If you’ve been in a car or motorcycle accident in New York City, you’re probably overwhelmed. Between medical bills, lost time at work, and calls from insurance adjusters, it’s hard to know what to do next. At our firm, we’ve helped people across the five boroughs make sense of the chaos and move toward real recovery.
Here’s the truth: New York City is a tough place to get fair treatment after a crash. For car accidents, New York follows a no-fault insurance system, which means your own policy covers basic medical treatment and lost wages—but only up to a point. Once you’ve suffered serious injuries, the law allows you to step outside the no-fault system and file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. That’s where we come in.
Now, if you were riding a motorcycle, it’s even more complicated. Motorcyclists are not covered under the no-fault law (New York Insurance Law § 5103), so from day one, you’re on your own to deal with the other party’s insurance and your own expenses. This makes it especially important to get a lawyer after a motorcycle accident.
Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to settle quickly and cheaply. Ours is to make sure you’re treated fairly, that your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain are fully accounted for—and that nothing gets left on the table.
Is It Worth Getting a Lawyer After a Car or Motorcycle Accident?
One of the most common questions we hear is: “Do I really need a lawyer after a car accident?” If your accident happened in New York City, the answer is almost always yes—especially if you suffered injuries, missed work, or the insurance company is giving you the runaround.
Even what seems like a “small” accident can turn into a major headache. You might have neck or back pain that gets worse over time. You might find out the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance. Or you might get hit with medical bills that your own policy doesn’t cover. That’s when having a good car accident attorney makes all the difference.
At our firm, we know how to deal with these cases—because we handle them every day. We’ve worked on everything from minor rear-end accidents to severe crashes involving broken bones, head injuries, and permanent disability. Whether your injuries are obvious or hidden beneath the surface, we fight to make sure your injury claim is taken seriously.
If you’re a motorcyclist, it’s even more important to get a lawyer. Because there’s no no-fault protection, every dollar must be fought for. We’ve seen insurance companies try to blame motorcyclists even when the other driver was clearly at fault. We don’t let that happen.
You shouldn’t have to navigate complex legal issues alone. And you definitely shouldn’t accept a lowball offer from an insurance company just because they want to close your case fast. With legal representation, you’re not just reacting—you’re protecting your future.
What We Do for You After an NYC Accident
When you hire our firm, you’re not just getting legal representation—you’re getting someone who knows how to handle car and motorcycle accident cases in New York City from start to finish. We know what insurance companies look for. More importantly, we know how to build a strong case so they take your claim seriously.
First, we collect and protect key evidence: accident scene photos, medical records, the police report, damaged property, and witness statements. If needed, we bring in accident reconstruction experts to help prove how the crash happened. Every piece of information matters, especially in cases involving disputed liability or significant injuries.
Next, we deal with the insurance company. That includes sending a demand letter, responding to adjusters, and making sure they don’t twist your words or minimize your injuries. If they try to push a low offer, we push back with facts, numbers, and a clear breakdown of your medical costs, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
We also take care of all the paperwork, deadlines, and court filings—so you don’t have to stress. In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is three years (CPLR § 214), but the sooner we get started, the better your chances of success.
You’ll work directly with me, Michael J. Redenburg—not a junior associate or paralegal. I’ll guide you through the legal process, step by step, and make sure your voice is heard.
Whether your case settles or goes to trial, our goal is always the same: to help you receive fair compensation for everything you’ve lost and everything you’ve had to endure.
How Motorcycle Accident Claims Work in NYC
Motorcycle accidents are handled very differently from car crashes under New York law. If you’re a rider, you’re not covered by the state’s no-fault insurance rules (New York Insurance Law § 5102). That means you don’t get automatic coverage for medical bills or lost income—no matter how badly you were hurt. You must file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver to recover damages.
This process isn’t easy, especially in a city like New York. Insurance companies often treat motorcyclists unfairly, relying on harmful stereotypes to shift blame. We’ve seen it time and time again—riders being blamed just for riding. But we know that most motorcyclists are safe, alert, and careful. And when they’re injured because someone else wasn’t, we step in to fight back.
