Car Accident Lawyers
Fighting for car accident victims throughout New York. No-fault benefits AND serious injury lawsuits. Over 40 years of experience.
Why Choose Licatesi Law Group
Over 40 years of experience recovering maximum compensation for car accident victims
$100+ Million Recovered
Track record of recovering over $100 million in compensation for injured clients throughout our 40+ year history.
Dual-Track Strategy
We file your no-fault claim while simultaneously building your serious injury lawsuit to maximize total recovery.
No-Fault Experts
Deep expertise in New York's complex no-fault system ensures you receive every dollar of benefits you're entitled to.
Million Dollar Results
Multiple million-dollar verdicts and settlements for car accident victims, including $1.77M, $1.6M, and $1.25M recoveries.
No Fee Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Free consultation. Available 24/7.
Understanding New York's No-Fault Insurance System
New York's unique insurance laws and your right to sue
No-Fault Insurance Basics
New York is a "no-fault" state, meaning your own insurance company pays for your medical bills and lost wages up to $50,000, regardless of who caused the accident. This ensures immediate payment without proving fault.
What No-Fault Covers:
- Medical expenses up to $50,000
- 80% of lost earnings up to $2,000/month (max 3 years)
- Reasonable and necessary expenses
- Death benefits up to $2,000
NO-FAULT DOES NOT COVER:
- • Pain and suffering
- • Property damage (car repairs)
- • Full lost wages beyond cap
- • Medical costs over $50,000
When You Can Sue: "Serious Injury" Threshold
To step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver, you must meet New York's "serious injury" threshold. If you qualify, you can recover UNLIMITED compensation beyond no-fault benefits.
Serious Injury Categories (NY Insurance Law §5102(d)):
- Death
- Dismemberment (amputation of limb)
- Significant disfigurement (permanent scarring)
- Fracture (any broken bone)
- Loss of fetus
- Permanent loss of use of body organ/function
- Permanent consequential limitation of use
- Significant limitation lasting 90 days within 180 days of accident
- Medically determined injury preventing substantial daily activities (90/180 rule)
OUR STRATEGY: Dual-Track Approach
We file your no-fault claim for immediate medical coverage while simultaneously investigating and building your serious injury lawsuit. This maximizes your total recovery and ensures you receive all benefits you're entitled to.
Common Types of Car Accidents
Rear-End Collisions
Most common type of car accident. Typically caused by following too closely, distracted driving, or sudden stops.
Common Injuries: Whiplash, neck injuries, back injuries, head trauma
Head-On Collisions
Most dangerous type. Often caused by wrong-way drivers, lane departure, impaired driving.
Common Injuries: Catastrophic injuries, traumatic brain injuries, death
Side-Impact (T-Bone)
Intersection accidents from red-light running, failure to yield, left-turn crashes.
Common Injuries: Rib fractures, shoulder injuries, head trauma, spinal injuries
Sideswipe Accidents
Lane change accidents, merging collisions, blind spot incidents on highways.
Common Injuries: Vehicle damage, loss of control, secondary collisions
Multi-Vehicle Pileups
Chain reaction crashes on highways involving 3+ vehicles. Complex liability issues.
Common Injuries: Multiple impacts, varying severity, complicated medical treatment
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Driver flees scene. Can still recover through uninsured motorist coverage.
Common Injuries: All types; lack of at-fault driver complicates claims
Single-Vehicle Accidents
Vehicle runs off road, hits tree/pole, rolls over. May involve road defects or mechanical failure.
Common Injuries: Rollovers, ejections, impact injuries
Intersection Accidents
Red light violations, stop sign failures, improper turns causing collisions.
Common Injuries: Side impacts, head-on collisions, pedestrian strikes
Parking Lot Accidents
Low-speed collisions, backing accidents, pedestrian strikes in parking areas.
