Accident And Injury Attorneys

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Abogados De Accidentes

Queens Car Accident Lawyer

Law Office Of Cohen & Jaffe – Queens Personal Injury Lawyers

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY:
Richard S. Jaffe, Trial Attorney and Litigator

March 2025

Plenty of laws have been enacted to protect the public from harm caused by vehicle collisions, yet they continue to occur. This is because negligent drivers violate these laws and fail to keep others in mind while behind the wheel. The other driver in your accident did not take safety as seriously as they should have and injured you in the process.

You are probably frustrated at this turn of events, especially if you are a careful driver who follows traffic laws. Other people’s careless actions can cause you serious harm, and those people should be held accountable for all the suffering they put you through. A Queens car accident lawyer from the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe – Queens Personal Injury Lawyers can help you hold these parties responsible.

Personal Injury Lawyer Queens

Contact a Queens Car Accident Attorney Near You

Why Choose Us to Represent Your Car Accident Case

Choosing the right legal team after a crash can significantly impact your recovery. At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe – Queens Personal Injury Lawyers, we have a strong record of dedication, results, and community commitment. We focus on building trust with clients, guiding them with care, and pursuing the best possible outcomes. Here is why many in Queens choose us:

  • Decades of Combined Experience – Our attorneys, Stephen M. Cohen and Richard S. Jaffe, have decades of experience representing injury victims throughout New York, achieving significant verdicts and settlements in complex cases. Mr. Cohen has secured results such as $4 million for a motorcyclist with paraplegia, $1.2 million for a child with a fractured skull, and $1.5 million for a worker injured in an elevator accident.
  • Distinguished Education and Credentials – Mr. Cohen earned his B.S. from Bradley University and his J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law. Mr. Jaffe earned his B.A. from SUNY Binghamton and his J.D. from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center. Fluent in Spanish, he began advocating for injury victims in 1988 as a paralegal for a personal injury law firm.
  • Award-Winning Advocacy– Our firm’s accolades, recognized by respected legal organizations and professional publications, such as Martindale-Hubbell, the American Institute- Personal Injury DivisionSuper LawyersAVVO, and BBB Accredited Business, reflect a strong commitment to justice and outstanding client service.
  • No Fee Promise – You pay no legal fees unless we win your case, allowing you to focus entirely on your recovery without financial stress.
  • Deep Community Roots – Our community involvement includes scholarships, charitable programs, and local initiatives that underscore our dedication to families.

Trusted High-Rated Reviews

We’ve earned stellar reviews on Yelp and Google :

  • Mary Beams: “I was very pleased with the service that I received. Everything was very organized. Everything was very prompt. The people were very kind and nice everyone I spoke to everything was explained proper. I was not inconvenienced once everything went very smooth. I would definitely recommend them.” Read more
  • Yanu Alexandra. “My name is Yanu and I am a client of the law office of Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP LLP. I have had a pleasant experience with both the attorneys and staff. I was impressed with their professionalism and customer service and their staff is not only friendly but also highly skilled.” Read more
  • Dalivid Solano. “I felt HONORED and GRATEFULLY to have legal representation & settlement for my Injury Related case By COHEN & JAFFE. This is by far THE BEST law firm I have ever work with. The lawyers are extremely good, kind , highly professional and they were always Available I HIGHLY Recommend this Team”. Read more

Recent Car Accident Verdicts and Settlements

At the Law Office Of Cohen & Jaffe – Queens Personal Injury Lawyers, we have a long track record of helping Queens and nearby area residents who have been injured in accidents caused by the negligence of others:

