A crash takes seconds. The fallout — surgeries, missed work, an insurance adjuster pressuring you to settle — can last years. Segal Law Firm makes sure you don't pay for someone else's mistake.
We represent people injured in every kind of crash across New York: cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, rideshares, and pedestrians. Whether the other driver was speeding, distracted, drunk, or just careless, we build the case that forces the insurance company to pay full value.
How motor vehicle claims actually work in New York
New York is a no-fault state. That means your own insurance pays initial medical bills and a portion of lost wages — but it does NOT pay for pain and suffering or the long-term cost of a serious injury. To get that, you have to bring a claim against the at-fault driver.
You can pursue a third-party lawsuit when you've suffered a serious injury under New York law — including a fracture, significant disfigurement, permanent limitation, or 90+ days of disability. We make sure your injuries are documented to meet that threshold.
What you may be entitled to recover
- Medical bills (past & future)
- Lost wages & earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle damage & rental costs
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death damages
What to do right after a crash
Take these steps even if you feel okay — adrenaline masks serious injuries for hours.
Call 911 and get a police report
An official report is the single most important piece of evidence. Never leave the scene without one.
Photograph everything
All vehicles, the position on the road, license plates, skid marks, traffic signals, weather, and your injuries.
See a doctor today
Whiplash, concussions, and disc injuries often show up days later. A treatment gap is what insurers use to deny your claim.
Don't give a recorded statement
The other driver's insurer will call within 24 hours sounding helpful. Politely decline and call us first.
Why crash victims choose Segal
We rebuild the crash
Accident reconstructionists, black-box data, dashcam and traffic-cam footage — we lock in evidence before it disappears.
We handle every insurer
Your own no-fault carrier, the at-fault driver's liability carrier, UM/UIM, employer policies — nothing falls through the cracks.
Trial-tested negotiation
Carriers track which lawyers actually try cases. Ours pay more because they know we'll see them in court.
You focus on recovery
We arrange property damage, rental cars, medical providers and lien negotiation so your only job is healing.
Evidence disappears in days.
Traffic-cam and store-surveillance footage is often overwritten within 72 hours. The sooner we send preservation letters, the stronger your case.
The crashes we handle
Every kind of vehicle collision in New York
Car accidents
Rear-ends, T-bones, head-ons, hit-and-runs. We pursue the at-fault driver and your underinsured coverage when their limits aren't enough.
Truck & 18-wheeler crashes
Trucking companies have teams on the scene within hours. We move just as fast — preserving black-box data, logs and maintenance records.
Motorcycle accidents
Riders face bias from juries and insurers. We counter the stereotypes and prove who actually caused the crash.
Bicycle & pedestrian
Cyclists and walkers hit by cars often have severe injuries. We pursue the driver, the vehicle owner, and any city negligence.
Uber, Lyft & rideshare
Rideshare companies carry up to $1.5M in coverage that most riders don't know about. We make sure it's accessed.
Bus & MTA collisions
Claims against the MTA or city require special 90-day notice. We file fast and preserve your right to sue.
Hit-and-run injuries
Even if the driver flees, your own uninsured-motorist coverage can pay. We pursue every available source.
Multi-vehicle pileups
When fault is shared across drivers, the apportionment fight is everything. We document who actually did what.
Frequently asked
Answers before you call
I was told my injuries aren't 'serious enough' to sue. Is that true?+
Not necessarily. New York's serious-injury threshold is broader than most people think — herniated discs, fractures, and conditions that limit you for 90+ days often qualify. Let us review your records before you accept that answer.
The other driver's insurance offered me a quick settlement. Should I take it?+
Almost never. Early offers are designed to close the case before your full medical picture is clear. Once you sign, you can't reopen it — even if you need surgery six months later.
What if the at-fault driver doesn't have enough insurance?+
Your own auto policy likely includes uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage that pays the difference. Most clients don't realize how much protection they already have.
How long do I have to file a claim in New York?+
Generally three years for personal injury from a crash, but only 90 days to file a notice of claim against a city, state, or MTA vehicle. Call us early to lock in the right deadline.
I was a passenger — can I still sue?+
Yes. Passengers almost always have a claim against the driver of either vehicle, even a friend or family member, because the claim is paid by the insurance company — not them personally.
Will I have to go to court?+
Most car accident cases settle before trial. But we prepare every file like it's headed to a jury — that's what makes insurers pay full value.
Contact
Hurt in a crash? Let's talk today.
Free consultation. No fee unless we win. We come to you if you can't come to us.