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 New York City

NYC Car Collision Help

Personal Injury: Motor Vehicle Accidents Guide

Motor vehicle collisions in New York City can leave people facing medical bills, lost income, and long recovery periods. At The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC, we help injured people navigate insurance claims, collect necessary documentation, and understand their legal options after a crash. This guide focuses on motor vehicle accidents and describes common steps following a collision, including evidence gathering, interacting with insurance, and the timelines that can affect a claim. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. and the team are available to discuss a case, explain potential paths forward, and protect a person’s rights while focusing on practical next steps toward fair compensation.

When a crash happens in New York City, the aftermath can feel overwhelming because of medical care, vehicle repairs, and conversations with insurers. Timely action improves a person’s ability to preserve evidence, secure medical treatment, and present a clear claim. This page outlines how motor vehicle accident cases commonly progress, what types of compensation may be available, and how to prepare documentation that supports a recovery. The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC offers consultations to review the facts of a case and identify reasonable strategies for pursuing compensation while explaining timelines, likely costs, and the ways to keep an insurance claim or claim for damages moving forward.

Why Timely Legal Guidance Matters After a Crash

Prompt attention to a motor vehicle accident claim preserves evidence, clarifies liability issues, and helps ensure a person receives needed medical care without delay. Early steps like documenting the scene, obtaining medical records, and communicating carefully with insurers contribute to stronger claims and more predictable outcomes. Working with a law firm can help coordinate medical and billing records, secure witness statements, and explain how comparative fault rules in New York might affect recovery. Timely guidance can also reduce stress by organizing necessary tasks and outlining a clear plan to pursue damages for medical costs, lost earnings, and other accident-related losses.

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

The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC serves clients in the Hudson Valley and New York City area, focusing on personal injury matters including motor vehicle collisions. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. represents people who have sustained injuries in auto, motorcycle, and pedestrian crashes and helps them pursue compensation from insurers or at-fault parties. The firm emphasizes clear communication, thorough preparation of claims, and practical support for recovery and rehabilitation. Clients can expect direct contact, assistance obtaining medical and wage documentation, and help evaluating settlement offers so informed decisions can be made about pursuing fair resolution or further legal action when required.

Understanding Motor Vehicle Accident Claims

A motor vehicle accident claim typically involves proving that another party’s actions caused an injury or loss, and then documenting the resulting damages. In New York, proof may include police reports, medical records, witness statements, photographs of the scene and vehicles, and repair estimates. Damages commonly seek reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages, future care needs, vehicle repairs, and pain and suffering when appropriate. The process may begin with an insurance claim and proceed to negotiation or litigation if a fair resolution is not achieved. Timely evidence collection and clear medical documentation are important components of a successful claim.

Insurance companies frequently investigate claims and may dispute liability or the extent of injuries, so careful documentation is essential. New York applies comparative fault rules that can reduce recovery if a person is found partially at fault, making detailed evidence and witness accounts particularly important. Medical treatment records that link injuries to the crash, along with proof of lost earnings, help quantify damages. When recovery negotiations stall, filing a lawsuit within New York’s deadlines may be necessary. Understanding these procedural steps and deadlines helps people make informed decisions about preserving rights and pursuing full, fair compensation.

Need More Information?

Key Terms and Glossary for Motor Vehicle Claims

Liability

Liability refers to legal responsibility for causing an accident or injury. In a motor vehicle context, liability is assigned when evidence shows that a driver or other party acted negligently or failed to follow traffic laws, resulting in harm. Determining liability involves examining police reports, witness statements, traffic signals, road conditions, and vehicle damage. Liability affects who must compensate for medical bills, lost income, and other damages. Establishing clear fault increases the likelihood that an insurer or at-fault party will pay a claim, though disputes over responsibility can lead to negotiation or court proceedings to determine final responsibility and compensation.

Comparative Negligence

Comparative negligence is a legal rule that reduces a person’s recovery if they are found partly responsible for the accident. In New York, a person may still recover damages even if partly at fault, but the amount awarded is reduced in proportion to their share of responsibility. For example, if a jury finds someone 20 percent at fault, any award would be reduced by that percentage. Because comparative negligence affects final compensation, thorough evidence and persuasive documentation are needed to minimize any percentage of fault assigned and protect the overall recovery available to the injured person.

