Common Injuries from Motor Vehicle Accidents
Greenstein & Pittari, LLP. Serving Injured New Yorkers Across All Five Boroughs
A motor vehicle accident in New York City can change your life in an instant. One moment, you are driving on the FDR, crossing Flatbush Avenue, or heading home over the Verrazzano Bridge. The next moment, you are in pain, struggling to get medical care, missing work, and dealing with insurance adjusters who want to save money, not help you recover.
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial stress that follows a severe collision. We know that an injury is not just a medical condition. It is the headache that will not go away, the back pain that keeps you awake at night, the anxiety every time you enter traffic, and the lost wages that put your family under pressure.
Our mission is to listen, guide, advocate, and fight for the full compensation New York law allows. If you were hurt in a car, truck, motorcycle, pedestrian, or bicycle accident anywhere in New York City, this page explains the injuries you may be facing and the legal rights you need to protect.
Call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP at 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a free consultation. You pay no legal fee unless we win.
How Car Accidents Cause Injuries
Even at low speeds, the forces from a New York City collision can injure nearly every part of the body. Most injuries fall into two categories.
Impact Injuries
Impact injuries occur when your body hits a surface inside the vehicle or absorbs sudden force. Examples include:
- Head striking a window, steering wheel, or dashboard
- Chest hitting the steering wheel or being forcefully restrained by a seat belt
- Knees slamming into the dashboard or center console
- Neck and back snapping forward or backward due to sudden acceleration or deceleration
Penetrating Injuries
Penetrating injuries occur when something cuts or pierces the body, such as:
- Broken glass
- Twisted metal
- Loose objects like phones, tools, water bottles, or bags that become projectiles
- Pavement contact if a person is thrown from the vehicle
Both types of injuries can range from minor to catastrophic. Many severe conditions are not immediately apparent. Adrenaline and shock often mask pain, and internal injuries may not cause symptoms until hours or days later.
Always seek medical care after a crash, even if you think you are fine.
The Most Common Injuries After a Motor Vehicle Accident in NYC
These are the injuries we most frequently see among New York City drivers, passengers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and cyclists.
Head, Brain, and Facial Injuries
Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are among the most serious consequences of a collision. They can occur with or without a direct blow to the head. The sudden motion of the skull can cause the brain to collide with its interior walls. Symptoms may include:
- Headaches and dizziness
- Difficulty concentrating or feeling mentally foggy
- Nausea or vomiting
- Light sensitivity and noise sensitivity
- Memory problems
- Mood or behavior changes
Even a mild concussion can disrupt work, relationships, and everyday functioning. More severe TBIs may involve brain bleeding, bruising, swelling, or permanent disability.
Facial Injuries and Disfigurement
These injuries often result from airbag deployment, broken glass, or striking interior surfaces. They may include:
- Fractured facial bones
- Eye injuries and vision loss
- Damaged or lost teeth
- Deep cuts and permanent scarring
Facial injuries can affect self-esteem, employment opportunities, and social interactions. They may qualify as significant disfigurement under New York law.
Neck, Back, and Spinal Injuries
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end collisions. The neck is violently thrown forward and backward, stretching or tearing soft tissues. Symptoms may include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches that begin at the base of the skull
- Reduced range of motion
- Tingling or numbness in the arms
- Dizziness or blurred vision
Whiplash can take weeks or months to heal and sometimes develops into chronic pain.
Herniated Discs and Back Injuries
The spine endures tremendous force in a crash. Common injuries include:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Muscle and ligament strains
- Facet joint injuries
- Compression fractures
Symptoms may include:
- Sharp or radiating pain in the neck, back, arms, or legs
- Tingling or numbness
- Difficulty sitting, standing, or walking
Many disc injuries require MRI evaluation, pain management, physical therapy, injections, or surgery. They can significantly affect your ability to work.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to the spinal cord can result in:
- Partial or complete paralysis
- Loss of sensation and mobility
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Impaired sexual function
Spinal cord injuries require lifetime medical care and are among the most legally complex personal injury cases.
Fractures and Joint Injuries
Motor vehicle crashes often cause broken bones in the:
- Hands and wrists
- Arms and shoulders
- Feet, ankles, and legs
- Ribs and sternum
- Hips and pelvis
- Collarbone
Fractures may be simple, complex, displaced, comminuted, or open. Treatment can involve casting, immobilization, surgery, and long-term rehabilitation.
Joint injuries frequently involve:
- ACL, MCL, and meniscus tears
- Shoulder dislocations and rotator cuff tears
- Hip labral tears
- Wrist and ankle ligament injuries
These injuries often impact mobility, employment, and daily life, and may qualify as serious injuries under New York law.
Chest, Abdominal, and Internal Injuries
These are among the most serious injuries because they may not be immediately visible.
Chest Injuries
Common injuries include:
- Bruised or fractured ribs
- Fractured sternum
- Bruised or collapsed lungs
- Heart or vascular injuries
Symptoms often include pain with breathing, shortness of breath, or significant bruising. These injuries require emergency medical evaluation.
Internal Organ Damage
Internal injuries may involve damage to the liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs, or intestines. Warning signs include:
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Deep purple bruising
- Fainting or dizziness
- Low blood pressure
Internal bleeding can be life-threatening and must be treated immediately.
