Best Car Accident Lawyer in New York City: Getting into a car accident can be a frightening and confusing experience. If you’ve been injured in a collision in New York City, you might be wondering what your legal rights are and how to navigate the complexities of car insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits.
This article explores the benefits of hiring the Best Car Accident Lawyer in New York City, along with key legal considerations following a car crash.
Best Car Accident Lawyers Near Me In NYC
Here are some of the top car accident lawyers in New York City, according to various sources:
M. A. Carnemolla
Diana M. A. Carnemolla is a highly respected personal injury lawyer based in New York City, with a particular focus on car accident cases. Here are some key highlights of her career and achievements:
- Education: Diana graduated from New York Law School in 1997 and has been admitted to practice law in New York and New Jersey. She began her legal career at Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf (GG&C) in 1989 and continued to work full-time as a paralegal at the firm while attending law school at night.
- Career: Diana has been with GG&C for decades, handling numerous personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents, labor law claims, and medical negligence. She is well-known for her meticulous preparation of cases and her thoroughness when deposing defendants, especially in medical malpractice cases.
- Achievements: Diana has won multiple multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for her clients since she was admitted to the New York Bar in 1998. In 2018, she obtained a jury verdict of $85 million for the victim of a motor vehicle accident in Manhattan, which stands as one of the largest verdicts of its kind ever awarded in the city. She has been recognized as a Super Lawyer in the New York Metro area since 2016.
- Recognition: Diana is lauded as one of New York’s Top Verdicts & Settlements lawyers, a prestigious honor in recognition of her unparalleled representation and resolution of her clients’ cases. She is one of only three women to have been elected equity partner in GG&C’s distinguished 100 years of service. She was also recently listed by Forbes in their “Best Car Accident Lawyers in NYC 2023” listing.
David J. Dean
David J. Dean is a distinguished personal injury lawyer based in New York City, specializing in car accident cases. Here are some key highlights of his career and achievements:
- Education: David earned his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C.
- Career: David has been with the New York-based Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C. (SPBMCC) for over 25 years, first as an associate attorney and today as a member of the firm1. He handles complex and challenging litigation cases, such as medical malpractice, nursing home negligence, and personal injury-related claims.
- Achievements: David has an impressive track record of multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts. Some of his notable cases include:
- Winning a $92 million verdict against the city of New York on behalf of a victim of excessive police force.
- Obtaining a verdict against the Transit Authority for $28.5 million for a woman whose leg was severely injured when a train struck her.
- Winning a $25 million verdict for a laborer injured at a worksite.
- Receiving a $24.5 million verdict for a man who tripped on the stairs of an apartment building, causing him to become a paraplegic.
- Obtaining many multimillion-dollar verdicts in a number of different types of medical malpractice cases.
- Recognition: David has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Lawyers. He has been chosen as one of The Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers as one of New York’s top lawyers. He was named 2018 Lawyer of the Year for New York City personal injury litigation plaintiffs by receiving the highest votes from his peers.
David M. Godosky
David M. Godosky is a distinguished personal injury lawyer based in New York City, specializing in car accident cases. Here are some key highlights of his career and achievements:
- Education: David is a graduate of Cornell Law School.
- Career: David is a partner at the Manhattan-based firm Godosky & Gentile. He is a former judge and prosecutor. Many of the cases he has handled and taken to trial involve police misconduct and civil rights violations.
- Achievements: David has had many verdicts and settlements totaling tens of millions of dollars. Notably, he obtained a $25.2 million verdict on behalf of a 34-year-old Brooklyn man who was shot by an NYPD officer, rendering the client a paraplegic. This verdict was recognized as one of the “Top Ten” verdicts in New York State by the National Law Journal1. David also achieved a settlement on behalf of an injured ironworker that the New York Law Journal recognized as a “Top Ten” settlement ($7 million in Labatto v. Genting). He has also obtained numerous multi-million dollar awards on behalf of pedestrians struck by cars and buses, including a $4 million verdict for a 63-year-old woman struck and killed by an NYPD squad car.
