Common Injuries from Car Accidents in New York City
Greenstein & Pittari, LLP – New York City Car Accident Lawyers
Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of serious injury and emergency room visits for New Yorkers. Every year, car accidents in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island send tens of thousands of people to NYC hospitals and emergency departments.
If you’ve been hurt in a New York City car accident, you may now be dealing with pain, missed work, mounting medical bills, and anxiety about your future. At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our NYC car accident lawyers understand both the medical and legal aspects of car crash injuries – and how insurance companies try to downplay them.
On this page, you’ll learn:
- The most common injuries from car accidents in New York City
- How “hidden” or delayed injuries can affect your health and your case
- How New York’s no-fault and “serious injury” laws work
- What to do after a crash in NYC to protect your rights
- How our New York City car accident attorneys can help you pursue full compensation
Why Car Accident Injuries in New York City Are So Serious
New York City’s streets present unique hazards that increase the risk of serious injuries, especially in busy areas like Midtown Manhattan, Downtown Brooklyn, Jamaica, the South Bronx, and St. George in Staten Island.
NYC Roadway Conditions That Increase Injury Risk
- Dense, aggressive traffic on city streets and highways (BQE, FDR, LIE, Belt Parkway, Cross Bronx, West Side Highway)
- Narrow streets and double-parked vehicles blocking lanes
- Bike lanes and heavy cyclist and e-bike traffic
- High volumes of pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections
- Buses, trucks, rideshares, taxis, and delivery vehicles constantly stop and start
Common Causes of NYC Car Accidents
- Distracted driving (phones, texting, GPS, eating, talking)
- Speeding and aggressive driving in congested traffic
- Drunk or drug-impaired driving (DWI/DUI)
- Failure to yield at crosswalks and intersections
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Poorly maintained roads, potholes, or unclear signage
In many New York City car crashes, more than one party may share responsibility – including other drivers, employers, vehicle owners, rideshare or delivery companies, and sometimes city agencies or public authorities.
Even at “low speeds,” the human body absorbs tremendous force. A collision that appears to be a minor fender bender can still cause serious, long-lasting car accident injuries.
Why Your Injuries – and Your Medical Care – Matter Under New York Law
New York’s no-fault insurance system makes your medical treatment and documentation critically crucial to any NYC car accident claim.
After a crash in New York City, prompt medical care:
- Protects your health – Many serious injuries (like internal bleeding, spinal injuries, or brain trauma) are not apparent right away.
- Creates a record of your injuries – This documentation may be essential to proving that you suffered a “serious injury” and are entitled to compensation beyond basic no-fault (PIP) benefits.
Even if you think you’re “okay,” being checked by a doctor in NYC – at an ER, urgent care, or with your own physician – protects both your health and your legal rights.
Common Car Accident Injuries in New York City
Every crash is different. Two people in the same Uber, taxi, or family vehicle can suffer very different injuries. Below are some of the most common NYC car accident injuries we see in our New York City personal injury practice.
1. Brain & Head Injuries (Concussions and TBIs)
Head and brain injuries are among the most serious consequences of a car crash in New York City. Your head may strike the steering wheel, dashboard, side window, or pavement. Even without a direct blow or visible bleeding, the brain can be injured by the sudden back-and-forth movement inside the skull.
Common brain and head injuries include:
- Concussions (mild traumatic brain injuries)
- Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Skull fractures
- Brain swelling or bleeding
- Post-concussion syndrome
- Cognitive problems with memory, focus, balance, or coordination
Warning signs may develop over hours or days:
- Persistent or worsening headaches
- Confusion, memory problems, or “brain fog.”
- Changes in mood or personality
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Dizziness, nausea, or sleep disturbances
Even “mild” TBIs can disrupt work, school, relationships, and everyday life. These injuries are common after rear-end collisions, side-impact crashes, pedestrian accidents, and truck crashes in New York City.
2. Neck, Shoulder & Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries seen in rear-end collisions in NYC, especially in stop-and-go traffic on city avenues and major roadways.
Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly snapped backward and forward, stretching and tearing muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues in the neck and upper back.