We’ve handled motorcycle accident cases involving severe injuries—from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries—and we’ve recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars for injured clients. In one Brooklyn case, we secured a $900,000 settlement for a client hit while riding an e-bike. In another, we obtained $837,500 for a woman injured while boarding a transit bus.
Our job is to build a strong, clear case that shows exactly how the accident happened and what you’ve lost—physically, emotionally, and financially. That includes:
- Working with accident reconstruction experts
- Gathering medical records and treatment plans
- Documenting your lost wages and future care needs
- Calculating non-economic damages like pain and suffering
You only get one shot to file a claim. We make sure it’s done right.
Don’t Let the Insurance Company Control the Outcome
After a crash, the first call often comes from the insurance company—and it’s usually not to help you. Their job is to settle your claim quickly, and for as little as possible. They may sound friendly, but make no mistake: they’re trained to protect their company’s bottom line, not your best interests.
If you don’t have a lawyer, insurance adjusters might try to get you to say things that weaken your claim. They may ask for recorded statements, downplay your injuries sustained, or offer a quick check that seems helpful—but doesn’t come close to covering your true losses. Once you accept that money, your case is likely over.
That’s why having an experienced car accident attorney changes everything.
We handle every conversation with the insurance company so you don’t have to. We don’t let them twist your words or delay your claim. And we never recommend accepting a settlement offer unless it fully accounts for your medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
For motorcycle accidents, this is even more important. Insurance companies often assume the rider was at fault. Without a lawyer, your claim could be denied outright. With us, they know you’re serious.
If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we prepare to go to court. And if that’s what it takes to get you a favorable outcome, that’s exactly what we’ll do.
Building Your Case Starts with Strong Evidence
Winning a car or motorcycle accident case in NYC depends on more than just telling your side of the story—it depends on what you can prove. That’s why gathering and protecting evidence is one of the first things we focus on when you hire us.
Right after the crash, the most important evidence often disappears fast. Skid marks fade. Surveillance footage gets erased. Witnesses move on. That’s why it’s so important to act quickly.
When we take your case, we go to work immediately. We’ll collect:
- Photos of the accident scene, vehicles, and injuries
- The official police report
- Medical records and treatment plans
- Statements from witnesses
- Records of missed work and wage loss
- Estimates and receipts for vehicle repairs and damaged property
In more serious cases, we may bring in accident reconstruction experts or medical professionals to help explain how the crash happened and how your injuries will affect your future.
If you’ve already gathered documents or took photos at the scene, that’s a great start. But if you didn’t, don’t worry—it’s not too late. We’ll help track down what’s needed to build a solid case and prove fault against the at-fault driver.
The stronger the evidence, the better your chance of getting the maximum compensation you deserve.
How We Maximize Your Financial Recovery
Every accident is different—but one thing stays the same: you should never walk away with less than you deserve. At our firm, we don’t just submit claims and hope for the best. We build a full picture of everything you’ve lost and fight for the maximum compensation the law allows.
In New York, you’re entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages. That includes:
- Medical expenses (past, current, and future)
- Lost wages from missed work
- Property damage to your car or motorcycle
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- In some cases, punitive damages for reckless or intentional misconduct
To do this right, we work closely with your doctors and medical providers to understand how long your recovery will take and what kind of care you’ll need in the future. If you suffered serious injuries, we’ll also consider how they affect your ability to work, care for your family, or enjoy everyday life.
For motorcyclists, this step is especially important. Because you’re not protected by no-fault insurance, we need to build your damages from the ground up—documenting everything from ER visits to physical therapy, surgery, and time off the job.
Our goal is always to get you a fair settlement without dragging the case out longer than needed. But if the insurance company refuses to meet you halfway, we’re fully prepared to go to court.
The Legal Timeline: How Long Do You Have to File in New York?
Time matters after an accident—especially in New York. If you wait too long to take legal action, you could lose your right to recover anything at all. That’s why one of the first things we talk about in your free consultation is the legal timeline that applies to your case.