- Recognition: David has been listed in New York Magazine and Super Lawyers as one of the top lawyers in New York. He has received the highest rating (AV®) from Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings. He is also listed as one of the best lawyers in America. David is the President of the New York City Trial Lawyers Alliance (2019-2021) and was inducted into the prestigious International Academy of Trial Lawyers in 2016.
Thomas A. Moore
Thomas A. Moore is a renowned personal injury lawyer based in New York City, with a particular focus on car accident cases. Here are some key highlights of his career and achievements:
- Education: Thomas is a graduate of Fordham Law School.
- Career: Thomas is a senior partner at Kramer, Dillof, Livingston & Moore (KDLM), a top New York law firm representing plaintiffs in medical malpractice, personal injury, product liability, transportation accidents, and wrongful death cases.
- Achievements: Thomas has won 94 trials with verdicts in excess of $1 million—more than any other lawyer. In addition, he has negotiated settlements for his clients in excess of $1 billion. He had four of the top 25 cases in the American Legal Media’s Medical Malpractice Hall of Fame, more than any other attorney. Two of those cases had the second and third-largest verdicts in New York history.
- Recognition: Thomas has been named the National Law Journal’s “Lawyer of the Year” not just once but twice. He has been named to the “Top Ten” list of attorneys in New York multiple times in the last dozen years. He is regularly cited by New York magazine and Super Lawyers magazine as one of the best lawyers in New York. He has been named “Lawyer of the Year” multiple times, and he has been included among the Super Lawyers’ “Top Ten” lawyers in the New York Metro area.
Car Insurance and Accident Laws in New York
Being involved in a car accident in New York City can be stressful, and understanding the legal landscape can be even trickier. Here’s a breakdown of key points regarding car insurance and accident laws in New York:
New York is a No-Fault Insurance State:
- This means that regardless of who caused the accident, your own insurance company will initially cover your medical expenses and lost wages up to a certain limit ($50,000 per person and $25,000 per accident).
Minimum Required Car Insurance:
- New York law mandates that all drivers carry minimum liability insurance with coverage of:
- $25,000 for bodily injury to one person per accident
- $50,000 for bodily injury to all persons per accident
- $10,000 for property damage per accident
Benefits of No-Fault Insurance:
- Faster access to medical benefits, regardless of fault.
- Less need to determine who caused the accident for initial medical claims.
Limitations of No-Fault Insurance:
- Coverage is limited ($50,000 for medical expenses).
- Doesn’t cover pain and suffering or property damage beyond $10,000.
Suing After a Car Accident in New York:
- You can sue the at-fault driver if your injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold outlined in New York law. This typically includes:
- Bone fractures
- Significant disfigurement
- Permanent limitation of use of a body organ or function
- Loss of a body function in a whole or substantial part
Why You Need a Best Car Accident Lawyer in New York City?
The aftermath of a car accident in New York City can be a whirlwind of medical bills, car repairs, lost wages, and emotional distress. While you focus on healing, a Best Car Accident Lawyer in New York City can be your champion, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Here’s why having a skilled lawyer on your side is crucial:
- Expert Claim Negotiation: Car insurance companies prioritize their bottom line. A lawyer has the experience and knowledge to negotiate aggressively with insurance adjusters, fighting for the maximum settlement you deserve.
- Understanding New York’s No-Fault System: New York’s unique no-fault insurance laws can be complex. Your lawyer can ensure your claim adheres to legal requirements and explore all avenues for maximizing your compensation.
- Personal Injury Expertise: Accidents can cause a range of physical and emotional damage that extends far beyond medical bills. Your lawyer can help calculate the full scope of your damages, including lost wages, future medical needs, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Building a Strong Case: Gathering evidence, witness statements, and medical records is critical to building a compelling case. Your lawyer will handle this vital task, allowing you to focus on recovery.
- Courtroom Representation: If your claim goes to court, a skilled lawyer will tirelessly advocate on your behalf and present your case persuasively to a judge or jury.
