50 Top-Rated Personal Injury and Car Accident Law Firms in New York

When you’re injured in an accident in New York, finding the right legal representation can make the difference between a modest settlement and full compensation for your losses. The state is home to some of the nation’s most skilled personal injury lawyers and car accident attorneys, many with decades of experience and billions recovered for clients. Whether you’ve been hurt in a traffic collision, construction accident, or medical malpractice incident, choosing from New York’s top law firms ensures you have aggressive advocates fighting for your rights.

This comprehensive guide highlights 50 of the most respected personal injury law firms in New York, selected based on their trial experience, settlement history, peer recognition, and client reviews. These firms have secured remarkable verdicts and settlements, with many handling cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win. From Manhattan to Brooklyn, these attorneys represent injured victims across all five boroughs and throughout the state, providing the expertise needed to navigate New York’s complex personal injury laws.

Understanding Personal Injury Law in New York

What Constitutes a Personal Injury Case?

Personal injury law covers situations where someone suffers harm due to another party’s negligence or wrongful actions. In New York, successful claims require proving four key elements: duty of care, breach of that duty, causation, and damages. Common cases include car accidents, truck collisions, slip and fall incidents, medical malpractice, construction accidents, and wrongful death claims.

New York follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means you can still recover damages even if you’re partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you’re found 20% responsible for a crash, your settlement decreases by 20%.

The Importance of Experienced Legal Representation

According to the New York State Bar Association, accident victims who hire attorneys typically receive settlements three to four times larger than those who negotiate directly with insurance companies. NYC personal injury lawyers understand local court procedures, have established relationships with expert witnesses, and know how to counter insurance company tactics designed to minimize payouts.

The statute of limitations for most personal injury cases in New York is three years from the accident date, though certain exceptions apply for medical malpractice and claims against government entities.

Top 50 Personal Injury and Car Accident Law Firms in New York

1. Block O’Toole & Murphy

With over $2 billion recovered for clients, Block O’Toole & Murphy consistently ranks among New York’s premier personal injury firms. The firm has achieved more million-dollar case results than any other law firm in New York State since 2012, with notable verdicts including a $110 million award for a paralyzed cyclist and a $53.5 million construction accident verdict. Their Manhattan office houses experienced trial attorneys who handle cases involving car accidents, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injuries.

2. Kramer, Dillof, Livingston & Moore (KDLM)

KDLM routinely ranks among the top three law firms in New York for medical malpractice and personal injury cases. Senior partners Judith Livingston and Thomas Moore belong to The Inner Circle of Advocates, limited to the top 100 trial lawyers in America. The firm has negotiated over $3 billion in settlements and secured more than 150 verdicts exceeding $1 million.

3. Weitz & Luxenberg

Founded in 1986, Weitz & Luxenberg earned recognition after securing a $75 million verdict for clients exposed to asbestos at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. With over 85 attorneys across their New York, Los Angeles, and Cherry Hill offices, the firm specializes in environmental pollutants, defective drugs, medical devices, and various negligence cases including traumatic injuries.

4. Gair, Gair & Conason

This established Manhattan firm has recovered over $5 billion in settlements and secured more than 60 verdicts exceeding $1 million. Partner Diana Carnemolla received Forbes’ “Best Car Accident Lawyers in NYC 2023” recognition after obtaining an $85 million verdict for a plaintiff with catastrophic injuries from a Manhattan motor vehicle accident.

5. Finz & Finz, P.C.

Led by a former New York State Supreme Court Justice, Finz & Finz has achieved record results exceeding $1 billion in verdicts and settlements. The firm obtained four of the top 20 personal injury settlements in New York in 2020, with one making the top 10 list. Their Manhattan and Mineola offices serve clients throughout the state.

6. Cellino & Barnes

A household name in New York personal injury law, Cellino & Barnes has decades of experience handling motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall cases, and wrongful death claims. The firm maintains offices throughout New York State and has recovered over $1 billion for clients since 1965.

7. The Barnes Firm

As one of America’s largest personal injury law firms, The Barnes Firm has helped thousands of injury victims secure compensation. With offices in New York, Long Island, Buffalo, Rochester, and other major cities, their NYC personal injury lawyers provide 24/7 availability and work on a contingency basis.

8. Grandelli & Eskenasi

This firm has earned Tier 1 Best Law Firm designation in New York City for Plaintiff’s Personal Injury by U.S. News and World Reports for five consecutive years. Notable recoveries include a $22.9 million award for a construction worker and a $16 million verdict for a Brooklyn resident with traumatic brain injury from a motorcycle collision.

