- Are You in Need of a Car Accident Lawyer in Brooklyn?
- Why Choose Us Over Other Brooklyn Car Accident Attorneys?
- Do You Have a Legitimate Case?
- What’s the Legal Process for a Car Accident Case?
- What Is the Statute of Limitations in New York?
- How an Attorney Can Help
- How Driver Negligence Causes Car Accidents
- Reasons to See a Lawyer Right Away
Are You in Need of a Car Accident Lawyer in Brooklyn?
The effects of a car accident can last a lifetime. If you were seriously injured in a collision in Brooklyn, you could be facing mounting medical bills, lost income, and other expenses. Whether the crash involved a personal vehicle, a rideshare accident with Uber or Lyft, or a motorcycle accident, your legal rights deserve protection.
At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP (WRSMH), we’ve spent decades getting justice for accident victims. You may benefit from having a car accident attorney if:
- You suffered serious injuries in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence.
- The insurance company is delaying, denying, or undervaluing your claim.
- The at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured.
- The collision involved multiple vehicles, a commercial driver, or a rideshare accident.
- You're struggling to get compensation after an Uber accident, Lyft accident, or motorcycle accident.
Why Choose Us Over Other Brooklyn Car Accident Attorneys?
These types of cases often involve more than just filing a claim. Insurance companies work to protect their bottom line, not yours. That’s why it’s so important to have a team of experienced Brooklyn car accident lawyers on your side.
Here’s what sets WRSMH apart:
- Over 50 Years of Experience Advocating for Injury Victims – Our firm has deep roots in New York and a long track record of results.
- More Than $2 Billion Recovered for Our Clients – We fight for full compensation.
- Named to U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms – A respected national recognition.
- Avvo Rated 10.0/10.0 Superb – Based on client reviews and professional achievements.
- Top 10 Law Firm for Client Satisfaction in NYC – Honored by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys.
- Multiple Attorneys Named to Super Lawyers – According to peer reviews and independent research.
- Members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum – Membership limited to lawyers who have won multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements.
Insurance Companies Have Lawyers. So Should You
Call (212) 986-7353 to level the playing field. Get your free consultation today.
Notable Car Accident Cases
$8.326 Million: Driver Struck by Commercial Van
$6.2 Million: Vehicle Struck by Truck at Intersection
$5.5 Million: Vehicle Struck by Con Edison Van
Do You Have a Legitimate Case?
You may have a valid personal injury case if another party’s negligence caused your car accident and resulted in injuries. If you required medical treatment, missed work, or experienced pain and suffering due to the crash, you could be entitled to compensation. Our attorneys will review your case and advise you on the best strategy for seeking compensation.
What’s the Legal Process for a Car Accident Case?
Understanding the legal steps involved in a car accident case can help you prepare:
- Investigation – We gather police reports, medical records, crash photos, witness statements, and any available video footage.
- Establishing Liability – Our team identifies who was at fault and how their actions led to your injuries.
- Filing a Claim – We submit a demand letter to the appropriate insurance company.
- Negotiation – We negotiate aggressively with insurers to reach a fair settlement.
- Filing a Lawsuit (if needed) – If the insurance company refuses to cooperate, we file a personal injury lawsuit.
- Discovery & Trial – We prepare your case thoroughly and represent you at trial if a fair resolution can’t be reached.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in New York?
In New York, you generally have three years from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years. Every case is different and there are exceptions. That’s why we strongly encourage you to speak with a qualified attorney about your claim as soon as possible.
How an Attorney Can Help
Insurance companies may try deny your claim or offer an inadequate lowball settlement, even when liability is clear. A qualified Brooklyn personal injury lawyer can protect your rights by:
- Handling all communication with insurers
- Calculating the full extent of your damages
- Gathering evidence to build a strong case
- Consulting with medical and accident reconstruction experts
- Negotiating for the maximum settlement
- Taking the case to trial if necessary
At WRSMH, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach ensures that your case is strong at every stage, increasing the likelihood of a fair settlement.
How Driver Negligence Causes Car Accidents
Negligence means that someone failed to act with the level of care that a reasonable person would use in a similar situation. When that failure causes harm to someone else, the negligent party may be held legally responsible for the injuries and losses that result.
Speeding
Driving above the posted speed limit—or too fast for conditions—reduces a driver’s ability to react and increases the severity of collisions.
