Manhattan Car Accident Attorneys

Are You in Need of a Car Accident Lawyer in Manhattan?

A serious car accident can change your life in an instant. Whether you were injured in a crash on the FDR, stuck in Midtown traffic, or hit by a rideshare vehicle on the Upper West Side, you deserve experienced legal representation to protect your rights and secure the compensation you need to recover.

At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP (WRSMH), we have over 50 years of experience representing injured people in Manhattan and throughout New York City. If you've been seriously injured in a car accident and are unsure what to do next, you may need legal help.

You should speak with a car accident lawyer if:

• You suffered significant injuries requiring medical treatment.
• You were involved in a bus accident, rideshare accident, or motorcycle accident.
• The at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured.
• You're getting pressure from the insurance company to accept a low settlement.
• There are questions about who caused the crash or multiple parties involved.

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Why Choose Us Over Other Manhattan Car Accident Attorneys?

We handle all types of collisions, including motorcycle accidents, bus accidents, Uber and Lyft accidents, and multi-vehicle crashes. Our legal team will fight for the full compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Over $2 Billion Recovered for Clients – Our proven results show how seriously we take each case.
• More Than 50 Years of Experience – We've built a reputation as one of New York’s leading injury law firms.
• Named to U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms – A respected industry honor.
• Avvo Rated 10.0/10.0 Superb – In recognition of legal achievements and client reviews.
• Selected to Super Lawyers – Based on peer reviews and independent research.
• Top 10 Law Firm for Client Satisfaction in NYC – Honored by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys.
• Members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum – A distinction given to attorneys who have secured verdicts and settlements in excess of $2 million.

Don’t Let the Insurance Company Dictate Your Recovery

Call (212) 986-7353 to learn more 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

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Do You Have a Legitimate Case?

If your injuries required medical treatment, caused you to miss work, or resulted in long-term physical or emotional challenges, you’ll want to speak with a Manhattan personal injury attorney. During your free consultation, our attorneys will review strategies for seeking maximum compensation.

If you were injured because of someone else's negligence, you may have a valid case. This includes:

• A rear-end collision that caused back or neck injuries
• A Lyft accident in heavy Manhattan traffic
• A pedestrian hit by a rideshare driver
• A motorcycle accident involving a left-turning car
• A bus accident where you were a passenger or struck by the bus

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Reasons to See a Lawyer Right Away

After a car accident, what you do in the first few days can have a lasting impact on your case. Acting quickly helps protect your rights and strengthens your claim in the long run. Your lawyer can help you:

• Preserve Evidence – Traffic camera footage, witness statements, and vehicle data can disappear quickly. The sooner we start your case, the more evidence we can secure.
• Avoid Insurance Traps – Insurance companies may contact you quickly and push for a fast, lowball settlement. We'll protect your rights and handle all communication.
• Ensure Medical Records Are Complete – We work with your doctors to fully document your injuries and treatment.
• Meet Strict Deadlines – There are critical time limits for filing a claim or lawsuit in New York. Missing them can cost you your case.
• Maximize Your Recovery – We’ll calculate not just your current losses, but your future needs, pain and suffering, and other damages to pursue full compensation.

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What’s the Legal Process for a Car Accident Case?

The legal process after a Manhattan car accident typically includes:

1. Consultation and Investigation – We start with a free case review and gather all necessary documents: police reports, medical records, photos, witness statements, and more.
2. Determining Fault and Liability – We investigate how the crash happened and identify every liable party—including drivers, rideshare companies, bus operators, or government entities.
3. Filing Insurance Claims – We handle all insurance paperwork, demand letters, and communication.
4. Negotiation – We negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement. Our reputation for trial preparation often encourages higher settlement offers.
5. Filing a Lawsuit (if necessary) – If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we file a personal injury lawsuit and prepare your case for trial.
6. Discovery and Trial – We conduct depositions, gather expert testimony, and present a strong case in court if needed.

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What Is the Statute of Limitations in New York?

The statute of limitations for most car accident injury cases in New York is three years from the date of the crash. If the crash resulted in wrongful death, the deadline is two years from the date of death.

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.

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How Driver Negligence Causes Car Accidents

A driver is negligent when they fail to exercise reasonable care and cause harm to others.

