A+ rating on Better Business Bureau•Google reviews: 5.0•Martindale Hubbell Client Rating: 5.0•Lawyers.com Client Rating: 5.0•Avvo Client Rating: 5.0•Facebook Rating 5.0•Best Dog Bite Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Bicycle Accident Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Car Accident Lawyers – Middletown, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•A+ rating on Better Business Bureau•Google reviews: 5.0•Martindale Hubbell Client Rating: 5.0•Lawyers.com Client Rating: 5.0•Avvo Client Rating: 5.0•Facebook Rating 5.0•Best Dog Bite Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Bicycle Accident Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Car Accident Lawyers – Middletown, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)

Motor Vehicle Accidents Lawyer in Bushwick, NY

Recovery After Collisions

Guide to Motor Vehicle Accident Claims

If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident in Bushwick, you deserve clear guidance about your rights and options. The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC represents people hurt in car, truck, motorcycle, pedestrian, bicycle, and rideshare collisions across Kings County and New York State. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. and the firm focus on helping clients preserve evidence, communicate with insurers, and pursue fair recovery for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We understand the local courts and medical providers and can explain the steps to protect your claim and the practical choices you will face after a crash.

After a collision it is important to act in ways that protect both your health and your legal rights. That typically means getting prompt medical attention, keeping records of treatment and expenses, documenting the scene when possible, and avoiding statements to insurers that could limit your recovery. The firm will investigate the crash, collect police reports and witness accounts, consult with accident reconstruction or medical professionals when needed, and handle insurance communications on your behalf so you can focus on recovery without added stress from the claims process.

Why Legal Help Matters After a Crash

Navigating an insurance claim after a motor vehicle accident requires attention to timing, documentation, and legal rules that affect compensation. A lawyer can preserve critical evidence such as accident reports, medical records, and witness statements, and can craft a claim that properly values future care and ongoing losses. Handling negotiations with insurers while you focus on healing reduces the risk of accepting a low offer that does not cover long-term needs. Thoughtful legal representation helps ensure that recoverable damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic losses are identified and pursued in a way that aligns with New York law.

About Ahearne Law Firm and Allan J. Ahearne, Jr.

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC serves clients across the Hudson Valley and New York City, including Bushwick and Kings County, in personal injury matters arising from motor vehicle accidents. Attorney Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. brings focused attention to each case, working directly with clients to understand how the accident affected their lives. The firm prioritizes timely communication, thorough investigation, and practical advocacy to resolve claims through negotiation or litigation when needed. Clients receive personalized guidance about recovery options, potential timelines, and what documents and actions will best support their case.

Understanding Motor Vehicle Accident Claims

A motor vehicle accident claim generally depends on showing that a driver owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused harm as a result. In New York the law applies comparative fault rules, so damages may be reduced in proportion to any share of responsibility assigned to the injured person. Recoverable losses typically include past and future medical bills, lost income, diminished earning capacity, property damage, and compensation for pain and suffering. Gathering documentation, such as medical records and employment proof, is essential to support claims for both economic and non-economic damages.

The process of resolving a motor vehicle accident claim begins with investigation and evidence collection, followed by demand discussions with insurers and potential settlement negotiations. If a fair resolution cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit and pursuing litigation is an available next step; courts in New York enforce a three-year statute of limitations for most negligence-based personal injury claims, so timely action is important. The timeline for resolution varies with case complexity, insurance cooperation, and whether expert testimony is required, and the firm will explain likely steps and realistic timeframes for your specific matter.

Need More Information?

Key Terms and Glossary

Negligence

Negligence refers to a failure to act with the care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in similar circumstances, leading to harm. In a motor vehicle collision context, negligence might include speeding, running a red light, distracted driving, or failing to yield. To succeed on a negligence claim you typically must show that the other party’s careless actions or omissions were a direct cause of the crash and your injuries. Documentation such as police reports, photos from the scene, witness statements, and medical records help establish the elements of negligence in a claim or lawsuit.

