Car Accident Lawyer in Manhattan, NY

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Michael J. Aviles

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You can’t go a block in Manhattan without seeing a speeding vehicle or an impatient driver weaving around slow-moving or double-parked cars. These actions can have serious consequences for other road users. You could be left with severe injuries and an inability to work. This situation can feel scary and isolating, but you aren’t alone. The car accident lawyers in Manhattan at Aviles Law Firm PLLC are here to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call to see what our Manhattan personal injury attorneys can do for you. The initial consultation is free.

Why You Want Aviles Law Firm PLLC In Your Corner

Our firm is the one other NYC firms trust with the cases they don’t feel equipped to handle. We have the experience and knowledge to handle even the most complex car accident cases.

We have the results to prove it. Our attorneys have recovered over $1 billion in some of the most complex cases this city has seen. Two cases we handled include:

  • $8 million for clients who suffered serious spinal and orthopedic injuries after an accident
  • $3.7 million for a client who was hit by a taxi on the FDR highway after the Sanitation Department failed to salt the roadway

We also have the accolades to prove it. Our team is proud of the recognition we have received, including:

  • American Institute of Trial Lawyers’ Best Law Firm for 2024 and 2025
  • The National Institute of Trial Lawyers’ Best Trial Lawyer in America for 2024 and 2025
  • Best of the Best Attorneys, Top 10 Personal Injury Law Firm for 2023 and 2025
  • Attorney and Practice Magazine’s Top 10 Personal Injury Law Firm for 2022 and 2025
  • TopVerdict.com’s United States Top 10 Bench Award for All Practice Areas for 2021 and 2025

We know that results and recognition aren’t everything. What really matters is how comfortable and seen you feel with our team. As the premier Hispanic-owned personal injury law firm in New York, our bilingual staff members represent the diverse nature of our city. We understand the unique needs of our clients and know how to meet them.

Recovering Damages in a Manhattan Car Crash Case

A serious car accident in Manhattan can leave you facing far more than physical injuries. Between rising medical bills, missed time at work, and the emotional toll of a traumatic crash, the financial and personal consequences can feel overwhelming. Under New York law, you have the right to pursue compensation for the full scope of harm you’ve suffered when another party’s negligence caused your accident.

Our lawyers take a comprehensive approach to damages, ensuring that no loss, economic or personal, is overlooked. We prepare every case as though it will go to trial, allowing us to pursue maximum compensation rather than quick, inadequate settlements.

Depending on the circumstances of your Manhattan car accident, recoverable damages may include:

Medical Expenses

Car crashes often result in injuries that require extensive treatment, including:

  • Emergency care
  • Hospitalization
  • Surgery
  • Rehabilitation
  • Physical therapy
  • Long-term medical support

Some injuries may require future care for years or even a lifetime. Our legal team works with medical professionals to document both current and anticipated medical costs so your recovery is fully accounted for.

Lost Income and Reduced Earning Capacity

Even a short time away from work can create serious financial strain. More severe injuries may prevent you from returning to your job altogether or force you into a lower-paying role. Compensation may include wages already lost, diminished future earning capacity, and lost employment benefits such as bonuses, health insurance, or retirement contributions.

Pain and Suffering

Not all losses come with receipts. Physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and trauma can significantly impact your quality of life after a car crash. These non-economic damages recognize the very real human cost of your injuries and the ways they affect your daily life, relationships, and mental well-being.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

If your injuries prevent you from engaging in activities you once enjoyed, whether that’s exercising, socializing, traveling, or caring for loved ones, you may be entitled to compensation for this diminished quality of life. These losses are deeply personal, and our lawyers make sure they are given the weight they deserve.

Property Damage

Manhattan collisions frequently result in significant vehicle damage. Compensation may cover repairs or replacement of your car, as well as related expenses such as towing, rental vehicles, or alternative transportation while your vehicle is out of service.

Scarring, Disfigurement, and Permanent Disability

Some injuries leave lasting physical changes or permanent limitations. Scarring, disfigurement, amputations, or loss of mobility can affect not only your health but also your confidence and independence. These long-term consequences are critical components of a full and fair damage claim.

What Can I Do if the Other Party’s Insurance Company Is Blaming Me?

Because New York follows a comparative negligence system, insurance companies often try to shift blame to reduce what they pay. Our lawyers push back aggressively, building evidence-driven cases that clearly demonstrate fault and the true value of our clients’ losses.

At Aviles Law Firm PLLC, we are committed to providing our clients with the highest level of legal representation. We take on the most complex and high-stakes motor vehicle cases in Manhattan, many referred by other law firms, because our lawyers have the experience, resources, and determination required to pursue meaningful results for people whose lives have been upended by negligence.

If you were injured in a Manhattan car crash, you deserve compensation that reflects the full impact of what you’ve endured. Our legal team is ready to fight for it. Call us today to get started.

