Brooklyn Car Accident Attorney

Fighting for Injured New Yorkers for 39+ Years

Brooklyn Personal Injury Attorney

What Our Clients Say

Who Needs a Brooklyn Car Accident Attorney?

You need a Brooklyn car accident attorney if you were injured in a collision anywhere in the borough and another driver's negligence caused it. That includes drivers and passengers hurt in rear-end crashes on Atlantic Avenue, pedestrians struck in crosswalks near Flatbush Avenue, rideshare passengers injured in Uber or Lyft accidents, delivery truck or commercial vehicle collisions, hit-and-run accidents, and crashes caused by drunk or distracted drivers on the BQE or Belt Parkway. Brooklyn car crash victims, automobile accident injury claimants, and anyone facing a lowball insurance settlement after a motor vehicle accident in neighborhoods like Park Slope, Sunset Park, Williamsburg, Crown Heights, or Canarsie should speak with an attorney before accepting anything.

Common Situations We Handle

Rear-End Collisions on Brooklyn's Busiest Roads

Rear-end crashes are among the most common accidents on Brooklyn streets, particularly on Atlantic Avenue, Flatbush Avenue Extension, and the approaches to the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. Even at relatively low speeds, these collisions cause whiplash, herniated discs, and traumatic brain injuries, and insurance companies routinely try to minimize them.

Intersection Crashes

Some of Brooklyn's most dangerous intersections, including Tillary Street and Flatbush Avenue, and Atlantic Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue, see frequent T-bone and angle collisions. These crashes often involve disputed liability, making legal representation particularly important.

BQE and Belt Parkway Accidents

The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and Belt Parkway are two of New York's most accident-prone corridors. Congestion, short merge zones, aging infrastructure, and high speeds make serious multi-vehicle crashes common. Injuries from highway accidents tend to be severe.

Rideshare Accidents (Uber and Lyft)

If you were injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, or struck by a rideshare vehicle, the insurance situation is more complicated than a standard car crash. Multiple policies may apply depending on the driver's status at the time of the accident. We handle Uber accident cases and Lyft accidents throughout Brooklyn.

Truck and Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Delivery trucks, tractor-trailers, and commercial vehicles share Brooklyn's narrow streets daily. When they're involved in accidents, the injuries are often catastrophic and the liable parties can include the driver, the trucking company, and their insurers. We recovered $1 million for a passenger after a tractor-trailer crushed his vehicle, and $450,000 for a woman pinned into a cement divider by an 18-wheel truck.

Drunk and Distracted Driving Accidents

Crashes caused by impaired or distracted drivers can support additional damages beyond standard compensation. If the driver was texting, drunk, or otherwise reckless, the full value of your claim may be significantly higher.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

If the driver who hit you fled the scene, you still have options. New York's Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) exists specifically for victims of uninsured and hit-and-run drivers. We handle hit-and-run cases throughout Brooklyn and know how to pursue every avenue of recovery available to you.

Why Hiring a Brooklyn Car Accident Lawyer Matters

Going without a lawyer after a serious car accident in Brooklyn is one of the costliest decisions an injured person can make. Insurance companies are not on your side. Their adjusters are trained to limit payouts, and they start building their defense the moment the accident happens.

Without representation, you may accept a settlement that doesn't account for future medical treatment, long-term disability, or the full impact of your injuries on your ability to work. Once you sign a release, that's it. You can't go back.

With an experienced Brooklyn car accident lawyer, the dynamic changes. Every case at Michael Gunzburg, P.C. is prepared for trial from day one. That preparation sends a clear message to insurers: this firm is ready to fight in Kings County Supreme Court if a fair settlement isn't reached. That posture alone changes how insurance companies respond.

A jury once awarded a rear-end collision victim $1,324,500, after the insurer offered just $5,000 before deliberations began. That gap is what experienced representation can mean. Michael Gunzburg has been doing this for 39+ years, has argued appeals in the Appellate Division, Second Department, and has taken cases all the way to the New York State Court of Appeals.

You also speak directly with Michael Gunzburg, not a paralegal, not a case manager. You're kept informed throughout the process, calls are returned within 24 hours, and you make every decision about your case.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

In a Brooklyn car accident, the at-fault driver is usually the primary responsible party, but responsibility often extends further. A thorough investigation may identify additional parties whose negligence contributed to the crash.

Potentially liable parties include:

• The at-fault driver, for speeding, distracted driving, running a red light, or driving under the influence
• The vehicle owner, if the driver was operating someone else's car with permission
• An employer, if the driver was operating a commercial or company vehicle on the job
• Rideshare companies (Uber, Lyft), depending on the driver's status at the time of the crash
• Vehicle or parts manufacturers, if a defect, such as brake failure or a tire blowout, contributed to the accident
• New York City or a municipality, if a dangerous road condition, broken traffic signal, or poor road design played a role
• The MTA or a transit authority, if a city bus or other public vehicle was involved

Identifying every responsible party matters. It can be the difference between a limited recovery and full compensation.