Common Injuries: Generally minor but can involve pedestrian injuries
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Driver Negligence
- Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting, eating)
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Drunk driving (DWI/DUI)
- Drowsy/fatigued driving
- Aggressive driving and road rage
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Failure to yield right of way
- Improper lane changes
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Inexperienced or elderly drivers
Other Contributing Factors
- Poor weather conditions (rain, snow, ice, fog)
- Road defects (potholes, uneven pavement, debris)
- Inadequate signage or traffic signals
- Poor road design or construction zones
- Vehicle defects or mechanical failures
- Defective tires causing blowouts
- Brake failures
- Poor visibility (glare, darkness)
- Pedestrians or animals in roadway
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance
Common Car Accident Injuries
Whiplash & Soft Tissue Injuries
ModerateTraumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
CriticalSpinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis
CriticalBack & Neck Injuries
SevereBroken Bones & Fractures
SevereInternal Injuries & Organ Damage
CriticalBurns & Scarring
SevereLacerations & Facial Injuries
ModeratePsychological Trauma (PTSD)
ModerateCar Accident Compensation
No-fault benefits PLUS full damages through serious injury lawsuit
Economic Damages
- All medical expenses (ER, surgery, hospitalization)
- Future medical care and treatment
- 100% of lost wages (no cap in serious injury lawsuit)
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage (vehicle repairs or replacement)
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Home modifications for disabilities
- Assistive devices and medical equipment
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering (ONLY in serious injury lawsuit)
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability and impairment
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of consortium (spouse/family impact)
- PTSD and psychological trauma
- Reduced quality of life
The Serious Injury Advantage
No-fault insurance caps benefits at $50,000 medical and $2,000/month lost wages. A serious injury lawsuit can recover MILLIONS in additional compensation for pain, suffering, and full damages.
Proven Car Accident Results
Over $18 million recovered in car accident verdicts and settlements
Settlement at Mediation
Car accident resulting in multiple disc herniations requiring percutaneous fluoroscopic-guided epidural treatment and lumbar fusion laminectomy.
Three-Car Collision Verdict
Plaintiff struck from behind on Hutchinson Parkway sustaining injuries to neck, back, and left shoulder requiring lumbar fusion and shoulder surgery.
Employment Accident Award
47 year old male involved in two-car accident during employment sustaining right shoulder impingement with surgery and multiple cervical and lumbar herniated discs requiring lower back surgery.
Verdict for Two Spinal Fusions
Victim stopped at red light on Route 112 in Medford when rear-ended, sustaining neck and shoulder injuries leading to two spinal fusions.
Million Dollar Verdict — Long Island
Suffolk County jury awarded $1,021,235 for auto accident exacerbating prior neck and back injuries requiring spinal surgery. Minimal $50,000 pre-trial offer.
Million Dollar Settlement
Plaintiff rear-ended causing herniated discs requiring anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).
Settlement at Mediation
63-year-old rear-ended on Cross Island Parkway resulting in anterior cervical discectomy and permanently disabling her from work.
Elderly Plaintiff Settlement
69 year old female with underlying osteoporosis and preexisting spinal degeneration awarded for motor vehicle accident causing acute T12 fracture of her spine.
Rear-End Settlement
51 year old male rear-ended sustaining neck and back injuries, successfully resolved case within eighteen months.
Auto Accident Settlement
Hardworking individual's life changed after intersection accident with severe injuries requiring spine surgery, bringing significant emotional and financial hardship.
Arbitration Award — Passenger Injury
66 year old female passenger sustained right distal tibial pilon fracture, right lateral malleolus fracture both requiring open reduction internal fixation, and left knee medial meniscus tear requiring arthroscopic surgery.
Arbitration Herniation Award
Plaintiff sustained multiple disc herniations at L3-4, L4-5, L5-S1, T12-L1, L1-L2, L2-3, and C6-7 with ventral CSF impression requiring anterior cervical diskectomy at C6-7 with intervertebral implant and arthrodesis.
Head-On Collision Settlement
61 year old male involved in head-on collision exacerbating prior injuries resulting in one level cervical fusion and arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
Retired NYPD Detective Settlement
Retired NYPD Detective involved in rear-end accident received best possible settlement through passionate representation and considerate service.
Rear-End Verdict
55 year-old woman who underwent discectomy after being rear-ended at red light. Defendant argued minimal impact and pre-existing conditions. Last offer prior to trial was $12,500.
Rear-End Recovery
Rear-end collision causing lumbar herniations requiring surgery. Defendant contended claim should be extinguished due to subsequent collision years later. $1,000,000 policy.
Arbitration Award
58-year-old female with preexisting injuries awarded maximum recoverable amount of $500,000 at arbitration after motor vehicle accident.
