Fatal Car Accident Lawyer in New York City
Compassionate Legal Support for Families Across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx & Staten Island
Losing a loved one in a fatal car accident is one of life’s most devastating experiences. When another driver’s negligence or recklessness causes a preventable death, your family deserves justice, accountability, and financial security.
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our New York City fatal car accident lawyers represent grieving families across all five boroughs and Long Island. With decades of experience in NYC wrongful death and personal injury law, we provide compassionate, results-driven advocacy – fighting for the compensation your family needs to move forward.
Fatal Car Accidents in New York City: A Growing Concern
Each year, hundreds of lives are lost on New York City roads. According to the New York State Department of Health, an average of three people die every day in traffic crashes statewide – many caused by reckless driving, speeding, and distraction.
From collisions on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway to deadly crashes on the Cross Bronx and FDR Drive, fatal accidents occur far too often. Our firm is committed to helping NYC families hold negligent drivers, corporations, and municipalities accountable.
Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents in NYC
Fatal car crashes in New York City frequently stem from driver error or negligence, including:
- Distracted driving (texting, phone use, or in-car devices)
- Drunk or drug-impaired driving
- Speeding and aggressive driving
- Failing to yield or running red lights
- Fatigued or drowsy driving
- Unsafe lane changes or tailgating
- Vehicle defects or maintenance failures
- Poor road design, lighting, or signage
- Reckless driving or street racing
- Commercial and rideshare vehicle negligence
Whether your loved one was struck by a car, truck, or rideshare vehicle, Greenstein & Pittari, LLP will investigate every detail to identify all responsible parties.
Your Rights Under New York Wrongful Death Law
Under New York Estates, Powers & Trusts Law § 5-4.1, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim when a loved one dies because of negligence.
Only the personal representative (executor or court-appointed administrator) of the estate may file the claim, but compensation benefits are available to the surviving:
- Spouses
- Children
- Parents
- Siblings (if no closer relatives survive)
Wrongful death claims are civil actions – separate from criminal cases like DUI or vehicular manslaughter – and focus on compensating the family for financial and emotional losses.
Compensation in a New York City Fatal Car Accident Claim
While no financial recovery can replace your loss, it can alleviate economic strain and provide long-term security. Our NYC wrongful death attorneys pursue full compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Final medical and hospital expenses
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost wages, income, and future earnings
- Loss of inheritance and benefits
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased
- Emotional anguish of surviving family members
- Loss of companionship, parental guidance, and love
Punitive Damages
In cases involving gross negligence, such as drunk driving, street racing, or reckless speeding, courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.
How We Prove Negligence and Liability
Winning a fatal car accident lawsuit in NYC requires skill, resources, and evidence. The legal team at Greenstein & Pittari, LLP uses a comprehensive investigative process that includes:
- Police and accident reconstruction reports
- Witness and expert testimony
- Surveillance and traffic camera footage
- Vehicle “black box” and cell phone data
- Toxicology and medical findings
- Weather, lighting, and road condition analysis
We work with forensic engineers, economists, and medical professionals to build a compelling case for full and fair compensation.
Comparative Negligence in New York
New York follows a pure comparative negligence law, which means that compensation may be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to the deceased.
If your loved one were 20% responsible for the crash, your total recovery would be reduced by 20%. Our attorneys fight to minimize fault assignments and maximize your family’s recovery.
Statute of Limitations for NYC Wrongful Death Claims
In New York, families have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your right to compensation.
Prompt action allows our attorneys to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and build your case before critical information disappears.
Insurance Companies Are Not on Your Side
Insurance adjusters often approach grieving families with quick, low-value settlement offers. These offers protect the insurer – not your rights.
Before signing any documents or speaking with an adjuster, you can contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP. Our New York fatal car accident lawyers handle all communications, negotiations, and litigation, ensuring your claim is valued fully and fairly.
How Greenstein & Pittari, LLP Helps NYC Families
When you hire Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, you’re choosing a law firm that combines compassion with courtroom strength. We handle every aspect of your case, including:
- Thorough crash investigation and evidence collection
- Identification of all liable individuals and entities
- Expert consultation with accident reconstructionists
- Coordination with medical and financial professionals
- Aggressive negotiation with insurance carriers
- Litigation and trial advocacy when settlement offers fall short
We prepare every case for trial, which gives us leverage during settlement negotiations – and ensures your family receives the justice and compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
Families throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Long Island trust our firm because we combine local knowledge with proven legal excellence.
- Decades of experience in NYC wrongful death and personal injury law
- Local offices in Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
- Bilingual legal support (English and Spanish)
- No Fee Unless We Win – Our Fee Guarantee
- Recognized by Best Lawyers® and Super Lawyers®
- Hundreds of positive client testimonials
- Full-service advocacy: we handle insurance companies so you can focus on healing
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our mission is simple:
Don’t Be a Victim Twice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can file a wrongful death claim in New York?
Only the personal representative of the estate may file, but the recovery benefits surviving spouses, children, or parents.
How much compensation can I expect?
Every case is unique. Factors include income, dependents, and the details of the crash. We work with economists to ensure every loss is fully valued.
What if the at-fault driver died in the crash?
You may still file a claim against their estate or insurance. Our firm regularly handles these complex cases.
Do you know if I owe legal fees upfront?
No. We work on a contingency basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Will my case go to court?
Most cases settle, but we are always prepared to go to trial if it means securing full justice for your family.
Contact a Fatal Car Accident Lawyer in New York City
If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal car crash in New York City, you don’t have to face this alone.
The compassionate attorneys at Greenstein & Pittari, LLP will fight for accountability, justice, and the financial recovery your family deserves.
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
We’re available 24/7, and you pay no fees unless we win.
Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
Strength. Compassion. Justice.
Don’t Be a Victim Twice.
Offices in Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
Proudly serving families throughout New York City and Long Island.