The hours and days after a crash are a blur of activity, but an experienced Manhattan car accident lawyer brings order to this confusion. The right legal partner protects your interests while you focus on your recovery.
The Law Offices of Jason B. Kessler will stand by your side and help you pursue the financial recovery you need. Call our team at (914) 220-1088 today for a direct and clear assessment of your case.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Jason B. Kessler for Your Car Crash Case
Our firm provides the dedicated attention and local presence necessary to build a strong Manhattan auto injury claim. We offer a combination of personalized service and a track record of tangible results for the clients we serve.
A Focus on Manhattan's Unique Challenges
Driving in Manhattan is unlike anywhere else. From the borough’s stop-and-go traffic on major avenues to the steady stream of pedestrians and cyclists, every trip demands constant attention. The pace can be just as intense on high-speed corridors like the FDR Drive.
These unique conditions create circumstances where collisions happen in ways that may not be common elsewhere. A Manhattan car accident attorney understands the precise types of evidence needed to prove fault.
We know how to investigate crashes occurring in the bustling intersections of Chelsea or amid Midtown’s heavy commercial traffic. Our role is to untangle the complex factors behind your accident and present them clearly, building a strong and persuasive case on your behalf.
A Record of Dedicated Client Advocacy
Our history is built on helping people just like you. We methodically build your claim piece by piece. You get the attention of an experienced legal team that is personally invested in your well-being. Our firm operates with a singular focus on achieving a positive outcome for your claim.
We conduct a thorough, independent investigation into the facts of your accident. We prepare every case with the expectation that it might go to trial. You’ll receive regular updates, and we’ll answer your questions promptly and in straightforward language.
Direct Access to Your Legal Team
When you work with the Law Offices of Jason B. Kessler, you work directly with our attorneys. We believe this personal connection is fundamental to building the strongest possible claim on your behalf.
Take the first step and get the focused legal support you need. Contact the Law Offices of Jason B. Kessler at 914-220-1088.
How a Manhattan Car Accident Lawyer Builds Your Case
We build a strong case by constructing a well-supported argument backed by clear evidence. An insurance company’s first settlement offer rarely reflects the full value of your damages. We assemble a comprehensive claim that demonstrates the accident's true impact on your life.
Our team works to extract the full value of your claim from the responsible parties. We investigate every angle, collect all relevant documents, and construct a narrative that clearly establishes fault and damages. This work allows you to prioritize your health and your family.
Thoroughly Investigating the Crash
We build a strong Manhattan auto injury claim by conducting a thorough investigation. Our team acts swiftly to secure evidence before it disappears. We isolate the key factors that prove the other party’s fault.
Our investigative work often involves these elements:
- Scene Documentation: We obtain photos and videos of the crash location, vehicle damage, and any contributing road conditions.
- Witness Statements: We identify and interview anyone who saw the accident happen to get their firsthand account.
- Vehicle Data: We can seek to secure the event data recorder, or black box, from the vehicles involved to analyze speed and braking data.
- Official Records: We secure and review the official police accident report for its initial assessment of the collision.
- Video Footage: We canvass the area for any surveillance cameras that may have captured the crash, from traffic cams to private business security systems.
Documenting Your Damages
Your claim's value is based on more than just the initial hospital bill. The total impact includes ongoing medical needs, lost wages, and other non-economic damages.
Your Manhattan car accident lawyer works with you to document every consequence of the accident to ensure our demand for compensation is complete and justified. We refine the calculations to reflect your actual losses.
A complete claim for damages can include the following:
- Medical Bills: This includes all costs for treatment you have received, such as ambulance services, emergency room care, and hospital stays.
- Future Medical Care: We calculate the projected costs for any ongoing medical treatment your recovery requires, including future surgeries, rehabilitation, or physical therapy.
- Lost Wages: Our team documents all the income you have lost from being unable to work, including your salary and any paid time off you used.
- Reduced Earning Capacity: If your injuries impact your ability to earn a living long-term, we compute the full value of this future financial loss.
- Property Damage: We seek compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal belongings damaged in the crash.
- Pain and Suffering: Your Manhattan car accident lawyer makes a clear case to account for the physical pain, emotional distress, and overall loss of enjoyment of life caused by the accident and your injuries.
You don't have to manage this difficult accounting on your own; we handle the paperwork and calculations for you.
Types of Manhattan Car Accident Claims We Handle
The Law Offices of Jason B. Kessler has the background and experience to manage a wide range of motor vehicle accident cases. No matter how your injury occurred, we have the resources to build a solid case.
Rear-End and Chain-Reaction Accidents
Rear-end collisions are common, but that doesn’t make them simple. While there is often a presumption of fault for the rear driver, insurance companies can still contest liability. These crashes often lead to whiplash and other soft-tissue injuries that insurers may try to downplay. We counter these tactics with solid medical evidence.
T-Bone Collisions
Collisions at intersections, often called T-bone accidents, can result in severe injuries. These cases frequently hinge on which driver had the right-of-way. Fault can be disputed when one driver claims they had a green light or stop sign advantage.
We search for traffic camera footage and eyewitnesses to clarify who was responsible for the crash.
