Single-Vehicle Accidents in New York City
When You’re the Only Car Involved – But Not the Only One to Blame
Not every car accident involves multiple vehicles. In fact, more than half of all traffic collisions in New York are single-vehicle crashes. These incidents can lead to devastating injuries, significant property damage, and overwhelming financial stress.
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our New York City single-vehicle accident lawyers know that fault is rarely as simple as it seems. Poorly maintained streets, defective car parts, or another driver’s reckless maneuver often play a role. We uncover the truth and fight for the full compensation injured New Yorkers deserve.
What Is a Single-Vehicle Accident?
A single-vehicle accident occurs when one car collides with an object, person, or obstacle, or crashes while attempting to avoid another hazard. Examples include:
- Hitting a guardrail, light pole, or barrier
- Swerving to avoid another driver or pedestrian
- Losing control on pothole-filled or icy streets
- Striking construction equipment or flying debris
- Rolling over after hydroplaning on a slick road
Even if your vehicle was the only one damaged, you may not be the only one at fault.
Top Causes of Single-Vehicle Accidents in NYC
The city’s congested roads, constant construction, and harsh winters create dangerous conditions. Common causes include:
- Potholes, uneven pavement & missing signage
- Construction debris or unsecured loads from trucks
- Poor lighting or inadequate drainage
- Defective brakes, tires, or steering systems
- Distracted, fatigued, or impaired driving
- “Phantom” or hit-and-run drivers who force you off the road
- Sudden obstacles like cyclists, pedestrians, or animals
Our legal team investigates each crash using accident reconstruction experts, roadway engineers, and surveillance footage to pinpoint every liable party.
When You May Be at Fault – and When You’re Not
Possible Driver Liability
Drivers may share responsibility when they:
- Speed or drive too fast for the weather conditions
- Operate a vehicle while distracted or impaired
- Fail to maintain brakes, tires, or lights
Even so, don’t assume you’re at fault until an attorney reviews your case; third-party negligence often shifts liability.
Passenger Rights in Single-Vehicle Crashes
Passengers often suffer the most serious injuries. Whether you were in a friend’s car, a family vehicle, or a rideshare, you can pursue compensation through the driver’s insurance-you’re not suing them personally.
When third-party negligence is involved, we also file claims against vehicle manufacturers, municipalities, and other drivers to ensure every avenue of recovery is explored.
Common Injuries from Single-Vehicle Accidents
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) & concussions
- Spinal-cord damage or paralysis
- Broken or crushed bones
- Internal bleeding or organ injuries
- Burns, scarring, or amputations
- Severe neck & back trauma (whiplash)
- Post-traumatic stress & emotional distress
Even mild symptoms can hide severe internal injuries-always seek medical attention immediately.
Compensation for Your Losses
Under New York’s No-Fault Insurance Law, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers:
- Up to $50,000 in medical & rehab expenses
- 80% of lost wages (capped at $2,000/month for 3 years)
- Up to $25/day for out-of-pocket costs
- $2,000 death benefit for surviving families
If your injuries exceed these limits, you can step outside the no-fault system to recover:
- Full medical costs & future care
- Lost income & reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering & emotional trauma
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Wrongful-death damages for families
Our NYC single-vehicle accident attorneys negotiate aggressively with insurers and, if needed, take your case to court.
What to Do After a One-Car Crash in New York City
- Call 911 and ensure the police file an official report.
- Take photos of the roadway, damage, and weather conditions.
- Seek immediate medical care-even minor pain can signal serious injury.
- Avoid admitting fault or giving recorded statements to insurers.
- Contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP before signing any insurance paperwork.
Our investigators preserve skid-mark evidence, obtain traffic camera footage, and handle all insurance communications on your behalf.
Serving All Five Boroughs & Beyond
From the Bronx’s pothole-ridden streets to Queens construction zones and Brooklyn’s congested intersections, single-vehicle accidents can happen anywhere in New York City.
We proudly serve clients throughout:
- Manhattan
- Brooklyn
- Queens
- The Bronx
- Staten Island
and across Long Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
- Local Harlem office + seven NY locations for convenience
- No Fee Unless We Win – Our Fee Guarantee
- Bilingual legal services
- Hundreds of 5-Star Client Reviews & Testimonials
- Recognized by Best Lawyers & Super Lawyers
- We handle the insurance companies so you can focus on healing
At Greenstein & Pittari, we specialize exclusively in personal injury law, bringing decades of courtroom and negotiation experience to every case.
Don’t Be a Victim Twice
If you’ve been injured in a single-vehicle or one-car crash anywhere in New York City, you may not be at fault, and you don’t have to face insurance companies alone.
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462)
You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Greenstein & Pittari, LLP – Fighting for Injured New Yorkers, One Case at a Time.