Best Personal Injury Lawyers in New York City

Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.

Free. Takes 2 min.

Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm, P.C.
New York City, United States

Founded in 1992
20 people in their team
English
Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm, P.C. is a New York City personal injury firm founded in 1992 that concentrates on representing plaintiffs who have suffered serious injuries. The firm handles a broad array of injury matters, including motor vehicle collisions, construction-site accidents, mass transit...
Cooper Levenson Attorneys at Law
New York City, United States

Founded in 1957
75 people in their team
English
Hundreds of Years of Combined Legal ExperienceThe law firm of Cooper Levenson, P.A., established in 1957, is a full-service law firm with 75 attorneys and an extensive support staff.In New Jersey, we maintain offices in Atlantic City and Cherry Hill. We also have offices in New York, New York,...
Stabit Advocates
New York City, United States

Founded in 2000
173 people in their team
English
Spanish
Stabit Advocates LLP (https://www.stabitadvocates.com) is one of the top law firms in the world and stands as a beacon of legal excellence, recognized as one of the top law firms in East Africa, Africa and Globally with over 75 practice areas. Our firm is synonymous with top-tier legal expertise,...
Klotzman Law Firm
New York City, United States

Founded in 2012
English
Klotzman Law Firm is a Florida based practice that represents individuals and families affected by personal injury and property damage claims. The firm handles auto accidents, truck and motorcycle injuries, and homeowners insurance disputes in the Miami and South Florida area. A Free Case Review is...
The Law Firm of Dmitriy Shakhnevich PLLC
New York City, United States

English
The Law Firm of Dmitriy Shakhnevich focuses on delivering personalized legal representation to individuals in key practice areas including criminal defense, personal injury, civil litigation, matrimonial and family law, and entertainment law. Founded by Dmitriy Shakhnevich, the firm emphasizes that...
Somberg Law, PLLC
New York City, United States

English
Somberg Law, PLLC specializes in criminal defense and personal injury matters in the Metro Detroit area of Michigan. Led by founder Nicholas Somberg, a licensed Michigan attorney, the firm focuses on rigorous, evidence-driven representation for clients facing felony charges, DUI and traffic...
Krall Law Offices, PLLC
New York City, United States

Founded in 2011
9 people in their team
English
Krall Law Offices, PLLC is a Metro-Detroit law firm providing representation in personal injury, criminal defense, family law, civil litigation, and debtor-creditor matters. The firm was founded and is led by Thomas G. Krall and focuses on resolving disputes for individuals and families across...
AS SEEN ON

1. About Personal Injury Law in New York City, United States

Personal injury law in New York City covers civil claims for injuries caused by negligence or wrongdoing. It seeks to compensate victims for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In NYC, cases typically proceed in state court, with distinct rules for auto accidents, premises liability, medical malpractice, product liability, and wrongful death. The core idea is to place fault where it belongs and to secure fair recovery for the injured party.

In dense urban areas like Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, common scenarios include car crashes on bustling avenues, slips and falls in crowded retail spaces, and construction site accidents on high-rise projects. Understanding who may owe compensation helps residents decide whether to pursue a claim and which attorney to hire. A qualified personal injury solicitor can explain the unique NYC considerations, such as city and state statutes of limitations and comparative fault rules.

Statute of limitations for personal injury actions in New York is generally three years, with shorter periods for some specialized claims.

New York State Unified Court System

Whether you are dealing with a hospital error, a defective product, or a negligent property owner, a New York City attorney specializing in personal injury can assess liability, gather evidence, and navigate the complexities of insurance coverage and court procedures. The goal is to obtain timely, appropriate compensation while protecting your rights throughout the process.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

  • Car crash in Midtown Manhattan leaves you with neck pain and a torn shoulder while traffic congestion complicates fault determinations. An attorney helps identify liable parties, evaluate medical needs, and negotiate with insurers who may dispute fault or damages.
  • Slip and fall in a NYC store results in a broken wrist due to a wet floor. A lawyer can secure surveillance footage, maintenance records, and safety reports to prove premises liability and seek compensation for medical treatment and lost income.
  • Medical malpractice at a city hospital causes infection after surgery. An attorney can coordinate expert reviews, preserve records, and navigate complex damages and caps that apply to professional negligence claims.
  • Construction site injury on a Manhattan project causes a back injury. Legal counsel helps with safe-site liability, workers and third-party claims, and compliance with state and city safety regulations.
  • Defective product injury from a faulty consumer device sold in NYC stores. A personal injury solicitor can pursue product liability claims against manufacturers, distributors, or retailers and help with recall information and testing evidence.
  • Bus, taxi, or rideshare accident involving an Uber or taxi in Queens or the Bronx. An attorney can identify all potentially responsible parties and sort out insurance coverage, including under no-fault rules when applicable.

3. Local Laws Overview

New York Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) Article 14

CPLR Article 14 governs actions to recover damages for personal injuries in New York courts. It sets standards for bringing claims, the pleading processes, and procedural rules. The statute of limitations for most personal injury actions is three years from the date of the injury, which affects when a case must be filed. Knowledge of these timelines is crucial to avoid forfeiting your rights to compensation.