9. Mirman, Markovits & Landau, PC

With more than 200 years of combined experience, this Manhattan firm has helped tens of thousands of injured victims. Their attorneys are available 24/7 and handle all aspects of personal injury cases, from initial investigation through trial and appeals.

10. Meirowitz & Wasserberg, LLP

Nationally recognized trial attorneys at this firm have secured over $500 million in verdicts and settlements. They handle all car accident cases on a contingency fee basis and serve clients throughout Manhattan and across New York State.

11. The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny

Having represented over 5,000 clients throughout every borough in New York City, including the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens, this firm has earned a respected presence among top-rated personal injury lawyers in NYC. They handle bicycle accidents, motor vehicle accidents, construction accidents, and premises liability cases.

12. Edelman & Edelman, P.C.

Founding attorney Martin Edelman brings nearly 40 years of experience resolving complex personal injury claims. The firm focuses exclusively on catastrophic injuries occurring due to another party’s negligence, making them the premier choice for sophisticated cases other firms might decline.

13. Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek

Founded by attorneys from New York’s largest firms, this Midtown Manhattan practice near Bryant Park has recovered over $825 million for injured clients throughout NYC’s five boroughs. They handle car accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents, medical malpractice, and wrongful death cases.

14. Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo, P.C.

With over 50 years representing injured people, this firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for clients, including multi-million-dollar recoveries in auto accident cases. Their experienced attorneys investigate crash causes, collect evidence, and seek maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

15. Ajlouny Injury Law

This highly-rated New York car accident lawyer team has recovered millions for accident victims across all five boroughs. They provide aggressive representation against insurance companies while clients focus on recovery, understanding the unique challenges of NYC accidents.

16. Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP

The firm’s New York City auto accident attorneys have handled many car accident claims over decades of practice. They work with expert witnesses and thoroughly review all evidence, knowing that insurance adjusters often try to devalue injuries and minimize payouts.

17. Ferrante & Koenig

This NYC firm specializes in car accident cases and offers 24/7 free consultations. Their attorneys understand New York’s complex insurance and traffic laws, providing strategic and client-focused approaches to each case.

18. Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss

Founded in 2005, this personal injury firm serves New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, having recovered over $650 million for accident victims. Their attorneys bring 95+ years of combined experience in trial litigation, with staff members speaking five languages.

19. Chaffin Luhana LLP

This New York City personal injury law firm includes former federal prosecutors and large-firm defense attorneys. They’ve recovered over $1 billion for clients in catastrophic injury, car accident, and defective product cases, bringing 250+ years of combined courtroom experience.

20. Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C.

Recognized as a leading personal injury law firm in New York, partners Edward Gersowitz, Andrew Libo, and Jeff Korek maintain a selective practice providing personal attention while handling complex litigation. Their track record has earned recognition in Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and numerous industry publications.

21-50. Additional Top-Rated Firms

The remaining firms on this list include:

• Munawar Law Group – Focuses on workers’ compensation and construction accidents with over 50 years combined experience
• Tomkiel & Tomkiel – Multi-generational firm serving Westchester County and NYC since 1979
• Omni Injury & Accident Law – Provides representation for accident victims in New York and New Jersey
• The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP – Harry Rothenberg has obtained numerous seven and eight multi-million dollar verdicts
• The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC – Known as “The Bull,” with a $32 million jury verdict
• Macaluso & Fafinski, P.C. – More than three decades fighting for injury victims
• Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C. – AV-rated attorneys with extensive trial experience
• The Law Offices of Eric Richman – Obtained $2.25 million for a construction worker
• The Perecman Firm – Over 23 years representing accident victims
• John Onal Personal Injury – Strong reputation for securing high settlements
• Seiden & Kaufman – Boutique firm focusing exclusively on personal injury cases
• Fellows Hymowitz Rice – Extensive experience with preventable falls and nursing care neglect
• Belushin Law Firm, P.C. – Handles complex litigation throughout New York
• The Storobin Law Firm – Led by former New York State Senator David Storobin
• Buzin Law, P.C. – Experienced representation in Manhattan
• Greenberg Law P.C. – Multiple years helping clients with personal injury needs
• Paul B. Weitz & Associates, PC – Local New York attorney with proven results
• Zucker & Regev, P.C. – Leading personal injury firm with over $1 billion recovered
• Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen – National firm recognized for mesothelioma representation
• Awad & Baker PLLC – Ranked by Best Law Firms in multiple practice areas
• The Cakani Law Firm – Highly reviewed on Yelp for personal injury representation
• Pardalis & Nohavicka – Top-rated firm serving New York clients
• Law Offices of Solomon Aminov – Experienced in personal injury litigation
• Sutton & Smyth, LLP – Manhattan-based firm with strong trial record
• Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Aggressive advocates for injured victims
• Holihan & Associates, PC – Experienced representation with client-focused approach
• Law Office of Yuriy Moshes – Handles various personal injury cases in NYC
• I S Law Firm – Provides legal representation for accident victims
• Schwartzapfel Lawyers P.C. – More than 150 years of combined experience
• Alexander T. Shapiro & Associates, P.C. – Results-driven representation

