Head-On Collision Attorney in New York City

We help you get full compensation for your head-on collision.

Head-on Collision Attorney NYC

What Our Clients Say

Do You Need to Hire an Attorney for a Head-on Collision in NYC?

You need a head-on collision attorney if you were seriously hurt when a driver crossed into your lane, drove the wrong way on a one-way street, or ran a red light and struck your vehicle head-on. These crashes happen throughout New York City, on the FDR Drive, Queens Boulevard, the Belt Parkway, the Cross Bronx Expressway, and on countless local streets where drivers speed, drift, or lose control. Whether you were driving, riding as a passenger, or parked when you were struck, you may have the right to compensation. We serve clients across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Common Head-on Collision Situations We Handle

Wrong-Way Driving on NYC Streets and Highways

New York City's one-way streets and expressway on-ramps create real danger when a driver enters going the wrong direction. A wrong-way crash at highway speed is almost always catastrophic, with no time for either driver to brake.

Drivers Crossing the Center Line

On two-lane roads throughout the outer boroughs and surrounding counties, distracted or drowsy drivers drift across the center line and into oncoming traffic. Even a brief moment of inattention at speed can cause a devastating frontal impact.

Running Red Lights at City Intersections

Busy intersections like Tillary Street and Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, Queens Boulevard and the Long Island Expressway, and Jerome Avenue in the Bronx are common sites for red-light crashes where one driver barrels through the signal and strikes oncoming vehicles head-on.

Impaired Driving

Drunk or drug-impaired drivers lose the ability to stay in their lane, judge distance, and react to oncoming traffic. Impaired driving crashes cause some of the most severe head-on injuries we see.

Distracted Driving

A driver looking down at a phone or GPS for just a few seconds can drift fully into the opposite lane. Distracted driving crashes are preventable, and the at-fault driver can be held fully responsible.

Passing Errors on Two-Lane Roads

On roads like Hylan Boulevard in Staten Island or stretches of Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, drivers attempt to pass slower vehicles without enough visibility or clearance, pulling directly into the path of oncoming traffic.

Tire Blowouts and Mechanical Failures

When a vehicle's tire blows out or its steering fails, the driver can lose control and cross into oncoming traffic. In some cases, a manufacturer or maintenance provider may share responsibility.

Why Hiring a Head-on Collision Attorney Makes Sense

Head-on collision cases produce some of the most serious injuries in personal injury law, and the highest-value insurance claims. That means the stakes are high for the insurance company, and they will fight hard to pay you as little as possible.

Without an experienced attorney, you are at a serious disadvantage. Insurance adjusters will contact you quickly, often within days of the crash, to take a recorded statement and assess how strong your claim is. Anything you say can be used to minimize your payout. They may offer a fast settlement that sounds significant but doesn't come close to covering your long-term medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

When you hire Michael Gunzburg, P.C., we handle every communication with the insurance company on your behalf. We gather the police report, witness statements, surveillance footage, and medical records to build the strongest possible case. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, because insurance companies know which lawyers will actually fight, and that preparation gives us real leverage at the negotiating table. With 39+ years of trial experience and a track record of multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements, we know what these cases are worth and we fight for every dollar.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

Responsibility in a head-on collision case can fall on one or more parties, and a thorough investigation is the only way to know for certain.

The at-fault driver is most often responsible when they crossed into your lane, ran a red light, drove while impaired, or failed to control their vehicle. The at-fault driver's employer may also share liability if the driver was working at the time of the crash, for example, a delivery driver, truck driver, or rideshare driver operating in the course of their job. Vehicle manufacturers can be held responsible if a defect, such as a steering or tire failure, contributed to the crash. Government entities responsible for road maintenance may bear some responsibility when dangerous road conditions, missing lane markings, or defective signage contributed to the collision, though special rules and short deadlines apply to claims against government bodies. Other negligent parties may include those who negligently entrusted a vehicle to an unfit driver.

We investigate every angle to make sure you pursue the full compensation you are entitled to receive.

What You May Be Entitled To Recover or Achieve

Under New York law, injured victims of head-on collisions may be entitled to recover a range of damages depending on the facts and severity of their injuries. No attorney can guarantee a specific outcome, but here is what the law allows you to pursue:

Medical expenses, Past and future costs of hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and ongoing care directly related to your injuries.

Lost wages, Income you lost while recovering from your injuries and your inability to work.

Loss of earning capacity, If your injuries permanently affect your ability to work at the same level as before the crash, you may recover for diminished future earnings.

Pain and suffering, Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries. Under New York law, you must meet the "serious injury" threshold to pursue pain and suffering damages in a motor vehicle case. Serious injuries include fractures, significant disfigurement, permanent loss or limitation of a body organ or function, or a non-permanent injury that prevents you from performing daily activities for at least 90 of the 180 days following the crash.

