Every year, New York State sees more than its fair share of motor vehicle wrecks. These types of accidents can be traumatic and leave a lasting impact on victims’ lives. Fortunately, if another party’s negligence is the cause of your collision, you can make them pay. 

An experienced Manhattan car accident lawyer at Gray Law Firm can help you bring the at-fault party to justice. With our firm by your side, you can recover maximum compensation and take back control of your life. Contact our team for a 100% free consultation today and learn more about what your next steps should be.

Prevalence of Car Accidents in Manhattan 

Car accidents continue to be a significant cause for concern across New York and Manhattan. In fact, annually, there are more than 200,000 motor vehicle wrecks in the state. Data from 2018 shows that nearly 7,000 car accident injuries occurred in Manhattan alone.

When you have been seriously injured in a car accident, you have the right to be made whole for your damages. You can hold the liable party accountable to the fullest extent of the law through a personal injury claim to maximize the compensation you recover.

Common Types of Car Accidents in Manhattan

After you get a car accident attorney in Manhattan to take on your case, one of their top priorities will be to review how your accident occurred. You might be surprised to learn that car accidents can happen in multiple ways. Some of the most common types of car crashes include:

• Side impact collisions
• Truck accidents
• Rear-end collisions
• Ridesharing accidents
• Rollover accidents
• Bus accidents
• Sideswipe accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• DUI accident injuries
• Multi-vehicle crashes
• Single car accidents
• Accidents at intersections
• Highway accidents

If you were involved in another type of car accident we did not include above, do not worry. Our Manhattan car accident lawyers can analyze the details of your case and ensure you are awarded fair compensation for your suffering.

What to Do After Suffering Car Accident Injuries In Manhattan 

After being injured in a car accident in Manhattan, there are specific steps you can take to start building a compelling case against the liable party. These include:

1. Reporting the car accident to police and emergency responders
2. Gathering valuable evidence at the scene to prove liability
3. Obtaining a medical evaluation so you can begin building documentation of your injuries, their prognosis, and the severity of your condition
4. Hiring a Manhattan personal injury Lawyer to advocate for your rights with the insurance company and at trial

After you hire a legal advocate, you will not need to worry about anything. Your attorney will take over the legalities of your case while you heal. This way, you can start to rebuild your life and pursue the compensation and benefits you are entitled to.

Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Manhattan

Figuring out what caused your collision will be a top priority for our Manhattan car accident lawyers. Generally, motor vehicle wrecks are caused by negligent driving. Collectively, some of the top causes of car accidents include:

• Failure to use a turn signal
• Distracted driving
• Driving while fatigued
• Malfunctioning or defective motor vehicle parts
• Exceeding the speed limit
• Aggressive driving
• Failure to yield
• Hazardous road conditions

Liability for Manhattan Car Accidents 

Proving liability for your injuries is crucial if you hope to avoid being stuck covering the costs of another party’s negligent actions. It will be up to your car accident lawyer to analyze the evidence and uncover the truth. 

With that in mind, the type of car accident you were involved in will help us discover the party responsible for your injuries. Some of the parties most frequently named in car accident lawsuits include:

• Road construction workers
• New York City officials
• The New York Department of Transportation
• Negligent and irresponsible drivers
• Safety inspectors
• Vehicle maintenance workers
• Auto parts designers and manufacturers

These are only a few parties who could share liability for a car accident victims’ damages. Our thorough investigation will ensure the identity of every party who contributed to your collision is revealed. 

How Insurance Claims Work in New York 

New York State follows no-fault insurance laws. This means every motorist of a vehicle registered in New York is required to purchase personal injury protection coverage. This coverage is designed to protect you, no matter who is responsible for causing the accident. You file a claim with your insurance company, no matter who is found liable for your injuries. Then, the insurance company is tasked with filing subrogation claims against the responsible party to recoup their costs. 

Just because you are dealing with your own insurance company does not mean the claims process will be easy. Since insurance companies are profit-driven, they are going to look for opportunities to reduce their financial obligations wherever possible. If this means making you an insultingly low settlement offer, attempting to offer you a lowball settlement, or denying you the compensation you deserve in bad faith, they will do so. However, your Manhattan car accident lawyer at Gray Law Firm will protect you from exploitation.

What to Expect When You Hire A Car Accident Lawyer in Manhattan 

You may be hesitant to get help from a Manhattan car accident attorney. However, you will be amazed at how much easier your life will be with our team fighting for justice in your case while you recuperate from your injuries. Some of the most critical tasks and responsibilities we will handle include:

• Figuring out who is responsible for causing the accident
• Gathering valuable evidence to prove the defendant’s negligence and liability for your damages
• Quantifying your losses to ensure you seek maximum compensation for your suffering
• Obtaining witness statements and hiring experts to testify on your behalf
• Determining when to file insurance claims and negotiating with them on your behalf
• Bringing your car accident case to trial if your insurance settlement does not adequately meet your needs

When you are ready to tell your story, look no further than the legal guidance and support of the Manhattan car accident lawyers at Gray Law Firm.

Why Choose Gray Law Firm for Your Car Accident Case?

You may not be sure whether you have chosen the right legal advocate to take on your case. However, when you choose the Gray Law Firm, you can rely on us to ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages. 

Our respected personal injury attorneys will identify liable parties, cover your expenses along the way, and only require payment for our services if we win your case. If we do not win, you do not pay anything. This is a risk-free opportunity for you to fight for the reimbursement you are entitled to.