Symptoms may include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
- Headaches (often starting at the base of the skull)
- Pain spreading into the shoulders, upper back, or arms
- Tingling, numbness, fatigue, or dizziness
Some whiplash injuries heal in weeks. Others cause chronic neck pain, sleep problems, and long-term limitations. More serious neck injuries can involve herniated discs, vertebral fractures, or nerve impingement, which may require injections or surgery.
3. Back & Spinal Cord Injuries
The spine absorbs tremendous force in a New York City car crash, whether the collision happens on the FDR Drive, the BQE, or a neighborhood street in Harlem, Astoria, or Bay Ridge.
Common back and spinal injuries include:
- Strains and sprains (muscles, tendons, ligaments)
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Spinal fractures (broken vertebrae)
- Nerve compression or pinched nerves causing radiating pain, numbness, or weakness
- Spinal cord injuries leading to partial or total paralysis
Spinal injuries can drastically affect your ability to stand, walk, sit, lift, or work. Many NYC crash victims face:
- Long-term pain management
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Surgical procedures (such as discectomies or spinal fusions)
- Permanent disability that affects their career and family life
4. Broken Bones & Joint Injuries
Car crashes often cause fractures and joint damage, especially when victims brace for impact or are thrown inside the vehicle.
Commonly fractured bones in NYC car accidents include:
- Arms, wrists, and hands
- Legs, ankles, and feet
- Ribs and sternum
- Collarbone and pelvis
- Facial bones (nose, jaw, and orbital bones)
Joint injuries – such as torn ligaments in the shoulder, knee, wrist, or hip – are also common and can seriously limit mobility and strength.
Even a “simple” fracture can lead to:
- Surgery and hardware (plates, screws, rods)
- Months of physical therapy
- Chronic pain, stiffness, or early-onset arthritis
These long-term consequences are vital when calculating the value of a New York City car accident settlement.
5. Soft Tissue Injuries, Bruising & Seat Belt Injuries
Soft tissue injuries affect muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, and other connective tissues. They are extremely common in NYC car accidents, including collisions with taxis, rideshares, buses, and delivery trucks.
Examples include:
- Sprains and strains
- Deep bruising and hematomas
- Seat-belt abrasions and bruising across the chest, shoulder, or abdomen
Seat belts and airbags save lives, but they can leave you with painful bruises and soft tissue damage. Bruising around the abdomen or chest can be a warning sign of internal injuries and should always be checked by a doctor.
Soft tissue injuries often do not appear on X-rays or CT scans, but they can cause intense pain and make it difficult to work or handle daily responsibilities.
6. Internal Injuries & Internal Bleeding
Some of the most serious injuries in New York car accidents are invisible at the scene.
Internal injuries include:
- Damage to organs such as the spleen, liver, kidneys, or intestines
- Internal bleeding
- Rib fractures that puncture or collapse a lung
- Heart and lung injuries
- Abdominal trauma and hernias
Warning signs may include:
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Pain in the shoulder (especially the left shoulder)
- Dizziness, fainting, or weakness
- Unusual bruising on the abdomen or chest
- Difficulty breathing
Internal injuries require immediate emergency care, and quick documentation can be crucial in a New York City personal injury lawsuit.
7. Facial Injuries & Disfigurement
The face is especially vulnerable in a crash – whether from airbags, broken glass, dashboards, steering wheels, or the roadway itself.
Facial injuries may include:
- Deep cuts and lacerations (often requiring stitches or plastic surgery)
- Fractures of the nose, jaw, cheekbones, or orbital bones
- Eye injuries affecting vision
- Dental trauma and tooth loss
- Burns from hot fluids, steam, chemicals, or fire
Facial injuries can affect vision, breathing, speech, chewing, and appearance. Scarring and disfigurement often have severe emotional and psychological effects, all of which are compensable in a New York City car accident claim.
8. Hand, Wrist, Leg & Foot Injuries
Hands, wrists, legs, and feet are frequently injured in NYC car crashes, especially in front-end collisions and side-impact accidents.