Key Factors When Choosing a Personal Injury Lawyer

Experience and Track Record

When selecting from these top personal injury attorneys in New York, examine their case results and experience in your specific type of accident. Firms with proven track records in car accidents, construction injuries, or medical malpractice bring valuable expertise to similar cases.

Trial Experience vs. Settlement Mills

Many lawyers claim to be “trial attorneys” but have never actually stepped foot in a courtroom. Choose attorneys with genuine trial experience, as insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your lawyer will take the case to court if necessary.

Contingency Fee Arrangements

Reputable personal injury lawyers work on contingency, typically collecting one-third of the settlement or verdict. This arrangement means you pay nothing upfront and no legal fees unless they win your case, removing financial barriers to quality representation.

Client Communication and Accessibility

Your attorney should keep you informed throughout the process and be accessible when you have questions. Look for firms offering 24/7 availability and personal attention rather than treating you as just another case number.

Professional Recognition

Consider lawyers recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent rating, and other peer-reviewed organizations. These honors indicate respect among fellow attorneys and judges.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in New York

Car and Motor Vehicle Accidents

With over 200,000 traffic accidents annually in New York City alone, car accident lawyers handle a significant volume of cases. Common causes include distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, and failure to yield right-of-way. According to the NYC Department of Transportation, approximately 60,000 New Yorkers are injured in traffic accidents each year.

Construction Accidents

New York’s Labor Law provides strong protections for construction workers injured on job sites. Cases often involve falls from heights, scaffold collapses, falling objects, and equipment malfunctions. Firms like Block O’Toole & Murphy have secured verdicts exceeding $48 million in construction accident cases.

Medical Malpractice

These complex cases require extensive medical knowledge and expert testimony. New York’s medical malpractice statute of limitations is generally 2.5 years from the act of malpractice or from the end of continuous treatment, making prompt legal consultation essential.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Premises liability cases involve injuries on someone else’s property due to hazardous conditions like icy sidewalks, wet floors, poor lighting, or broken stairs. Property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors.

Wrongful Death

When negligence causes a fatality, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims for funeral expenses, lost financial support, loss of companionship, and other damages. New York law specifies which family members can bring these claims.

What to Expect When Working with a Personal Injury Lawyer

Initial Consultation

Most firms offer free initial consultations where you discuss your accident, injuries, and legal options. Come prepared with accident reports, medical records, photos of the scene and injuries, witness information, and insurance details.

Investigation and Case Building

Your attorney will investigate the accident, gather evidence, interview witnesses, consult with experts, and review medical records. This thorough preparation strengthens your position in negotiations or trial.

Negotiations with Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters work to minimize payouts, often making lowball initial offers. Your attorney handles all communications with insurers, protecting you from tactics designed to devalue your claim or trick you into accepting inadequate compensation.

Litigation if Necessary

If settlement negotiations fail to produce fair compensation, your lawyer will file a lawsuit and take your case to trial. Having an attorney with proven trial experience gives you a significant advantage in these situations.

Settlement or Verdict

Most cases settle before trial, but your lawyer should be prepared to litigate if needed. Settlements provide quicker resolution, while trials may result in higher awards but take more time.

Conclusion

New York’s top 50 personal injury and car accident law firms offer the experience, resources, and dedication needed to secure maximum compensation for injured victims. From Block O’Toole & Murphy’s record-breaking verdicts to Weitz & Luxenberg’s asbestos litigation expertise, these firms have proven track records handling complex cases across all five boroughs and throughout the state. When choosing legal representation, prioritize experience, trial skills, professional recognition, and client communication. Remember that consultations are typically free, cases are handled on contingency, and the statute of limitations requires prompt action. Whether you’ve suffered injuries in a car crash, construction accident, or medical error, these top-rated attorneys stand ready to fight for your rights and help you rebuild your life after a devastating accident.