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Motor Vehicle Accidents Lawyer in Times Square

Times Square Accident Help

Guide to Motor Vehicle Accidents

If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident in Times Square, you face physical recovery, insurance processes, and decisions that affect your financial future. The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC represents individuals in New York County and across the Hudson Valley who have been harmed in collisions involving cars, taxis, delivery vehicles, buses, bicycles, and pedestrians. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. and the team focus on helping clients understand their options, gather evidence, and communicate with insurers, so injured people can focus on healing. Our firm knows local courts and common insurance practices in New York, and we are available by phone at (845) 986-2777 to discuss your situation.

Navigating the aftermath of a motor vehicle crash in Times Square requires clear steps that protect your health and preserve legal options. Seek medical attention immediately, follow your provider’s instructions, and document injuries and treatment. Preserve any physical evidence and take photographs of vehicles, road conditions, and visible injuries when it is safe to do so. Notify your insurance company as required, but be cautious providing recorded statements until you consult with counsel. The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC can explain how New York no-fault insurance works, potential out-of-pocket recovery, and the importance of timely action to protect your right to compensation.

Why Legal Support Matters After a Crash

Securing legal support after a motor vehicle collision helps ensure your medical bills, lost income, and other damages are properly documented and pursued. Insurance companies often minimize payouts or dispute fault, and early legal involvement helps preserve critical evidence such as surveillance video, witness statements, and accident reports. A dedicated attorney can communicate with insurers on your behalf, negotiate for fair compensation, and, if needed, bring a claim in court. For people injured in Times Square, local knowledge of traffic patterns, public transit interactions, and municipal rules can make a meaningful difference when seeking an appropriate resolution.

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

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC is a New York-based firm that represents injured people in personal injury matters, including motor vehicle accidents in Times Square and nearby areas. Attorney Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. handles client matters personally and focuses on clear communication, thorough investigation, and practical case planning. The firm assists with obtaining medical records, calculating economic and non-economic damages, and negotiating with insurance companies. Clients receive individualized attention and updates throughout the process, with an emphasis on timely action and realistic guidance about possible outcomes and the steps needed to pursue fair compensation.

Understanding Motor Vehicle Accident Claims

Motor vehicle accident claims in New York involve multiple moving parts, including liability, insurance coverage, medical documentation, and often law enforcement reports. Collisions can be caused by driver negligence, distracted driving, impaired operation, or dangerous roadway conditions, and each factor affects how a claim is pursued. Injuries range from soft tissue harm to severe traumatic injury, and the nature and permanence of physical harms play a role in calculating damages. Understanding the interactions between no-fault coverage, third-party claims, and potential claims for pain and suffering helps injured people make informed decisions about their next steps and how to preserve evidence and witness accounts.

In New York, the claims process typically begins with medical care and insurance notifications, after which a damaged party may pursue a third-party claim against an at-fault driver when serious injury thresholds or other exceptions apply. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New York is generally three years from the date of the accident, so timely action is important to protect your options. The firm assists clients in gathering police reports, medical records, and witness statements, and in communicating with insurers while protecting your rights. Early consultation can help identify the appropriate path forward and the documents necessary to support a claim.

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Key Terms and Glossary

No-Fault Insurance (PIP)

No-fault insurance, also called Personal Injury Protection or PIP in New York, provides initial coverage for medical expenses and certain other losses regardless of who caused the collision. PIP is intended to ensure prompt payment for treatment and related costs after a crash and typically applies before any third-party liability claim proceeds. Coverage limits and eligibility conditions vary by policy, and some claims can move beyond no-fault when injury severity or other statutory conditions are met. Understanding how PIP interacts with liability claims helps injured people determine what expenses will be covered immediately and what additional compensation might be pursued from an at-fault driver or other parties.

