If you’ve been hurt in an auto collision in New York City, you might believe that filing a claim is a straightforward process. It seems easy, after all: You’ve been hit, you’re injured, and the other guy’s responsible. But the truth is that auto collision claims in NYC usually drag on for much, much longer than expected, and the victims are left exasperated and broke.
Here’s why these claims drag on, and more importantly, how the right legal strategy and the right accident lawyer NYC can speed things up.
1. New York’s No-Fault System Slows Everything Down
New York is a no-fault state, meaning your own insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages up to $50,000, regardless of who caused the accident. While this sounds helpful, it can actually slow the process.
Insurers will delay payments, deny medical charges, or request too much paperwork. In case you do not file a no-fault claim within 30 days, you will have to pay out of pocket.
Having an auto accident lawyer in Queens, NY of your choice makes sure the claims are filed correctly and within a timely fashion, preventing unnecessary delays.
2. “Serious Injury” is Decided Through an Extended Process
If you do not just want to remain in no-fault and sue for pain and suffering, then you need to be able to prove you had a “serious injury” under New York law. That would include things like broken bones, loss of permanent function, or severe disfigurement.
The catch? These kinds of injuries are slow to properly diagnose and document. MRIs, surgery, long-term prognosis, all of that must be obtained before you can file a good claim.
The best NYC auto accident lawyers will help you prepare the right kind of medical record upfront, so you are not wasting time down the line chasing paperwork.
3. Insurance Companies Like to Play Delay Games
Insurance companies thrive on delay. The longer they can make you wait, the more bargaining power they will have to get you to accept a cheap offer.
They’ll ask for repeated documentation, question your treatment, or dispute liability, especially in multi-car crashes or pedestrian accidents. Without a lawyer pushing back, you’re likely to hit dead ends.
Hiring an accident lawyer in NYC signals that you’re serious. A good lawyer knows how to apply pressure, cut through red tape, and escalate when needed.
4. NYC Courts Are Overloaded
Even when you sue, NYC courts are jammed. Personal injury cases take 12 to 24 months to reach trial, sometimes longer. Without an attorney, you are at the mercy of the system.
Top car accident lawyers in NYC know how to accelerate cases through early settlement talks or by filing motions to keep things moving.
5. Multiple Parties = More Delays
If your crash involved a rideshare driver, city car, MTA bus, or out-of-state driver, get ready for added complexity. More parties mean more attorneys, more insurance companies, and more ways to slow down.
A good car accident lawyer Queens, NY will know how to deal with all parties, figure out the negligent party with ease, and keep the case moving.
How to Speed Things Up
If you don’t want to find yourself in legal limbo, do this:
- Get a lawyer early. Don’t wait for everything to “sort itself out.” The earlier your lawyer is on the scene, the earlier your case can be built and resolved.
- Keep a paper trail. Maintain all medical records, police reports, bills, and letters.
- Adhere to your treatment plan. Interruptions in care will be utilized to minimize your claim and extend the process.
- Don’t handle your own insurance. Have your NYC car accident attorney handle it all for you.
Bottom Line
NYC car accident claims usually take longer than victims expect—not because the process itself is complex, but because the system is set up to benefit insurance companies, not you.
Speed starts with a smart strategy. If you’re seeking results without the runaround, work with one of the best car accident lawyers in NYC has to offer, especially someone who knows how to handle local cases, if you’re in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens, NY.
Time matters. So does experience. Choose both.