Damages

Damages are the monetary losses a person seeks to recover after a crash, covering medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, vehicle repairs, and non-economic losses such as pain and suffering. Economic damages are supported by bills, pay stubs, and receipts, while non-economic damages are typically described through medical records, testimony about daily limitations, and other evidence showing the impact of injuries on quality of life. Properly documenting both types of damages and explaining future needs helps insurers and courts understand the full extent of a person’s losses when considering settlement or verdict amounts.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations sets the deadline for filing a lawsuit after an injury, and missing that deadline can bar a claim. In New York, time limits vary by case type, and certain circumstances can shorten or extend deadlines, such as claims against government entities or cases involving minors. It is important to know applicable deadlines early to preserve the right to sue if necessary. Even when pursuing an insurance claim first, understanding the statute of limitations guides when to take additional legal steps so rights to recovery are not inadvertently lost by waiting too long to act.

PRO TIPS

Document the Scene Immediately

After a collision, gathering detailed information at the scene supports any later claim. Take photographs of vehicle positions, damage, road signs, and visible injuries, and record contact information for witnesses and other drivers. Keep a contemporaneous record of what happened, including the time and weather conditions, because those notes and images often make a meaningful difference when reconstructing events and proving liability to insurers or a court.

Seek Prompt Medical Care

Receiving medical attention soon after a crash both protects health and creates a medical record linking injuries to the collision. Follow recommended treatments and attend follow-up appointments so providers can document progress and any ongoing needs. Insurance companies and courts generally place great weight on medical records, so thorough and timely care helps show the nature and extent of injuries when quantifying damages.

Preserve Records and Communications

Keep copies of all medical bills, repair estimates, pay stubs, and correspondence with insurers to support a compensation claim. Save text messages, emails, and demand letters that relate to the crash or treatment, and avoid making recorded statements to an insurer without legal guidance. Organized records make it easier to present a clear case, speed negotiations, and reduce misunderstandings that can slow or undermine recovery efforts.

Comparing Options: Insurance Claim vs. Lawsuit

When a Full Legal Response Is Advisable:

Severe or Complex Injuries

Serious injuries that require long-term care, ongoing therapy, or that result in permanent limitations often justify a comprehensive legal response because they affect future earnings and ongoing medical needs. Detailed assessment of future care costs, vocational impact, and long-term medical needs is required to pursue full compensation. When injuries have lasting consequences, addressing those future needs early improves the ability to seek a settlement or award that accounts for the full scope of losses.

Disputed Liability or Multiple Parties

Cases in which liability is contested, multiple vehicles or drivers are involved, or government entities share responsibility can become legally and factually complicated. These scenarios require careful investigation of evidence, witness interviews, and possibly expert analysis to determine fault and present a clear case for compensation. When disputes over who caused the crash exist, a more comprehensive legal approach helps identify responsible parties and craft persuasive arguments to support a recovery.

When a Narrower, Faster Approach May Work:

Minor Injuries and Clear Liability

When injuries are minor, medical care is short-term, and fault is clearly established by police reports or eyewitness accounts, handling the claim directly with insurers may be sufficient. In such cases, compiling medical receipts, repair bills, and a brief summary of lost time can lead to a straightforward resolution. A focused approach can save time and expense while obtaining fair compensation for immediate costs related to the crash.

Low-Value Property Damage Claims

When the primary loss is vehicle damage or minor repair costs with minimal medical involvement, pursuing a direct insurance claim can resolve the issue quickly. Obtain repair estimates and invoices and provide those documents to the insurer for reimbursement. For modest claims where liability is undisputed, a limited approach often achieves a timely settlement without formal legal action.

Common Circumstances Leading to Motor Vehicle Claims

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end crashes often cause soft tissue injuries and vehicle damage and typically involve issues of following distance and driver attention. These collisions commonly result in insurance claims for medical care and repairs and may require documentation of witness accounts and traffic conditions.