Distracted Driving
Using a cell phone, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving takes attention away from the road. Distracted drivers are a major cause of Uber and Lyft accidents in Brooklyn.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs is illegal and extremely dangerous. DUI-related crashes often result in serious injuries or fatalities.
Fatigued Driving
Drivers who are overly tired have slower reaction times and impaired judgment. Fatigue can be just as dangerous as drunk driving, especially for commercial drivers.
Hours of Service (HOS) rules are federal regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to limit how long commercial truck drivers can operate their vehicles without taking mandatory breaks. These rules are designed to prevent fatigue-related accidents by ensuring that drivers have adequate rest.
Running Stop Signs and Red Lights
Disobeying traffic signals is a leading cause of T-bone crashes and pedestrian accidents, especially in busy intersections.
Disobeying Traffic Laws
Failing to yield the right-of-way, not using turn signals, or ignoring traffic rules can easily lead to preventable accidents.
Unsafe Turns
Improper left turns or U-turns often cause side-impact or head-on collisions.
Illegal Lane Changes
Failing to check blind spots or cutting off other vehicles can cause serious accidents, particularly on highways and major roads like the BQE or Atlantic Avenue.
No Fees Unless We Win
Get started today by scheduling a free consultation: (212) 986-7353.
Reasons to See a Lawyer Right Away
Acting quickly can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s why contacting a lawyer as soon as possible is so important:
- Preserve Evidence – Accident scenes change quickly. The sooner we’re involved, the more evidence we can collect to support your claim.
- Meet Critical Deadlines – Legal time limits in New York are strict. We ensure you don’t miss any filing deadlines.
- Protect Against Insurance Tactics – Insurance companies often pressure injury victims into lowball settlements. We handle all communications on your behalf.
- Coordinate Your Medical Care – We help connect you with doctors who understand how to treat and document your injuries.
- Maximize Your Compensation – Our attorneys know how to calculate the full value of your claim, including medical expenses, future care, lost income, and pain and suffering.
We Handle All Types of Car Accident Claims
Our firm has extensive experience representing victims of:
- Rideshare Accidents – Including Lyft and Uber accidents involving passengers, drivers, or third parties.
- Motorcycle Accidents – These collisions often result in serious injuries and require careful handling to prove fault.
- Hit-and-Run Accidents – We explore all possible insurance options to pursue compensation even when the at-fault driver flees the scene.
- Pedestrian Accidents – We fight for the rights of pedestrians injured in crosswalks or sidewalks.
- Multi-Vehicle Crashes – Complex cases involving several parties and insurance policies.
Speak With an Experienced Brooklyn Car Accident Attorney
At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, we understand how overwhelming life can feel after a serious accident. But you don’t have to face it alone. We’ve spent decades helping New Yorkers recover, and we’re ready to help you.
Call (212) 986-7353 to learn more today. There is no fee unless we recover compensation for you.
We proudly serve clients across Brooklyn and the greater New York City area, including Flatbush, Crown Heights, Bushwick, Williamsburg, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Park Slope, and more.
What Types of Injuries Can Car Accidents Cause?
Car accidents can cause many different types of injuries, ranging in severity from minor to fatal. Motor vehicle occupants can be injured in a crash when a body part strikes a surface inside the vehicle. They can also sustain penetrating injuries from broken glass, sheared metal, or loose items in the vehicle that become projectiles in a collision. Common car accident injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Head trauma
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord damage
- Bone fractures
- Dislocations
- Internal organ damage
- Lacerations and contusions
Other Locations We Serve in New York
Case Results
$4.5 Million Settlement for Two Rear-end Accident Victims
Attorney Jay Wechsler from Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP successfully settled a case for $4,500,000 for two clients who were passengers in a vehicle that was rear-ended. One client sustained injuries to the back, knee, and shoulder, while the other suffered injuries to the back and knee. Both clients made excellent recoveries after surgeries, requiring only brief physical therapy. Remarkably, Jay secured this favorable outcome early in the case, with no depositions taken and discovery only beginning, reaching the settlement through private mediation.
