New York Car Accident Lawyer

FREE Case Evaluation

Hurt in a car accident in New York? William Mattar, P.C. handles motor vehicle accident cases, with more than 30 years representing injured people and offices and intake locations across the state. There is No Fee Until We Win, phones are answered 24/7, and case reviews are free. Call (844) 444-4444.

Results for injured New Yorkers

Every case is different, and the value of a claim depends on the injury, the treatment, the insurance coverage available, and fault. A free case review is the fastest way to get an informed view of your situation.

What to consider after a New York car accident

It is generally advisable to stop, exchange license and insurance information, and report the crash, because Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 600 can make each of those a legal duty. Call 911 so police document the scene, get medical care the same day, and photograph the vehicles, the roadway, and any visible injuries. File the no-fault application within 30 days, and decline to give the other driver’s insurer a recorded statement until you have legal advice. The firm’s guide to what happens in a car accident lawsuit explains each stage that follows.

Key facts for New York car accident victims

  • Motor vehicle accident cases are the focus. 
  • The no-fault application, Form NF-2, generally must reach the correct insurer within 30 days of the crash, and it preserves up to $50,000 per person in basic economic loss under Insurance Law Section 5102.
  • Most injury lawsuits must be started within three years under CPLR 214, and some deadlines are much shorter. It’s always a good idea to err on the side of caution and ensure the shortest possible deadline. 
  • Pain and suffering compensation requires a serious injury as defined in Section 5102(d), and a recent amendment to CPLR 1411 changed how fault percentages affect recovery in motor vehicle cases.

How no-fault insurance works

New York is a no-fault state. The insurer of the vehicle you occupied pays your medical bills and a share of lost earnings up to $50,000 per person in basic economic loss under Insurance Law Section 5103, regardless of who caused the crash. Compensation for pain and suffering is separate. It requires a serious injury as defined in Section 5102(d) and a liability claim against the at-fault driver. William Mattar, P.C. focuses its representation on that pain and suffering claim.

Deadlines that can control your claim

DeadlineWhat it controlsSource
30 daysThe NF-2 no-fault application to the correct insurer11 NYCRR 65-1.1
90 daysA notice of claim when a government vehicle or entity is involvedGeneral Municipal Law 50-e
3 yearsMost car accident injury lawsuitsCPLR 214

Some cases carry even shorter periods. Treat every deadline as urgent and get legal advice early. Time is of the essence after a New York motor vehicle crash. 

Car accident lawyers across New York State

The firm can serve the entire state. Wherever the crash happened, the phones are answered 24/7 at (844) 444-4444.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a car accident lawyer cost in New York?

There is no fee unless your case recovers money. Consultations are free, cases are handled on contingency fee basis, and the attorneys’ fee comes out of the recovery. 

What is my New York car accident case worth?

Case value depends on the severity of injury, the treatment required, lost earnings, the insurance coverage available, and fault. No lawyer can promise a result, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. A free case review is the fastest way to get an informed view of your specific situation.

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in New York?

Generally three years under CPLR 214, with much shorter deadlines in some cases. The firm’s guide to New York’s car accident statute of limitations covers the exceptions.

Can I still recover if I was partly at fault?

Often yes. Under CPLR 1411 damages are generally reduced in proportion to your share of fault rather than barred. A recent amendment to this rule can significantly affect motor vehicle cases, so speak with an experienced attorney about how it applies to your situation.

Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company?

You have no obligation to give the other driver’s insurer a recorded statement, and you should decline until you have legal advice.

Were you hurt in a car accident anywhere in New York State? The attorneys at William Mattar, P.C. are available 24/7 with no fee unless your case recovers money. Call (844) 444-4444. Offices and intake locations across New York State.

About William Mattar, P.C.

William Mattar, P.C. is a New York law firm that handles motor vehicle accident cases and has represented injured people for over 30 years. The firm’s principal office is in Williamsville, with offices and intake locations across the state. It represents motorcycle, car, truck, bus, pedestrian, and rideshare accident victims throughout New York State, with free case reviews available 24/7 at (844) 444-4444.

Sources

  • New York Open Data, Motor Vehicle Crashes Case Information, data.ny.gov, dataset e8ky-4vqe
  • Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, New York fatality facts, iihs.org
  • New York State Senate, Insurance Law 5102 and 5103, CPLR 214 and 1411, Vehicle and Traffic Law 600, nysenate.gov
  • The Buffalo News, CNY Central, Law Firm Newswire, Super Lawyers, Avvo, BBB, Martindale-Hubbell, The National Trial Lawyers, Google Business Profiles, as linked above

Attorney Advertising. This page provides general information about New York law and is not legal advice for any specific situation. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Last updated August 2026.