Accidents happen. Lowball settlements shouldn't. Before you accept the insurance company's number, get a free 5-minute read from a New York lawyer's office. If the offer's fair, we'll tell you. If it's not, you'll know what to do.
The insurance company's adjuster is friendly, fast, and very good at their job. Their job is closing your file for as little as possible.
Quick money feels great — and it usually arrives before you know what your injuries will really cost. Whiplash, back injuries, and concussions often get worse after week one.
Sign it and your case is closed for good — even if you need surgery later. There's no "actually, it got worse" button. That's why you check the number first.
The consultation costs nothing, and accident lawyers only get paid a percentage if you recover. The insurance company has professionals on their side. You can too, for $0 up front.
Real scenarios from real NYC drivers and riders. If one of these is you, the next move is a free call.
No idea what happens next? Normal. No-fault paperwork has a 30-day clock — start there, and don't give recorded statements first.
Maybe fair. Maybe 10% of fair. You can't know without an outside read — and the read is free.
In New York, insurance generally follows the car, not the driver. Had permission? You're usually covered.
Rideshare trips carry big commercial policies. Which one applies depends on the app status at the moment of the crash.
Hit while working a delivery app? Between no-fault quirks and app insurance, riders leave money on the table constantly.
Driver took off? You may still recover through uninsured-motorist coverage. Report it fast.
Passengers almost always have a claim — and it doesn't have to wreck your friendship to use it.
You probably didn't blow it. But stop giving statements and get a read on where you stand — today.
New York deadlines don't wait for you to feel ready:
To apply for no-fault benefits — the coverage that pays your medical bills and lost wages after most NY car accidents.
To file a Notice of Claim if a City vehicle or City property was involved.
The general limit for most New York injury lawsuits. Some cases get much less.
Accidents Happen NYC is run by the Law Office of James Medows, a second-generation New York law office. No games, here's the deal:
Tell us what happened and what they offered (if anything). Five minutes, plain English.
Fair offer? We'll say so. Lowball? You'll know what your case actually involves and what deadlines matter.
Our office handles it, or — only with your written OK — teams with experienced injury trial counsel. Your total fee never increases because lawyers share the work. That's New York law.
Get it checked first. First offers are usually built to close your file cheap, before the full cost of your injuries is known. Once you sign a release, the case is closed forever — even if you get worse. The check is free.
Not always — and an honest lawyer will tell you when you don't. But the consult is free and takes minutes. The insurance company already has professionals; you're allowed to have them too.
Nothing up front. Free consultation, contingency fee — the lawyer gets a percentage only if you recover. No win, no legal fee.
In New York, coverage generally follows the car, so the owner's policy is usually primary. Drove with permission? You're typically covered. Get the details checked free before you panic.
No-fault benefits: generally 30 days. Claims against the City: usually 90 days for the Notice of Claim. Most lawsuits: 3 years. The 30-day one is the trap — don't sleep on it.
Probably not — but stop giving statements now. If you haven't signed a release, your case is usually still alive. Find out where you stand before their next call.
Hate phone calls? Same. Drop the basics and we'll text you back first.