Car accidents in Queens happen often. The injuries they cause can change your life in seconds. If you or a loved one was hurt in a crash anywhere in Queens, you need a local car accident lawyer you can trust. The Orlow Firm has served injured Queens residents from our Flushing office at 71-18 Main Street since 1982. Our managing partner Adam Orlow served as President of the Queens County Bar Association in 2023-2024.
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What's in this video?
The Orlow Firm attorneys discuss how they help car accident victims throughout Queens recover compensation for their injuries, medical bills, and lost wages.
New York is one of roughly 12 no-fault states. Under NY Insurance Law Section 5102(a), your own auto insurance pays for medical costs, lost wages (80% up to $2,000/month), and other basic losses. The cap is $50,000. This applies no matter who caused the crash. This coverage is called Personal Injury Protection (PIP). You must file a PIP claim with your own insurer within 30 days of the accident.
No-fault benefits only cover money losses. To sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, your injuries must meet the "serious injury" threshold under NY Insurance Law Section 5104(a). If they don't, the whole lawsuit gets thrown out, no matter how careless the other driver was.
The Nine Categories of Serious Injury
New York law defines nine categories of serious injury under Section 5102(d):
Death
Dismemberment
Significant disfigurement
Fracture
Loss of a fetus
Permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function, or system
Permanent consequential limitation of use of a body organ or member
Significant limitation of use of a body function or system
90/180-day rule: a doctor-confirmed injury that stops you from doing most of your normal daily tasks for at least 90 of the 180 days after the accident
If your basic losses go above $50,000, that also opens the door to a lawsuit beyond no-fault.
Good medical records are key to proving that your injuries meet the serious injury threshold. A Queens car accident lawyer at our firm can review whether your injuries cross this legal bar during a free consultation and advise you on next steps.
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Adam Orlow explains New York's no-fault insurance system, the serious injury threshold, and the key deadlines that car accident victims need to know.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Queens
Knowing what caused your crash is the first step in building a strong case. Our review of NYC Open Data crash records (2019-2025) shows the real factors behind Queens crashes, not generic national averages.
Driver inattention and distraction is the top cause, cited in 40,381 Queens crashes (26.6% of all crashes with a listed cause). Texting, phone calls, GPS use, and eating behind the wheel are constant threats on crowded Queens roads.
Failure to yield right-of-way accounts for 15,137 crashes (10.0%). This is a big risk at busy crossings along Northern Boulevard and Queens Boulevard.
Following too closely caused 7,987 crashes (5.3%). This is common in stop-and-go traffic on the Long Island Expressway and Grand Central Parkway. Backing unsafely (7,153 crashes, 4.7%) and improper passing or lane usage (7,030 crashes, 4.6%) round out the top five factors.
Running red lights and ignoring stop signs caused 4,595 crashes (3.0%). Unsafe speed was behind 4,238 crashes (2.8%).
Alcohol was cited in 2,789 Queens crashes (1.8%), but this figure is likely too low. 22.4% of all Queens crash records list "Unspecified" as the cause. Drunk driving crashes tend to cause worse injuries because impaired drivers are less likely to brake or swerve before impact.
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Top Causes of Car Accidents in Queens (2019-2025):
Driver Inattention/Distraction: 40,381 crashes (26.6%)
Failure to Yield: 15,137 crashes (10.0%)
Following Too Closely: 7,987 crashes (5.3%)
Backing Unsafely: 7,153 crashes (4.7%)
Improper Passing/Lane Usage: 7,030 crashes (4.6%)
Red Light/Stop Sign Violations: 4,595 crashes (3.0%)
Unsafe Speed: 4,238 crashes (2.8%)
Note: 22.4% of Queens crash records list "Unspecified" as the cause. True percentages are likely higher.
Source: NYC Open Data, 152,063 total crashes.
Queens adds its own risks on top of these: dense traffic with over 2.2 million residents, heavy truck routes serving JFK and LaGuardia airports, active construction zones, and some of the most crowded roads in the entire city. Our attorneys know how each of these factors affects fault and case planning because we have handled car cases in Queens for over 40 years.
Queens' Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections
Our review of NYC Open Data shows which Queens roads pose the greatest risk to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
Northern Boulevard
Northern Boulevard leads all Queens roads with 2,330 crashes (2019-2025), causing 1,131 injuries and five deaths. It runs through Flushing, where our main office sits. Its mix of truck traffic, bus routes, and foot crossings makes it one of the most dangerous roads in the borough.