What You May Be Entitled to Recover

Brooklyn car accident victims can pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. What you may recover depends on the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the crash, and the insurance coverage available.

Economic damages include past and future medical expenses, emergency care, surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, lost wages and lost earning capacity, and out-of-pocket costs related to your injury.

Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent disability or disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.

If you lost a family member in a car accident, a wrongful death claim may allow surviving family members to recover for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

New York's no-fault system provides Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, up to $50,000 for medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. However, to pursue a pain and suffering claim against the at-fault driver, your injuries must meet New York's "serious injury" threshold under Insurance Law § 5102(d). Qualifying injuries include fractures, significant disfigurement, permanent limitation of a body organ or function, or an injury that prevents you from performing normal daily activities for at least 90 of the 180 days following the accident.

Important Deadlines and Legal Rules

The statute of limitations for most Brooklyn car accident claims is three years from the date of the accident under CPLR § 214. Missing this deadline means losing your right to compensation entirely, regardless of how strong your case is.

There are exceptions that significantly shorten this window:

• Claims involving the MTA, NYC Transit, or a city or government-owned vehicle: You must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident. Failure to do so can bar your entire claim. Suit must then be filed within one year and 90 days.
• No-fault (PIP) benefits: You must file a no-fault application within 30 days of the accident, or benefits can be denied.
• Wrongful death claims carry a two-year statute of limitations from the date of death.

The 90-day Notice of Claim requirement catches many Brooklyn accident victims off guard, especially those injured by MTA buses or city vehicles. If a government entity is involved, contact an attorney as soon as possible.

What Happens After You Call Michael Gunzburg, P.C.

When you call 212-725-8500, you reach a law firm that handles your case from the first conversation through resolution. Here's what to expect.

A Free Consultation, With the Attorney

Your first call or meeting is with Michael Gunzburg directly. He reviews the facts of your accident, explains your rights under New York law, and gives you an honest assessment of your case. No sales pitch. No pressure.

Investigation Starts Immediately

Time matters in car accident cases. Evidence disappears, witnesses become harder to find, and surveillance footage gets overwritten. We begin gathering the accident report, documenting the scene, identifying witnesses, and preserving evidence from day one.

We Handle the Insurance Companies

You stop talking to adjusters. We take over all communication with the at-fault driver's insurer, your own insurance company, and any other parties involved. You focus on your recovery while we manage the process.

Your Case Is Built for Trial

Every case is prepared as if it will go before a jury in Kings County Supreme Court. That preparation is not a bluff, it's a strategy. Insurance companies settle more fairly when they know a firm is genuinely ready to try the case.

Regular Updates Throughout

You are kept informed at every stage. Calls are returned within 24 hours. Emails go out regularly. You make every major decision, including whether to accept a settlement offer.

Benefits of Hiring a Brooklyn Car Accident Lawyer

You Recover More

Injured people represented by attorneys consistently recover more than those who negotiate on their own. Insurance companies know what experienced trial attorneys can do, and they adjust their offers accordingly.

You Don't Pay Unless We Win

Michael Gunzburg, P.C. handles all Brooklyn car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no payment of any kind unless we win or settle your case.

You Get Direct Access to Your Attorney

You work with Michael Gunzburg throughout your case, not a paralegal or associate. That direct relationship means better communication, faster decisions, and an attorney who genuinely knows your case when he walks into court.

Your Case Has 39+ Years of Trial Experience Behind It

Michael Gunzburg has tried cases before juries, argued appeals in the Appellate Division, and taken matters to the New York State Court of Appeals. That depth of experience in New York courts, including Kings County Supreme Court, matters when your case goes the distance.

Brooklyn-Specific Knowledge You Can Rely On

Knowing Brooklyn's roads, its courts, and how local juries think is an advantage that comes only from decades of practice here. From the BQE to Atlantic Avenue to the streets of Flatbush, this is home ground.

Key Takeaways

• Most Brooklyn car accident claims must be filed within three years of the accident under CPLR § 214, but if a city vehicle or the MTA is involved, a Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days.
• New York is a no-fault state, meaning PIP benefits cover medical expenses and partial lost wages regardless of fault, but meeting the "serious injury" threshold is required to sue for pain and suffering.
• Insurance companies begin building their defense immediately after an accident; early legal representation protects your evidence and your claim.
• Michael Gunzburg, P.C. works on a contingency fee basis, you pay nothing unless the firm wins your case.
• Michael Gunzburg is a Brooklyn Law School graduate, admitted in the Appellate Division, Second Department, and has been a Brooklyn Bar Association referral panel member since 1989, credentials no out-of-borough firm can match.

