No matter if it happens on the Cross Bronx Expressway, Queens Boulevard, or the FDR Drive, a car accident is something that sticks with you. One minute you’re driving like any other day, and the next you’re in shock, confused, maybe hurting, and suddenly trying to figure out what you should do next. It’s completely normal to have a stream of questions: What do I do? Who pays for what? Should I call an accident lawyer New York?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone. Here’s a clear, easy-to-follow guide to the questions NYC injury lawyers hear every day from people just like you.
1. What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident?
The moments immediately following the crash can be surreal. Your heart is racing, your hands may be shaking, and you are replaying the crash in your mind. The confusion is normal.
Here’s how to ground yourself:
- Check everyone for injuries, including yourself.
- You must call 911 in NYC whenever there are injuries or any property damage.
- Seek medical care, even if you feel “fine.”
Legally, it also comes down to your medical records. New York’s no-fault system requires proof that your injuries came from the crash, so getting checked early protects both your health and your claim. And honestly, anyone who’s been in a crash knows that trying to “tough it out” is usually a bad idea.
2. Do I Have to Call the Police?
Absolutely. Since New York requires you to report accidents with injuries or property damage, the police report often becomes crucial.
That report includes:
- Road and weather conditions
- Driver information
- Witness statements
- The officer’s observations
Most insurance companies won’t even process the claim without it. A missing report can cause delays and unnecessary stress, which you don’t need right now.
3. How Does New York’s No-Fault Insurance Work?
This can be one of the most confusing parts for accident victims, so you’re not alone if you’re not sure.
“No-fault” does not mean no one was at fault. Rather, it simply means that your own insurance pays for certain costs regardless of who was at fault.
No-fault covers:
- Medical expenses
- A portion of lost wages
- Medical appointment transportation
- Household help, if advised by a doctor
But here’s the crucial part: You only have 30 days in which to file your no-fault claim. Miss that deadline, and your insurer may deny coverage.
And no-fault insurance does not cover pain and suffering, which falls under another type of claim.
4. Can I Still Sue the Other Driver?
Under certain conditions, yes. New York uses a “serious injury threshold” to determine when victims can pursue compensation beyond no-fault benefits.
Injuries that typically qualify include:
- Broken bones
- Significant or permanent loss of mobility
- Major disfigurement
- Complete loss of use of a body part
- An impairment that keeps you from daily activities for 90 out of the first 180 days
Meeting this threshold is important if you want to pursue pain-and-suffering damages. Injury lawyers often work with doctors, specialists, and medical records to show how your injury affects your life.
5. Should I Speak with the Insurance Company?
You should report the accident to them, but be cautious about providing a recorded statement or a detailed description too early. Even your own insurance company might ask questions in a manner that will minimize or even contradict your injuries.
When in doubt:
- Stick with just the facts
- Don’t guess or estimate
- Don’t minimize your symptoms
If you’re not sure of the answer to something, it’s completely ok to say, “I’m not certain yet.”
6. How Much Is My Case Worth?
This is the million-dollar question everyone wants an answer to, and rightly so. Accidents disrupt everything in life, such as work, family, finances, and daily routines.
The value of a case depends on:
- Severity of the injuries
- Medical Bills – Past and Future
- Lost income
- How the injury affects your daily life
- Long-term or permanent limitations
A good lawyer won’t guess your case’s value without really looking into your injuries and how they affect your life. Every claim is unique, and the results are too.
7. How Much Time Do I Have To File A Lawsuit?
Usually, New York gives you three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. That, however, does not mean you should wait.
Here’s why:
- Surveillance footage gets deleted.
- Witnesses forget or relocate
- Physical evidence disappears.
If the accident involved a government vehicle, such as a city bus or sanitation truck, you may have only 90 days to file a Notice of Claim. Many individuals never learn about this cutoff until it is too late.
8. What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
Fortunately, New York requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage in their policies. This covers you if the other driver has no insurance, or if you’re hurt in a hit-and-run.
However, UM claims tend to get complicated quickly because you’re negotiating with your own insurance company. It’s one of those moments when legal guidance really matters, especially if injuries are serious.
9. Do Different Boroughs Handle Accidents Differently?
The laws are the same citywide, but the experience varies depending on where you crash. Bronx: The traffic is thick, and accidents can be fatal. A car accident lawyer Bronx usually knows which intersections are hazardous and which precincts handle an accident report the fastest.
Busy, fast-moving roads in Queens, like Queens Boulevard, often see crashes involving several vehicles. A car accident lawyer Queens may be able to track down Department of Transportation cameras or nearby businesses with outdoor security footage. Each borough has its own pace, traffic patterns, and quirks, things well-known to skilled injury lawyers.
10. Do I Really Need a Lawyer?
You’re not obligated to hire one, but most accident victims quickly realize how complicated the process can be. From no-fault deadlines to medical bills, insurance adjusters, and legal thresholds, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The right lawyer doesn’t just argue; they protect your time, your health, and your peace of mind. They guide you through every step, explain things to you clearly, and make sure nothing gets missed. Having someone in your corner makes the whole situation a little less complicated.
Final Thoughts: Clarity Helps You Heal
Car accidents can turn your life upside down in ways you might not expect, physically, emotionally, and financially. But clear, dependable answers help you get back on track. Whether you’ve suffered a minor injury or something much more severe, knowing your New York legal rights can give you a sense of control during the chaos. Take things slow. Ask questions. Lean on support when you need it. With the right information and the right people helping you, you can focus on recovery and getting back to your normal routine.