Burns, Lacerations, and Scarring
Burns may result from vehicle fires, hot metal, chemicals, steam, or airbag deployment. Cuts and abrasions often come from broken glass, metal, or road contact.
Severe cases may involve:
- Skin grafts
- Reconstructive surgery
- Permanent scarring
- Psychological trauma
Scarring on the face, hands, or neck often increases the value of a personal injury claim due to its long-term impact.
Amputations and Crush Injuries
High-speed crashes and collisions with trucks may cause:
- Traumatic amputations
- Surgical amputations
- Severe crush injuries involving muscle, bone, and nerve damage
Victims often require prosthetics, home modifications, extensive medical care, and long-term rehabilitation.
Emotional and Psychological Injuries
Many crash victims develop emotional injuries, such as:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Depression
- Nightmares or sleep disturbances
- Fear of driving or riding in a vehicle
New York law recognizes emotional distress as a compensable injury when supported by medical evidence.
Delayed Symptoms After a Car Accident
Many serious injuries do not appear immediately. You may feel fine at the scene but experience symptoms hours or days later. This is common with:
- Concussions
- Whiplash
- Disc injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Psychological trauma
Please seek medical care if you develop any new symptoms. Delayed treatment can harm both your health and your legal claim.
Your Legal Rights Under New York Law
New York has unique auto injury laws that affect your case. Understanding them is crucial.
No-Fault (PIP) Benefits
New York is a no-fault state. Your Personal Injury Protection coverage typically pays for:
- Medical treatment
- A portion of lost wages
- Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
No-fault applies regardless of who caused the accident, but it does not cover pain and suffering or long-term losses.
The Serious Injury Threshold
To sue the at-fault driver and seek full compensation, you must meet the serious injury threshold defined in New York Insurance Law Section 5102(d). Qualifying injuries include:
- A fracture
- Significant disfigurement
- Dismemberment
- Loss of a fetus
- Permanent loss of use of a body organ or system
- Permanent consequential limitation of use
- Significant limitation of use
- A disability lasting at least 90 of the first 180 days after the crash
Many of the injuries described above may qualify.
Comparative Negligence
New York follows pure comparative negligence. This means you may recover damages even if you were partly at fault. Your percentage of fault reduces your compensation, but it does not eliminate it.
Statutes of Limitation
Deadlines include:
- Three years to file a personal injury lawsuit
- Two years for wrongful death
- Ninety days to file a Notice of Claim against a municipal or government agency
Missing a deadline can permanently destroy your right to compensation.
What To Do After a Motor Vehicle Accident in NYC
Take these steps to protect your health and your legal rights.
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Call the police and ensure a report is filed.
- Take photos of injuries, vehicle damage, and the scene.
- Exchange information with all drivers and obtain witness contacts.
- Notify your insurance company, but do not provide detailed statements yet.
- Consult an experienced NYC motor vehicle accident lawyer before speaking with the other driver’s insurer.
Call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP at 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) before signing any forms or accepting any settlement. Your consultation is free.
How Greenstein & Pittari, LLP Helps Injured New Yorkers
When you choose our firm, we:
- Listen carefully to your concerns
- Help coordinate medical care
- Investigate the crash and preserve evidence
- Collect and analyze medical records and expert opinions
- Calculate both economic and non-economic damages
- Handle all communications with insurance companies
- Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
- Prepare for trial when necessary
You pay no legal fee unless we recover money for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries in NYC
1. I did not feel injured at the scene, but now I have pain. Do I still have a claim?
Yes. Delayed symptoms are prevalent. Seek medical care immediately and contact us so we can protect your rights.
2. What if I had a pre-existing back or neck problem?
You can still recover compensation if the crash worsened your condition. The law does not excuse negligent drivers because someone was vulnerable.
3. How much is my NYC motor vehicle accident case worth?
Value depends on:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical costs and future care
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Long-term disability or scarring
- Available insurance coverage
We can provide a personalized assessment during your free consultation.
4. Can I recover for PTSD, anxiety, or depression?
Yes. Emotional injuries are real and compensable when supported by mental health treatment.
5. Should I talk to the insurance company?
Only to report the crash. Please don’t send me recorded statements or accept an offer before speaking with a lawyer.
6. What if I were partly at fault?
You may still recover compensation. Your award is reduced based on your percentage of fault, but it is not eliminated.
7. How long do I have to bring a claim?
You generally have:
- Three years for personal injury
- Two years for wrongful death
- Ninety days to file a Notice of Claim if a government entity is involved
Do not delay. Early legal guidance protects your rights.
8. Do most NYC car accident cases settle?
Yes. Most cases settle out of court, but we prepare every case for trial. Strong preparation often leads to better settlements.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
Greenstein & Pittari, LLP is a trusted New York City personal injury firm with decades of combined experience representing injured victims across all five boroughs.
What Sets Us Apart
- Local Harlem office and additional locations in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
- Free consultations
- No fee unless we win
- Bilingual services
- Hundreds of positive client reviews
- Top-rated attorneys recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers
- A firm motto that guides every case: Do not be a victim twice
Our Fee Guarantee
You pay nothing up front and no legal fee unless we are successful. That is our commitment to every client.
Contact Us Today
If you suffered injuries in any motor vehicle accident in New York City, do not try to navigate this process alone.
Call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP today at 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462).
The consultation and call are free, and you pay no legal fee unless we win.
Let us help you rebuild your life and secure the compensation you deserve.