Examples include:
- Wrist and hand fractures or ligament tears from bracing on the steering wheel
- Knee injuries from striking the dashboard (including ACL/MCL tears, meniscus injuries, and fractures)
- Foot and ankle fractures or crush injuries when pedals or floorboards are damaged
These injuries can make it difficult or impossible to perform jobs that involve standing, walking, lifting, driving, or fine motor tasks – standard requirements for many New York City workers.
9. Burns, Scarring & Traumatic Amputations
In severe collisions, especially those involving trucks, buses, or high-speed impacts, victims may suffer:
- Burns from fires, explosions, or hot engine parts
- Chemical burns from leaking vehicle fluids
- Traumatic amputations when limbs are crushed or severed
Burn injuries can range from superficial to deep and often require:
- Multiple surgeries
- Skin grafts
- Intensive wound care
- Long-term pain management
Amputation injuries typically involve:
- Long hospital stays
- Prosthetic limbs and assistive devices
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Extensive physical and occupational therapy
- Significant emotional trauma
These injuries usually carry very high lifetime costs and must be carefully documented in an NYC car accident lawsuit.
10. Nerve Damage
Nerves can be stretched, compressed, or severed in a collision or due to fractures and herniated discs.
Nerve damage may cause:
- Burning or shooting pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Weakness or loss of coordination
- Loss of sensation
- Long-term or permanent disability
Nerve injuries can drastically affect your ability to work, especially in physically demanding or precise occupations common in New York City.
11. Psychological & Emotional Trauma
Car accidents don’t just injure the body – they can profoundly affect mental health. Many NYC crash victims experience:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Depression and mood changes
- Insomnia, nightmares, and sleep disturbances
- Flashbacks or intrusive thoughts
- Fear of driving, riding in vehicles, or crossing streets
Emotional injuries can be just as disabling as physical ones and are fully compensable under New York law. Treatment may include therapy, counseling, and medication. The way these injuries affect your daily life should be thoroughly documented as part of your New York City car accident claim.
Delayed Pain & “Hidden” Injuries After an NYC Crash
It’s very common to feel “okay” or only mildly sore immediately after a collision in New York City. Adrenaline, shock, and confusion can mask pain and symptoms.
In the hours, days, or even weeks after your NYC car accident, you may notice:
- Increasing neck or back pain
- Headaches or dizziness
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Emotional changes, irritability, or trouble sleeping
These delayed symptoms can signal severe conditions like internal bleeding, nerve damage, or brain injury.
Always seek medical attention after a New York City car accident, even if you think it’s “just soreness.” This protects your health and strengthens your case.
Your Legal Rights After a Car Accident in New York City
New York’s No-Fault Insurance (PIP)
New York is a no-fault state. After an NYC car crash, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage usually pays for:
- Reasonable and necessary medical bills
- A portion of your lost wages
- Certain out-of-pocket expenses
This applies regardless of who caused the crash, up to your PIP policy limits.
However, PIP does not pay for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Long-term disability or disfigurement
To recover those non-economic damages, you must meet New York’s “serious injury” standard.
The “Serious Injury” Threshold in New York
Under New York Insurance Law § 5102(d), you can step outside the no-fault system and bring a claim against the at-fault driver if you suffered a “serious injury.”
Examples include:
- Fractures (broken bones)
- Dismemberment (amputation)
- Significant disfigurement (such as prominent facial scarring)
- Loss of a fetus
- Permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function, or system
- Permanent consequential limitation of a body organ or member
- Significant limitation of a body function or system
- A medically determined non-permanent injury that prevents you from performing all of your usual daily activities substantially for at least 90 of the 180 days immediately after the accident
Many spinal, head, internal, and severe fracture injuries meet this threshold. An experienced NYC car accident lawyer can evaluate this for you.
Statute of Limitations & Special Deadlines in NYC
In most New York car accident cases, you generally have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit.
However, there are important exceptions:
- Claims against the City of New York, NYPD, MTA, or other public entities often require a Notice of Claim within 90 days and a lawsuit within 1 year and 90 days.
- Wrongful death claims and some other actions have shorter deadlines.