Understanding CPLR Article 14 helps you plan your legal strategy, including when to seek medical documentation and when to initiate a lawsuit. A New York City attorney can interpret how these rules apply to your specific injury and jurisdiction.

New York uses a statute of limitations framework for personal injuries that generally requires filing within three years.

New York State Unified Court System

No-Fault Automobile Insurance under Insurance Law Article 51

No-Fault Insurance provides first-party benefits to auto accident victims for medical care, wage loss, and other economic damages, regardless of fault. This regime is designed to speed up access to benefits while disputes over liability are resolved separately. In New York City, where dense traffic increases collision risk, understanding No-Fault coverage is essential for timely medical treatment and financial recovery.

Recent reforms and updates to No-Fault procedures and the medical fee schedule have shaped how insurers process claims and how physicians bill for treatment. Always verify that medical providers are properly enrolled for No-Fault benefits and that submissions comply with the latest guidelines.

New York No-Fault Insurance is governed by the Insurance Law, with medical treatment guidelines and claim procedures overseen by the Department of Financial Services.

New York Department of Financial Services

Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) and Auto Cases

Vehicle and Traffic Law governs the conduct of drivers and the rights of accident victims in motor vehicle claims. VTL provisions influence fault determinations, insurance coverage obligations, and procedural aspects of accident-related disputes. In NYC, where multi-vehicle incidents on major arterials are common, VTL rules interact with CPLR timelines and No-Fault requirements to shape recovery options.

Understanding VTL provisions helps you identify liable parties and insurance entities, as well as how evidence such as police reports, dashcam footage, and witness statements may support your claim.

Auto accident claims in New York are impacted by both No-Fault Insurance rules and Vehicle and Traffic Law provisions, alongside civil action standards in CPLR Article 14.

New York State Senate - Consolidated Laws

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is personal injury law in New York City?

Personal injury law covers legal claims for injuries caused by another party's negligence or wrongdoing. It includes auto accidents, premises liability, medical malpractice, and product liability.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in New York?

The general deadline is three years from the date of injury, but certain cases have shorter or earlier deadlines. Consult a lawyer to confirm your specific timeframe.

What is No-Fault Insurance and when does it apply in NYC?

No-Fault provides first-party benefits for medical care and wage loss after auto accidents, regardless of fault. It operates alongside separate liability claims.

Do I need a lawyer for a slip and fall in a store in NYC?

Yes. A lawyer can collect surveillance footage, confirm the store owed a duty of care, and pursue compensation for medical bills and time away from work.

What is premises liability in New York City?

Premises liability involves injuries caused by dangerous conditions on someone else’s property. The property owner’s duty is to maintain a safe environment and address hazards promptly.

How is fault determined in NYC personal injury cases?

New York uses a comparative fault system. Your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover if your fault is not more than 50 percent.

What should I do immediately after a NYC accident?

Seek medical care, report the incident, document the scene, collect witness contacts, and contact a personal injury solicitor to preserve evidence and guide next steps.

Can a NYC attorney help with both no-fault and liability claims?

Yes. A lawyer can handle no-fault benefits recovery and the separate liability claim against at-fault parties in one coordinated strategy.

What is the difference between a solicitor and an attorney in NYC?

In the United States, the terms attorney and lawyer are commonly used interchangeably. In NYC, a licensed attorney provides legal services and representation.

Do I need medical records to support my claim?

Yes. Detailed medical records, bills, and expert opinions strengthen your case and support damages for treatment and recovery.

Is there a difference between filing in a NYC Civil Court vs Supreme Court?

Yes. Depending on the amount in controversy and the nature of the claim, cases may be filed in different courts within New York County and across NYC. A local PI solicitor can advise on the appropriate forum.

5. Additional Resources

  1. New York State Unified Court System - Official government information on personal injury cases, statutes of limitations, and court procedures. https://nycourts.gov
  2. New York Department of Financial Services - Oversees No-Fault automobile insurance, medical fee schedules, and claim processing guidelines. https://www.dfs.ny.gov
  3. New York State Senate - Vehicle and Traffic Law - Official access to VTL provisions governing auto accident claims and liability standards. https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VTL

6. Next Steps

  1. Identify potential claims - List all possible injuries, dates, locations, and parties involved within 2 days of the incident.
  2. Collect evidence - Gather photos, police and medical records, bills, insurance policies, and witness contact information within 2 weeks.
  3. Consult a NYC personal injury solicitor - Schedule a consultation with a qualified attorney who focuses on NYC cases to evaluate liability and damages within 1-3 weeks.
  4. Evaluate statute of limitations - Have your attorney confirm the filing deadline for your specific scenario and explore tolling options if applicable.
  5. Determine coverage and claims strategy - Decide whether to pursue No-Fault benefits, a liability claim, or a combination, with your legal counsel.
  6. File as needed - Your attorney will file the complaint within the applicable deadline and manage service of process and discovery.
  7. Engage in settlement or trial preparation - Work with your attorney to compile expert opinions, demand letters, and evidence to maximize recovery; consider mediation as an option before trial.
Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in New York City through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Personal Injury, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in New York City, United States - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.