Beyond the Legal Aspects:
- Peace of Mind: A car accident can be a deeply stressful experience. Knowing you have a qualified professional handling the legal complexities allows you to focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
- Leveling the Playing Field: Insurance companies have vast resources and experienced legal teams. An experienced car accident lawyer can level the playing field and ensure your rights are protected.
What types of damages from a car crash are eligible for a lawsuit in NYC?
While New York’s no-fault insurance system provides some initial financial relief after a car accident, it might not cover the full extent of your losses. If your injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold, you can sue the at-fault driver to recover additional damages through a personal injury lawsuit. Here’s a breakdown of what you can potentially recover in a NYC car crash lawsuit:
Economic Damages:
- Medical Expenses: Recoverable costs include past, present, and future medical bills associated with your accident-related injuries. This covers doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, rehabilitation, and therapy.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for wages you couldn’t earn due to your injuries, including lost income, bonuses, and commissions.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries permanently impact your ability to work or limit your future earning potential, you can seek compensation for this loss.
- Property Damage: Recover the costs of repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle.
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by your injuries. This includes pain, discomfort, emotional anguish, and mental suffering.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Compensation for any physical scarring or disfigurement resulting from the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Recoverable damages if your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed.
Punitive Damages (Rare):
In rare cases, if the at-fault driver acted recklessly and disregarded your safety, punitive damages might be awarded to punish them and deter similar behavior in the future.
What steps should I take if I’m sued for a car accident in New York City?
Getting served with a lawsuit after a car accident can be a stressful experience. If you find yourself in this situation in New York City, here are some crucial steps to take, alongside the invaluable guidance of the Best Car Accident Lawyer in New York City:
Don’t Panic, Don’t Admit Fault
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, but avoid making any hasty decisions. Resist the urge to contact the other party’s lawyer or insurance company directly. Anything you say could be used against you later.
Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately
New York’s no-fault laws require you to report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. They are legally obligated to provide you with a defense lawyer, as per your policy.
Seek Legal Representation
While your insurance company will provide a lawyer, consider seeking independent legal counsel from a Best Car Accident Lawyer in New York City. An experienced lawyer specializing in personal injury can thoroughly evaluate your case, develop a strong defense strategy, and fight for your best interests.
Gather Evidence (if possible)
If you have any evidence related to the accident, preserve it for your lawyer. This might include:
- Police reports
- Photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage
- Witness statements
- Medical records documenting your injuries
Cooperate with Your Lawyer
Be honest and transparent with your lawyer about the details of the accident. Provide them with all relevant information and documentation to build a strong defense.
Follow Your Lawyer’s Advice
Your lawyer will guide you through the legal process, advising you on communication, negotiations, and court appearances. Trust their expertise and follow their recommendations.
Stay Calm and Patient
Car accident lawsuits can take time to resolve. Maintain open communication with your lawyer and stay patient as they navigate the legal system on your behalf.
Strategies for Identifying Best Car Accident Lawyers in NYC
Here are some strategies to help you identify the Best Car Accident Lawyer in NYC for your specific case:
Experience Matters:
- Look for lawyers with a proven track record of success handling car accident cases in New York.
- Check their websites or online profiles for details on past settlements and verdicts they’ve secured for clients.
- Consider their experience with cases similar to yours, such as those involving specific injuries, types of accidents, or ride-sharing services.
Client Reviews and Testimonials:
- Read online reviews and testimonials from past clients. This can offer valuable insights into the lawyer’s communication style, responsiveness, and effectiveness.
- Look for reviews on reputable platforms like Google My Business, Avvo, or Martindale-Hubbell.
Practice Area Focus:
- Choose a lawyer who specializes in personal injury law, with a particular focus on car accidents. This ensures they have in-depth knowledge of New York’s no-fault system, personal injury laws, and relevant case law.
Schedule Consultations:
- Many lawyers offer free consultations. This allows you to discuss your case, ask questions, and get a sense of their personality and approach.
- Use these consultations to gauge your comfort level with the lawyer and their understanding of your situation.
Consider Fees:
- Car accident lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. The fee is usually a percentage of the settlement or verdict.
- Discuss fee structures upfront and ensure you understand all associated costs.