Queens Boulevard
Queens Boulevard ranks second with 1,769 crashes and four deaths over the same span. It was once called the "Boulevard of Death" after 18 walkers died on it in 1997 alone. The Vision Zero redesign (2015-2024) cut traffic deaths 68% and injuries 35%. Even after the redesign, Queens Boulevard is still the second-most dangerous road in the borough.
Other High-Crash Corridors
North Conduit Avenue: 1,433 crashes, six deaths
Woodhaven Boulevard: 1,275 crashes, six deaths
Rockaway Boulevard: 1,120 crashes, five deaths
Roosevelt Avenue: Only 785 crashes but seven deaths. This is the highest death count of any Queens road and the deadliest per-crash street in the borough
The Long Island Expressway, Grand Central Parkway, Van Wyck, and BQE add thousands of highway-speed crashes each year. Hot spots include Northern Boulevard at Main Street in Flushing and Queens Boulevard at Woodhaven Boulevard.
Neighborhood Crash Rankings
Jamaica (zip codes 11432-11436) is Queens' crash center with 14,652 crashes, 6,736 injuries, and 40 deaths over seven years. Far Rockaway has the highest death rate at 3.90 per 1,000 crashes. That is nearly double the borough average, despite fewer total crashes.
If you were hurt on any of these roads, our attorneys know the corridors, the police precincts, and the courts where your case will be heard.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Queens
Taking the right steps after a crash can make or break your case:
Call 911 and report the accident. NYPD must respond and file a police report (MV-104) for crashes with injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. This report is key evidence.
See a doctor right away. Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Queens trauma hospitals include NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens in Jamaica, NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, NewYork-Presbyterian Queens in Flushing, and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.
Document everything. Photograph vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, and weather. Get contact info from witnesses.
Exchange information. Collect names, insurance details, license plate numbers, and driver's license numbers from all parties.
Do not admit fault. New York follows pure comparative negligence under CPLR Section 1411. Even a casual "I'm sorry" can be used against you. Anything you say can reduce your payout.
File your no-fault PIP claim within 30 days. Report the accident to your own insurance company. Missing the 30-day deadline for your PIP application can cost you up to $50,000 in benefits.
Preserve evidence. Save dashcam footage, request traffic camera recordings from NYC DOT, and keep all medical records and receipts.
Call a Queens car accident attorney before talking to the other driver's insurance. Adjusters are trained to pay as little as possible. Let us handle those conversations.
View text version of this infographic
What to Do After a Car Accident in Queens:
Call 911 and Report the Accident -- NYPD must file a police report (MV-104) for all injury crashes
See a Doctor Right Away -- Adrenaline can mask serious injuries, get checked immediately
Document Everything -- Photos of damage, road conditions, signals, skid marks, weather
Exchange Information -- Names, insurance, license plates, and driver's license numbers
Do NOT Admit Fault -- Even "I'm sorry" can be used against you under NY law
File PIP Claim Within 30 Days (URGENT) -- Missing this deadline can cost you up to $50,000 in benefits
Preserve Evidence -- Save dashcam footage, request traffic camera recordings
Call a Queens Car Accident Attorney -- Before talking to the other driver's insurance. Call (646) 647-3398
Time is critical for preserving your legal rights.
Don't wait. Call The Orlow Firm at (646) 647-3398 for a free consultation. We can come to you if you cannot come to us.
What's in this video?
The Orlow Firm walks through the critical steps to take immediately after a car accident in New York to protect your health, preserve evidence, and strengthen your legal claim.
Determining Fault and New York's Comparative Negligence Law
New York follows a pure comparative negligence system under CPLR Section 1411. Many states bar you from any payout once you are 50% or more at fault. New York is different. You can recover money even if you were 99% to blame. Your award is simply cut by your share of fault.
Under Rodriguez v. City of New York (2018), the other side must prove you were partly at fault. You do not have to disprove your own fault to bring a claim. An experienced Queens car accident lawyer can use this rule to protect your full payout.
Evidence Used to Establish Fault
Building a strong fault case means getting the right proof early:
Police reports (MV-104). The officer's notes and any tickets issued.
Witness statements. Neutral witnesses carry strong weight.
Traffic camera footage. NYC DOT and private cameras near the crash scene.
Cell phone records. Can prove the other driver was texting or calling at the time of impact.
Vehicle data recorders (black box data). These record speed, braking, and steering inputs in the seconds before a crash.