Distracted Driving

Texting, using a GPS, eating, or adjusting in-car systems can all lead to a loss of focus. Distracted drivers frequently cause rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and pedestrian accidents.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs is both illegal and incredibly dangerous. DUI crashes often result in devastating injuries.

Unsafe Turns

Left turns across traffic or right turns without yielding to pedestrians are especially dangerous in city intersections.

Speeding

Even a few miles per hour over the speed limit can reduce reaction time and increase crash severity, especially in dense urban areas.

Running Stop Signs and Red Lights

Disobeying traffic signals leads to many T-bone crashes and injuries at busy intersections.

Fatigued Driving

Overly tired drivers may have delayed reactions, impaired judgment, or even fall asleep at the wheel. This is common among rideshare drivers or those working long shifts.

Hours of Service (HOS) laws are federal safety regulations that limit how long commercial truck drivers can be on the road without rest. These rules are enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and are designed to reduce the risk of accidents caused by driver fatigue.

Disobeying Traffic Laws

Failing to yield, not signaling, or ignoring right-of-way rules often leads to preventable crashes.

Illegal Lane Changes

Swerving between lanes without signaling or checking blind spots can cause collisions, especially in fast-moving traffic or during merging.

Injured in a Manhattan Car Accident?

Call (212) 986-7353 today for a free consultation.

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We Handle All Types of Motor Vehicle Accident Cases

At WRSMH, we have extensive experience with complex accident claims, including:

• Car Accidents – From minor collisions to high-speed impacts, we handle them all.
• Bus Accidents – We pursue claims against the MTA, private bus companies, and their insurers.
• Uber Crashes and Lyft Accidents – We understand the insurance complications that arise in rideshare accidents.
• Motorcycle Accidents – These often result in serious injuries and require aggressive representation.
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents – Common in Manhattan’s crosswalks and bike lanes.
• Multi-Vehicle Pileups – We sort out complex liability issues involving several drivers.

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Serious Injuries in Auto Accident Cases in Manhattan

A car collision can lead to severe injuries, and a lifetime of difficult challenges. Some of the most common, life-altering car accident injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Amputations
• Burns
• Back Injuries
• Neck Injuries
• Disfiguring Injuries

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Case Results

$8.326 Million Verdict - Personal Injuries Sustained as a Result of a Motor Vehicle Accident

A Suffolk County jury awarded an $8.3 million verdict to our client who, on October 2, 2014, was attempting to make a left turn onto the westbound service road of the Long Island Expressway when her vehicle was struck by a commercial van traveling in the opposite direction.

Pursuant to the New York Jury Verdict Reporter, WRSMH attorney Frank J. Lombardo obtained the highest recorded verdict in New York for a single level cervical discectomy, with a Suffolk County jury awarding $8.3 million to our client. The case involved a motor vehicle accident where the plaintiff, with a prior three-level cervical spine fusion, was struck by a commercial van that ran a red light. Despite the defendant's insurer's refusal to settle and arguments from the defense regarding the plaintiff’s delayed medical treatment and work history, Frank demonstrated that the new herniation and chronic pain syndrome were direct results of the accident. Expert testimony highlighted the plaintiff’s susceptibility to injury and ongoing medical needs, convincing the jury of substantial future losses. The unanimous verdict included $600,000 for past pain and suffering, $2.6 million for future pain and suffering, $206,000 for past lost earnings, $3,174,465 for future lost earnings, and $1,747,846 for medical expenses.

$5,500,000 Verdict in New York Motor Vehicle Accident

WRSMH attorney Bryce Moses secured a $5,500,000 verdict for our client who was injured by a Con Edison van while exiting the Staten Island Expressway. Despite the clear liability established by WRSMH, Con Edison refused to settle, arguing that our client's neck pain was from a prior accident in 2008. However, Bryce countered this claim by presenting medical evidence from 2010 demonstrating a new disc herniation injury with radiating pain that wasn’t present in 2008, attributable to the recent accident. Bryce also effectively discredited Con Edison's specialist, revealing inconsistencies in his medical practice. The jury was convinced by this evidence and reached a unanimous decision after 20 minutes of deliberation, awarding our client with substantial damages for past and future pain and suffering.