Common Types of Compensation to Seek After a Car Accident in Manhattan

After suffering debilitating injuries in a car accident, you have the right to total compensation for your suffering. However, what does total compensation mean? It means you have the right to reimbursement for every loss you experienced due to another party’s negligence or wrongful actions. 

Although you might have thought you could only obtain compensation for certain types of financial or economic losses, you might be surprised to learn you can also be repaid for losses that do not have a set monetary value. These are commonly referred to as non-economic damages. 

Examples of potentially recoverable economic losses in a car accident include:

• The diminished value of your vehicle
• Cost of a rental car
• Costs of purchasing a new vehicle
• Vehicle repair fees
• The increase in your insurance premiums
• Damage to your credit report or score
• Costs of occupational or physical therapy
• Costs of mental health counseling
• The cost of your medical devices or equipment fees
• Diagnostic imaging expenses
• Ambulance bills and the cost of your hospital stay
• Personal property damage in the collision
• Lost wages and potential future earnings

These are just a few examples of the economic damages that may be available. Non-economic damages are also recoverable and can include a wide array of losses, such as:

• Emotional distress and trauma
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement and skin scarring 
• Loss of companionship and love
• Loss of support, protection, and advice
• Loss of an intimate spousal relationship
• Inconvenience and reputational damages

Punitive damages may also be possible in car accident claims. However, exemplary damages are generally only awarded if the court system considers the defendant’s conduct malicious, intentional, or abhorrent. While punitive damages are possible in a car accident claim, unless the defendant intentionally caused your injuries or has a history of negligent driving or behaviors, it is unlikely punitive damages will be awarded.

Manhattan Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions

Car accident claims can be notoriously complex. When exploring your legal options, you may have many questions about how the claims process works, what your claim is worth, and what to expect if you decide to proceed with your case. 

With that in mind, our team of Manhattan car accident attorneys at Gray Law Firm has answered some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding car accident insurance and civil claims below. If you have additional concerns we did not address on this page, make sure to contact our team so we can address your questions in further detail.

Will I have to go to court?

It is difficult to say whether your case will need to go to trial. However, we will do everything possible to avoid going to court if that is what is best for your case. In some instances, by settling with the insurance company, you can avoid bringing your case to court. 

Unfortunately, often insurance settlements are insufficient. When they do not cover your damages in their totality, that does not mean you should give up your case. Going to trial gives you a chance to fight for total financial recovery. That way, you can begin to rebuild your life without being forced to absorb the negative impact of the negligent party’s actions.

What happens if I am accused of sharing fault?

Do not be surprised if the liable party accuses you of sharing fault for the accident. New York has strict pure comparative negligence laws in place. So, you can still recover compensation for your damages even if your portion of the liability is 99%. However, that does not mean you will not be held accountable for your portion of the blame. You should expect your settlement to be reduced proportionally. 

For example, if you were not wearing your seatbelt when the vehicle crashed into you, you might be found 15% liable for the injuries you endured. If this happens, and the jury awarded you $100,000 for your suffering, your settlement would be reduced by 15%, leaving you with a payout of $85,000 when you were initially awarded $100,000. 

However, that does not mean you need to worry. When you have an experienced legal advocate from the Gray Law Firm on your side, you do not need to worry about details like these. We will ensure liability is correctly evaluated so the defendant cannot blame you for the accident and escape their financial responsibilities.

How long do you have to file a car accident claim in Manhattan?

The statute of limitations for New York car accident and personal injury claims can vary, depending on the victim’s age, when the accident occurred, and other factors. However, according to New York personal injury laws, the deadline for car accident lawsuits is set at three years from the accident date. 

You may need clarity to find out exactly how much longer you have to get your claim filed. The best way to find out is to contact the Manhattan car accident attorneys at Gray Law Firm to protect you from being barred from having your case heard at trial.

Is hiring a car accident attorney worth the cost? 

It is generally always in your best interests to have a legal advocate working for you. This is often the only way to ensure you receive fair compensation. It would help if you had a personal injury law firm that prioritizes your needs. 

Unfortunately, this is not regularly seen when negotiating with insurance companies. This is because insurers lose money by paying out on claims. When you hire us, the car accident attorneys at Gray Law Firm will advocate for you. This way, you can rest easier knowing your lawyer puts your needs and financial interests above all else.

What will a car accident lawyer do to help? 

Having a car accident lawyer handle the legal details of your case could make all the difference in your ability to recover maximum compensation for your damages. Your attorney will ensure every loss is considered by accurately calculating the value of your claim.

Your car accident attorney will also be responsible for gathering the evidence needed to prove the defendant’s liability, providing you with regular case status updates, and ensuring we answer all of your most pressing questions and concerns. 

Get Help From a Car Accident Lawyer in Manhattan Today

The car accident claims process can be intimidating. You might be overwhelmed at the thought of bringing your case to trial and negotiating with profit-focused insurance companies. However, when you have the legal support of a reputable Manhattan car accident lawyer at the Gray Law Firm, you can breathe easier knowing our team is fighting for your rights. 

We will protect you from being taken advantage of and ensure you recover maximum compensation for your suffering. Learn more about who could be sued for your damages in the value of your claim when you contact our office for a free, no-obligation consultation. You can reach us by phone or through our convenient contact to get started as soon as today.