  • $1,300,000 Recovery – Highway Rear-End Collision. We secured $1,300,000 for a 50-year-old man who was seriously injured on his morning commute. Traffic had slowed for an accident ahead, but the driver behind him failed to brake and crashed into the rear of his vehicle at high speed. The impact caused a traumatic rotator cuff tear that required surgery, along with cervical and lumbar herniated discs that needed percutaneous discectomy procedures. These injuries limited his ability to work, exercise, and manage daily activities. Partner Stephen M. Cohen pursued every available source of coverage and obtained the full limits of both policies involved—a $300,000 auto policy and a $1,000,000 umbrella policy. This outcome provided our client with the financial support necessary for long-term treatment and stability during a challenging recovery.
  • $240,000 Settlement – Rear-End Impact With No Police Report. We reached a $240,000 settlement for a 60-year-old woman who was struck from behind while slowing down on the parkway. Although no police report was filed at the scene, she did what many injured drivers do—went straight to the emergency room when she realized the pain in her neck and back wasn’t improving. Over the following weeks, she developed worsening shoulder pain that affected her ability to sleep and lift her arm. Doctors later diagnosed a partial rotator cuff tear and a labral tear, ultimately requiring arthroscopic surgery. Even without a police report, our team built a strong claim supported by medical records, treatment history, and expert review. The case was pending in the Supreme Court, Queens County, when we secured a settlement that reflected the real effects of her injuries and helped her regain stability.

Contact a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Near You

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in Queens, New York

At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe – Queens Personal Injury Lawyers, we handle a wide range of car accident cases in Queens. Our experienced attorneys are equipped to manage complex cases involving:

  • Rear-End Collisions: Often caused by distracted driving or tailgating, these accidents can result in significant injuries such as whiplash and spinal damage.
  • Side-Impact Crashes: Commonly occurring at intersections, these accidents can lead to severe injuries due to the lack of protection on the sides of vehicles.
  • Head-On Collisions: These are among the most dangerous types of accidents, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
  • Pedestrian Accidents: Pedestrians hit by vehicles can suffer life-threatening injuries, and these cases require careful investigation to establish liability.
  • Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road, and accidents can lead to severe injuries or death.
  • Truck Accidents: Due to their size and weight, truck accidents can cause extensive damage and severe injuries.

Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses.

How and When Do Car Crashes Happen in Queens

Queens experiences some of the heaviest traffic volumes in New York City, which significantly increases the risk of collisions during predictable windows. Morning and evening rush hours bring congested parkways, crowded intersections, and aggressive lane changes. Weekend travel adds another layer of danger when recreational traffic mixes with local commuters.

According to the NYPD’s Motor Vehicle Collision Report Statistics Citywide for December 2025, Queens recorded 2,101 motor vehicle collisions during this single month alone, with 923 crashes resulting in injuries or fatalities. Driver inattention and distraction contributed to 580 of these injuries and fatal collisions, while aggressive driving and road rage accounted for 13 incidents. Failure to yield right-of-way caused 198 crashes, and following too closely led to 169 collisions. These statistics confirm how peak travel periods and behavioral factors converge to create dangerous conditions across the borough.

Weather conditions also play a role. Rain, snow, and reduced visibility often trigger chain-reaction crashes when drivers fail to adjust speed or following distance. Nighttime driving adds risk due to fatigue and limited sightlines. Delivery vehicles and rideshare traffic further complicate conditions, especially in commercial zones where double parking and sudden stops remain common. Understanding how and when crashes happen helps injured people recognize how quickly negligence can turn routine travel into a serious injury event.

Causes of Most Car Accidents in Queens

Car accidents in Queens often stem from a combination of driver behavior, roadway conditions, and environmental factors. High traffic density increases the margin for error, meaning even small lapses in judgment can lead to serious collisions.

  • Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of car accidents in Queens. Activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car technologies can divert a driver’s attention from the road. Even a momentary lapse in focus can lead to serious collisions. It is crucial for drivers to stay alert and minimize distractions to prevent accidents.
  • Speeding and Reckless Driving: Significantly contributing to car accidents. Drivers who exceed speed limits or engage in aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, frequent lane changes, and running red lights increase the risk of collisions. These actions reduce the driver’s reaction time and control over the vehicle, making accidents more likely and often more severe.
  • Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a major cause of accidents in Queens. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times, impaired judgment, and diminished coordination, all of which can lead to serious accidents. Strict enforcement of DUI laws and public awareness campaigns are crucial in combating this issue.
  • Poor Road Conditions and Weather: Poor road conditions, such as potholes, uneven surfaces, and inadequate signage, can lead to accidents. Additionally, adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, and fog reduce visibility and road traction, increasing the likelihood of crashes. Drivers must adjust their driving habits to account for these conditions and maintain road safety.

