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Car Accident

Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Serving Florida and New York

Car accidents occur with staggering frequency in New York and Florida, impacting thousands of families every month. In the first half of 2025 alone, New York City recorded over 19,000 motor vehicle collisions, while Florida continues to see nearly 400,000 crashes annually. For those impacted by car crashes and their loved ones, the aftermath of a crash is often defined by physical pain and overwhelming financial stress from mounting medical bills and lost wages.

The challenges in a car accident claim are significant, especially when navigating “no-fault” insurance systems and complex comparative negligence laws that can reduce your recovery if you are found partially at fault. At HL Law Group, we help the injured overcome these hurdles by handling aggressive insurers and securing the forensic evidence needed to prove liability. If you have been harmed, a car accident attorney from our firm will provide the legal support you need to seek the full compensation you deserve for your recovery.

Our skilled car accident lawyers are committed to helping individuals in Florida and New York who were injured in car accidents. Our team is ready to fight for your right to maximum compensation.

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Understanding the Rights of Injured Parties After an Auto Accident

Florida is a “No-Fault” state. This means that regardless of who caused the accident, every driver must turn to their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance to cover initial medical expenses and lost wages.

The following may file a car accident claim:

  • Drivers and Passengers: Anyone injured in a vehicle typically has the right to file a PIP claim.
  • Pedestrians and Cyclists: Residents who are hit by a motor vehicle may also be covered by their own PIP or the PIP of the driver involved.

When the compensation under your PIP is not enough, our team is ready to go to court. To file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for non-economic damages (like pain and suffering), you must meet the “Serious Injury Threshold.” This requires proof of a permanent injury, significant and permanent scarring, or the loss of an important bodily function.

Under Florida’s Modified Comparative Negligence model, if you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover. If you are partly at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if your damages total $100,000 but you are 20% at fault, you can recover $80,000.

Meanwhile, New York law applies the principle of Pure Comparative Negligence. This allows individuals to recover damages even if they were 99% at fault.

Filing a Car Accident Claim: The Process

In Florida, the process begins with the 14-day rule, which requires injured parties to seek medical evaluation within two weeks from the accident to qualify for PIP benefits.

The procedural steps generally include:

  1. Reporting: Notifying law enforcement of any crash involving injuries or property damage exceeding $500.
  2. Documentation: Exchanging insurance information and gathering evidence like scene photos and witness contacts.
  3. Notification: Informing your own insurer to trigger PIP benefits, which cover 80% of medical costs and 60% of lost wages regardless of fault.
  4. Legal Action: If injuries are permanent or exceed the “serious injury threshold,” you may pursue a third-party claim against the at-fault driver.

The two-year statute of limitations is strict, and the negligence rules can be complex. Consulting a Florida car accident lawyer can help ensure compliance with state bar guidelines and protect your right to full compensation.

Meanwhile, under New York laws, the process of filing a claim typically follows these steps:

  1. Immediate Reporting: Accidents involving injury or property damage exceeding $1,000 must be reported to the DMV using form MV-104 within 10 days.
  2. No-Fault Application: You must file a written notice of claim (Form NF-2) with your own insurer within 30 days of the accident to secure Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, which cover up to $50,000 for medical costs and lost wages.
  3. Third-Party Claims: If injuries meet the “serious injury threshold,” you may pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for non-economic damages.

A personal injury lawyer from HL Law Group can help ensure you meet the complex 90-day notice requirements for claims against city entities (like the MTA) and the three-year statute of limitations. Reach out to our experienced attorneys for urgent professional legal support.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

At HL Law Group, we’ve seen the significant legal and procedural challenges our clients face after a vehicle collision. As your trusted car accident lawyers, we provide critical support to ensure injured parties are treated fairly by insurance carriers and the court system.

At HL Law Group, our role includes:

  • Evidence Collection and Investigation: As soon as we discuss your case, we start gathering essential evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements. We may also collaborate with accident reconstruction experts to establish liability.
  • Negotiation with Insurers: Insurance adjusters often aim to minimize payouts. Our personal injury attorney acts as a liaison. We counter low-ball offers and negotiate settlements that reflect the true value of your damages.
  • Meeting Legal Deadlines: Every state imposes a statute of limitations, a strict timeframe for filing a lawsuit. Our attorneys ensure all filings are accurate and submitted before this window closes to preserve your or your loved ones’ right to compensation.
  • Litigation Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, an attorney prepares the case for trial. We manage complex discovery processes and present arguments to a judge or jury.

Let HL Law Group Assist You with Your Car Accident Claims

Recovering from a car accident involves more than just physical healing; it requires navigating a complex legal landscape of insurance claims, medical documentation, and strict filing deadlines. Whether you are dealing with Florida’s modified comparative negligence rules or New York’s no-fault insurance system, the decisions you make in the days following a crash can significantly impact your future financial stability.

At our firm, we believe that every injured individual deserves a partner who understands the intricacies of state-specific statutes and the tactics used by insurance adjusters to minimize payouts. You do not have to handle the burden of a legal claim alone while you are trying to recover.

Schedule your free case evaluation today. HL Law Group works with accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and experienced investigators to build a strong case and seek maximum compensation.

Call us today for a free consultation. We are licensed to practice in Florida and New York. We have offices in Fort Lauderdale and Bradenton, Florida, and in New York City, New York. Send an email to [email protected] or call (866) 673-5553 for inquiries.

If you have a question about your insurance claim, relating to the coverage you have or about information you received from your insurance carrier, feel free to call our office and speak with one of our attorneys. More than a law firm, HL Law Group is a legal resource for its clients.

Schedule a free case evaluation