Why Choose The Sanders Law Firm for Your Car Accident Case?
Choosing the right legal representation can have a significant impact on the outcome of your claim. With over 50 years of experience and billions recovered for our clients, The Sanders Law Firm has a proven track record of success against aggressive insurance companies.
Our car accident attorneys in Queens take a litigation-forward approach to every claim. This means we don’t rush settlements. We build strong cases from day one, preparing every claim as if it’s going to trial. To do this, we use our in-house resources and an expansive network of medical consultants, accident reconstruction experts, and former insurance adjusters to build a strong claim and leverage our position to secure meaningful results.
Throughout the claims process, our team handles the legal legwork, so you can focus on your physical recovery. We’re here whenever you need us, with multilingual support and legal assistance around the clock.
$500K
Car Accidents
The plaintiff was a passenger in a vehicle driven by her fiancé. They were driving straight and the defendant ran into them from the opposite direction. There was conflicting testimony about whether they were stopped or moving at the time of impact. The other driver said they did not know how the accident occurred.
Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury that led to post-concussion syndrome. She also suffered cervical spine injuries and right shoulder injuries. The defendant’s insurance company paid $100,000. An additional $400,000 was obtained from an underinsured motorist policy for a total settlement of $500,000.
$350K
Car Accidents
Our client was a 20-year old back seat passenger in a vehicle that lost control and struck a guardrail. He sustained fractures on both sides of his jaw which required surgery to repair. The carrier initially did not want to offer any money but we were able to obtain a settlement after deposing the defendant.
$200K
Car Accidents
Mr. Huh was injured when a motor vehicle negligently changed lanes and sideswiped his vehicle. Due to the impact, Mr. Huh, 58 years old at the time of the accident, injured his right elbow. He was diagnosed with an elbow ligament tear and underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair the tear.
At a mediation Mr. Huh’s case settled for $200,000.00 despite initial allegations that the tear in his elbow was degenerative and not caused by the accident.
$150K
Car Accidents
Mr. Lee was a 40-year old gentleman who was struck in the rear by the defendant’s car while he was stopped at a red light. Mr. Lee had previously injured his neck and back in prior accidents. As a result of this accident, Mr. Lee aggravated herniated discs in his neck and underwent cervical epidural injections to relieve the pain. At a mediation, Mr. Lee’s case settled for $150,000.
Types of Car Accidents We Handle
Queens experiences high traffic volume due to dense commuter routes and constant congestion around John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA). Unfortunately, this often leads to traffic accidents in the area.
Our auto accident lawyers in Queens have decades of experience handling different types of car accident claims, including:
Rear-End Collisions
Often occurring in stop-and-go airport traffic, rear-end car accidents can cause severe whiplash, spinal cord injuries, and other serious consequences.
Head-On Collisions
These high-impact crashes occur when drivers travel the wrong way on one-way streets or drift out of their lanes. Sadly, head-on crashes have a high risk of fatalities and catastrophic injuries.
Side-Impact (T-Bone) Collisions
T-bone accidents are commonly seen at busy Queens intersections. These crashes are highly dangerous because the side of a vehicle offers minimal structural protection for vehicle occupants.
Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups
Chain-reaction collisions on major Queens expressways can lead to traumatic injuries that have long-term effects on victims and their families. They also involve multiple drivers, making fault difficult to determine.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
When drivers flee the accident scene, victims are left without immediate aid, requiring complex uninsured motorist claims to recover compensation.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Drivers looking at their phones or navigation apps near airport exits and other Queens roads can cause sudden, lane-departure collisions at high speeds.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Intoxicated drivers may have blurred vision and slower reaction times, which can result in serious crashes that cause permanent, life-altering trauma.
Speeding and Reckless Driving Accidents
Rushing commuters often drive above the speed limit or make dangerous choices when behind the wheel. This can lead to violent impacts and significant injuries.
Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Collisions involving delivery trucks, airport shuttles, and NYC Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) buses can cause catastrophic damage due to the massive size and weight differences between vehicles. These claims are also complex because they typically involve large insurance companies and legal teams.
Rideshare Accidents
Uber or Lyft accidents may involve liability issues between personal insurance policies and corporate commercial coverage, which can be challenging to navigate on your own.
Statute of Limitations for Queens Car Accident Cases
Under New York’s statute of limitations for personal injury, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline could mean permanently forfeiting your right to recover compensation.
However, if a city-owned vehicle or property is involved, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of your injury. After filing the Notice, you only have one year and 90 days to file your lawsuit—a timeline much stricter than standard cases. Additionally, insurance companies may require notification within days of the crash.
We understand how stressful it can be to deal with confusing deadlines after an accident. That’s why we focus on lightening the load and handling your claim from start to finish.
Insurance and Liability: Understanding Your Options
New York no-fault coverage, also called Personal Injury Protection (PIP), can cover certain immediate economic losses, such as medical bills and a portion of lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or flees the scene, uninsured motorist coverage may also apply, depending on the facts and the available policy language. If the at-fault driver has too little insurance, Supplemental Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (SUM) coverage may help cover additional losses if that coverage is available.
Understanding the state’s insurance rules and other key New York laws can help you know how to move forward after a car accident in Queens.