Comparative Negligence

Comparative negligence is a legal principle that reduces a person’s recoverable damages by the percentage of fault assigned to them for an accident. New York applies a pure comparative fault standard, which means even if you bear some portion of responsibility, you may still receive compensation reduced by your share. For example, if a jury finds you 20 percent at fault, your total damages would be reduced by that 20 percent before any award is made. Understanding how fault may be allocated is important when evaluating settlement offers or deciding to take a case to court.

Damages

Damages are the losses for which a person can seek financial recovery after a motor vehicle accident, and they are commonly divided into economic and non-economic categories. Economic damages cover measurable losses such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, future medical needs, lost earnings, and property repair or replacement. Non-economic damages compensate for subjective harms, like pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, and emotional distress. Accurately documenting both types of damages through bills, wage records, medical opinions, and journals of daily limitations supports a full valuation of a claim.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations sets the deadline to file a lawsuit for personal injuries in New York, and in most motor vehicle accident cases that period is three years from the date of the collision. Missing that deadline can bar the right to seek recovery in court, although certain exceptions sometimes apply depending on the circumstances. Because claims often require evidence collection, witness interviews, and medical documentation, initiating the claim process well before the limitations period expires helps protect legal options. If you are unsure how the time limit applies to your situation, it is advisable to seek guidance promptly.

PRO TIPS

Preserve Evidence Immediately

After an accident, gather and preserve evidence as soon as you are able, including photos of the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signals, visible injuries, and any skid marks or debris at the scene. Secure copies of the police report, contact information for witnesses, and the other driver’s insurance and registration details, and forward these items to the firm for safekeeping. Doing so helps ensure critical facts are not lost over time and strengthens the ability to document liability and damages during settlement talks or, if necessary, litigation.

Seek Prompt Medical Care

Prioritize your health by obtaining medical attention right after a collision, even if injuries seem minor, because some conditions may worsen or become apparent later. Keep detailed records of all appointments, diagnostic tests, prescribed treatments, and recommendations for ongoing care, and share those records with the firm to document both immediate and future medical needs. Timely treatment establishes a medical narrative linking the accident to your injuries, which is important for claims and helps prevent insurance carriers from disputing causation.

Document All Insurance Communication

Keep written records of any communications with insurance companies, including claim numbers, names of representatives, summaries of phone conversations, and copies of emails or letters received. Avoid giving recorded statements or signing documents without first consulting the firm, because some insurer forms or questions can unintentionally limit recovery. Sharing all insurer correspondence with us allows the firm to respond accurately and protect your interests during negotiations or dispute resolution.

Comparing Legal Approaches

When a Full Case Approach Is Appropriate:

Serious or Catastrophic Injuries

When injuries are severe, long-term, or require ongoing medical care, a comprehensive approach is often necessary to quantify future needs and present a cohesive case for full compensation. These matters typically involve gathering detailed medical projections, vocational assessments, and sometimes expert opinions to estimate future costs and losses. A full case strategy helps ensure that both immediate expenses and the long-term financial impact of the injury are accounted for in settlement demands or court pleadings.

Contested Fault or Multiple Drivers

When liability is disputed or multiple parties share responsibility for a crash, a more thorough legal approach is required to untangle fault and pursue recovery from all responsible sources. Detailed investigation, witness interviews, and careful review of traffic and surveillance evidence are often necessary to establish the sequence of events. Pursuing claims against multiple insurers or defendants can require coordinated legal steps to protect your rights and ensure all avenues of recovery are explored.

When a Targeted, Limited Approach Works:

Minor Injuries and Clear Liability

When injuries are minor and fault is clearly the other driver’s, a focused approach aimed at quick documentation and swift negotiation with the insurer may resolve the case without prolonged litigation. This typically involves compiling concise medical bills and treatment notes, obtaining the accident report, and presenting a clear demand for payment. A streamlined process helps recover appropriate damages while minimizing delay and expense when the facts are straightforward.

Quick Claims and Small Damages

When property damage and minor medical expenses are the primary losses, pursuing a targeted settlement can be an efficient option to resolve the matter promptly. The focus is on obtaining necessary repair estimates, medical bills, and a clear valuation to present to the insurer. Handling these claims in a limited fashion reduces legal costs and often leads to a faster resolution suitable for less complex situations.