Comparative Negligence

Comparative negligence is a legal principle used in New York that assigns a percentage of fault to each party involved in an accident and reduces recoverable damages proportionally. Under comparative negligence rules, if you are partly at fault for a collision, your compensation is reduced by your own percentage of responsibility; however, you can still recover damages as long as you are not completely barred by statute. Establishing the relative fault of each driver involves analysis of evidence such as traffic signals, witness statements, vehicle damage, and driver conduct. Effective case preparation includes efforts to limit any undue allocation of fault to the injured party.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations sets the deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit in New York, and it is generally three years from the date of the accident for most negligence claims. Missing this deadline can bar a claim in court, although there are limited exceptions that may extend or toll the deadline in special circumstances. Because administrative requirements, insurance notice obligations, and evidence preservation all begin immediately after a crash, prompt consultation is often necessary to ensure deadlines are met and rights are protected. The firm can help identify relevant deadlines and advise on steps to preserve the ability to seek recovery.

Damages

Damages refer to the monetary compensation a person may seek after a motor vehicle accident and generally include economic losses like medical bills and lost earnings, as well as non-economic losses such as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. In serious cases, claims may also include future medical care, diminished earning capacity, and, when appropriate, damages for permanent impairment. Calculating a fair recovery requires documenting treatment, bills, wage records, and the full impact of injuries on daily life. The claims process aims to recover costs already incurred and provide compensation for ongoing and future consequences of the accident.

PRO TIPS

Preserve Evidence Immediately

After a crash in Times Square, preserving evidence can make a meaningful difference in resolving a claim, so take photographs of vehicle damage, road markings, traffic signals, skid marks, and visible injuries as soon as it is safe to do so. If there are witnesses, collect contact information and make brief notes describing what each person observed, and if possible obtain any dashcam or surveillance footage before it is overwritten. Acting quickly to gather and preserve these materials helps keep options open for negotiations with insurers or filing a claim in court if necessary.

Report to Police and Insurer

Calling the police to the scene creates an official record that can be important when establishing fault and documenting injuries, so obtain a copy of the accident report or the report number for your files. Notify your insurance company as soon as your policy requires, but be careful about providing recorded statements without first understanding the effect on your claim. Clear, factual communication and timely reporting help protect coverage while you obtain additional guidance about the best way to proceed with medical care and potential claims.

Seek Prompt Medical Care

Even if injuries do not seem severe at the scene, seek medical evaluation promptly because some conditions can worsen over time and early documentation of injury is important for both health and a potential claim. Follow your medical provider’s treatment plan, keep records of all visits and recommended therapies, and attend follow-up appointments to create a clear medical history tied to the accident. Comprehensive medical documentation supports claims for economic and non-economic harms and helps demonstrate the connection between the collision and the injuries you sustained.

Comparing Legal Options After a Crash

When Full Representation Is Appropriate:

Serious or Catastrophic Injuries

When injuries are severe or potentially permanent, comprehensive representation can help secure compensation for long term medical care, rehabilitation, and any future lost earning capacity, because such claims require careful documentation and valuation of damages. Complex evidence may include medical experts, vocational assessments, and lifetime cost projections, and coordinating these elements is important for a full recovery. In those situations, having a focused legal approach ensures that insurance offers and settlement proposals are evaluated in light of long term needs rather than immediate settlement pressure.

Complex Liability Disputes

If fault is contested, multiple parties may share responsibility, or there are questions about commercial vehicle operation or government liability, a comprehensive approach helps investigate all possible sources of recovery and identify responsible parties. Gathering evidence such as maintenance records, driver logs, video footage, and witness statements can be time sensitive and requires coordinated effort. Thorough preparation supports stronger negotiation and, when necessary, effective presentation in court, which increases the likelihood of achieving fair compensation in complex scenarios.

When a Limited Approach May Suffice:

Minor Property Damage Only

When an incident results only in minor property damage and no injuries, parties often resolve matters directly through insurance claims without full legal representation, because straightforward vehicle repairs can be handled by standard claims processes and body shops. Keeping detailed records of repair estimates and communicating clearly with your insurer typically suffices in these low-impact scenarios. However, if injuries develop later or hidden damage appears, revisiting the situation promptly is important to protect any potential recovery beyond property repair costs.

Clear Liability, Short Claim

When liability is clearly established by an officer’s report, clear video evidence, and injuries are minor and fully documented, a limited approach that focuses on claim submission and negotiation with insurers may achieve a timely resolution. Simple claims that do not require expert testimony or complex valuation often settle through informed negotiation based on medical bills and wage loss documentation. Even in these cases, understanding the full scope of recoverable damages and settlement implications helps ensure you are not accepting less than you may need for complete recovery.

