Albany Car Accident Attorneys

Experienced Legal Representation for Car Accident Victims in Albany, NY

A serious car accident can instantly derail your health, finances, and daily life. If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision in the Albany area, you deserve a legal advocate who understands New York’s complex insurance laws and will stand up to insurers that may try to minimize your claim. At Horn Wright, LLP, our Albany car accident lawyers are committed to helping injured victims secure the compensation they need to recover and move forward.

With extensive experience handling car accident claims across the Capital Region, our firm is prepared to investigate your crash, identify every liable party, negotiate aggressively with insurance companies, and, when necessary, take your case to court. You focus on healing—we’ll focus on protecting your rights.

We handle the following types of car accidents:

• Rear-end  car accidents
• Backing up car accidents
• Intersection car accidents
• Distracted driving car accidents
• Drunk driving car accidents
• Head-on car accidents
• Left-turn car accidents
• Hit-and-run car accidents
• Low-speed car accidents
• Parked vehicle car accidents

Call (518) 520-4667 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.

New York Car Accident Laws

New York follows several laws that directly affect your car accident claim. Understanding these rules ensures you know what to expect and how a lawyer can help.

New York Is a No-Fault Insurance State

New York requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. After a crash, you must first file a claim through your own insurance—regardless of who caused the accident.

PIP generally covers:

• Medical expenses
• A portion of lost wages
• Necessary out-of-pocket costs related to your injury

However, PIP is limited and does not compensate you for pain and suffering.

When You Can Step Outside the No-Fault System

You may file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if you suffered a serious injury under New York law, such as:

• Significant disfigurement
• Fractures
• Permanent loss of body function
• Permanent limitation of an organ or limb
• Significant limitation of a bodily system
• Disability lasting 90 out of the first 180 days

If your injuries meet these criteria, an Albany accident lawyer can pursue full compensation through a liability claim.

Statute of Limitations

In New York, you typically have:

• 3 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit
• 2 years to file a wrongful death claim

Failing to meet these deadlines can bar your right to compensation entirely.

How Many Car Accidents Happen in New York and Albany County?

For a recent 15-year period, the following traffic crash statistics are reported by the State of New York. On average, per year, there were:

• 6,207 hospitalizations for motor vehicle traffic crash injuries
• 106,6512 emergency room visits
• 292 deaths among vehicle occupants

Motor vehicle crashes are the fourth leading cause of injury-related death and the third leading cause of injury-related hospitalization in Albany County. New York state government reports that over a recent three-year period in Albany County, traffic crashes caused 14 deaths, 152 hospitalizations, and 1,907 emergency room visits per year.

Where Do Crashes Often Occur in Albany?

Car accidents in Albany happen in a wide range of locations—from busy highways to congested city streets. Some of the most common crash locations include:

Major Roadways

• I-87 (Northway)
• I-90
• Route 85
• Route 9W
• Central Avenue (Route 5)

These fast-moving highways and heavily traveled commuter routes see frequent collisions, especially during peak traffic hours.

Busy Intersections

• Washington Avenue & Lark Street
• Central Avenue & Colvin Avenue
• Madison Avenue & South Pearl Street
• Western Avenue & Fuller Road

High-volume intersections often lead to rear-end crashes, left-turn accidents, and multi-vehicle collisions.

Downtown & Urban Areas

Albany’s downtown streets are often congested with pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. Distracted driving and sudden stops contribute to many crashes in these areas.

Regardless of where your accident occurred, Horn Wright, LLP will obtain police reports, analyze scene evidence, and work to build a strong claim on your behalf.

Compensation Available for Crash Victims

Depending on the severity of your injuries and whether your case qualifies outside the no-fault system, you may recover compensation for:

Economic Damages

• Medical bills (current and future)
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Scarring or disfigurement

Wrongful Death Damages

If your loved one was killed in a collision, your family may recover damages for funeral costs, lost financial support, and other losses.

Our team at Horn Wright, LLP will calculate the full value of your claim and fight for maximum compensation.

Car Accident Claim FAQs

Do I need an Albany accident lawyer for a car accident?

While not legally required, having an experienced lawyer significantly improves your chances of recovering full compensation—especially when dealing with insurance companies.

How much does hiring your firm cost?

We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only receive a fee if we win your case.

What if I was partially at fault?

New York follows pure comparative negligence, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible.

How long will my case take?

Case timelines vary based on severity of injuries, insurance disputes, and whether litigation is necessary. We will push for a fair and timely resolution.

What should I do after a car accident?

Call 911, seek medical attention, exchange information, take photos, and contact our Albany car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Contact us today to schedule a free case review at (518) 520-4667.