Common Motor Vehicle Accident Scenarios

Car vs. Car Collisions

Car-on-car collisions are among the most common scenarios handled and can range from low-speed fender-benders to high-impact crashes that cause significant injury and vehicle damage, requiring careful evidence collection and medical documentation. Each case requires reviewing police reports, vehicle damage, traffic conditions, and witness accounts to establish liability and calculate a fair recovery for medical care, lost income, and other harms.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

Accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists can result in serious injuries given the lack of physical protection, and often demand a focused investigation into driver behavior, visibility, crosswalk markings, and roadway conditions. Because these incidents frequently involve vulnerable road users, documentation of medical treatment, functional limitations, and any long-term impacts is essential to support a full claim.

Commercial Vehicle and Truck Accidents

Collisions with commercial vehicles or large trucks often involve multiple layers of liability, including the driver, the trucking company, and maintenance or loading parties, which requires careful review of driving logs, maintenance records, and cargo information. These cases may involve higher stakes due to severe injuries and significant property damage, and they benefit from prompt investigation to preserve perishable evidence and obtain necessary business records.

Bushwick Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney

Why Choose Ahearne Law Firm for Your Claim

Clients choose Ahearne Law Firm for hands-on attention, local knowledge of Kings County courts, and direct attorney involvement from intake through resolution. The firm emphasizes clear communication, quick response to questions, and careful coordination with medical providers to assemble records that support recovery. Whether negotiating with insurers or preparing a case for court, the firm aims to advance your interests while keeping you informed about options, realistic outcomes, and the steps needed to pursue compensation for both immediate expenses and ongoing needs.

Ahearne Law Firm handles motor vehicle accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means clients do not pay attorney fees unless there is a recovery. The firm offers an initial consultation to review the facts, explain deadlines like the statute of limitations, and recommend practical next steps tailored to your situation. To get started, call (845) 986-2777 or send a message to arrange a conversation about the collision, what documents to gather, and how the firm can assist with evidence preservation and insurer communications.

Schedule a Free Consultation

People Also Search For

Bushwick car accident lawyer

Kings County motor vehicle accident attorney

Bushwick personal injury lawyer

New York car crash attorney Bushwick

truck accident lawyer Bushwick NY

motorcycle accident attorney Bushwick

bicycle accident lawyer Bushwick

pedestrian accident attorney Bushwick

FAQS

What should I do immediately after a motor vehicle accident in Bushwick?

Immediately after a motor vehicle accident your priority should be safety and medical attention. If it is safe, move to a secure location and call emergency services for injuries, and contact the police so that an official report is created; medical treatment documents and the accident report are vital pieces of evidence for any later claim. Take photos of vehicle damage, the scene, road signs, and visible injuries, and obtain contact information for other drivers and witnesses. After securing your safety and obtaining care, notify your insurer and keep a record of all communications, but avoid providing recorded statements or signing releases before consulting about how those actions can affect your claim. Preserve all medical records and bills, and share them with the firm so the incident and its effects can be properly documented. Early steps like these protect your legal options and help establish the facts needed to pursue recovery.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in New York?

In most New York personal injury matters arising from motor vehicle accidents, the statute of limitations to file a lawsuit is three years from the date of the collision, and failing to file within that period can bar a court remedy. There are limited exceptions that may alter the deadline, such as cases involving certain government defendants or injuries that were not discovered right away, but these exceptions are fact-specific and should be discussed promptly. Because the filing deadline can have serious consequences, it is important to begin the claim evaluation process as soon as possible to ensure evidence is preserved and deadlines are met. Even when settlement talks are the initial focus, timely investigation and documentation help avoid later surprises and keep the option of litigation available if negotiations do not produce a fair result.

Will my case go to trial or can it be settled?

Many motor vehicle accident cases resolve through negotiation and settlement without reaching trial, particularly when liability and damages can be established with clear evidence. Negotiated resolutions can be faster and less expensive than litigation, and a fair settlement can fully compensate for medical care and other losses while avoiding the uncertainty of a jury decision. However, if insurers decline to offer a reasonable recovery or liability remains contested, filing a lawsuit and preparing for trial may be necessary to protect your rights. The decision to proceed to court depends on case-specific factors such as the strength of evidence, the size of the claim, and whether additional fact-finding is required; the firm will explain the likely path and advise on the most realistic way to seek fair compensation.

