New York City Sideswipe Accident Lawyer
A sideswipe accident can happen in seconds – a distracted driver, an unsafe lane change, or a careless merge on a crowded Manhattan avenue or Brooklyn expressway. But the aftermath can last a lifetime. Victims often face serious injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and emotional trauma – all while dealing with insurance companies eager to minimize payouts.
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our New York City car accident attorneys fight for those injured in sideswipe collisions across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Long Island. We combine decades of legal experience, compassionate representation, and proven results to help victims recover the maximum compensation they deserve.
Understanding Sideswipe Accidents in New York City
A sideswipe accident occurs when two vehicles traveling parallel to each other – often in neighboring lanes – collide along their sides. Even a minor impact on the FDR Drive, Cross Bronx Expressway, or Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) can trigger chain-reaction crashes, rollovers, or secondary collisions.
These accidents are common on New York City’s congested roads, where constant lane changes, aggressive driving, and distracted motorists create dangerous conditions.
Top Causes of Sideswipe Accidents in NYC
In most cases, sideswipe crashes are caused by driver negligence or reckless behavior. Frequent causes include:
- Unsafe lane changes – Failing to check blind spots before merging or switching lanes
- Distracted driving – Texting, phone use, or adjusting GPS devices
- Drowsy driving – Fatigue leading to drifting across lane lines
- Driving under the influence – Alcohol and drugs impair reaction times and control
- Aggressive or speeding drivers – Weaving through traffic or failing to yield
- Improper merging – Entering highways like the LIE or Belt Parkway without yielding
- Vehicle defects – Malfunctioning steering or brakes causing lane drift
- Hazardous road conditions – Potholes, ice, or debris forcing sudden swerves
Under New York Vehicle & Traffic Law §1128(a), drivers must stay within a single lane and ensure it’s safe before moving. Violating this rule is negligence per se, meaning the driver is presumed at fault if their lane change caused the crash.
Sideswipe Collisions Involving Trucks and Commercial Vehicles
Sideswipe crashes involving tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, or MTA buses can be catastrophic. These large vehicles have extensive blind spots and require additional caution when changing lanes or merging.
Common causes include:
- Failing to check mirrors or blind spots
- Drowsy or distracted operation in violation of federal trucking regulations
- Overcorrecting or losing control in heavy traffic
Our NYC truck accident lawyers handle commercial vehicle claims involving negligent drivers, employers, and logistics companies – pursuing every liable party for your injuries and losses.
Common Sideswipe Accident Injuries
Even low-speed sideswipe collisions can cause serious and lasting injuries. Victims may suffer:
- Fractured or broken bones
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
- Internal organ trauma and bleeding
- Lacerations, burns, and disfigurement
- Emotional distress and PTSD
- Fatal injuries in high-impact collisions
Prompt medical attention is essential for both your health and the success of your legal claim.
Who Is Liable in a NYC Sideswipe Accident?
Determining fault after a sideswipe accident in New York City often requires a detailed investigation. Evidence that can help establish liability includes:
- NYPD or accident reports
- Eyewitness and bystander statements
- Dashcam or traffic camera footage
- Vehicle damage and skid mark analysis
- Cell phone data showing distraction
- Road, traffic, or weather conditions
New York’s pure comparative negligence rule allows injured victims to recover compensation even if they share some responsibility. Our attorneys gather the evidence needed to prove the other driver’s negligence and protect your right to full recovery.
New York’s No-Fault Insurance & Serious Injury Threshold
New York is a no-fault insurance state, meaning your own insurer initially covers your medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault. However, you can file a personal injury lawsuit if your injuries meet the state’s “serious injury” threshold – such as:
- Bone fractures
- Significant disfigurement
- Permanent disability or loss of function
- Substantial limitation of a body system or organ
At Greenstein & Pittari, we evaluate your case to determine whether you qualify to pursue pain and suffering and long-term damages beyond no-fault benefits.
Damages Recoverable in a Sideswipe Accident Case
Victims of sideswipe collisions in NYC may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
Our team has secured significant settlements and verdicts for car accident victims throughout New York City.
Steps to Take After a Sideswipe Crash in NYC
To protect your health and your legal rights:
- Call 911 and wait for the NYPD to document the scene.
- Seek medical attention immediately – even minor symptoms matter.
- Exchange information with all involved drivers.
- Take photos of vehicles, skid marks, and traffic signs.
- Collect witness statements and contact details.
- Avoid discussing fault or posting about the crash online.
- Contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP before speaking with insurance adjusters.
We handle every step of your claim – from investigation and evidence collection to settlement or trial.
Fatal and Wrongful Death Sideswipe Accidents in New York City
Sideswipe collisions on major NYC highways like the BQE, Cross Bronx Expressway, and FDR Drive often result in fatal injuries. If you’ve lost a loved one due to another driver’s negligence, our attorneys can help your family file a wrongful death claim for funeral costs, lost support, and emotional suffering.
Filing Deadlines for NYC Car Accident Claims
- Personal injury: 3 years from the accident date
- Wrongful death: 2 years from the date of death
- Municipal vehicle accidents: 90-day Notice of Claim requirement
Delays can weaken your case, as vital evidence may disappear. Please contact our firm right away to protect your rights and preserve evidence.
Serving All Five Boroughs and Long Island
Our firm proudly represents clients throughout:
Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk Counties).
Whether your accident happened on Queens Boulevard, the FDR Drive, the Long Island Expressway (LIE), or Hylan Boulevard, our NYC car accident lawyers know the traffic patterns, insurance procedures, and local courts that affect your case.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
- Decades of experience handling complex car and truck accident cases
- Proven record of success in NYC settlements and trial verdicts
- Compassionate, personalized representation for every client
- Bilingual services (English & Spanish)
- No Fee Unless We Win – Our Fee Guarantee
We’re dedicated to protecting your rights, maximizing your recovery, and ensuring you’re never “a victim twice.”
Our Firm’s Commitment to New Yorkers
- Local offices in Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
- Recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers
- Hundreds of positive client testimonials
- Accessible, responsive, and experienced attorneys
Firm Motto: Don’t Be a Victim Twice
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we handle the insurance companies – so you can focus on healing.
Contact a New York City Sideswipe Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a sideswipe collision anywhere in New York City, let our attorneys fight for you. We’ll investigate your crash, handle the insurance process, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462)
Free Consultation | No Fee Unless We Win
Serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island & Long Island