Common Motor Vehicle Accident Situations

Intersection Collisions

Intersection collisions in Times Square can involve multiple vehicles, signal or signage issues, and pedestrian movement that complicates assigning responsibility, and careful review of traffic camera footage and witness statements is often needed to determine fault. These cases may involve both driver and municipal considerations, and documentation such as police reports and physical evidence is important for a successful claim.

Rear-End and Follow-Through Collisions

Rear-end collisions commonly result in neck and back injuries, and while fault is often straightforward, insurers may dispute the severity or permanence of injuries, requiring clear medical records and consistent treatment histories. Prompt medical care and documentation of symptoms and treatment help support claims for necessary care and associated losses.

Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents

Pedestrian and cyclist accidents in high foot traffic areas like Times Square frequently lead to serious injuries and may involve municipal factors, vehicle operator actions, or visibility issues that require close investigation. Gathering eyewitness accounts, surveillance footage, and medical records helps establish liability and quantify damages for physical and financial recovery.

Times Square Motor Vehicle Attorney

Why Choose Ahearne Law Firm

Clients choose Ahearne Law Firm PLLC for attentive communication, local knowledge of New York County courts, and a focus on thorough case preparation after motor vehicle collisions in Times Square. The firm works to obtain necessary records, coordinate medical documentation, and explain realistic options for settlement or litigation while keeping clients informed at every step. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. handles cases personally, helping clients understand how insurance coverage and liability rules apply to their situation, and the office is available to discuss individual circumstances and next steps.

The firm offers an initial consultation to review the facts of your case and to identify potential avenues for recovery, including how no-fault coverage and third-party claims may apply. Ahearne Law Firm pursues fair compensation through negotiation and, where appropriate, litigation, and works to protect clients from unnecessary delays or incomplete settlements. Communication, prompt action to preserve evidence, and diligent follow-up on medical and investigative leads are core elements of the firm’s approach to serving injured people in Times Square and across the Hudson Valley.

Contact Ahearne Law Firm for a Free Case Review

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FAQS

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

Immediately after a motor vehicle accident in Times Square, prioritize safety and medical care by moving to a safe location if possible and seeking medical attention for any injuries, even if they seem minor at first. Call emergency services so a police report can be created, and obtain the names and contact information of other drivers, passengers, and any witnesses. Take photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and visible injuries when it is safe to do so, and keep records of medical treatment and expenses as they arise. Next, notify your insurance company as required by your policy, but be cautious about providing recorded statements until you understand how those statements might affect your claim. Preserve any physical evidence and, if possible, collect dashcam or surveillance footage before it is overwritten. Contact the Ahearne Law Firm PLLC at (845) 986-2777 for a case review to discuss which documents to preserve and how to proceed while protecting your rights under New York law.

Do I need an attorney if my injuries seem minor?

Even when injuries seem minor at the scene, it is often wise to consult with counsel because some conditions worsen over time and early medical documentation supports any later claim for treatment costs and pain and suffering. Insurers sometimes downplay injuries or argue they are unrelated to the crash, so consistent medical records established soon after the accident strengthen your position and reduce disputes about causation and severity. An attorney can review your policy coverage, explain whether no-fault benefits apply, and identify when a third-party claim may be available, which is important even if initial injuries appear minor. Early consultation helps ensure that evidence is preserved, that you meet notice and filing deadlines, and that you make informed decisions about whether to accept any settlement offers or pursue further recovery.

How does no-fault insurance work in New York?

No-fault insurance in New York, often referred to as Personal Injury Protection or PIP, provides initial coverage for medical expenses and certain other losses regardless of who caused the collision, and it is designed to facilitate prompt payment for immediate needs after a crash. PIP coverage has limits and eligibility rules that vary by policy, and it typically covers reasonable and necessary medical treatment, but it may not cover all losses or long term consequences if serious injuries exceed applicable thresholds. When injuries meet statutory criteria or when no-fault coverage is insufficient, a third-party claim against an at-fault driver may be appropriate to recover additional damages such as pain and suffering and future medical costs. Understanding the relationship between no-fault benefits and potential third-party recovery is important for planning treatment, documenting expenses, and deciding whether to pursue further compensation through negotiation or litigation.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in New York?

