Cohoes, NY Car Accident Attorneys

Car Accident in Cohoes Shattered Your Life? Our Attorneys Are Here to Put It Back Together

One second you're driving near Columbia Street or slowing down for the intersection at Remsen Street. The next, you're in pain, shaken, and unsure what just happened. The crash itself is over in an instant, but what follows can drag on, doctors’ appointments, lost workdays, unanswered questions. At Horn Wright, LLP, our car accident attorneys in Cohoes, NY, step in when your life feels most unstable.

We’ve helped people in your exact position. We’ve represented injured drivers from neighborhoods like Harmony Hill and workers commuting along Route 787. Whether your injuries are mild or life-changing, you deserve respect, answers, and a plan that helps you recover, not just physically, but financially and emotionally too.

Our job is to remove the chaos from the aftermath. We gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and build a case that reflects the true cost of your injuries. So while you focus on healing, we’ll focus on holding the at-fault party accountable.

No-Fault Benefits Help You Start, But Don’t Count on Them to Finish the Job

After a crash, you’ll likely turn first to your no-fault insurance. New York law requires all drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which provides up to $50,000 in benefits regardless of who caused the accident (Vehicle and Traffic Law § 5102). This helps cover emergency room bills, follow-up visits, lost wages, and transportation for medical appointments.

But here’s what many people don’t realize, no-fault insurance is limited. It won’t cover the emotional impact, long-term impairments, or chronic pain you may suffer. It doesn’t pay for surgeries six months from now or compensate you for the stress of not being able to return to work. These damages fall outside the no-fault system.

If your injury meets the “serious injury” threshold under Insurance Law § 5104, like a fracture, disfigurement, or lasting limitation in body function, you can sue the at-fault driver for additional compensation. Our car accident attorneys can help determine if your injuries qualify, and if so, build a case that goes far beyond basic benefits.

Insurance Companies Are Not on Your Side, We Are

From the moment your crash is reported, the insurance company gets to work—but not for your benefit. Adjusters may sound friendly, but their job is to protect profits. They often offer quick settlements, hoping you’ll accept before you understand the full scope of your injuries.

We’ve seen this tactic time and again. Someone accepts a small payout after a car crash in Cohoes, only to discover months later that they need surgery or will miss additional work. At that point, it’s too late to ask for more. That’s why we step in early. We evaluate every offer, review your medical records, and push back when insurers lowball or delay.

Our attorneys communicate directly with insurers on your behalf. We manage every phone call, every form, and every negotiation. You never have to deal with frustrating hold music or manipulative questions. You’ll have a team fighting for the actual value of your claim, not the one that’s cheapest for the insurance company to pay out.

Proving Fault Means Proving the Truth: We Get to Work Right Away

In personal injury law, everything rests on proof. You need to show the other driver acted negligently, caused your injuries, and left you with measurable damages. That’s not always simple, especially when memories fade or witnesses vanish. That’s why our team works fast.

We investigate right away. We retrieve the police report filed under Vehicle and Traffic Law § 600, review surveillance footage from local businesses, and locate witnesses while details are still fresh. We examine damage patterns on the vehicles, request any black box data, and document the exact conditions of the road.

Then, we build the legal case. This includes organizing the facts into a coherent story, one that shows how the other driver violated their duty of care and how that failure hurt you. Whether you were rear-ended, T-boned, or struck in an intersection, we’ll make sure the details support your claim for full compensation.

Don’t Let “Shared Fault” Cut Into What You Deserve

One of the most frustrating parts of New York’s car accident law is the concept of comparative fault. Under CPLR § 1411, even if someone else caused the crash, the insurance company may argue that you share part of the blame. They might say you weren’t watching the road closely enough or that your reaction time was too slow.

While New York’s rule still allows you to recover compensation, your damages will be reduced by your share of fault. For instance, if you’re awarded $100,000 but are found 30% at fault, you’ll receive $70,000. That’s why it’s so critical to fight these arguments from the beginning.

Our car accident attorneys examine every attempt by insurers to shift blame. We bring in accident reconstruction experts, obtain traffic camera footage, and challenge claims that you “should have done something differently.” Our job is to protect your percentage, and your payout.

Injuries That Don’t Heal Quickly Deserve Full-Scale Compensation

Some injuries are obvious, a broken arm, a shattered leg. Others, like soft tissue damage or nerve injuries, may take time to show up or may seem manageable until they start limiting your ability to work, sleep, or live a normal life.

New York’s Insurance Law § 5104 allows you to pursue compensation for serious injuries beyond the no-fault threshold. This includes pain and suffering, emotional distress, and lost earning capacity. We work closely with your doctors to document the true extent of your injuries, not just how they hurt, but how they continue to affect your life.

For more serious conditions like traumatic brain injuries or spinal damage, we bring in medical experts, economic loss analysts, and life care planners. These cases often require long-term projections, what care you’ll need next year or five years from now. We prepare these cases like we’re going to trial from day one, so your future needs are fully represented.

Municipal Vehicles and Tight Deadlines: Don’t Wait

Was your crash caused by a city snowplow? A county utility truck? A public transportation vehicle? When a government vehicle is involved, you don’t have three years to decide. You only have 90 days under General Municipal Law § 50-e to file a Notice of Claim.

That’s an incredibly short window. And missing it could mean losing your right to sue forever. These cases also require extra paperwork and strict formatting. Our firm is experienced in handling municipal liability, and we act quickly to file the proper paperwork and preserve your claim.

We also know how to investigate these crashes with care. When public entities are involved, you often need to fight for every document and piece of video evidence. We file FOIL requests, preserve black box data, and take every step to make sure no one dodges accountability.

What You May Be Entitled To Goes Well Beyond Medical Bills

It’s not just about the hospital. A serious car accident can derail your entire life. You may miss weeks, or months of work. You may need help caring for children or getting around your home. You might lose the ability to pursue hobbies or future career opportunities.

New York allows you to recover both economic and non-economic damages. That means you can seek:

• Reimbursement for medical costs and property damage
• Compensation for pain, anxiety, or loss of enjoyment
• Lost wages and future earning potential
• Costs of rehabilitation, therapy, or mobility aids

Our attorneys collect employment records, doctor’s notes, receipts, and expert reports to calculate a complete picture of your damages. We don’t settle for quick math, we pursue every dollar tied to your recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions From Cohoes Crash Victims

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
You have three years under CPLR § 214 for most car crash claims. However, if a municipal vehicle is involved, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days. The sooner you speak with us, the more time we have to preserve your rights.

What if I was hit by an uninsured driver?

New York requires that your policy include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage under Insurance Law § 3420. We can file a claim with your insurer, and if they push back, we take them to arbitration or court to enforce your protection.

Do I have to go to court?
Not necessarily. Many car accident claims settle without trial. However, we prepare every case as if it might go to court. That way, if a trial is needed, we’re ready, and so are you.

You’re Not Just a Claim to Us, You’re a Person Who Matters

At Horn Wright, LLP, we don’t treat you like a number. We listen to your story, understand your concerns, and fight for what you need to get your life back on track. Whether your crash happened on Saratoga Street or a neighborhood backroad, we’ll be ready.

If you're looking for a firm recognized across the country for its results and relentless client focus, you’ve come to the right place.

Reach out to our Cohoes office today. Let our car accident attorneys take the pressure off your shoulders and fight for the future you deserve.