Hurt in a Car Crash in Queens? Contact Our Queens Car Accident Attorney Today for a Free Case Review
At Poltielov Law Firm P.C., our Queens auto accident lawyer has the knowledge, skills, and legal experience that you can trust. Navigating New York’s car accident laws can be challenging. You need a top-tier attorney on your side. Our team knows how to hold large insurance companies accountable. If you or your loved one was hurt in a traffic collision, we are here to help. Contact us at our Queens law office today for a free consultation with a top-tier New York car accident lawyer.
An Overview of New York’s No-Fault Rules for Car Accident Claims
Our state has unique car accident laws. New York follows a “no-fault” insurance system for car accident claims. Simply stated, that means your own insurance company pays for your medical expenses and certain other financial losses after a crash—no matter who caused the accident.
Your no-fault coverage is known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP). It applies to drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists injured in a motor vehicle accident. Under New York’s no-fault rules, you typically cannot sue the at-fault driver for basic economic losses such as medical bills or lost wages unless your damages exceed the limits of your PIP coverage.
When You Can Step Outside the No-Fault System in New York
You have the right to file a fault-based car accident lawsuit in Queens if you suffered a serious injury in a motor vehicle crash. To do so, your injuries must meet the state’s “serious injury” threshold as defined under Insurance Law § 5102(d). Some qualifying injuries include:
- Significant disfigurement;
- Bone fractures;
- Permanent limitation of a body organ or member; and/or
- A medically determined injury that prevents you from performing usual daily activities for at least 90 of the 180 days following the accident.
If your injuries meet this threshold, you have to pursue damages for pain and suffering and other non-economic losses through a fault-based claim against a negligent defendant. Our Queens, NY car accident lawyer can help you build a strong, well-supported fault-based claim.
We Fight for Full and Fair Financial Compensation for Injured Victims
Through a car accident injury claim in Queens, you may be entitled to seek compensation for both economic losses and non-economic losses. However, you should not expect the insurance company to make the claims process easy. They fight hard to pay out less in settlement negotiations. Our Queens car accident attorney is prepared to help you fight for compensation for:
- Vehicle repairs;
- Ambulance costs;
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Health care costs;
- Physical therapy;
- Loss of wages;
- Diminished earnings;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental distress;
- Long-term disability;
- Reduced quality of life; and
- Wrongful death.
How Queens Auto Accident Lawyer R. Ariel Poltielov Can Help
The aftermath of a car accident in Queens can be stressful and overwhelming. It is normal to be filled with questions about what comes next. You do not have to take on the claims process alone. R. Ariel Poltielov is a Queens auto accident lawyer who has a proven record of case results. We hold big insurance companies accountable. When you contact us at our Queens law office, you will have a chance to connect directly with a New York car crash attorney who can:
- Listen to your story and answer questions about your case;
- Investigate your crash in Queens—gathering all relevant evidence;
- Connect you with the right doctors and medical specialists;
- Handle settlement negotiations with the insurance company; and
- Take whatever legal action is needed to help you maximize your recovery.
Auto Accident in Queens: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident in New York?
You should call 911 to report the crash and request medical help if anyone is injured. You should also exchange information with all drivers involved in the crash. Make sure you seek immediate medical attention for any injuries.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in New York?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York. To be clear, that is the rule for fault-based car accident injury claims. You have less time to initiate a no-fault claim through your own PIP insurer. Do not wait to take action: Consult with a Queens car accident lawyer as soon as possible after a collision.
Will My Medical Bills Be Covered After a Car Accident in New York?
Your initial medical bills will generally be covered by your own auto insurance policy under New York’s no-fault law. Coverage applies regardless of who caused the accident and includes necessary medical treatment, lost wages, and certain out-of-pocket costs. Notably, you must submit a no-fault application to your insurer within 30 days of the crash.
Note: If you have medical bills in excess of your PIP coverage, it is imperative that you speak to a Queens car accident lawyer right away. You may have a fault-based claim.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Was Partially At Fault?
Yes. To start, you have the right to pursue no-fault benefits through your PIP carrier no matter who caused the crash. Further, for fault-based claims, New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. That means that you can recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for your crash. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20 percent at fault for an accident in Queens, you will be liable for 20 percent of your damages. ,
Contact Our Queens Car Accident Attorney Today for a Free Case Review
At Poltielov Law Firm P.C., our Queens auto accident attorney is a skilled, knowledgeable, and solutions-focused advocate for victims and families. If you were hurt in a car wreck, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a no cost, no obligation initial consultation. With an office in Queens, our firm handles motor vehicle accidents claims throughout New York City.