Types of Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity from minor to life-threatening. Common injuries include:

  • Whiplash: This neck injury occurs when the head and neck suddenly jerk during a collision, often in rear-end accidents.
  • Fractures: Broken bones are frequent in car accidents, affecting various parts of the body, including arms, legs, ribs, and the skull.
  • Head Injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can result from the impact, leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can cause partial or complete paralysis, significantly altering the victim’s quality of life.
  • Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding and damage to organs like the liver, spleen, and kidneys require immediate medical attention and can be life-threatening.
  • Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass, metal, and other debris can cause deep cuts and lacerations, leading to significant blood loss and infection risks.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and contusions to muscles, ligaments, and tendons are common, causing pain and limiting mobility.

We Will Help You Establish Negligence in Your Queens Car Accident Claim

Most car accidents are brought about by human negligence, in one form or another.

These accidents could likely be prevented if people made safety a priority. You will be responsible for proving that the other party should have prevented the accident by engaging in responsible driving practices, as their actions impacted your safety, whether this was an accident between two cars, a car and a pedestrian, a car and a truck, or a car and a motorcycle or bicycle.

Those in vehicle manufacturing must take every precaution when designing and manufacturing cars and auto parts to ensure that the vehicles themselves do not cause accidents or injuries due to errors in the manufacturing process. If there is a party involved in your accident who did not fulfill this responsibility—and you were harmed as a result—they could also be liable to pay your losses.

Your Queens car accident lawyer can help you determine whose negligent actions brought about your accident. We can go after anyone who was responsible for causing you harm and damages.

Filing a Claim After a Car Accident

After you have been injured in a car accident, you may be considering filing a car accident claim. The claim process can be overwhelming for some people. You may question where to begin with the process. However, the reasons to file a claim are plentiful. Read on to learn more about what there is to gain from pursuing justice after your accident.

Accountability

One important reason to bring a car accident claim is to hold people responsible for their actions. Accountability helps teach people lessons about how their actions impact others. Accountability could keep people from harming others in the future.

Justice

Winning justice for an accident could be important to you as the victim of a car accident. It is not easy to move on with your life when you know that someone has not been punished for their actions. Justice could allow you to turn toward the future knowing that those responsible for what happened were held to account.

Financial Compensation

Filing a claim can result in financial compensation. Financial compensation is vital if you have suffered. You deserve to be compensated for the economic and non-economic losses you suffered due to the careless or wrongful actions of another. You should receive fair compensation, and a claim could make that happen.

Damages for a car accident could include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost wages
  • Lost ability to earn a living
  • Disability
  • Scarring
  • Disfigurement
  • Property damage
  • Medical bills
  • Mental distress
  • Cost of mental health treatment
  • Cost of physical therapy
  • Transportation costs

A Queens car accident lawyer could help you reach your goals of accountability, justice, and compensation. 

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“I want to convey to the clients that we’re going to do the best we can and that no matter how many questions you have, you’re always going to get that service. You’re going to get courteous people who care about you.”

Richard S. Jaffe

What to Do After a Car Accident in Queens

Following a car accident, you may have some concerns about taking legal action against the liable individual. Especially if you face serious injuries and another person was responsible for your damages and losses, we have a few recommendations for you to consider. The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe – Queens Personal Injury Lawyers suggests you utilize the following strategies:

  • Seek medical attention promptly to diagnose injuries early, prevent complications, and create clear medical records linking harm to the crash.
  • Continue follow-up care with physicians and specialists to document recovery, treatment needs, and long-term limitations.
  • Follow all medical recommendations, including appointments, therapy, medication use, and procedures to support healing and accurately reflect damages.
  • Avoid social media activity since posts, photos, or comments may surface later and undermine injury claims.
  • Limit discussions about the accident to your attorney only, as statements shared with others may later appear out of context.
  • Report the collision to law enforcement to obtain an official record that supports the determination of fault and damages.
  • Restrict communications with insurance representatives and avoid recorded statements or signed documents without legal guidance.
  • Consult a car accident lawyer early to protect evidence, manage deadlines, and reduce case-related stress.
  • Follow your lawyer’s guidance on next steps, documentation, and strategy to strengthen the claim and safeguard your interests.

