Getting into a car crash in Brooklyn can disrupt your entire life, especially when someone else caused it. Even if you weren’t at fault, you could be left dealing with serious injuries, vehicle damage, and insurance companies that don’t want to pay. That’s why one of the most important questions to ask after a crash is:
Should I get a lawyer for a Brooklyn car accident that wasn’t my fault?

At Rubenstein & Rynecki, we’ve helped injured Brooklynites stand up to insurance companies for decades. Below, we break down what you need to know after a not-at-fault accident in Brooklyn and why hiring a lawyer is essential.

What Happens If the Crash Wasn’t My Fault?

New York follows a no-fault insurance system, which means your own auto insurance will typically cover your initial medical bills and lost wages, no matter who caused the crash. However, this coverage only goes so far.After a serious Brooklyn accident, you may need to pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver to be fully compensated. This is where having an experienced car accident lawyer becomes critical.

Why You Still Need to Prove Fault

Even when the facts seem clear—like being rear-ended at a red light—liability can still be disputed. Insurance companies may try to blame you or say you were partially responsible. Without legal representation, it’s easy to get caught in a game of finger-pointing while your bills pile up.

Your lawyer will:

  • Investigate the crash scene.
  • Collect surveillance footage or dash cam video.
  • Interview witnesses.
  • Obtain police and accident reports.
  • Work with accident reconstruction experts if needed.

All of this helps prove the other driver’s negligence, which is essential if you want to recover compensation beyond no-fault coverage.

What Can a Brooklyn Car Accident Lawyer Do for Me?

Hiring a lawyer after a crash that wasn’t your fault can protect your rights and maximize your financial recovery. Here’s how:

1. Handle the Insurance Company

Insurance adjusters might sound friendly, but they’re trained to reduce payouts. Your lawyer communicates with them on your behalf, ensuring your words aren’t twisted against you.

2. Determine the Full Value of Your Case

Pain and suffering, future medical care, and loss of quality of life are damages that no-fault insurance doesn’t cover. A lawyer will factor in every part of your injury—physical, emotional, and financial—to demand a fair settlement.

3. Prevents You From Settling Too Soon

Many crash victims are offered quick settlements. But once you accept, you can’t go back—even if your injuries worsen. A lawyer helps you avoid this trap by pushing for a settlement that reflects your true, long-term needs.

4. Represent You in Court If Necessary

If negotiations stall, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and prepare for trial. Having a seasoned Brooklyn trial lawyer on your side often leads to faster, higher-value resolutions.

What if I Only Have Property Damage?

If your crash involved only vehicle damage and no injuries, you might not need legal help. But even minor injuries—like whiplash or head trauma—can worsen over time. That’s why it’s important to seek medical attention immediately and consult with a lawyer before assuming your case is “too small.”

What Is a “Serious Injury” in Brooklyn Car Accident Cases?

To file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, your injuries must meet New York’s serious injury threshold under Insurance Law § 5102(d). This includes:

  • Bone fractures
  • Significant disfigurement
  • Permanent loss of bodily function
  • Substantial disability lasting 90 of the 180 days following the crash

If your injuries meet this threshold, you may be eligible for compensation far beyond what no-fault insurance provides.

Key Takeaways

  • You may be eligible for compensation beyond no-fault insurance if you’ve suffered a serious injury in a Brooklyn crash.
  • Even if you didn’t cause the accident, insurance companies may still try to limit or deny your claim.
  • A car accident lawyer helps you prove fault, build your case, and demand full damages.
  • You should never settle without knowing the true value of your injuries.
  • Most personal injury lawyers—including Rubenstein & Rynecki—work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing upfront.

Don’t Let a Collision Derail Your Future – Contact Our Brooklyn Car Accident Lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki.

If you were injured in a car wreck that wasn’t your fault, don’t leave your future in the hands of the insurance company. At Rubenstein & Rynecki, we fight to protect the rights of people who’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligent actions. Contact our Brooklyn car accident lawyers at 718-522-1020 or complete our online form for a free consultation. Located in Brooklyn, we serve clients throughout New York City, including Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.