Out-of-pocket expenses, Costs directly related to your injuries, such as transportation to medical appointments, home care, and medical equipment.

Wrongful death damages, If a loved one was killed in a head-on collision, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

New York is a no-fault state. Your own auto insurer provides Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits for medical costs and a portion of lost wages up to at least $50,000, regardless of fault. You typically must file your no-fault application within 30 days of the crash. When your injuries meet the serious injury threshold, you can also pursue a liability claim against the at-fault driver for damages beyond what no-fault covers.

Important Deadlines and Legal Rules to Know for Scaffolding Accidents

Time limits in New York are strict, and missing them can permanently end your right to recover compensation. Do not wait.

Three-year statute of limitations: For most head-on collision claims against private individuals, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in New York State.

No-fault application deadline: You must file your no-fault (PIP) application with the appropriate insurer within 30 days of the crash. Missing this deadline can result in a denial of no-fault benefits.

Notice of Claim for government defendants: If a government vehicle, government employee, or government road condition contributed to your crash, you may need to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident. Failing to serve proper notice in time can bar your claim against government entities entirely.

MVR-104 filing: New York law requires you to file a Motor Vehicle Accident Report (Form MV-104) with the DMV within 10 days if there is injury or property damage over $1,000.

Evidence preservation: Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras may be overwritten within days. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can move to preserve critical evidence.

Every day you wait puts your case at risk. Call 212-725-8500 today.

What to Expect When You Work With Us

Head-on collision cases require prompt, thorough action. Here is how we handle your case from day one.

Step 1: Free Consultation

We start with a candid conversation about what happened, your injuries, and your legal options. You will get an honest assessment of your case, no promises, no pressure, just the facts. There is no fee for this call.

Step 2: Investigation and Evidence Preservation

We move quickly to gather the police accident report, photograph the scene, obtain witness statements, request surveillance footage, and secure any black box or electronic data from the vehicles involved. Evidence disappears fast in New York City.

Step 3: Medical Documentation

We work with your treating physicians and, when necessary, independent medical experts to fully document your injuries, your treatment, and the long-term impact on your life. Proper medical documentation is the foundation of a strong damages claim.

Step 4: Building Your Case and Negotiating

We prepare your case as if it is going to trial. That preparation gives us real leverage when we negotiate with the insurance company. We handle all communications so you are not pressured into a lowball settlement.

Step 5: Trial If Necessary

Most cases resolve through settlement or mediation. When they do not, we take them to trial. Michael Gunzburg has presented cases to juries throughout New York City courts and has argued appeals before the Appellate Division. Insurance companies know we will go the distance.

Benefits of Hiring a Head-On Collision Attorney

You Get the Full Picture of What Your Case Is Worth

Head-on collisions often produce serious, lasting injuries with long-term costs that are easy to underestimate in the weeks right after the crash. An experienced attorney accounts for future medical care, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering, not just your current medical bills.

The Insurance Company Stops Having the Upper Hand

Insurers have experienced adjusters and lawyers working every claim. When you have Michael Gunzburg, P.C. on your side, you have 39+ years of litigation experience pushing back.

You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

We handle head-on collision cases on a contingency fee basis. You owe us nothing upfront, and nothing at all unless we recover compensation for you. This means you can pursue the full value of your case without worrying about legal fees.

Your Evidence Gets Preserved Immediately

NYC traffic camera footage, business surveillance, and electronic vehicle data can disappear within days. We act fast to secure what matters before it is gone.

You Can Focus on Healing

Dealing with insurance companies, medical records requests, and legal paperwork while you are injured is overwhelming. We handle all of it so you can focus on getting better.

Proven Results & Client Experience

Michael Gunzburg, P.C. has spent 39+ years securing multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for injured New Yorkers. Our verdicts and settlements record includes results across the full range of serious personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents resulting in fractures, herniated discs, and permanent disability.

In one case, we secured a $1.9 million post-verdict settlement for a 57-year-old pedestrian struck by a bus in the Bronx. In another, we obtained a $1.0 million trial settlement for a passenger in a vehicle crushed by an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer on I-84. We have recovered $850,000 for a client who sustained multiple disc herniations and spinal fractures when a bus flipped, and $700,000 for a professional driver with multiple herniated discs rendered partially disabled after his vehicle was struck from the side.

One of our clients, Avion, came to us after his first lawyer tried to settle his serious injury case for a lowball amount. Michael Gunzburg, P.C. recovered nearly five times what the original lawyer proposed.

Here is what another client, Cesar, said after his case resolved:

"Michael Gunzburg, P.C. treated me with respect, and cared about me as a person. He went way above and beyond the law to ensure that my case and my family landed squarely on both feet. I couldn't imagine how my case and my life would have turned out without him."