These results represent actual verdicts and settlements obtained by Licatesi Law Group for car accident victims. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique and evaluated on its own merits.
View All Verdicts & SettlementsReady to Fight for Your Rights?
Don't let insurance companies minimize your claim. Our experienced car accident attorneys have recovered over $18 million for car accident victims. Free consultation. No fee unless we win.
Car Accident Lawyers Serving New York & New Jersey
Multiple office locations throughout the region for your convenience
Brooklyn Car Accident Lawyers
Representing car accident victims throughout Brooklyn, Kings County, and surrounding areas.
Learn More About Brooklyn Car Accidents →New Jersey Car Accident Lawyers
Serving car accident victims in Woodland Park, Passaic County, and throughout New Jersey.
Learn More About NJ Car Accidents →Long Island & Nassau County
Uniondale office serving Nassau County, Suffolk County, and all of Long Island.
View All Office Locations →Additional Service Areas
New York City Boroughs:
- • Brooklyn (Kings County)
- • Queens
- • Bronx
- • Manhattan
- • Staten Island
Long Island:
- • Nassau County
- • Suffolk County
- • Uniondale
- • Hempstead
- • Mineola
New Jersey:
- • Woodland Park
- • Passaic County
- • Bergen County
- • Essex County
- • Hudson County
What to Do After a Car Accident
Taking the right steps immediately after a crash protects your health and your legal rights
Ensure Safety & Call 911
Move to safety if possible. Call 911 immediately for police and ambulance. Document the scene with photos of all vehicles, damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and injuries (take 50-100 photos if possible).
Exchange Information
Get names, phone numbers, license plates, and insurance information from all drivers. Identify witnesses and get their contact information before they leave. Note any nearby surveillance cameras.
Seek Immediate Medical Care
Get medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline masks pain and many injuries appear hours or days later. Delaying treatment gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.
File No-Fault Claim Within 30 Days
You MUST file your no-fault insurance claim within 30 days of the accident or you'll lose up to $50,000 in benefits. This deadline is strictly enforced in New York.
Contact an Attorney Immediately
Insurance companies have lawyers protecting their interests from day one. You need experienced legal representation to protect your rights, preserve evidence, and maximize your recovery. Call (516) 227-2662 for a free consultation.
Don't Give Statements to Insurance
Do NOT give recorded statements to insurance companies, post on social media, or sign any medical authorizations without attorney review. Anything you say will be used to minimize your compensation.
⚠️ CRITICAL: Don't Admit Fault
Never say "I'm sorry" or admit fault at the accident scene, even if you think you caused the crash. Fault is a complex legal determination that requires investigation of all factors including road conditions, visibility, traffic signals, and vehicle defects.
⚠️ Statute of Limitations: Don't Miss Your Deadline
Time limits for filing car accident claims in New York are strictly enforced. Missing a deadline means losing your right to compensation forever.
30 DAYS
No-Fault Insurance Claim
You must file your no-fault claim within 30 days of the accident to receive up to $50,000 in medical expenses and lost wages. This deadline is strictly enforced. Missing it means losing all no-fault benefits.
3 YEARS
Personal Injury Lawsuit
You have 3 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit for serious injuries. Missing this deadline permanently bars your claim for pain, suffering, and full compensation.
90 DAYS
Notice of Claim (Government)
If a city, county, or state vehicle was involved, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days. After filing, you have 1 year and 90 days to file a lawsuit against the government entity.
2 YEARS
Wrongful Death Claims
If your loved one died in a car accident, the estate's personal representative has 2 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
⏰ Evidence Disappears Quickly:
Even though you have 3 years to file a lawsuit, evidence disappears fast. Surveillance footage is often deleted within 7-30 days. Witnesses become difficult to locate. Memories fade. Physical evidence gets destroyed. Contact an attorney immediately to preserve critical evidence while it still exists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about car accident claims in New York
Have more questions about your car accident case?
Injured in a Car Accident? Get Maximum Compensation
Don't settle for just no-fault benefits. If you suffered a serious injury, you deserve full compensation including pain and suffering. Our experienced car accident attorneys maximize your recovery. Free consultation.
Available 24/7 • No Fee Unless We Win • Car Accident Specialists