Building a Strong Manhattan Car Accident Case

Building a successful Manhattan car accident case requires clear proof of negligence and a detailed understanding of how the crash has affected your life. In a fast-paced city where accidents are often aggressively contested by insurance companies, preparation and precision matter.

At Aviles Law Firm PLLC, our Manhattan car accident lawyers build every case as though it will go to trial. This approach allows us to uncover critical evidence, push back against unfair blame, and pursue the full compensation our clients deserve.

Thorough Investigation

Our legal team conducts an in-depth investigation into how the accident occurred. This may include reviewing NYPD collision reports, traffic and surveillance camera footage, witness statements, and physical evidence from the scene. When needed, we work with professionals to reconstruct the crash and establish exactly what went wrong.

Proving Fault and Liability

We identify all responsible parties and gather evidence to demonstrate negligence, whether the crash involved distracted driving, speeding, a commercial vehicle, or unsafe road conditions. Insurance companies often attempt to shift fault to reduce payouts, and our lawyers are prepared to challenge those tactics.

Documenting Injuries and Losses

A strong case depends on clear medical and financial documentation. We collect medical records, expert opinions, and employment information to show the full extent of your injuries, lost income, and long-term impact on your quality of life.

Handling Insurance Companies

Once we represent you, insurers are directed to communicate with our firm, not you. This protects your rights and allows us to negotiate from a position of strength, backed by thorough preparation and a readiness to litigate if necessary.

At every step, Aviles Law Firm PLLC remains committed to you. If you were injured in a Manhattan car accident, our lawyers are ready to build a case designed to protect your future.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Manhattan Car Accident?

Identifying who is legally responsible for a Manhattan car accident is a critical step in recovering full compensation. In a city as dense and complex as Manhattan, crashes often involve more than one liable party. Determining every source of responsibility can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

At Aviles Law Firm PLLC, our lawyers are known for uncovering hidden layers of liability—one reason other law firms regularly refer complex cases to our team.

  • Negligent Drivers: Drivers who speed, drive distracted, fail to yield, or engage in aggressive behavior can be held responsible when their actions cause a crash.
  • Employers and Commercial Entities: If the at-fault driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer may also be liable under New York law. These cases often involve higher insurance limits and require experienced legal handling.
  • Rideshare and Taxi Companies: Accidents involving taxis or rideshare vehicles may trigger multiple insurance policies, depending on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. Our lawyers know how to navigate these layered claims.
  • Vehicle Owners: New York law allows injured victims to pursue claims against vehicle owners who allow negligent drivers to operate their vehicles, even if the owner was not present.
  • Government Agencies: Unsafe road conditions, malfunctioning traffic signals, or poor roadway design can place liability on a city or state agency.
  • Manufacturers and Maintenance Providers: When a defective vehicle part or poor maintenance contributes to a crash, manufacturers or service providers may also be held accountable.

How Long Do I Have to Take Action After a Manhattan Crash?

Typically, you have three years to file a lawsuit against the other driver, per CPLR § 214. If you don’t file before this time limit expires, you risk recovering nothing.

Get Started With Our Manhattan Attorneys Today

If you were injured in a Manhattan car accident, you should not have to face the aftermath alone. Medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about the future can quickly become overwhelming. The Manhattan car accident attorneys at Aviles Law Firm PLLC are ready to step in, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you need to move forward. Call today to schedule a free consultation. You pay us nothing upfront and only pay us a percentage of your settlement if we win your case.

FAQs

Is New York a No-fault State?

Yes. New York is a no-fault state, which means your own insurance typically covers initial medical expenses and lost wages after a car accident, regardless of who caused the crash. However, if you suffer a serious injury as defined by New York law, you may step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault party for additional damages such as pain and suffering.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

After a car accident, your first priority should be your health. Seek medical care immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Call 911 so police can document the crash. If it is safe, take photos, gather contact information, and avoid discussing fault.Do not give statements to insurance companies before speaking with a lawyer who can protect your rights.

Can I Recover Compensation If I Contributed to the Accident? 

Yes. New York follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you may still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of responsibility, but you are not barred from pursuing a claim. Insurance companies often exaggerate fault, which is why strong legal representation is so beneficial.

How Can I Afford a Car Accident Lawyer?

Aviles Law Firm PLLC handles car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay us nothing upfront and only pay us a percentage of your settlement if we win. This allows you to pursue justice and protect your future without worrying about hourly fees or out-of-pocket legal costs while your case is ongoing.

Will I Have to Go to Court?

Most Manhattan car accident cases resolve through settlement without ever going to court. However, we prepare every case as though it will go to trial. This approach strengthens negotiations and ensures you are protected if litigation becomes necessary. If your case does go to court, our lawyers will handle every aspect of the process and guide you each step of the way.

Written by

Michael J. Aviles

Managing Attorney

Michael has dedicated his career to helping New Yorkers harmed by negligence, wrongful arrests, and wrongful convictions.