Read more client reviews from people we have helped across New York City.

Common Questions About Head-On Collision Cases in NYC

What should I do immediately after a head-on collision in New York City?

Call 911 right away. Get medical attention even if you feel okay, adrenaline can mask serious injuries that show up in the hours or days after a crash. Do not admit fault at the scene. Photograph the vehicles, the road, and any visible injuries. Get the other driver's name, license, registration, and insurance information. Get witness contact information if possible. Then call a head-on collision attorney before speaking with any insurance adjuster.

How do I prove the other driver was at fault in a head-on collision?

Fault in a head-on collision is established through the police accident report, witness testimony, traffic camera or surveillance footage, vehicle damage analysis, electronic data from the vehicles, and expert accident reconstruction when necessary. In many head-on crashes, fault is clear, one driver was in the wrong lane. At Michael Gunzburg, P.C., we investigate thoroughly and build the evidence needed to hold the right parties accountable.

Does New York's no-fault law affect my head-on collision claim?

New York is a no-fault state. Your own auto insurer pays your initial medical bills and a portion of lost wages through Personal Injury Protection (PIP), up to at least $50,000, regardless of who caused the crash. However, when your injuries meet New York's "serious injury" threshold, which includes fractures, permanent limitations, significant disfigurement, or inability to perform daily activities for 90 out of 180 days, you can step outside the no-fault system and pursue a full liability claim against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering and all remaining damages.

What if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured?

You may still have options. Your own auto insurance policy may include Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which can compensate you when the at-fault driver does not have adequate insurance. The Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) may also provide a path to compensation in certain situations involving uninsured vehicles. You should report the crash promptly to police and notify your insurer. We can help you identify all available sources of recovery.

Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault for the head-on collision?

Yes. New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. If you were partially at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from recovering unless you are found 100% responsible. For example, if a jury finds you 20% at fault, you still recover 80% of your total damages.

How long do I have to file a head-on collision lawsuit in New York?

For most head-on collision cases against private individuals, New York's statute of limitations gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If a government vehicle, government employee, or government road condition was involved, different rules apply. You may need to file a Notice of Claim within just 90 days of the accident. Missing these deadlines ends your right to pursue compensation. Call us as soon as possible.

What damages can I recover in a head-on collision case?

Depending on your injuries and the circumstances of the crash, you may be entitled to recover past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and out-of-pocket expenses. If your injuries are severe and permanent, these figures can be substantial. We evaluate every element of your damages to make sure nothing is left on the table.

How much is my head-on collision case worth?

Every case is different. The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the amount of medical treatment required, how your injuries have affected your ability to work and live your life, and the available insurance coverage. We will give you an honest assessment of your case during your free consultation, not a number designed to get you to sign up, but a realistic picture of what you may be entitled to recover.

What if a loved one was killed in a head-on collision?

Surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim under New York law. This can include funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses incurred prior to death, loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, and loss of parental guidance for minor children. Wrongful death claims in New York have their own legal requirements and deadlines. Contact us as soon as possible.

How much does it cost to hire a head-on collision attorney?

Nothing upfront. Michael Gunzburg, P.C. handles head-on collision cases on a contingency fee basis. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. There are no hourly fees and no out-of-pocket costs to get started.

Areas We Serve

Michael Gunzburg, P.C. represents head-on collision victims throughout New York City and the surrounding region. We serve clients injured in Manhattan (including Midtown, the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, Harlem, Greenwich Village, and the Financial District), Brooklyn (including Williamsburg, Park Slope, Flatbush, Bay Ridge, and Brooklyn Heights), Queens (including Astoria, Flushing, Jamaica, and Forest Hills), the Bronx (including Fordham, Pelham Bay, Parkchester, and the Grand Concourse), and Staten Island (including St. George, New Dorp, and Hylan Boulevard). We also serve clients in Nassau County and Suffolk County.

No matter where in the New York City area your crash occurred, our office is ready to help.

Other Car Accident Legal Services We Provide

If you were injured in a car accident in New York City, Michael Gunzburg, P.C. handles a full range of motor vehicle accident cases:

• Car Accident Attorney, Representing drivers and passengers injured in all types of car crashes throughout NYC
• Truck Accidents, Fighting for victims of commercial truck and tractor-trailer collisions
• Motorcycle Accident, Protecting motorcyclists injured by negligent drivers
• Rear-End Collision, Recovering compensation for victims of rear-impact crashes
• Intersection Accidents, Holding drivers accountable for crashes at NYC's most dangerous intersections
• Distracted Driving Accident, Pursuing claims against drivers who caused crashes while texting or otherwise distracted
• Uber Accident Attorney, Representing passengers and others injured in rideshare vehicle crashes