How does comparative negligence affect my claim?

Comparative negligence affects the amount of recovery by reducing damages in proportion to the injured person’s share of fault assigned for the accident. New York follows a pure comparative fault rule, so a person who is partly responsible for a crash can still recover damages, but the award will be diminished by their percentage of responsibility. Determining fault percentages involves examining police reports, witness accounts, physical evidence, and sometimes expert analysis. Understanding how comparative fault may apply to your case helps set realistic expectations about potential recovery and informs whether to accept an insurer’s offer or pursue further legal action to protect your interests.

What types of compensation can I recover after a crash?

After a motor vehicle accident, recoverable compensation commonly includes economic damages such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, future medical care, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages may also be available to address pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress; the value of these losses is evaluated based on impact to daily life and prognosis. In some cases additional damages, such as loss of consortium or punitive damages, may be available if particular legal standards are met. The total compensation an individual can recover depends on the documented losses, the strength of proof tying those losses to the accident, and applicable legal rules, so thorough documentation and clear medical narratives strengthen the claim for full recovery.

Should I speak to the insurance company without a lawyer?

Speaking with an insurance company without understanding your rights can risk unintentionally limiting your recovery because insurers may ask questions or seek recorded statements intended to minimize liability. It is reasonable to provide basic facts, such as your name and the date of the collision, but avoid admitting fault or agreeing to a recorded statement until you have had a chance to consult about the implications for your claim. If insurers request releases or propose quick settlements soon after the accident, consider discussing those offers with the firm before accepting anything. The firm can review communications, advise on what to disclose, and handle negotiations so that your medical needs and future losses are properly considered in any proposed resolution.

How are medical bills and lost wages handled during a claim?

Medical bills and lost wages are central components of a personal injury claim, and documenting them carefully is essential to recover appropriate compensation. Keep copies of treatment records, invoices, receipts, and employer statements showing time missed from work; future medical needs and anticipated earnings impacts should be supported with medical and vocational information when applicable. During settlement negotiations the firm will compile and present these records to demonstrate the economic losses linked to the accident. If a case proceeds to litigation, these same documents form the basis for proving damages in court, and advance planning helps ensure future needs and earning impacts are not overlooked when evaluating any offer.

Can I still make a claim if I was partly at fault?

Yes. Under New York’s comparative negligence framework you can pursue a claim even if you were partly at fault for the accident, though any recovery will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. This means that a careful presentation of evidence can still result in meaningful compensation, especially where the other party bears a larger share of responsibility. It remains important to document injuries and losses and to obtain medical treatment and records showing the connection between the crash and your condition. The firm can assist in gathering evidence that supports a favorable allocation of fault and maximizes your recoverable damages despite partial responsibility.

How long will it take to resolve my motor vehicle accident case?

The time to resolve a motor vehicle accident case varies widely depending on factors such as the severity of injuries, the complexity of liability issues, the need for expert opinions, and how quickly insurers respond. Some straightforward claims settle within a few months, while more complex matters involving contested fault or significant future care needs can take a year or more to resolve, and cases that proceed to trial generally take longer. Preparing a realistic timeline involves reviewing medical recovery, evidence development, and insurer positions. The firm will provide an estimated timeline tailored to the case and communicate updates as negotiations or litigation progress, helping clients understand when resolutions might be possible and what steps can speed a fair outcome.

How much will it cost to hire Ahearne Law Firm for my motor vehicle accident case?

Ahearne Law Firm handles motor vehicle accident matters on a contingency fee basis, which means clients are not charged attorney fees upfront and do not pay attorney fees unless the firm recovers compensation on their behalf. This arrangement allows clients to pursue recovery without out-of-pocket legal costs during the claims process, while the firm advances the work of investigation and negotiation. Clients may still be responsible for certain case-related expenses, such as fees for obtaining medical records or expert reports, but these are typically discussed and handled transparently. During the initial consultation the firm explains the fee agreement, any likely costs, and how recoveries are allocated so clients can make an informed decision about moving forward.

Personal Injury Services in Bushwick

Explore our injury practice areas

⚖️ All Personal Injury Services