Accident reconstruction. Expert review to recreate the crash.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Multi-car pile-ups are common on Queens highways and at busy crossings. Splitting fault among many parties makes these cases harder. But it also means more insurance policies may be there to cover your losses. In rear-end crashes, the rear driver is presumed at fault. That driver must prove they could not have stopped in time.
Our attorneys practice in both the Eastern District of New York (EDNY) and Southern District of New York (SDNY). We have over 40 years of trial work in Queens County Supreme Court at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard in Jamaica.
Types of Car Accident Cases in Queens
Our attorneys handle every type of car accident case in the borough. Here is a look at the most common types.
Rear-End Collisions
The most frequent crash type in stop-and-go Queens traffic. The rear driver is presumed at fault, making these cases strong candidates for full recovery.
T-Bone and Side-Impact Crashes
Common at crossings, especially where drivers run red lights or fail to yield. These crashes often cause bad injuries because the side of a car has the least protection.
Head-On Collisions
Very dangerous on undivided roads. Even at normal speeds, the combined force of two cars causes severe injuries.
Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups
Frequent on the LIE, Grand Central Parkway, and BQE. More at-fault parties and insurance policies raise both the case difficulty and the possible payout.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
If the at-fault driver fled, your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage or the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) may provide recovery.
Pedestrian Crashes
Walkers are the most at-risk road users in Queens. Between 2019 and 2025, 12,167 were injured and 129 killed in Queens crashes. Walkers account for 48.1% of all borough traffic deaths.
Cyclist Crashes
Cyclist injuries in Queens hit a record 943 in 2025, a 31% increase over 2019. With 5,399 injuries and 25 deaths over seven years, cyclists face growing danger on Queens roads.
Rideshare and Taxi Accidents
Queens sits near JFK and LaGuardia, which means heavy Uber, Lyft, and taxi traffic. There were 2,437 taxi crashes in Queens between 2019 and 2025. Rideshare insurance depends on whether the driver was heading to a pickup, carrying riders, or off the app.
Truck and Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Box trucks (1,746 crashes), tractor trucks (651), and dump trucks (349) add up to 2,746 crashes in Queens. Truck crashes tend to cause the worst injuries because of the weight gap between cars and large vehicles.
Sub-practice pages on our site cover bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, bus accidents, pedestrian accidents, rideshare accidents, taxi accidents, and hit-and-run accidents in greater detail.
Compensation Available to Queens Car Accident Victims
No-Fault Benefits (PIP)
No matter who caused the crash, your own insurance pays up to $50,000 for medical costs, 80% of lost wages (up to $2,000 per month), and other fair costs. You must file your PIP claim within 30 days.
Economic Damages (Beyond No-Fault)
If your injuries meet the serious injury threshold, you can go after added economic damages from the at-fault driver:
Past and future medical bills
Lost wages and future earning capacity
Rehab and therapy costs
Home care and assistive devices
Property damage to your vehicle
Non-Economic Damages
Available only if your injuries cross the serious injury threshold:
Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of consortium (impact on spousal relationship)
Punitive Damages
In rare cases with extreme conduct, like drunk driving or reckless behavior, courts may award punitive damages meant to punish the wrongdoer.
Wrongful Death Damages
When a car accident takes a life, the family may recover funeral costs, lost income, loss of parental guidance, and pain of the deceased. These claims carry a two-year deadline under NY EPTL Section 5-4.1.
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Compensation for Queens Car Accident Victims:
No-Fault PIP (Up to $50,000) -- All accidents regardless of fault:
Medical costs
80% lost wages (up to $2,000/month)
Other basic expenses
DEADLINE: File within 30 days of the accident date
Economic Damages (Beyond No-Fault) -- Requires serious injury threshold:
All medical bills
Full lost wages
Future earning capacity
Rehab and therapy
Home care / devices
Vehicle property damage
Non-Economic Damages -- Requires serious injury threshold:
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment
Loss of consortium
Also available in certain cases:
Punitive Damages: For extreme conduct such as drunk driving or reckless behavior
Wrongful Death Damages: Funeral costs, lost income, loss of parental guidance (2-year deadline under EPTL Section 5-4.1)
The "Serious Injury" Threshold is defined by NY Insurance Law Section 5102(d) with 9 categories including death, dismemberment, fracture, significant disfigurement, loss of fetus, permanent loss/limitation of use, or 90/180-day disability rule.
What's in this video?
Adam Orlow explains the types of compensation available to car accident victims in New York, including economic damages, pain and suffering, and when punitive damages may apply.