Head-On Crashes
Head-on impacts are among the most destructive types of collisions. They often happen because of a distracted, impaired, or dangerously reckless driver who has crossed the center line. Our firm acts decisively to hold these drivers accountable for the harm they cause.
Accidents Involving Pedestrians and Cyclists
Manhattan's streets are filled with pedestrians and cyclists, who are extremely vulnerable in a collision with a motor vehicle. A driver who is texting, speeding, or failing to yield at a crosswalk can cause life-altering injuries.
We represent pedestrians and bike riders who have been struck by careless drivers in all parts of the city, from the Lower East Side to Washington Heights.
Responding to Insurance Companies
After a crash, you may receive a call from the at-fault driver's insurance adjuster. They may seem helpful, but their goal is to resolve the claim for the lowest amount possible. It's their job to protect their company's financial interests.
Any statement you make can be used to reduce the value of your claim, so it’s best to let a Manhattan car crash attorney manage all communication with the insurance companies for you. We provide them with the information they need without putting your claim at risk.
Here are some common strategies insurance adjusters use to devalue claims:
- Requesting a Recorded Statement: Your adjuster may ask for a recorded account of the accident, hoping you’ll say something that suggests you were partially at fault. You’re not obligated to provide a statement.
- Making a Quick, Low Offer: Insurers frequently make quick, low settlement offers. Initial offers are almost always less than the full value of your claim, but they can be tempting when bills are piling up.
- Disputing the Severity of Your Injuries: Adjusters often challenge the necessity of certain medical treatments or argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as your doctors claim.
Having our firm represent you sends a clear signal that these tactics won’t work. We handle the insurance company and opposing counsel and won’t let them push you around. We’ll negotiate for a fair settlement and can take your case to court if the insurer won’t be reasonable.
FAQ for Manhattan Car Accident Lawyer
How Does a Manhattan Car Crash Lawyer Determine Fault?
The legal concept of negligence determines fault in New York auto injury claims. Negligence means that a driver failed to operate their vehicle with the reasonable care that another driver would have used under similar circumstances.
To establish fault, your Manhattan car wreck attorney must show that the other driver breached this duty of care, and that this breach directly caused your injuries and damages. Evidence like police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage helps prove negligence.
What if I Am Partially To Blame for the Car Crash?
New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you’re found to be partially at fault for the accident. Your percentage of fault reduces your total compensation award.
For example, if you’re found to be 10% at fault for the collision, you can still collect 90% of the total damages. The other side’s insurance company may try to shift as much blame as possible onto you to reduce their payout. A lawyer fights back against unfair accusations and blame allocation.
How Long Do I Have To File a Claim After a Car Crash in New York?
New York's statute of limitations generally gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
However, critical exceptions shorten this timeline. For instance, if your claim involves a government entity like the City of New York or the MTA, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident.
To protect your rights, contact a Manhattan car crash attorney as soon as possible to ensure you meet all critical deadlines.
Why Do I Need a Manhattan Car Accident Lawyer if I Have Insurance?
Your own insurance policy is important, but it may not cover all your losses, especially in a serious accident. The other driver’s insurance is responsible for paying for your damages if their driver was at fault.
A Manhattan car accident lawyer works for you and only you. Your attorney's job is to build a case that compels the at-fault party's insurer to pay the full amount for your damages, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering, which is often far beyond what your own policy provides.
What Evidence Does My Manhattan Car Accident Attorney Need?
Your lawyer will use a wide range of evidence to build a strong case, including the official police accident report, photographs and videos from the accident scene, and statements from any eyewitnesses.
We also collect all your medical records to document the extent of your injuries, as well as pay stubs and employment records to prove lost wages.
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Manhattan?
- First, check for injuries and call 911 to request police and medical assistance.
- If you can do so safely, move your vehicle out of traffic.
- Use your phone to take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver but avoid discussing fault.
- Seek a medical evaluation even if you feel fine, as some serious injuries have delayed symptoms.
- Finally, contact a car accident lawyer before speaking to any insurance adjusters.
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
We handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs or attorney's fees. We only receive a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you through a settlement or court award. The fee is a percentage of the total amount recovered, which we will clearly explain and put in writing before we begin work on your case.
What happens if the at-fault driver is uninsured or fled the scene?
If an uninsured or hit-and-run driver injures you, you may still have a path to compensation.
We will review your auto insurance policy for Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This provision covers your damages, including medical bills and lost wages, up to your policy limits when the at-fault party cannot pay.
We can help you navigate the process of filing a UM claim with your own insurer.
Will my car accident case go to court?
Most car accident claims resolve through a negotiated settlement without a trial. We prepare every case as if it will go to court, which puts us in a strong negotiating position with the insurance company. If the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, we are ready to file a lawsuit and argue your case before a judge and jury.
Your lawyer has every incentive to do their best to resolve your case as efficiently as possible without sacrificing the compensation you deserve.
Refining Your Case
Your case is more than a file number or a collection of papers. It represents a sudden and difficult disruption to your life, and its outcome will have a real effect on your future. Our job is to refine all the complicated, messy details of your accident into a single, powerful argument for your recovery.
We isolate what is important, clarify the facts, and present your story in the most compelling way possible. Contact the Law Offices of Jason B. Kessler for a clear, direct consultation about your case. Call us at (914) 220-1088 to speak with our team today.