Intersection Crashes

Accidents at intersections frequently raise questions about traffic signals, right-of-way, and potential red-light or left-turn violations. Evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports is often important to establish fault in these situations.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Collisions

Collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists can result in serious injuries and may involve complex liability issues related to crosswalks, bike lanes, and driver visibility. Thorough medical records and scene documentation help support claims for both immediate treatment and long-term care needs.

New York City Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney Services

Why Choose The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC

The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC assists people injured in motor vehicle collisions by organizing records, communicating with insurers, and explaining legal options in straightforward terms. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. and the team focus on a client’s recovery needs, helping gather medical documentation, billings, and employment records necessary to support a claim. The firm prioritizes clear communication, practical planning for medical care and financial recovery, and advocacy to pursue fair settlement offers while keeping the client informed at each step of the process.

Clients receive help preparing demand letters, submitting documentation to insurers, and evaluating settlement offers in light of medical treatment and future needs. When insurers deny fair value or disputes over liability arise, the firm can explain the litigation process and represent a person’s interests in court if that becomes necessary. By coordinating with medical providers and advocating for necessary compensation, the firm aims to reduce stress and help clients focus on healing while addressing financial and legal consequences of the crash.

Schedule a Free Case Review Today

People Also Search For

New York car accident lawyer

motor vehicle accident attorney NYC

New York personal injury lawyer

traffic collision claim New York

car crash injury compensation

Hudson Valley accident attorney

NYC auto injury claim

Allan J. Ahearne Jr. personal injury

FAQS

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a motor vehicle accident in New York?

In New York, the general statute of limitations for personal injury actions is two years from the date of the accident, which means a lawsuit must typically be filed within that time or the right to sue may be lost. Certain exceptions can change this deadline, such as when the defendant is a government entity or when an injury is discovered later; those situations may have shorter or different filing requirements. It is important to review relevant timelines early to preserve rights and avoid missing critical deadlines that prevent pursuing a legal remedy. Even when pursuing an insurance claim first, be mindful of the statute of limitations because settlement negotiations do not extend the filing deadline unless agreed in writing. Taking prompt steps to collect medical records, police reports, and witness statements helps preserve evidence and provides time to evaluate whether a lawsuit is necessary. Consulting with a law firm early can clarify applicable deadlines and determine whether immediate legal filings are recommended to protect the ability to obtain compensation.

What types of compensation can I recover after a car crash?

After a motor vehicle crash, recoverable compensation commonly includes medical expenses for past and future treatment, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, vehicle repair or replacement costs, and out-of-pocket expenses related to the collision. Non-economic damages for pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life may also be available depending on the severity of the injuries and how they affect daily functioning. Proper documentation such as medical records, receipts, and employer statements supports claims for these categories of recovery. Quantifying future needs like ongoing therapy, assistive devices, or vocational adjustments often requires detailed medical documentation and a careful assessment of long-term effects. Presenting comprehensive evidence helps insurers and courts understand the full financial and personal impact of the crash, increasing the likelihood of receiving compensation that covers both immediate costs and anticipated future needs tied to the injury.

What should I do immediately after a motor vehicle collision?

Immediately after a collision, check for injuries and seek medical care if needed, even if symptoms appear mild at first; some injuries manifest later and a prompt medical record helps link them to the crash. When safe, document the scene with photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries, and exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers. If police respond, obtain a copy of the report or the report number for later reference. Collect contact details for witnesses and keep contemporaneous notes about what occurred, including the time, weather, and sequence of events. Avoid making recorded statements to an insurer without first reviewing the facts of the case, and keep copies of all medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurers. Organized records and timely medical care strengthen a later claim for compensation and help establish the connection between the crash and any injuries.

Will my own insurance cover medical bills after a crash?