Missing a deadline can end an otherwise strong NYC car accident case. It’s critical to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Pure Comparative Negligence – What if You Were Partly at Fault?
New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partly responsible for the crash – your percentage of fault reduces your compensation.
For example:
- Your total damages: $500,000
- You are found 20% at fault
- The other driver is 80% at fault
You could still recover $400,000 (80% of $500,000).
Because a few percentage points can make a big difference, a thorough investigation and strong advocacy from a New York City car accident attorney are essential.
What To Do After a Car Accident in New York City
Your actions after a crash can make or break your case. If you’re able, take these steps after a car accident in NYC:
- Call 911 and get emergency help.
- Seek medical care immediately, even if you don’t feel much pain.
- Call the police and make sure a report is filed (especially important in NYC).
- Document the scene – take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, road and weather conditions, and visible injuries.
- Get witness information – names, phone numbers, and emails of anyone who saw the crash.
- Exchange information with all drivers (names, license numbers, insurance, license plates).
- Do not admit fault or speculate about what happened; stick to basic facts.
- Avoid detailed statements to insurance adjusters before speaking with a lawyer.
- Contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP as soon as possible so we can preserve evidence, protect your rights, and deal with the insurance companies while you focus on healing.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Serious NYC Crash?
If your injuries meet the serious injury threshold and you bring a New York City car accident lawsuit, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Hospitalizations and surgeries
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Medications and medical equipment
- In-home nursing care or home modifications
- Lost wages and benefits
- Reduced earning capacity in the future
- Property damage (vehicle and personal items)
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of independence
- Impact on relationships (loss of consortium)
Wrongful Death Damages
If a loved one was killed in a New York car accident, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of parental guidance, care, and companionship
- Other damages allowed under New York law
How Greenstein & Pittari, LLP Helps Car Accident Injury Victims in NYC
When a crash has disrupted your body, career, and future, you deserve a New York City car accident lawyer who understands both the medicine and the law.
Our NYC car accident team can:
- Investigate the crash and obtain police reports, 911 recordings, and traffic camera footage
- Identify all responsible parties, including commercial drivers, employers, and public entities
- Secure witness statements and expert testimony
- Obtain and analyze your medical records, imaging, and treatment plans
- Work with medical specialists, accident reconstructionists, economists, and life-care planners
- Calculate the full value of your claim, including future medical care and lost earning capacity
- Handle all communication and negotiation with insurance companies and defense lawyers
- Take your case to trial in New York courts if the insurer refuses to pay fairly
We represent injured people across all five NYC boroughs, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.
No fee unless we win.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP as Your NYC Car Accident Lawyers
You only get one chance to handle your car accident case the right way. The decisions you make in the days and weeks after your crash can affect your health, finances, and future for years.
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, you get:
- Local, convenient offices in Harlem, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
- Our Fee Guarantee: No fee unless we win your case
- Bilingual services to better serve New York City’s diverse communities
- Hundreds of positive client reviews and testimonials
- Top-rated, award-winning lawyers, including recognition from respected publications
- A law firm that handles the insurance companies so you can focus on healing
- A team that treats you like a person, not a file
We focus exclusively on personal injury law in New York and have a proven track record of results, responsiveness, and relentless advocacy.
Our motto is simple: “Don’t Be a Victim Twice.”
FAQ: Common Injuries from Car Accidents in New York City
1. What are the most common injuries after a car accident in NYC?
Common NYC car accident injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck sprains
- Back injuries and herniated discs
- Concussions and other TBIs
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal injuries and internal bleeding
- Chest and abdominal trauma
- Facial injuries and scarring
- Soft-tissue injuries (sprains, strains, bruising)
- Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Burn injuries and, in severe cases, amputations or crush injuries
Any of these can be serious and may qualify as a “serious injury” under New York law, depending on their severity and impact on your life.
2. I felt fine at the scene of my NYC accident, but I’m in pain now. Do I still have a case?
Yes. Delayed pain is widespread. Adrenaline and shock can mask symptoms for hours or days. If you develop pain, headaches, dizziness, or other symptoms after a crash:
- See a doctor immediately, and
- Tell them about the accident and when your symptoms started.
