New York City Failure to Yield Accident Lawyer
Aggressive Legal Representation for Right-of-Way Crash Victims in NYC
Every day, New York City’s streets bustle with cars, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians. Unfortunately, failure-to-yield accidents are among the leading causes of serious injuries across the five boroughs. Whether it happens at an intersection, crosswalk, or merge lane, one driver’s failure to yield the right of way can change your life forever.
If you or a loved one were injured in a failure-to-yield crash in New York City, the attorneys at Greenstein & Pittari, LLP are ready to help. Our firm has decades of combined experience fighting for accident victims in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. We know how to prove negligence, confront insurance companies, and recover full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Understanding Failure-to-Yield Accidents in NYC
A failure-to-yield accident occurs when a driver disregards New York’s right-of-way laws and collides with another motorist, cyclist, or pedestrian. Under the New York Vehicle & Traffic Law (VTL), drivers must yield in numerous situations designed to prevent collisions, including:
- Turning left across oncoming traffic (VTL §1141)
- Approaching a stop or yield sign (VTL §1142)
- Entering traffic from a driveway, alley, or side street (VTL §1143)
- Failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks (VTL §1151)
- Merging into traffic or a roundabout (VTL §1140, §1145)
- Ignoring emergency vehicles (VTL §1144)
Violating these right-of-way rules isn’t just a traffic ticket – it’s negligence under New York law.
Common Causes of Failure-to-Yield Collisions in NYC
Most right-of-way crashes in New York stem from driver negligence, such as:
- Distracted driving (texting, GPS, or phone use)
- Speeding or running red lights
- Aggressive or impatient driving
- Drunk or drug-impaired driving
- Drowsy driving
- Confusion or inexperience at intersections
- Poor visibility from rain, snow, or glare
Even one careless moment can lead to catastrophic injuries.
Typical Right-of-Way Accident Scenarios
Our firm has successfully handled nearly every type of failure-to-yield crash, including:
- Intersection and T-bone accidents
- Rear-end and head-on collisions
- Pedestrian knockdowns and bicycle crashes
- Motorcycle and moped impacts
- Taxi, Uber, Lyft, and delivery truck accidents
- Multi-vehicle pileups
These incidents frequently occur at busy intersections, school zones, and turning lanes throughout NYC.
Common Injuries in Failure-to-Yield Crashes
Because these collisions often occur at high speeds or side angles, victims may suffer severe or even fatal injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Fractures and broken bones
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Whiplash and back injuries
- Burns, crush injuries, or amputations
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
- Wrongful death
At Greenstein & Pittari, we work with top medical and economic experts to fully document the impact of your injuries and pursue every dollar you’re entitled to.
Liability and Negligence in New York City Failure-to-Yield Cases
Violating VTL §§1140–1151 often constitutes negligence per se, meaning the at-fault driver is presumed negligent for breaking a safety law.
Even if you were partially at fault, New York’s pure comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages, reduced only by your share of responsibility. Our attorneys are skilled at minimizing those percentages and maximizing your recovery.
Compensation Available for NYC Accident Victims
You may be entitled to recover:
Economic Damages
- Medical and hospital expenses
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Wrongful Death Damages
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of companionship and support
- Future income losses
In extreme cases of recklessness, punitive damages may also be awarded.
Understanding New York’s No-Fault Insurance System
Under New York’s No-Fault Law, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers up to $50,000 in basic benefits, regardless of who caused the crash.
If you suffered a serious injury – such as a fracture, significant disfigurement, or permanent limitation – you may step outside the no-fault system and pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver.
How We Prove Fault and Build Your Case
Our investigative team gathers critical evidence to prove liability, including:
- Police accident reports
- Video and surveillance footage
- Eyewitness statements
- Vehicle damage analysis
- Expert accident reconstruction
- Medical records and testimony
We handle every detail so you can focus on your recovery.
What to Do After a Failure-to-Yield Accident in NYC
- Call 911 for police and medical help.
- Exchange contact and insurance information.
- Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and traffic signals.
- Get medical care immediately – even for minor pain.
- Avoid admitting fault or signing insurance documents.
- Contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP before speaking with adjusters.
Early legal guidance protects your rights and preserves key evidence.
New York Statute of Limitations
- Personal Injury: 3 years from the accident (CPLR §214)
- Municipal Vehicle Accidents: 90-day Notice of Claim
- Wrongful Death: 2 years from the date of death
I think missing these deadlines could bar your claim – please contact our team right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a failure-to-yield accident?
A crash occurs when a driver fails to give another road user the legal right of way.
Can I recover if I was partly at fault?
Yes. Under comparative negligence, you can still recover damages reduced by your share of fault.
What if the driver fled or was uninsured?
You may qualify for recovery under your UM/UIM policy or the MVAIC program.
Would you like me to go to court?
Most claims settle without trial, but our trial lawyers are always prepared to litigate.
How much does it cost to hire Greenstein & Pittari?
We work on a contingency fee-you pay nothing unless we win.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
- Millions recovered for NYC injury victims
- Skilled negotiators and seasoned trial attorneys
- In-depth knowledge of New York City courts and traffic laws
- Personalized attention and compassionate client care
- No fee unless we win – our Fee Guarantee
Additional Advantages
- Local Harlem office and multiple NYC locations
- Bilingual staff available
- Hundreds of five-star client testimonials
- Offices in Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
- Recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers
We handle the insurance companies – you focus on healing. Don’t be a victim twice.
Serving All Five Boroughs and Beyond
We proudly represent clients in:
Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island, and throughout Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties.
Available 24/7 – we can meet at your home, in the hospital, or virtually.
Contact a New York Failure-to-Yield Accident Lawyer Today
If a negligent driver’s failure to yield caused your injuries, you deserve justice. Let Greenstein & Pittari, LLP fight for your future.
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a free consultation.
You pay nothing unless we win.
Greenstein & Pittari, LLP – Justice for New York’s Injured.
Serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island, and the Greater NYC Area.