Under New York Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR § 214), you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This applies to both car and motorcycle accident cases. Miss that deadline, and the court will likely dismiss your claim—even if your injuries are serious and your case is strong.
There are some exceptions. For example, if a government vehicle was involved (like an NYPD cruiser or MTA bus), you may need to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days. These rules are strict, and the deadlines come fast.
We help you stay ahead of the clock. As soon as you hire us, we handle all the filings and paperwork so you don’t have to stress. More importantly, we time your case based on strategy—not pressure. Sometimes, it’s smart to wait until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement before negotiating a settlement, so we can accurately calculate your long-term needs.
The bottom line? The sooner we get involved, the better we can protect your rights—and your recovery.
What to Expect When You Meet With Us
Your first meeting with us is always a free consultation, and there’s no pressure or obligation. We know you’re dealing with pain, bills, and stress—so our goal is to make this part easy.
We’ll sit down and listen to what happened. We’ll ask about the accident, the injuries you’ve suffered, your medical treatment so far, and what you’re dealing with day-to-day. If you have documents—like the police report, photos, or medical records—bring them. If not, that’s okay. We’ll help gather what’s needed.
During this meeting, we’ll explain how personal injury law works in New York, including the difference between no-fault claims and personal injury lawsuits. We’ll also talk about what your case might be worth, what kinds of damages you could recover, and what steps come next.
You’ll also get answers to the questions that matter:
- “Do I have a case?”
- “How long will this take?”
- “Will I have to go to court?”
- “What will it cost me?”
We work on a contingency fee agreement, which means you don’t pay anything up front. We only get paid if we win your case. That way, you can focus on healing while we focus on the fight.
And unlike other firms, you won’t be passed off to a case manager or assistant. You’ll work directly with me—Michael J. Redenburg—from day one.
Choosing the Right Lawyer Makes All the Difference
Not all lawyers are the same. Look for someone with real experience handling car accident and motorcycle accident cases in New York City. You want a lawyer who knows the local courts, understands how insurance companies operate, and has a track record of fair settlements and courtroom wins.
At our firm, every case is personal. You’ll work directly with me—not a junior associate or call center.
Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Case
After a crash, it’s easy to make decisions that seem harmless—but end up costing you. We’ve seen it happen too often, and our job is to make sure it doesn’t happen to you.
Here are a few mistakes to avoid:
- Not seeking medical attention right away – Even if you feel okay, some injuries don’t show up until later. Waiting to get care can also hurt your claim.
- Talking to the insurance company alone – They may seem helpful, but their goal is to protect their bottom line—not your health or finances.
- Posting on social media – A single photo or comment can be used to downplay your injuries.
- Delaying legal help – The longer you wait, the harder it is to collect the evidence needed to build a strong case.
When you work with us, we’ll guide you around every legal trap and make sure you’re taking the right steps from the start. You only get one chance to get this right—let’s make it count.
Real Results for Real New Yorkers
We don’t just talk about results—we deliver them. Over the years, we’ve helped injured clients across New York City recover meaningful compensation after serious accidents. Here are just a few examples of what we’ve achieved:
- $900,000 settlement for a client hit by a Hummer while riding an e-bike in Brooklyn.
- $837,500 recovered for a woman injured while boarding a New York City Transit bus.
- $510,000 settlement for a truck accident victim in Suffolk County, reaching both policy limits.
- $500,000 secured for a shopper injured by a store employee in Westchester.
Every case is different—but each one shows what’s possible when you have the right legal team on your side. These are people who trusted us to fight for them when the system seemed stacked against them. We didn’t let them down.
And we won’t let you down either.
Let’s Talk—Your Recovery Starts Here
If you’ve been hurt in a car or motorcycle accident in New York City, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. At our firm, we know how to take on insurance companies, handle complex cases, and fight for people who’ve suffered real injuries and real losses.
Your case matters. Your story matters. And your recovery matters.
Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost income, or just the stress of not knowing what to do next, we’re here to help. We offer a no-obligation consultation, and you pay nothing unless we win.
Call us today or fill out our contact form to get started. Let’s talk about what happened, what you need, and how we can move forward—together.