Our Proven Results in Queens Car Accident Cases
$1,200,000. An 83-year-old pedestrian struck by a vehicle suffered multiple fractures. Our attorneys secured a seven-figure recovery for this catastrophic injury case.
$997,997. A taxi driver was hit head-on by a truck and required back surgery. We fought through complex commercial vehicle liability issues to recover nearly $1 million.
$750,000. A passenger in a work vehicle accident needed both neck and back surgery. This case shows the real compensation available for multi-surgery recoveries.
$675,000. Our client was rear-ended by a tractor trailer and required arthroscopic surgery on both shoulders. Commercial truck rear-end collisions are common on Queens expressways.
$650,000. A motorcycle passenger struck by a police car suffered a fractured jaw requiring surgery. This case shows our willingness to pursue claims against government entities.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
To discuss how we can help with your case, call (646) 647-3398.
Filing Deadlines for Queens Car Accident Cases
Missing a deadline can end your right to any payout. The key deadlines for Queens car accident cases are:
3 years from the date of the accident for personal injury claims against private parties under CPLR Section 214(5). This is the most common deadline.
90-day Notice of Claim for accidents with government vehicles or property. This covers city buses, MTA vehicles, NYPD cars, or crashes caused by road problems kept by NYC DOT. You must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days and start your lawsuit within one year and 90 days.
2 years from the date of death for wrongful death claims under NY EPTL Section 5-4.1.
30 days to file your no-fault PIP application with your own insurance company. This is the most urgent deadline after any car accident.
Minors: The clock is paused until the child turns 18. But Notice of Claim deadlines for government claims still run on the normal 90-day schedule.
The discovery rule does not generally apply to car accidents. The clock starts on the crash date, not when you learn the full extent of your injuries. Proof goes away fast. Video gets taped over, witnesses move, and memories fade. Acting fast makes your case stronger.
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Critical Filing Deadlines After a Queens Car Accident:
30 Days (URGENT): No-Fault PIP Claim -- Up to $50,000 in benefits at risk
90 Days: Notice of Claim -- Required for accidents involving government vehicles or property
2 Years: Wrongful Death Claims -- Under EPTL Section 5-4.1
3 Years: Personal Injury Claims -- Under CPLR Section 214(5)
Don't wait until deadlines approach. Evidence degrades fast -- video gets taped over, witnesses move, memories fade. Call The Orlow Firm at (646) 647-3398 for a free case review today.
Steven Orlow served as Counsel to the County Executive of Queens County and as a former NYC Council Member-At-Large. This gives our firm first-hand knowledge of claims against government bodies and the Notice of Claim process.
Queens Car Accident Statistics
Our review of NYC Open Data crash records shows the scope of the problem in Queens.
Queens saw 152,063 car crashes between 2019 and 2025, causing 64,286 injuries and 268 deaths. The borough makes up 27.6% of all tagged crashes in NYC. Only Brooklyn (188,467) had more.
Fewer Crashes, But More Severe
Total crashes dropped 55% between 2019 (39,865) and 2025 (17,942). But the injury rate per crash nearly doubled, from 0.278 in 2019 to 0.529 in 2025. Fewer minor fender-benders are being reported, but serious crashes keep happening at high rates. If you are hurt in a Queens crash today, the data shows you likely face a worse injury than crash victims from just a few years ago.
When and Where Crashes Happen
Friday is the deadliest day to drive in Queens, with 51 deaths between 2019 and 2025. The peak crash window is 2 PM to 6 PM, making up 30.4% of all Queens crashes. That is the afternoon rush when commuters, trucks, and school traffic all pack the same roads.
Walkers make up 48.1% of all Queens traffic deaths (129 of 268) despite being a small share of road users. Cyclist injuries hit a record 943 in 2025, up 31% from 2019 (721). Cyclist deaths in 2025 (seven) were also the highest in the study period.
E-Bikes and E-Scooters: A Growing Risk
E-bikes (734 crashes) and e-scooters (415 crashes) add up to 1,149 crashes as the main vehicle in Queens between 2019 and 2025. This fast-growing group matters most in areas with heavy delivery traffic. Riders and walkers struck by e-bikes face tough insurance issues since many e-bike riders lack car insurance.
Vehicle Types Involved
SUVs were in 58,717 crashes (38.6%) and sedans in 72,138 (47.4%). Together these two types make up 86% of all Queens crashes. The growing size and weight of SUVs leads to worse injuries, mostly for walkers and cyclists hit by these bigger cars.
