Look, dealing with a car crash in New York is rough. Here’s when you need to get a lawyer involved, written in plain language but with the legal stuff you need to know:
Your health and money are at stake if you get poorly hurt – we’re talking broken bones, head injuries, that kind of thing. The bills pile up fast, especially if you can’t work. Plus, New York has this whole “no-fault” system where your insurance covers basic stuff through PIP (Personal Injury Protection), but serious injuries let you sue the other driver.
Time matters here. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. And there are strict deadlines – you’ve got 3 years for injury claims and 2 years if someone died. Miss these, and you’re out of luck.
Circumstances requiring legal representation:
You need a lawyer when:
- The other drivers are playing games about who caused it
- Insurance is lowballing you or giving you the runaround
- You’re dealing with Uber/Lyft vehicles or government vehicles
- Someone died (harsh, but it needs to be said)
- Multiple cars were involved, making everything messy.
However, you might handle it yourself if:
- It’s just a fender-bender
- Nobody got hurt
- Insurance is being fair (rare, but it happens)
Here’s the real deal with New York law: You can’t just sue because you want to. You need “serious injuries” by legal standards. But if you’ve got medical bills through the roof, lost wages, or permanent problems from this? Get a lawyer. Today. Not tomorrow. Today.
Remember: Insurance adjusters aren’t your friends. They’re paid to pay you less. A good lawyer levels that playing field.
This notice is general guidance and should not be construed as formal legal advice.