$3.75 Million Settlement for Client Rear-Ended by School Bus
WRSMH Attorney Tracy Kinneary negotiated a settlement of $3.75 Million for our 36-year-old client who was on his way to work as a Local 157 Union carpenter when he was rear-ended by a school bus. Our client continued to work full-time for one-year after the accident but eventually underwent a two-level lumbar fusion surgery. Following the surgery, our client had one month of physical therapy and then returned to work as a non-union Project Manager, earning a salary less than that of a union carpenter. At the time of mediation, defendants argued that our client’s back injury and resulting surgery was not causally related to the accident and that our client made a good recovery in that he could still work, hike recreationally, and ride his motorcycle on a regular basis. In negotiating the settlement, Tracy relied upon a strong diminution of earnings claim that we maximized by using a vocational expert and economist and a future medical care claim that we supported with a life care plan expert.
What Clients Are Saying About Us
The BEST attorney in New York- Andrew Zizzo (5-Star Google Review)
Steve Wagner is by far the BEST attorney in New York. Steve is a high-integrity person, has visible work ethic, and I would recommend him with friends and family. I was a bit ignorant to how this process went, but he was very patient in educating and guiding me. Steve helped me achieve a more-than-generous settlement and worked very efficiently throughout the process. If you’re looking for an attorney, Steve Wagner is your guy!
I would highly recommend this law firm to anyone-Patrick McFadden (5-Star Google Review)
Ken Halperin and Noah Katz did an impeccable job in resolving my case! They were thorough, courteous professional, compassionate and efficient every step of the way. I felt very competent and secure knowing they were handling a very important part of my future. I would highly recommend this law firm to anyone in need of true quality care and real results in a timely manner!
Car Accident FAQs
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Brooklyn?
You should call 911, seek medical attention, and exchange information with all involved parties. If possible, take photos of the vehicles, the scene, and any injuries. Do not admit fault. After receiving medical care, contact an experienced car accident attorney to protect your rights.
How do I know if I have a valid car accident case?
If you were injured in a crash caused by someone else's negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or running a red light, you probably have a valid case. One of our attorneys can evaluate your situation and determine your legal options during a free consultation.
What if the accident involved an Uber or Lyft driver?
Rideshare accidents can involve multiple layers of insurance. Depending on the driver's status in the app at the time of the crash, Uber or Lyft’s commercial insurance may apply. WRSMH can help determine which coverage is available and pursue the appropriate claim.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?
Yes. New York follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partly responsible. However, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
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. It's best to act quickly to preserve your rights.
What types of compensation can I recover after a car accident?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, future medical care, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses. If your injuries are serious or permanent, the potential value of your claim increases significantly.
How much does it cost to hire WRSMH for a car accident case?
There are no upfront costs. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of the final settlement or verdict.
Meet Our Attorneys
Clifford H. Shapiro
Clifford H. Shapiro is a managing partner at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, and a veteran trial attorney with more than three decades of experience representing seriously injured clients throughout New York. Cliff specializes in negotiation and has personally settled thousands of cases involving construction accidents, motor vehicle collisions, premises liability, and general negligence.
Bryce Moses
Bryce Moses is a partner and senior trial attorney at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, where he brings more than 25 years of courtroom experience to every case. Known for his exceptional trial preparation and commanding presence in the courtroom, Bryce has secured numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for clients injured due to negligence, including cases involving municipalities, corporate defendants, and major insurance carriers.
Kenneth J. Halperin
Kenneth J. Halperin is a senior partner at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, where he leads the firm’s complex litigation and construction accident practice groups. With a legal career spanning more than 25 years, Ken is known for his sharp legal strategy, deep knowledge of labor law, and exceptional results for injured workers and accident victims across New York. Ken handles a wide range of serious injury cases, including construction site accidents, motor vehicle collisions, premises liability claims, and general negligence.
Philip Russotti
Philip Russotti is a senior partner at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, and one of New York’s most accomplished trial attorneys. With decades of litigation experience, Phil oversees all trials within the firm and works closely with each trial attorney to shape case strategy and preparation. His philosophy is simple: every client deserves nothing less than total dedication and maximum effort. Phil has tried nearly every type of civil case, including medical malpractice, construction accidents, product liability, premises liability, automobile collisions, and police misconduct.
Our Car Accident Case Results
$8.3 Million - New York State Record-Setting Verdict for Single Level Cervical Discectomy
Pursuant to the New York Jury Verdict Reporter, WRSMH attorney Frank J. Lombardo obtained the highest recorded verdict in the State of New York for a single level cervical discectomy.