Whether your own insurance covers medical bills depends on the policy terms and the types of coverage purchased. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage in an auto policy can provide initial payment for medical treatment regardless of who caused the crash, while liability coverage from another driver’s insurer may reimburse your medical costs if that driver is at fault. Understanding the coverages in place and promptly notifying insurers helps access available benefits quickly. When injuries are significant, combining coverages or pursuing a claim against an at-fault driver’s insurer may be necessary to cover all expenses and future care needs. Insurers often investigate claims and may dispute the extent of treatment related to the crash, so clear medical documentation and organized records are important when seeking reimbursement through personal policies or third-party claims.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

New York applies comparative negligence, meaning a person can still recover damages even if partly at fault, but any award is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a court finds someone 25 percent responsible for the accident, their recovery would be reduced by 25 percent. Because partial fault affects the final amount recovered, collecting strong evidence and witness accounts is important to minimize any percentage of responsibility assigned. Disputes over fault are common and may require careful review of police reports, traffic camera footage, and witness testimony. When comparative fault is raised, demonstrating consistent medical treatment, contemporaneous notes, and credible witness statements helps present a clearer account of events and can limit the degree of shared responsibility attributed to the injured person.

How much does it cost to consult with The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC?

Initial consultations at The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC are typically offered so people can review their options without a large upfront fee, and details about any fee arrangement are discussed at that time. Many personal injury matters proceed under contingency arrangements where legal fees are paid from any recovery, which allows clients to pursue claims without immediate out-of-pocket legal costs. The consultation helps determine the strength of a claim and the likely steps needed to pursue compensation. During a consultation, the firm will review the facts, medical treatment, insurance information, and likely timelines to assess how best to proceed. If a client decides to move forward, the firm will explain the fee structure, anticipated expenses, and how bills and liens are handled, so the person understands the financial aspects of pursuing a claim while focusing on recovery and documentation.

Do I need to speak to an attorney before giving a recorded statement to the insurance company?

It is generally advisable to consult with legal counsel before providing a recorded statement to an insurance company, because such statements can be used later to challenge or limit a claim. Insurers may request recorded statements early in the claims process, and without context or legal guidance, a person’s words can be taken out of context or used to dispute the severity of injuries or the sequence of events. Discussing the request with a law firm helps determine the best approach to protect a person’s interests. If giving a statement, be factual and avoid speculation about fault or future medical outcomes, and consider asking for time to review documents and treatment records first. If representation is retained, the firm can advise on whether to provide a statement, suggest appropriate phrasing, or handle communications with insurers to reduce risks that could undermine a later claim for compensation.

What evidence is most helpful in proving my claim?

Helpful evidence includes medical records that show diagnosis and treatment linked to the collision, photographs of the scene and injuries, vehicle damage estimates, police reports, and witness contact information. Employer statements or pay stubs documenting lost wages and proof of out-of-pocket expenses such as transportation to appointments also support economic damage claims. The more complete and contemporaneous the records, the easier it is to present a persuasive case for compensation. In many cases, timely photos and witness statements strengthen a claim by corroborating accounts of how the crash occurred. Preserving digital evidence, such as telematics data, cell phone photos, or dashcam footage, can be important where available. Organizing this evidence early helps with insurer negotiations and, if necessary, litigation to prove liability and quantify losses.

What happens if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured?

If the at-fault driver lacks insurance or has insufficient coverage, an injured person may have options through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage on their own policy, if such coverage was purchased. These coverages are designed to provide compensation when the other driver cannot pay for damages. Reviewing one’s own policy limits and promptly notifying the insurer helps determine whether these benefits apply and what steps are necessary to pursue them. When uninsured motorist coverage is not available or insufficient, other avenues may include pursuing recovery from the at-fault driver’s personal assets, though that can be difficult if the driver lacks resources. Consulting with a law firm early helps identify available coverages, potential recovery sources, and practical next steps to maximize available compensation while considering realistic timelines and likelihood of collection.

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

The time to resolve a motor vehicle accident claim varies depending on the severity of injuries, complexity of liability, and willingness of insurers to negotiate. Simple claims where liability is clear and injuries are minor can often be resolved in a few months, while cases involving significant injuries, disputed fault, or extensive future care needs may take longer or require litigation. Medical stability and documentation of future treatment needs commonly influence when a case can be settled fairly. When negotiations stall, filing a lawsuit may become necessary and can add months or longer to the timeline depending on court schedules and the need for discovery or expert testimony. A law firm can provide a realistic assessment of likely timeframes based on a case’s facts and help plan steps to advance a claim efficiently while protecting a person’s ability to obtain full compensation.

Personal Injury Services in New York City

Explore our injury practice areas

⚖️ All Personal Injury Services