Best Car Accident Lawyers in New York City

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in New York, New York?

  For non-emergency concerns, dial 311 to reach the New York City Police Department (NYPD). For general inquiries, you may call +1 646-610-5000.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in New York, New York?

  You may obtain a copy of the accident report you need at the New York City percent where the collision occurred within the first 30 days from when the report was filed. You can also request a collision report online through the New York City Police Department’s Collision Report Retrieval Portal: https://collisionreport.nypdonline.org/.

• What does New York City’s no-fault car insurance system mean?

  New York City’s no-fault system means that if you were injured in a car accident, regardless of who was responsible for the crash, you are to seek compensation from your own insurance company to cover your medical treatment and out-of-pocket losses. In order for you to go outside the no-fault system and bring a personal injury claim against the liable parties in your accident, you must exhibit that you sustained serious injuries, like disfigurement or permanent and significant injuries that limit normal bodily functions.

• What should you do if an uninsured driver causes your car crash in New York City?

  If you’ve been involved in a car crash and the other driver is underinsured or uninsured, you have a few options for recovering compensation:

  • If you carry uninsured motorist coverage, you may seek benefits from your own insurance provider. Drivers in New York City can purchase optional supplemental uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance up to $250,000 per person and $500,000 per accident.
  • File a lawsuit against the uninsured driver and seek damages from them directly.
  • File a lawsuit against anyone else who might have contributed to your accident or injury.

• Can you sue New York City for contributing to your car accident?

  Yes, it is possible for a driver injured in a New York City car accident to sue the city aside from the at-fault driver who caused the accident. This depends on whether “traffic-calming” measures were in place or if the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) knows about the accident location’s hazardous nature. The NYC DOT’s traffic-calming measures stem from a new ruling from New York’s highest court stating that the city is liable for injuries and fatalities in areas without safety structures and road designs intended to prevent speeding and traffic collisions.

• How much time do you have to file car accident lawsuits in New York City?

  New York City’s statute of limitations allows victims of car accidents up to three years to file their lawsuits. Meanwhile, you only have 30 days from the date of the accident to file your no-fault application. Failure to meet the legal timelines may result in the court refusing to hear your case. If you have a claim against a government entity, the deadline is even shorter, as you have three months from the date of the accident to file a Notice of Claim. After which, you will have a year and 90 days to commence action.

• What are New York City’s comparative fault rules?

  New York City has pure comparative fault rules, which means you are still entitled to receive compensation for your injuries as long as you are not entirely at fault for the accident. Under this system, the amount you will be able to recover will be reduced by however much fault is attributed to you. For instance, if you are found to be 20% to blame for the accident, your recovery for damages or financial award will be reduced by 20%.