A car crash can disrupt your life in seconds. In busy neighborhoods throughout Brooklyn, accidents are common, and the aftermath can be confusing, stressful, and overwhelming. Knowing what to expect after a collision can help you protect your health, finances, and legal rights.
At Rubenstein & Rynecki, our Brooklyn car accident lawyers have spent decades helping injured victims. Below is a timeline of a typical car accident case and the factors that can affect how long your claim might take.
What Happens Immediately After a Brooklyn Car Accident?
After a crash, your safety and health are top priorities. Call 911, report the accident, and seek immediate medical attention—even if injuries seem minor. If you’re able, take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any injuries. Exchange insurance details and get contact information from any witnesses.
This early documentation will play a major role in the strength of your legal claim.
Step 1: Medical Treatment and Filing a No-Fault Insurance Claim
New York uses a no-fault insurance system, meaning your auto insurance (via Personal Injury Protection, or PIP) covers your medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault. You must file a PIP claim within 30 days of the crash.If your injuries meet New York’s serious injury threshold, you may also have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, lost future income, and other damages.
Step 2: Consult a Brooklyn Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t wait to speak with a Brooklyn car accident lawyer. Insurance companies often push for fast, lowball settlements. At Rubenstein & Rynecki, we provide free consultations, explain your rights, and begin building your case right away.
We’ll handle communications with insurers so you can focus on healing.
Step 3: Investigating and Building Your Case
We begin an in-depth investigation to collect evidence and strengthen your claim. This includes:
- Reviewing police reports.
- Gathering medical records and treatment plans.
- Interviewing witnesses.
- Retrieving video or surveillance footage.
- Working with accident reconstruction and medical experts.
This phase can take several weeks, depending on case complexity.
Step 4: Filing a Liability Claim or Personal Injury Lawsuit
After gathering evidence, we may file a third-party insurance claim against the at-fault driver. If the insurance company won’t settle fairly, we can file a personal injury lawsuit.
In New York, you typically have three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. If a government vehicle was involved, the deadline is much shorter—90 days to file a Notice of Claim.
Step 5: Negotiations and Potential Settlement
Many Brooklyn car accident claims are resolved through a settlement before trial. Your lawyer negotiates on your behalf to fight to recover compensation for the following:
- Medical bills and future care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Settlements can take weeks or months, depending on your recovery timeline and insurer cooperation.
Step 6: Common Factors That May Delay a Car Accident Claim
Several issues can cause delays in your Brooklyn car accident case, including but not limited to:
- Ongoing Medical Treatment: We may wait until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) to calculate full damages.
- Disputes Over Liability: If fault is unclear or contested, the investigation takes longer.
- Missing Documents: Delays in obtaining records can slow the claim.
- Multiple Vehicles or Parties: Crashes involving rideshares, commercial vehicles, or government entities are more complex.
- Insurance Company Tactics: Delays are common when insurers fail to respond or make lowball offers.
- Court Backlogs: If your case goes to trial, New York court congestion can lead to scheduling delays.
Your lawyer will keep your case moving forward while handling these challenges.
Step 7: Litigation and Trial (If Needed)
If a settlement isn’t possible, we prepare for trial. This phase includes:
- Filing the lawsuit.
- Discovery and depositions.
- Pre-trial motions.
- A trial before a judge or jury.
A favorable verdict can result in a court-ordered award for all your damages.
Step 8: Final Compensation
Once a case settles or wins in court, you’ll receive compensation. Your Brooklyn car accident lawyer will manage the paperwork, resolve liens (such as medical bills or insurance claims), and ensure your settlement check is issued properly and promptly.
How a Brooklyn Car Accident Lawyer at Rubenstein & Rynecki Will Help
Hiring the right lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At Rubenstein & Rynecki, we:
- Investigate the crash and determine who’s at fault.
- Protect your rights and deal with insurance companies.
- Calculate full damages, including long-term medical needs.
- Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation.
- Go to court, if necessary, and present your case to a jury.
You don’t have to take on the insurance companies alone. We’ll guide you from the day of the crash to the day your claim is resolved.
Key Takeaways
- New York’s no-fault system covers basic medical bills, but seriously injured victims may sue for additional damages.
- The average Brooklyn car accident case may take several months to over a year, depending on the circumstances.
- Delays are common with disputed liability, ongoing treatment, or complex cases.
- Having an experienced Brooklyn car accident lawyer improves your chances of a fair and timely outcome.
Call Our Brooklyn Car Accident Lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki for a Free Case ReviewIf you were injured in a Brooklyn car accident, don’t wait. The legal process can be complex, and delays can cost you. At Rubenstein & Rynecki, our Brooklyn car accident lawyers are here to fight for your future. Call 718-522-1020 or contact us online for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Located in Brooklyn, we serve clients throughout New York City, including Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.
