Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
Queens is New York City’s largest borough, with thousands of miles of roadway weaving through 109 square miles of land. While you may practice caution while driving in Queens, the dense population of commuters and busy streets can increase the risk of traffic accidents.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a recent car crash, a Queens car accident lawyer with Shulman & Hill can help you recover compensation for your losses. With over a decade of experience in traffic accident cases, our skilled team is committed to helping injured New Yorkers seek justice. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about our award-winning legal services and how we can help with your case.
Choose an Experienced Queens Car Accident Lawyer From Shulman & Hill
A car accident can quickly turn your life upside down. Expensive medical bills and lost income often lead to financial struggles for the entire family. At Shulman & Hill, our experienced personal injury lawyers in Queens are ready to help. We have the knowledge and resources to handle even the most difficult cases and fight for the compensation you deserve. No case is too complex or challenging for our experienced attorneys.
When you choose to work with us, our diverse legal team offers supportive guidance and advocacy throughout the claims process. With a multilingual staff who provide personalized service to hard-working New Yorkers, you can trust we’ll be by your side every step of the way.
We have secured more than $700 million in settlements and verdicts for New Yorkers, including the following noteworthy results:
- $1.5 million for a bus driver injured in a rear-end accident
- $1.35 million for a client injured in a head-on motor vehicle crash
- $1 million for an Uber driver rear-ended by a commercial vehicle
- $1 million for a car crash victim who suffered knee, neck, and back injuries
Our award-winning team has received national recognition for our outstanding legal advocacy. Founding partner Alex Shulman has been named on the New York Super Lawyers list—an honor reserved for only 5 percent of Empire State attorneys. He has also been listed among The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40.
With an unrivaled dedication to our clients and a passion for justice, we are prepared to fight for you like our own family. Contact us now to schedule a free case review with a dedicated Queens car accident attorney.
What Causes Car Accidents in Queens?
In January 2024, the New York City Police Department reported 2,192 traffic accidents in Queens, involving 4,309 motorists, 361 passengers, 39 cyclists, and 253 pedestrians. Unfortunately, these vehicle collisions caused 562 motorist injuries, 357 passenger injuries, and seven total deaths.
While several contributing factors increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents in Queens, the leading causes include the following:
- Driver distractions
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Following too closely
- Speeding
- Improper lane usage or passing
- Backing unsafely
- Disregarding traffic control
Passenger vehicles and SUVs accounted for the majority of vehicle accidents in Queens, followed by large commercial vehicles, pick-up trucks, motorcycles, buses, and taxis.
Possible Compensation After a Queens Car Accident
If you’re hurt in a Queens car accident, New York law defines what compensation you can claim. Because New York is a no-fault state for automobile accidents, you must first file a claim through your own personal injury protection, or PIP, coverage, even if the other driver was at fault. You’re able to recover up to $50,000 for basic economic losses, including the following:
- Medical expenses
- Cost of physical therapy
- Prescription drugs
- Other health care costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of future income
However, New York’s no-fault system does not include compensation for non-economic damages, which are the physical and emotional impacts on your life from the accident. You must meet the serious injury or total basic economic loss threshold to be eligible to take legal action.
If you do qualify to bring a car accident claim through the legal system, you may also recover the following non-economic damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Disfigurement
Working with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer in Queens is crucial to determining the full value of your damages. We’ll consider future medical expenses and your injury’s long-term effects to calculate what your claim is worth. Schedule a free consultation to see how we can help you maximize your recovery.
Understanding No-Fault Rules
New York’s no-fault insurance system is designed to help accident victims cover the losses caused by a car crash, regardless of who was at fault or whether negligence was involved. PIP coverage pays up to $50,000 for medical care, lost income, and other necessary expenses. However, if you suffer a severe injury or meet the total basic economic loss threshold, you could claim additional damages with a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Under the law, a “serious injury” is one resulting in any of the following:
- Dismemberment
- Significant disfigurement
- A fracture
- Loss of a fetus
- Permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function, or system
- Permanent consequential limitation of a body organ or member
- Significant limitation of use of a body function or system
- A non-permanent injury that prevents the injured person from performing usual and customary daily activities for at least 90 days out of 180 days immediately following the injury
You may also recover additional damages outside the state’s no-fault system if your total basic economic loss is at least $50,000 per person. Contact Shulman & Hill to learn more about your rights and legal options following a Queens car accident.
Common Queens Car Accident Injuries
Although every motor vehicle crash is different, victims often suffer these common car accident injuries:
- Broken bones
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Sprains and bruises
- Internal organ damage
How a Car Accident Law Firm in Queens Can Help
Working with an experienced car accident lawyer in Queens means you have a legal partner to help you navigate the claims process and push back against unfair insurance companies. Our award-winning attorneys can handle complex liability issues and will fight for the best possible outcome for your case.
Our comprehensive legal services include:
- Open communication and compassionate support from a dedicated attorney
- A full investigation of the car accident to determine fault
- Collection of evidence to build your case
- Consultation with experts to bolster your case
- Negotiations with the insurance companies for a favorable settlement
- Trial representation in court, if necessary
As New Yorkers representing fellow New Yorkers, we will also connect you with community resources to help you through this difficult time. Don’t let the insurance companies take advantage of your situation. Contact Shulman & Hill for a personalized experience and maximum results.
What To Do After a Queens Car Accident?
If you’re involved in a Queens car accident, here are steps to stay safe and get the help you need:
- Remain calm and check yourself for injuries.
- Call 911 for immediate medical assistance and to report the accident.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with other involved parties.
- Do your best to collect evidence from the accident scene, including pictures, videos, and witness information.
- Follow all medical advice and treatments.
- Contact an experienced Queens car accident lawyer.
A post-accident medical reassessment is vital to determine your injury’s severity and how it will impact your life. Our team will walk you through what needs to happen and how you can pursue compensation.