Taking these steps early can protect both your health and your legal position. Careful decisions after a crash often shape the strength of a claim and help injured individuals avoid setbacks that could limit recovery options later. 

A Queens Car Accident Lawyer Can Strengthen Your Case and Improve Your Odds at Securing Damages

You have been through a lot after your car accident. You may have been injured and have suffered physical pain. You might be dealing with mental health issues and financial fallout. An accident can change your life in many negative ways. You may not be able to handle a claim on your own when you are already dealing with so much. You may want to partner with a Queens car accident lawyer.

Your lawyer can do a lot of the car accident claim work on your behalf. We have the legal experience and resources to handle your claim. You can focus on your health and recovery while we focus on winning your case. Here are some of the ways we will fight for you.

We Will Analyze the Accident and its Causes

We will investigate your accident to determine who was at fault. We also collect evidence to prove:

  • The fault for your accident
  • The existence of your injuries
  • The existence of your car accident losses
  • The connection between the accident and your losses/injuries

If you were hit by a driver who fled the scene, the violator could be punished with “two hundred fifty dollars or a sentence of imprisonment for up to fifteen days or both such fine and imprisonment” under Vehicle & Traffic (VAT) §600.

We Will Handle the Insurance Company so You Don’t Have to

We are ready to complete claim paperwork for you and assist you with collecting medical documentation. You will not have to deal with insurance negotiations. This way, you will not have to feel re-victimized by insurers who might treat you unfairly.

Contact a Queens Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation Today

A Queens personal injury lawyer at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe – Queens Personal Injury Lawyers are ready to assist you and help you get the compensation and justice you need. Call us today at (718) 280-5337 or contact us online to obtain a free case evaluation.

Call a car accident lawyer near you in Queens:

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FAQs about Car Accident Claims in Queens, New York

What is the average settlement for a car accident in Queens, NY?

Car settlement amounts vary widely based on the severity of injuries, available insurance coverage, and legal representation.

Minor injury claims, such as soft-tissue damage, may result in settlements ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. More serious cases—such as broken bones, permanent disability, or traumatic brain injuries—can exceed $100,000 or more, especially if long-term medical care or lost earning capacity is involved.

Factors like liability, pain, suffering, and evidence quality also influence the amount.

Most car accident lawyers in New York work on a contingency fee, meaning you only pay if your lawyer recovers compensation. Typically, the fee is one-third (33.3%) of the settlement or award amount, though this may vary depending on case complexity or whether the case goes to trial.

Securing the best possible settlement starts at the scene. Take photos, collect witness statements, and seek prompt medical attention. Avoid discussing fault at the scene or with insurers.

Then, partner with a Queens car accident lawyer who can evaluate your claim, gather evidence, negotiate aggressively, and push for full compensation.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident or suspect that another party was at fault in your car accident, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

Getting involved early allows your attorney to preserve key evidence, speak to witnesses, and provide you guidance before you make statements to insurance adjusters. New York’s no-fault insurance rules are complicated, and filing deadlines — such as the statute of limitations — can impact your ability to sue.

Visit our office in Queens, New York

At the Law Office Of Cohen & Jaffe – Queens Personal Injury Lawyers we help personal injury accident victims in an extended New York area. We have an office at 82-11 37th Ave Suite LL14, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, United States United States.

Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 40.75001725437377, -73.88385343199236

Richard S. Jaffe | Partner

After pioneering a string of personal injury cases on Long Island and in the New York City metropolitan area involving lead paint poisoning of infants, Richard’s reputation would be well known enough as a fierce trial attorney and litigatorRichard has managed to secure several multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements throughout his 30-plus years of experience, which has earned him membership in many prestigious circles, such as the nation’s Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

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