Vision Zero Progress
Queens saw a 23% drop in traffic deaths in 2025 (57, down from 74 in 2024). NYC as a whole had its fewest traffic deaths ever with 205 in 2025. The Queens Boulevard redesign is the top success story. A road that once killed 18 walkers in one year has seen a 68% cut in traffic deaths since the Vision Zero work began.
Important note: 32% of all NYC crash records lack borough data, meaning the true Queens total could exceed 223,000. All figures cited above should be treated as floor estimates.
Sources & Official Resources
New York Laws Cited
NY Insurance Law Section 5102 -- No-Fault Insurance Definitions
General Municipal Law Section 50-e -- Notice of Claim Requirements
Case Law Cited
- Rodriguez v. City of New York, 31 N.Y.3d 312 (2018) -- Comparative Negligence as Affirmative Defense
Government Resources
- NYC DOT -- Queens Boulevard Vision Zero Redesign Completion (2024)
- NYC DOT -- Traffic Deaths Reach All-Time Low in 2025
- NY DFS -- No-Fault Insurance Consumer FAQ
Helpful Resources
Data Methodology Borough and neighborhood numbers were figured by The Orlow Firm's research team using public NYC Open Data records. Motor Vehicle Collisions data (NYPD, 2019-2025) is published at the crash level with GPS and borough fields. We grouped these records to get the Queens numbers cited above because city agencies do not publish ready-made borough breakdowns for all stats.
Frequently Asked Questions About Queens Car Accident Cases
How much is my Queens car accident case worth?
Every case is different. No honest lawyer can quote a value without looking at your medical records and facts. Key factors include how bad your injuries are, how long you need treatment, how the crash affects your ability to work, and your insurance limits. Our free consultation includes an initial case review.
Should I accept the insurance company's first offer?
Almost never. First offers are usually far below the real value of your claim. Adjusters are trained to settle fast before you know how bad your injuries are and what future care you will need. Talk to a Queens car accident attorney before saying yes to any offer.
What if I was partially at fault for the car accident?
You can still get money. New York lets you recover even if you were mostly at fault. Your award is cut by your share of blame. For example, if you were 30% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would get $70,000.
How long does a car accident case take in Queens?
Most Queens car accident cases wrap up in 12 to 24 months. Harder cases with severe injuries or government parties can take longer. Cases that settle skip trial delays. But our lawyers are ready to go to court at Queens County Supreme Court if a fair offer is not on the table.
Do I need to go to court for my car accident claim?
Most car accident cases settle without a trial. Insurers often prefer to deal rather than risk a jury verdict. But if they refuse to offer fair pay, our lawyers have trial experience and are ready to take your case to a jury.
What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?
You may still get money through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. If you lack UM coverage, the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) is a safety net for people hurt by uninsured or hit-and-run drivers in New York. A Queens car accident attorney can help you file either type of claim.
Can I still file a claim if I didn't go to the doctor right away?
Yes, but waiting to get treated can hurt your case. Insurers will argue that if you were really hurt, you would have seen a doctor right away. Even if you felt fine after the crash, problems like whiplash, head injuries, and soft tissue damage often show up days or weeks later. See a doctor as soon as you can.
What if I was in a car accident with an Uber or Lyft?
These claims are harder because coverage depends on what the driver was doing when the crash happened. If the driver had a rider or was heading to a pickup, the rideshare company's $1 million policy kicks in. If the app was off, only the driver's own insurance applies. Queens' heavy airport traffic makes rideshare crashes very common.
Do I always need a lawyer after a car accident?
Not always. If your injuries are minor, you stayed within no-fault PIP limits, and you are happy with your coverage, you may not need a lawyer. But if your injuries meet the serious injury bar, fault is in dispute, or the insurer is low-balling you, a skilled Queens car accident lawyer can boost your payout.
What should I do if the insurance company denies my no-fault claim?
You have the right to fight a denial through no-fault arbitration. Insurers sometimes deny PIP claims by saying that treatment was not "medically necessary" or that your injuries already existed. A lawyer can file for arbitration, present medical proof, and fight the denial. The 30-day deadline for your initial PIP claim is a separate issue.
Contact a Queens Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was hurt in a car crash in Queens, don't face the insurers alone. The Orlow Firm has served injured Queens residents in Flushing, Jamaica, Astoria, Corona, and every part of the borough for over 40 years. We are a family firm (father and two sons) and you will work directly with a partner on your case.
Call (646) 647-3398 for a free consultation. We work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.
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