As long as your injuries can be medically linked to the crash, you may still have a strong New York City car accident case.
3. Who pays my medical bills after a car accident in New York City?
In most cases, your own PIP (no-fault) coverage pays your initial medical bills and a portion of your lost wages, regardless of fault.
If your injuries meet the serious injury threshold or your losses exceed PIP limits, you may also bring a claim against the at-fault driver for additional medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages.
The striking vehicle’s no-fault policy often covers pedestrians and cyclists, but these cases can be complex and benefit from the representation of an NYC car accident attorney.
4. What is considered a “serious injury” under New York law?
Under Insurance Law § 5102(d), examples of serious injuries include:
- A fracture
- Significant disfigurement (such as major scarring)
- Dismemberment (amputation)
- Permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function, or system
- Permanent consequential limitation of a body organ or member
- Significant limitation of the use of a body function or system
- Certain non-permanent injuries that keep you from doing most of your usual daily activities for at least 90 of the 180 days following the accident
An experienced New York City car accident lawyer can review your medical records and advise whether you likely meet this threshold.
5. What if I had a pre-existing condition before the NYC car crash?
You can still have a strong case. New York law does not allow an at-fault driver to escape responsibility just because you were more vulnerable to injury.
Key questions include:
- Did the crash worsen your condition?
- Did it cause new symptoms or limitations beyond your prior baseline?
Comparing your medical records before and after the accident, along with expert opinions, helps show how the crash changed your health.
6. What if I wasn’t wearing a seat belt in New York?
Not wearing a seat belt can worsen your injuries and may affect how much you can recover, but it does not automatically bar your claim.
Under pure comparative negligence, your damages may be reduced if the defense proves that your failure to wear a seat belt contributed to the severity of your injuries. However, you may still recover a significant portion of your damages if another driver’s negligence caused the crash.
7. How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in New York City?
Generally, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York.
However:
- Claims involving public entities like the City of New York, MTA, or NYPD often require a Notice of Claim within 90 days and have shorter overall deadlines.
- Wrongful death cases and specific other claims may have different time limits.
Because missing a deadline can end your case entirely, it’s essential to speak with a New York City car accident attorney as soon as possible.
8. How much is my NYC car accident case worth?
There is no fixed “average” settlement. The value of your New York City car accident claim depends on factors such as:
- The severity and permanence of your injuries
- Your medical bills (past and projected future care)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- The level of pain, suffering, and disability
- How your injuries affect your daily life and relationships
- The amount of available insurance coverage
- Any shared fault (comparative negligence)
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we work with experts to carefully document both the economic and human impact of your injuries.
9. Do I really need an NYC car accident lawyer, or can I handle the insurance company myself?
You can try to handle it on your own, but insurance companies are trained to:
- Minimize your injuries
- Blame pre-existing conditions
- Argue your treatment was “unnecessary” or “excessive.”
- Push lowball settlements before you know the full extent of your injuries
An experienced New York City car accident lawyer can:
- Protect you from damaging statements
- Gather evidence and expert support
- Evaluate whether you meet the serious injury threshold
- Negotiate aggressively and, if necessary, take your case to trial
In severe injury cases, hiring a lawyer usually results in higher net recoveries, even after legal fees.
10. How much does it cost to hire Greenstein & Pittari, LLP?
We represent NYC car accident victims on a contingency fee basis:
- No upfront costs
- No hourly fees
- No fee whatsoever unless we recover money for you
Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict, clearly explained in advance and paid from the recovery – not out of your pocket while your case is pending.
Talk to a New York City Car Accident Injury Lawyer Today
You didn’t choose to be injured in a New York City car crash – and you shouldn’t have to face medical bills, lost income, and an uncertain future alone.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island, we are ready to help.
Greenstein & Pittari, LLP – New York City Car Accident Attorneys
- Free, no-obligation consultation
- No fee unless we win
- Seven convenient offices in Harlem, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
You can call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward the compensation and justice you deserve.
Reach out today – let us focus on your case so you can focus on healing.