November 05, 2023 | Publications

Do I Have To Go to Court After a Car Accident in NYC

For most car accident victims in New York City, the answer is no. The majority of car accident cases never go to court, as statistics from the U.S. Department of Justice show that only 3% of injury cases reach a trial verdict. Therefore, the odds of actually going to court for a car accident case are quite low, even if you decide to file a lawsuit.

New York’s no-fault insurance system limits the accident victims who are even eligible to file a lawsuit. In this system, after sustaining minor injuries in a car accident, you will deal with your own insurance company instead of filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurer.


If you’re interested in more specific legal advice, call the Law Office of Karasik Law group Personal Injury Lawyers at (718) 502-9112 for your Free Initial Consultation


Furthermore, in the state of New York, you may not even have the option to file a lawsuit. This is because New York operates under a no-fault insurance system, which limits the number of accident victims who are eligible to file a lawsuit. In this system, after sustaining minor injuries in a car accident, you will deal with your own insurance company instead of filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurer.


The no-fault insurance system has its advantages

The no-fault insurance system has its advantages, as it allows accident victims to receive compensation for medical expenses and lost wages without having to go through the lengthy process of a lawsuit. However, it also means that there may be certain limitations on the amount of compensation you can receive, especially for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.



Car Accident Statistics by NYC Borough

New York City car accident statistics show that the rate of collisions varies dramatically by borough.

With 32,788 accidents, Brooklyn accounts for by far the highest percentage of motor vehicle collisions. A total of 33% of collisions citywide occur there.

Staten Island is the safest borough to drive in. With just 5,272 collisions, only 5% of all New York City accidents occur there.

Queens with 27,943 accidents, the Bronx with 17,678, and Manhattan with 16,827 fall in the middle, accounting for 28% of collisions; 18% of collisions; and 17% of citywide collisions respectively.

If you run a query on the NYC Open Data portal, you will find that NYC car accidents in 2022 killed 285 and injured 51,883.


Reasons You May Go to Court After a Car Accident

While the chances of going to court after a car accident in NYC are slim, it is important to understand the reasons why you might still end up going through the legal process. There are several scenarios in which going to court may be necessary. These include cases where the at-fault driver’s insurance company refuses to provide a fair settlement, cases involving serious injuries or fatalities, or cases where there is a dispute over liability.

If you do find yourself in a situation where going to court is necessary, it is crucial to seek the assistance of an experienced car accident lawyer. A qualified attorney can guide you through the complex legal process, ensure that your rights are protected, and help you navigate the negotiations and litigation to secure the compensation you deserve.


Schedule a Free Consultation With Our NYC Car Accident Lawyers

The Law Office of Karasik Law Group Personal Injury Lawyer in New York City can provide the necessary legal assistance after a car accident. Their team of skilled lawyers understands the intricacies of New York’s no-fault insurance system and can help you determine the best course of action for your case. Whether it is negotiating with insurance companies or preparing for a trial, they have the expertise to navigate the legal landscape on your behalf.


In conclusion, the chances of going to court after a car accident in NYC are quite low. New York’s no-fault insurance system limits the number of accident victims who can file a lawsuit, and most cases are resolved through negotiations with insurance companies. However, there are situations where going to court may be necessary, and in such cases, it is essential to seek the guidance of a skilled car accident lawyer.