New York’s “Serious Injury” Threshold
To step outside the no-fault insurance system and file a personal injury lawsuit for pain and suffering, your injuries must meet New York’s strict serious injury threshold. This requires your injury to fit into specific legal categories, such as a bone fracture, significant disfigurement, or a permanent limitation of a body organ or function.
New York’s Comparative Negligence Law
New York recently passed tort reforms that shifted the state from using pure comparative negligence to a modified system for car accidents. This means you can still recover financial compensation when you are partially to blame for the accident, but your shared fault cannot be greater than the fault of the defendant or the combined fault of the defendants from whom compensation is sought. Additionally, the amount you receive is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your total damages equal $100,000 but you are found to be 30% at fault, you will recover 70% of your damages, leaving you with $70,000.
New York’s auto insurance laws can affect how certain claims are handled. Because deadlines, coverage rules, and recovery options depend on current law and the facts of your case, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after a crash.
What Happens After a Car Accident?
Taking the right steps immediately after a car accident is vital to protecting your health and securing your legal right to compensation. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Call 911 right away: Ask for immediate assistance from the police to ensure an official, unbiased accident report is filed.
- Seek medical attention: Get medical care right away, even if you feel fine at the time. Medical records can help link your injuries to the crash.
- Document the scene: If possible, take photos and videos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and physical injuries.
- Exchange information: Collect names, phone numbers, insurance details, and license plate numbers from everyone involved.
- Avoid social media: Be cautious with what you post about the accident. Insurance adjusters may try to use your social media to discredit your claim.
- Consult a lawyer: Speak with an attorney for guidance on your legal options and next steps.
How The Sanders Law Firm Handles Your Car Accident Case
Backed by over 50 years of experience and a compassionate, multilingual team, The Sanders Law Firm handles every step of the legal process, including:
- Free consultation and case evaluation: We review your accident details and answer your questions for free, with no obligation to work with us.
- Investigation and evidence gathering: Our dedicated team works to secure police reports, traffic camera footage, medical records, and other crucial evidence to determine fault.
- Demand letter and negotiation: We build a strong claim and present a powerful demand to insurers, aggressively pushing back against lowball offers.
- Settlement or litigation: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair payout, our trial-ready attorneys will take your case to court.
- Post-settlement support: We finalize all paperwork, resolve outstanding medical liens, and quickly deliver your funds directly to you.
How Damages Are Calculated in Car Accident Cases
Compensation after a car accident is generally divided into two categories based on financial loss and personal impact: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are the measurable losses and expenses caused by the crash, such as:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost wages and loss of future earnings capacity
- Vehicle and property damage
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
If you meet New York’s serious injury threshold, you may also be entitled to non-economic damages. These are the subjective ways your life is impacted by your injuries, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
Different injuries can result in very different settlement amounts. For example, a claim involving a minor sprain will not have the same value as a permanent spinal disability that requires long-term care. Our team will evaluate the full scope of your losses and demand all available compensation for what you’ve been through.
Why You May Need a Car Accident Lawyer
- Aggressive insurance tactics: We’ll stand up to large insurance companies that employ legal teams to deny or reduce claims.
- High complexity: Our knowledgeable team understands New York’s intricate insurance laws and strict filing deadlines.
- Maximum compensation: Early settlement offers rarely cover long-term medical care or future lost wages. We fight for the maximum amount you’re entitled to.
- Expansive network of resources: Our team works with accident reconstructionists and medical consultants to prove liability and damages.
- No fee unless we win: You pay absolutely nothing unless your lawyer secures financial compensation for your claim.
Don’t Settle for Less: Contact The Sanders Law Firm Today
Insurance companies may push you to settle quickly for a fraction of what your case is truly worth. The Sanders Law Firm is ready to handle the legal fight so you can focus on your recovery and rebuilding your life after an accident.
If you were injured in a Queens car crash, our team is available 24/7 to review your case and explain your legal options. We operate strictly on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is no upfront cost or hourly fee to hire us. Call (833) SANDERS or contact us online for a free consultation at our Queens legal office, over the phone, or wherever is most convenient for you.
Common Questions About Car Accident Claims
When Should I Call a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
It’s often best to call as soon as possible, ideally before talking to the insurance company. We can guide you on what to say and what not to say to insurers. Many injured people inadvertently hurt their cases by speaking with insurers without legal guidance.
How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
Case values depend on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and how clear liability is. Minor injuries might settle less, while serious injuries can lead to substantial compensation for what victims have been through. We investigate and provide detailed damage estimates to help you understand what your claim may be worth.
What if the Other Driver Has No Insurance?
You may have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage under your own policy to cover some of your losses. However, we can also pursue the uninsured driver directly. Either way, we’ll help you explore options to recover compensation.
Will My Case Go To Trial?
Most car accident cases settle before trial. But if the insurance company won’t offer fair compensation, we have decades of courtroom experience and are ready to file a lawsuit.
Should I Accept the Insurance Company's First Settlement Offer?
Typically, first offers are lowball settlements. Insurance companies know injured people often accept out of financial necessity and may try to take advantage of that situation. We negotiate for fair compensation and are not afraid to proceed to litigation if needed.
What if I Was Injured But My Car Had Minimal Damage?
Injury severity and vehicle damage are not always equal or connected. Soft-tissue injuries, including whiplash, can be serious even in low-impact crashes. Medical documentation is key. We pursue full damages regardless of vehicle damage.