One car crash is all it takes to send your life in an unexpected direction. Your injuries can mean mounting medical costs and time away from work. You may not be able to drive a car or care for the people who depend on you. Debt can add up fast with extra expenses and missing income.
It’s tough enough that you need to deal with physical and emotional pain. You should not have to suffer financially when another person caused your crash. Our car accident attorneys in Melville will fight to hold the negligent driver responsible and pursue fair compensation on your behalf.
Our team at the Harrison Law Group has over three decades of experience, and we’ve served thousands of clients. Call now to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about how our personal injury lawyers in Melville can help with your car crash case.
Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney?
New York’s no–fault system generally provides first-party benefits for certain economic losses regardless of who caused the accident. In some cases, a claim against another driver may also be available when the requirements of New York law are satisfied.
- Our car accident attorneys in Melville can help you understand which path you’ll need to take.
- We’ll investigate how the collision occurred and identify potentially responsible parties.
- Our team will review your economic losses along with other damages that may be legally recoverable.
- Throughout the claims process, we’ll communicate with insurers and respond to claim-related issues.
- We will keep your claim on track and make sure you meet deadlines, like the statute of limitations for personal injury in New York.
- We will negotiate for a fair settlement that fully accounts for your losses.
- If litigation is necessary, we will fight for you in court.
Ultimately, the appropriate legal strategy depends on the circumstances of the accident and your injuries. These choices are difficult without a strong understanding of New York law. Our team will fight for your best interests while insurers protect theirs.
- Free Consultation
- A proven record of strong case results
- Personal attention to every client
- No upfront costs to get started
What Does No-Fault Insurance Cover in New York?
New York requires automobile owners to maintain Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. This is designed to provide benefits for certain economic losses without requiring the injured person to first establish who caused the crash. Basic no-fault benefits generally include:
- Reasonable and necessary accident-related medical expenses.
- 80% of lost earnings, subject to a maximum of $2,000 per month for up to three years.
- Certain reasonable and necessary expenses, including some transportation and household-related costs, subject to applicable limits.
- A $2,000 death benefit payable to an eligible decedent’s estate.
Your no-fault coverage does not prevent you from pursuing a claim against another driver in every circumstance. Our Melville car accident lawyers can help you understand New York law so you can get the full compensation you deserve.
When Can You File a Car Accident Lawsuit in New York?
New York law generally permits an injured person to pursue the full value of their economic and non-economic damages following a motor vehicle accident when the person has sustained a serious injury as defined by New York law.
/Depending on the circumstances, a lawsuit may include damages for:
- Medical expenses and future medical treatment
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Other economic or non-economic losses supported by the evidence
Note that New York’s statutory definition of “serious injury” changed in 2026.
An amendment to Insurance Law § 5102(d) eliminated the former “90/180-day” category, which covered a medically determined, non-permanent injury or impairment that prevented an injured person from “performing substantially all of the material acts constituting their usual and customary daily activities” for at least 90 days during the first 180 days following the injury.
The amendment took effect May 26, 2026, and applies to actions and proceedings commenced on or after that date. Your Melville car accident attorney can determine whether the harm you experienced meets the serious injury threshold.
- Dedicated to protecting your rights
- Focused on getting you fair compensation
- Millions recovered for injured clients
- Experienced in dealing with insurance companies
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in New York?
New York has different deadlines depending on the type of car accident claim. In most cases involving personal injury, you typically have a period of three years from the date of the incident to initiate a lawsuit under CPLR § 214(5).
No-fault claims have much shorter deadlines. You must notify the no-fault insurer of the accident within 30 days. Medical providers generally have 45 days to submit bills and supporting documentation. Claims for lost earnings generally must be submitted within 90 days.
Other claims may have different deadlines, particularly when a government entity is involved. Because multiple deadlines can apply to the same accident, it is important to talk to our legal team as soon as possible after your injury.
- Your case gets personal attention
- Strong legal knowledge and experience
- Committed to every client
- Careful attention to the details
Talk to Our Car Accident Attorneys in Melville
You may not be sure where to turn in the aftermath of a car accident. Your no-fault insurance coverage may be enough to take care of your damages, but if your injuries are severe, you may have the right to seek additional compensation. However, that doesn’t mean insurers will make it easy.
Dealing with an insurance company after a car crash is tough, especially when you are hurt. Our car accident attorneys in Melville will help you understand the best course of action after your accident and fight to hold the insurance company responsible for the full damages you deserve.
At the Harrison Law Group, personal injury is all we do. We’ve recovered more than $450 million on behalf of our injured clients, and we are ready to fight for you. Call now to schedule a free consultation and tell us about your car accident.
