Accidents happen every day in New York, whether at construction sites, on the road in car crashes, truck accidents, motorcycle collisions, or pedestrian incidents. In fact, in 2022 alone, New York City saw nearly 300 traffic accidents per day.
If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. But how much is your personal injury claim worth in New York? The answer depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, and the overall impact of the accident on your life.
At Proner & Proner, New York’s leading personal injury law firm, we have over 60 years of experience helping accident victims secure maximum compensation. Our legal team understands the complexities of accident claims in New York and fights tirelessly for the highest possible settlements. Here’s what you need to know about the value of your case:
Table of Contents
Factors That Determine the Value of Your Accident Claim in New York
As Mitchell Proner, leading attorney of Proner & Proner says, “Every personal injury case in New York is unique, and several key factors influence the amount of compensation you may receive”. Some of the most important considerations include:
Severity of Injuries and Medical Expenses
The extent of your injuries plays a crucial role in determining your settlement amount. While minor injuries may result in lower compensation, severe or life-altering conditions—such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord damage, or amputations—can lead to significantly higher settlements or verdicts.
Courts and insurance companies consider:
- Medical records and treatment costs
- The need for future medical care or rehabilitation
- Permanent disability or impairment
- Long-term medical expenses related to the injury
If you require ongoing care, your personal injury claim in New York should account for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and assistive devices.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Potential
If your injuries prevent you from working—whether temporarily or permanently—you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes:
- Income lost due to time off for medical treatment and recovery.
- Loss of future earning potential if you are unable to return to your previous job.
- Compensation for a reduced ability to work in a different occupation.
In some cases, a financial expert may be consulted to accurately calculate your wage loss over time, factoring in inflation, career progression, and long-term earning capacity. When you trust us with your case, we cover the costs of these experts while your lawsuit is ongoing, ensuring you get the highest possible compensation.
Pain and Suffering Damages
Pain and suffering compensation covers the physical and emotional distress caused by your injuries. These damages can be significant, especially if:
- You experience chronic pain
- The accident resulted in emotional trauma, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or anxiety
- Permanent injuries have reduced your quality of life
Because pain and suffering damages are subjective, at Proner & Proner, we leverage medical records, expert testimony, and proven legal strategies to maximize your compensation.
Every personal injury case in New York is unique, and several key factors influence the amount of compensation you may receive”.
Comparative Negligence in New York
New York follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your personal injury settlement may be reduced. For example, if you were found to be 20% responsible for a car crash, your compensation would be reduced by that percentage. This makes it critical to have an experienced personal injury lawyer who can fight to minimize your liability and maximize your payout.
Insurance Policies
The amount of compensation you can receive after an accident is often influenced by the insurance policies involved. In New York, all drivers are required to carry minimum liability coverage, which includes:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $10,000 for property damage per accident
However, these limits may not be enough to cover serious injuries, lost wages, or long-term medical expenses. If the at-fault driver has only the minimum required coverage, you may need to seek additional compensation through:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage – If the responsible party lacks sufficient insurance, your own policy may cover the difference.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – New York follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning your PIP coverage pays for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident.
At Proner & Proner, we analyze all available insurance policies to maximize your claim and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Get Advice From An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
All You Have To Do Is Call 212-986-3030 To Receive Your Free Case Evaluation.
The Importance of Hiring an Experienced Lawyer
The lawyer you choose can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case and the amount of compensation you receive. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but an experienced personal injury attorney knows how to fight back and maximize your claim.
How a Skilled Lawyer Can Help:
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies – Insurers often offer low settlements, hoping you’ll accept less than you deserve. A lawyer ensures you get fair compensation.
- Proving Liability and Damages – Strong legal representation helps gather evidence, consult experts, and build a compelling case.
- Calculating the True Value of Your Claim – An attorney considers medical expenses, lost wages, future care needs, and pain and suffering to ensure no damages are overlooked.
- Taking Your Case to Trial If Necessary – If the insurance company refuses a fair settlement, a skilled attorney is prepared to fight for you in court.
At Proner & Proner, we have over 60 years of experience helping accident victims secure the compensation they deserve. Our lead attorney, Mitchell Proner, is widely recognized in New York and beyond for his exceptional negotiating skills and has been elected President of the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers.
Call us today for a free consultation, and let us fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Did You Have a Construction Accident in New York?
Construction workers in New York face some of the most hazardous working conditions. If you were injured on a job site due to unsafe conditions, defective equipment, or a fall, you may be entitled to compensation through:
- Workers’ Compensation Benefits – Covers medical expenses and lost wages but does not include pain and suffering damages.
- Third-Party Injury Claims – If another party, such as a subcontractor or property owner, was responsible for your accident, you may be eligible to recover additional compensation for pain and suffering, long-term disabilities, and other damages.
Did You Have A Car, Truck Or Motorcycle Accident in New York?
Motor vehicle accidents in New York can be devastating, leading to serious injuries or even fatalities. Compensation in these cases depends on:
- The insurance policies involved (New York is a no-fault state, meaning your own insurance may cover some expenses, but serious injuries allow you to sue the at-fault driver). Proner & Proner could help you with that.
- Medical treatment required
- Long-term disability and impact on daily life
Large settlements are common in cases involving reckless drivers, drunk drivers, or commercial truck accidents—but only if you have an experienced attorney on your side. With Mitchell Proner and his legal team, you can trust that we will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Slip and Fall Accidents in New York
Property owners in New York have a legal duty to maintain safe premises. If you slipped and fell due to hazardous conditions, such as wet floors, uneven sidewalks, or poor lighting, you may recover compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Why Hire a Top-Rated Personal Injury Lawyer in New York?
Insurance companies will do everything they can to minimize your settlement. Having an experienced New York accident lawyer—like Mitchell Proner—on your side ensures that:
- All damages (both economic and non-economic) are accurately calculated
- You are not unfairly blamed for the accident
- You receive the maximum compensation possible
At Proner & Proner, one of New York’s top-rated accident law firms, we have been fighting for injured victims for over 60 years, securing more than $500 million in settlements and verdicts. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
We return our clients’ phone calls. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year. I give out my personal cell phone number to all my clients, and I tell them they can feel free to contact me at any time. That’s what makes us different.