The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in New York is generally three years from the date of the accident, and missing that deadline can prevent filing a lawsuit to pursue damages in court. Because certain administrative steps, insurer notice requirements, and exceptions can affect deadlines, it is important to identify relevant timelines early in the process to preserve your ability to seek full recovery. Prompt action also helps with evidence preservation and witness contact, both of which can become more difficult as time passes. Contacting counsel early in the process ensures you are aware of any specific deadlines that may apply to your situation and that necessary steps are taken to protect your claim within the applicable statutory period.

How is fault determined after a collision involving multiple vehicles?

Fault after a multi-vehicle collision is determined through analysis of the physical evidence, police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and any available vehicle data. Investigators evaluate vehicle positions, damage patterns, witness accounts, road and weather conditions, and any applicable traffic violations to allocate responsibility among the drivers involved. Comparative negligence principles may apply, meaning that fault can be divided among parties and each person’s recovery can be affected by their share of responsibility. Because multiple sources of evidence are often time sensitive, preserving documentation and promptly obtaining surveillance or dashcam footage is important. An organized review of the facts helps determine which parties may be liable, including potential claims against commercial operators or municipal entities when appropriate, and supports efforts to reach a fair resolution through negotiation or, if necessary, litigation.

Can I recover lost wages after a motor vehicle accident?

Yes, lost wages and loss of earning capacity are common components of a motor vehicle accident claim when injuries prevent you from working or reduce your ability to earn income. To support a claim for lost earnings, maintain records such as paystubs, tax returns, employer statements, and documentation of missed work and any accommodations required during recovery, as these materials help quantify economic losses attributable to the accident. In cases involving future lost earning capacity or long-term disability, vocational assessments and medical opinions may be used to estimate ongoing economic impact. The firm can help gather the necessary financial and medical documentation and present a clear picture of past and future income losses when negotiating a settlement or preparing for trial.

What types of damages can I seek after a crash?

After a motor vehicle accident, injured people may seek compensation for economic damages such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, prescription medications, and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. In severe cases, claims may also include future medical care, loss of consortium, and diminished earning potential, depending on the long term effects of the injuries and life changes caused by the collision. Calculating a fair recovery involves documenting current medical treatment and forecasting future needs, which may require coordinating medical records, expert evaluations, and vocational assessments. Comprehensive documentation of how the accident affected daily life and work is essential to present a complete view of damages during settlement discussions or in court.

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

The timeline to resolve a motor vehicle accident claim varies widely depending on factors such as injury severity, complexity of liability, the availability of evidence, and whether the case settles or proceeds to litigation. Simple claims involving minor injuries and clear fault can sometimes be resolved within months, while more complex cases requiring extensive medical treatment, dispute over liability, or court proceedings may take a year or longer to reach a final resolution. Ongoing communication with medical providers, timely evidence collection, and proactive negotiation strategies can help move a case forward efficiently. The firm aims to provide realistic timelines based on the specifics of each case and to keep clients informed about expected milestones while pursuing the best available recovery.

Will the firm communicate with the insurance companies for me?

Yes, the Ahearne Law Firm can communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, including providing notice of representation, obtaining claim information, and handling settlement discussions in accordance with your instructions. Allowing legal representation to manage insurer communications can reduce stress and help prevent inadvertent statements that might be used to limit recovery, while ensuring that necessary information is exchanged to move the claim forward. The firm will request claim files, advocate for appropriate benefits, and negotiate with insurers based on medical documentation and other evidence. Clients are kept informed about offers and recommended next steps so they can make decisions with a clear understanding of the implications for their recovery and any proposed settlement.

How do I start a claim with Ahearne Law Firm?

To start a claim with Ahearne Law Firm, contact the office by phone at (845) 986-2777 or through the firm’s website to schedule an initial case review, during which you can describe the accident, injuries, and available documentation. During that consultation, the firm will outline potential avenues for recovery, necessary steps to preserve evidence, and what documentation will be helpful in supporting your claim, such as medical records, police reports, and photographs from the scene. If you decide to proceed, the firm will explain the representation agreement, assist in gathering records and bills, and begin communicating with insurers and other parties as needed. The firm follows an organized approach to case development, prioritizing medical documentation and timely action to preserve your ability to seek fair compensation under New York law.

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