Frank Lombardo
$6.2 Million - Intersection Accident
WRSMH attorney was able to obtain a jury verdict in the amount of $6.2 million on behalf of our client, a 60-year-old Brooklyn woman involved in a motor vehicle accident.
WRSMH LLP
$5.5 Million - New York Motor Vehicle Accident
WRSMH attorney Bryce Moses obtained a verdict in the amount of $5,500,000 for our client who was exiting the Staten Island Expressway when her motor vehicle was struck by a Con Edison van.
Bryce Moses
$4.5 Million - Two Passengers Injured in Rear-end Accident
Jay Wechsler obtained an excellent result at the early stages of a case for two clients who were injured in a rear-end accident.
Jay Wechsler
$3.4 Million - Two Backseat Passengers Suffered Severe Injuries in Rear-End Accident
Konstantin Burshteyn successfully represented two backseat passengers who suffered injuries in a rear-end accident.
Konstantin Burshteyn
$3.3 Million - Client Struck By Van While On a Scooter
WRSMH attorney obtained a large settlement for a man who was injured after being struck by a van while on a scooter.
WRSMH LLP
$3 Million - Man Injured in NYPD Motor Vehicle Accident
Konstantin Burshteyn obtained a large settlement for a man who sustained multiple injuries as the result of an accident with a NYPD vehicle.
Konstantin Burshteyn
$3 Million - NY Motor Vehicle Accident
Cliff Shapiro and another WRSMH attorney were able to obtain a settlement in the amount of $3,000,000 on behalf of a forty-five year old man from Queens who suffered injuries to his neck and lower back in a crash.
Clifford Shapiro
$2.9 Million - NY Access-A-Ride Van Accident
WRSMH settled the case of our client who was hit by an Access-A-Ride van after mediation and before trial for $2.9 million dollars.
WRSMH LLP
$2.8 Million - Three Car Auto Accident in NY
WRSMH attorney obtained a $2.8 million settlement during trial for our client who was involved in a three car accident. The plaintiff was struck twice from behind in a rear-end collision involving two vehicles.
WRSMH LLP
$2.766 Million - Passenger Injured in Sideswipe
Konstantin Burshteyn represented a client, a passenger in a vehicle, who sustained multiple injuries in a sideswipe accident.
Konstantin Burshteyn
$2.75 Million - Rear-end Van Accident in Queens
Douglas Milch obtained a large settlement for a group of individuals injured in a van accident in Queens on the Grand Central Parkway.
Douglas Milch
$2.75 Million - Rear-end Motor Vehicle Accident in Brooklyn
Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP successfully represented a client who was injured in a Brooklyn rear-end vehicle accident.
Andrew Wanger
$2.75 Million - NY Intersection Car Accident
Phil Russotti and Kenneth Halperin obtained a settlement for our client in the amount of $2,750,000, in this case in which the plaintiff's motor vehicle was struck in the rear.
Philip Russotti, Kenneth Halperin
$2.5 Million - New York Motor Vehicle Accident
Kenneth Halperin obtained a combined settlement in the amount of $2,500,000 for a 66 year old woman and her 32 year old daughter who were injured in a motor vehicle accident.
Kenneth Halperin
$2.5 Million - Queens County Resident's Vehicle Hit by Rental Truck
Douglas Milch obtained a large settlement for a Queens County resident who was injured in a collision with a rental truck.
Douglas Milch
$2.3 Million - Sideswipe Accident Causes Serious Injury
Michael Fitzpatrick obtained a large settlement for an immigrant, who was a passenger in a vehicle that was sideswiped in a Brooklyn.
Michael Fitzpatrick
$2.25 Million - Permanent Injuries from Rear-end Accident In The Bronx
WRSMH attorney recently settled a case for a client who sustained permanent neck and back injuries after being rear-ended in the Bronx.
WRSMH LLP
$2.25 Million - Rear-End Motor Vehicle Collision
Our client sustained multiple injuries as the result of a rear-end motor vehicle collision.
WRSMH LLP
$2.25 Million - Passenger Injured in Rear-End Accident
Konstantin Burshteyn successfully represented a client who sustained multiple injuries as a passenger in a rear-end accident.
Konstantin Burshteyn