Proven Results and Client Experience

Michael Gunzburg, P.C. has recovered multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for car accident victims throughout Brooklyn and New York City over 39+ years of practice. Notable results in motor vehicle cases include:

• $1.3 Million jury verdict for a 54-year-old woman rear-ended in a van collision, after the insurer offered just $5,000 before the jury deliberated
• $1.0 Million trial settlement after a tractor-trailer crushed a passenger vehicle on I-84
• $450,000 settlement for a passenger pinned against a cement divider by an 18-wheel truck

Client feedback consistently highlights the same themes: direct access to Michael Gunzburg throughout the case, honest communication about realistic outcomes, and aggressive advocacy that never settles for less than what the case is worth. Many clients continue working with the firm for years and refer family members and friends. As one former client described it, after the case concluded they found they would miss the regular communication with the office, a reflection of the relationship built during the process.

Common Questions About Brooklyn Car Accident Cases

How much does a Brooklyn car accident attorney cost?

Michael Gunzburg, P.C. handles car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no attorney's fees unless the firm wins or settles your case. There are no upfront costs and no hourly charges. The fee comes out of the recovery, so there is no financial risk to you for getting legal representation.

How long does a car accident case take in Brooklyn?

Most Brooklyn car accident cases settle within one to three years, depending on the severity of injuries, the complexity of the liability issues, and whether the case goes to trial. Cases involving serious injuries that require time to fully diagnose and document often take longer, but that time is typically worth it. Settling too early, before the full extent of your injuries is known, can cost you significantly.

What if I was partly at fault for the accident?

You can still recover. New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from recovering unless you are 100% at fault. If you were 30% responsible for a crash, you can still recover 70% of your damages. Insurance companies often try to exaggerate a victim's contribution to the accident to reduce what they pay out. An attorney can counter that tactic.

What is the statute of limitations for a car accident in Brooklyn?

For most car accident claims against private defendants, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident under CPLR § 214. If the at-fault vehicle was operated by the MTA, the City of New York, or another government entity, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident, or lose your right to sue entirely. Don't wait to find out which deadline applies to your case.

Do I have to go to court?

Most car accident cases settle before trial. However, at Michael Gunzburg, P.C., every case is prepared as if it will go before a jury. That preparation is what produces strong settlements, insurers respond differently when they know the opposing firm will actually try the case. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the firm is fully prepared to take your case to Kings County Supreme Court.

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Brooklyn?

Call 911, get medical attention, exchange information with the other driver, photograph the scene and your injuries, and get witness contact information. Do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company before speaking with an attorney. File a no-fault application within 30 days of the accident. Then call Michael Gunzburg, P.C. at 212-725-8500 for a free consultation.

What if the other driver was uninsured or fled the scene?

If the at-fault driver was uninsured or left the scene, you may still have a viable claim. Options include filing through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage or pursuing compensation through the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC), which exists specifically for victims who have no other coverage available. Both paths have filing deadlines, act quickly.

Does New York's no-fault law prevent me from suing the other driver?

No-fault covers your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages regardless of fault, but it does not cover pain and suffering. To bring a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for full damages, your injuries must meet New York's "serious injury" threshold under Insurance Law § 5102(d). Qualifying injuries include fractures, significant disfigurement, permanent limitation of organ function, or inability to perform normal daily activities for at least 90 of the 180 days following the crash. If your injuries meet this standard, you can pursue the at-fault driver for the full value of your losses.

What if the accident involved an MTA bus or city vehicle?

Claims against the MTA, NYC Transit Authority, or any New York City agency require filing a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident. This is a strict deadline, missing it typically ends your right to pursue compensation from that entity, even if you have a strong case. If a government vehicle was involved in your crash, call an attorney immediately.

How do I know if my injuries are serious enough to have a case?

Any injury that required emergency care, follow-up treatment, surgery, or that has kept you from working or living your normal life deserves a legal evaluation. Many car accident injuries, herniated discs, torn ligaments, traumatic brain injuries, are not immediately apparent at the scene. A free consultation with Michael Gunzburg, P.C. will help you understand what your case may be worth before you make any decisions.

Areas We Serve

Michael Gunzburg, P.C. represents Brooklyn car accident victims throughout the borough, from Bay Ridge and Sunset Park in the south to Greenpoint and Williamsburg in the north, and everywhere in between. We handle cases from Flatbush, Crown Heights, Canarsie, Bushwick, Park Slope, Red Hook, and Downtown Brooklyn, including cases arising from accidents on the BQE, Belt Parkway, Atlantic Avenue, and Flatbush Avenue. We also serve clients across all five boroughs, as well as Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Cases in Brooklyn are litigated in Kings County Supreme Court, where Michael Gunzburg's three-plus decades of experience in New York courts is a genuine advantage. Wherever your accident happened in or around Brooklyn, we are here to help.

Other Brooklyn Personal Injury Services We Offer

As part of our Brooklyn personal injury practice, we handle the full range of accident and injury cases throughout the borough:

• Brooklyn Truck Accident Lawyer
• Brooklyn Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
• Brooklyn Wrongful Death Attorney
• Brooklyn Bicycle Accident Lawyer
• Brooklyn Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney
• Brooklyn Slip and Fall Attorney