can be devastating. The emotional and physical trauma inflicted can be overwhelming, but the financial implications can be equally distressing. Medical bills, lost wages, and damage to personal property can quickly accumulate, leaving victims of car accidents struggling to cope with the expenses. However, car accident settlements can provide much-needed financial relief and peace of mind for those affected. In this section, we will delve into the topic of car accident settlements in New York and emphasize the significance of seeking compensation for victims.

If you are involved in a car accident in New York, it can be a frightening and life-threatening experience that can cause significant physical and emotional damage. In addition to the pain and suffering, victims may face overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. That’s why it is crucial to seek the legal counsel of a skilled New York car accident attorney like Cohen & Cohen Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers. By doing so, victims can focus on their recovery while their attorney handles the legal process to recover the compensation they deserve. An attorney can negotiate with insurance companies and gather evidence to build a compelling case, while also providing guidance and support throughout the legal process. Seeking legal representation not only helps victims obtain fair compensation for their injuries, but it also provides them with the peace of mind they need to focus on their recovery.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE CAR ACCIDENT SETTLEMENT PAYOUT IN NEW YORK?

Based on our own settlement data, the examples and the video video on this page provides examples of car accident settlements obtained by Cohen & Cohen Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers, revealing that the typical settlement amount for a car accident in New York falls within the range of $450,000 to $1,250,000. However, the settlement amount can vary significantly based on the individual details of each case, and therefore it is not possible to establish an accurate average settlement figure for car accidents in New York.

WHAT FACTORS AFFECT THE VALUE OF A NEW YORK CAR ACCIDENT SETTLEMENT?

Several factors influence the amount of compensation awarded in a car accident settlement. As each case is unique, the settlement amount is determined by the specific circumstances surrounding the accident, including the injuries sustained and the extent of the damages incurred. The main factors that affect typical car accident settlement amounts in NY include the following:

Type & Severity Of Injuries

When it comes to car accident settlements in New York, severe injuries can significantly increase the settlement value. This is because the costs to treat such injuries, including brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal organ damage can be astronomical. In fact, according to Northwestern University, the average lifetime cost of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can range from $85,000 to $3 million depending on its severity.

Additionally, severe injury victims may need to take extended time off work to recover and may be entitled to significant damages for lost wages. Furthermore, severe injuries can increase the value of pain and suffering damages, as it is assumed that such injuries result in more pain, discomfort, anxiety, emotional distress, and other damages. Keeping a detailed record of all expenses and losses can help increase the odds of receiving all deserved damages.

Wondering what your case is worth? try our car accident settlement calculator to determine what your pain and suffering award could be.

Comparative Negligence

Determining fault is a critical aspect of receiving financial compensation for damages in a car accident in New York. If the negligent driver is entirely responsible for the accident, the victim may be entitled to all accident-related damages. However, if the driver is partially to blame, the victim may not receive 100% of their original claim in a state that practices comparative negligence.

In New York, comparative fault laws apply, which requires a proportional reduction in the victim’s compensation claim. For example, a driver who is assigned 25% fault on a $100,000 claim will only receive $75,000 as a settlement. Despite the percentage of fault, car accident victims’ claims can still have substantial value. Insurance companies rarely determine a driver’s fault accurately or honestly, so hiring a New York car accident attorney who has the victim’s best interests at heart is a more accurate way to determine the amount of the claim.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Insurance companies frequently deny a victim’s injuries by attributing them to pre-existing conditions. However, unlike pre-existing conditions, victims of car accidents have the right to seek compensation if they suffer any additional injuries or complications as a result of the accident. For example, if a victim has an old injury that is aggravated or re-injured due to the accident, they are entitled to compensation to treat the injury.

Diagnosis & Recovery Time

The value of a car accident settlement is directly related to the severity and extent of the victim’s injuries. Therefore, obtaining an accurate diagnosis and understanding the long-term medical treatment required is crucial for victims. Moreover, if the victim suffers from permanent disabilities or has a shortened life expectancy due to their injuries, the value of the claim will increase.

It is critical to seek medical attention immediately after a car accident. Not only will prompt medical assistance to catch any injuries that may not have been immediately apparent, but it will also establish a link between the injuries and the accident in the eyes of insurance companies and courts. Once the victim has received medical treatment, the injuries will be documented, providing essential evidence for a comprehensive and robust settlement claim.

WILL A NEW YORK CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER HELP VICTIMS GET BIGGER CAR ACCIDENT SETTLEMENT AMOUNTS IN NY?

Getting a bigger car accident settlement amount in NY is possible with the help of a nearby New York car accident lawyer. One significant advantage of having a New York car accident lawyer, like the ones at Cohen & Cohen Personal Injury Lawyers, is their ability to gather all necessary evidence to build a strong case. By conducting a thorough investigation, a lawyer can obtain important documents such as police reports, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the accident scene, which can help determine liability accurately. Solid evidence can also demonstrate the severity of the accident and the extent of the victim’s injuries, which can result in a larger settlement amount.

Aside from gathering evidence, a New York car accident attorney at Cohen & Cohen Personal Injury Lawyers can also negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of the victim. Insurance companies often offer low settlements, but our car accident lawyers can use their knowledge of the law and experience to negotiate for a fair amount. Our New York car accident lawyers can also protect a victim’s rights during the negotiation process and can take the case to trial if necessary to fight for maximum compensation. With their expertise, our New York car accident lawyers can guide victims through the complex legal process and ensure that they receive the compensation they are entitled to.

OUR CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS IN NYC HELP YOU KEEP MORE OF YOUR SETTLEMENT MONEY

Under the direction of attorney and firm founder, Albert Cohen, we have recovered millions of dollars in financial compensation for people injured in car accidents throughout New York City and the surrounding areas. Additionally, because we also have a successful practice in the area of estate planning, we can also help you with strategies to help you pay less in liens on your settlement or judgment while maintaining control of your monetary recovery. Learn more about car accident settlement examples in this video.

CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED QUEENS CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Our experienced Queens car accident attorneys provide a free, no-obligation case evaluation and we handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. Call (718) 275-7779 to arrange an initial consultation. You may also send a message to our team to request a return phone call about your case. You pay no attorney fees if you don’t recover money in a settlement or jury award. From our offices in Forest Hills, we represent plaintiffs in personal injury litigation matters in Queens and throughout the New York City metropolitan area. Contact us to schedule a free case evaluation with a Queens motor vehicle accident attorney today. We also have car accident lawyers in Staten Island available 24/7.

File Police Accident Reports or Get Copies

How Long Do You Have to File a Police Report in New York State?