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What Clients Are Saying About Us

Very very very very good-Luis Olivares (5-Star Google Review)

Our experience with this law firm was very very very very good. They took care of all my needs and they were very professional in handling my case and I was happy with my reward. I would like to encourage anyone who might need a good law firm to use them.

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Other Locations We Serve in New York

• Bronx
• Brooklyn
• New York City
• Queens
• Staten Island

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Speak With a Trusted Manhattan Car Accident Lawyer Today

At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, we offer aggressive legal representation for crash victims across Manhattan. We’ve recovered billions for our clients and are ready to fight for you.

Call us today at (212) 986-7353 for a free consultation.

You pay nothing unless we win your case.

We proudly serve clients in Manhattan neighborhoods including the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Harlem, Midtown, Financial District, East Village, and more. Whether you were in a Lyft accident in Chelsea, a motorcycle accident on the West Side Highway, or a pedestrian crash near Union Square, we’re here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

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Car Accident FAQs

How do I know if I have a valid car accident claim?

If you were injured in a crash caused by another driver’s negligence, you likely have grounds for a personal injury claim. A valid case often involves medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering resulting from the accident.

What should I do immediately after a car accident in New York?

Call 911, seek medical attention, exchange information with all drivers involved, take photos of the scene and vehicles, and avoid admitting fault. Then, contact a qualified car accident attorney to protect your rights.

Can I still recover compensation 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 partially responsible. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Who pays for my medical bills after a car accident?

New York is a no-fault state, so your own auto insurance (through Personal Injury Protection or PIP coverage) pays for your initial medical expenses and lost wages—regardless of who was at fault.

What if I was hit by an Uber or Lyft driver?

Rideshare accidents can be complex due to overlapping insurance policies. Depending on whether the driver was logged into the app or on a trip, different levels of Uber or Lyft insurance coverage may apply. An attorney can help determine liability and coverage.

What types of compensation can I recover in a car accident case?

You may be eligible to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, future medical needs, and property damage.

Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company already offered me a settlement?

Yes. Insurance companies often offer low settlements to minimize their payouts. An experienced car accident attorney can evaluate your damages and negotiate for the full amount you deserve.

Can I sue if I was injured as a passenger?

Absolutely. If you were a passenger injured in a crash, you have the right to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver(s), including the driver of the vehicle you were riding in.

How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer at WRSMH?

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no legal fees unless we recover money for you. Consultations are free, and we only get paid if you win.

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Meet Our Attorneys

Kenneth J. Halperin

Kenneth J. Halperin is a partner at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP. With a career spanning over 25 years, Ken has earned a reputation as a strategic, thorough, and highly effective trial attorney, particularly in high-stakes personal injury and labor law cases. Ken handles a wide range of injury matters, including construction accidents, motor vehicle collisions, premises liability, and general negligence.

Bryce Moses

Bryce Moses is a highly successful trial attorney and partner at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, where he represents clients who have suffered serious and life-altering injuries due to the negligence of others. Bryce has earned a reputation as a fierce advocate for his clients. He has successfully tried and resolved complex personal injury cases across all five boroughs and Long Island, securing numerous multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements in motor vehicle accidents, construction site incidents, pedestrian injuries, and workplace accidents.

Philip Russotti

Philip Russotti is a senior partner at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, where he oversees all trials and provides strategic leadership to the firm's litigation team. With decades of experience in civil litigation, Phil is known for his meticulous case preparation, commanding courtroom presence, and unwavering commitment to securing justice for injured New Yorkers. Over the course of his career, Phil has tried nearly every type of personal injury case, including medical malpractice, product liability, construction accidents, motor vehicle collisions, police misconduct, and premises liability.

Clifford H. Shapiro

Clifford H. Shapiro is a managing partner at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, and a dedicated trial attorney with decades of experience handling complex personal injury litigation in New York. Known for his skill in negotiation, he has successfully resolved thousands of cases without the need for trial, thanks to thorough preparation and strategic advocacy. His approach prioritizes early, substantial settlements that reflect the true value of each client’s injuries and future needs.

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Additional Information

• More People Are Cycling in NYC
• New York City’s Most Dangerous Intersections