Car accidents
No-fault benefits and serious injury claims after a collision.
When an injury changes your life, you need a firm that prepares every case as if it is going before a jury. Free consultation, and no fee unless we recover.
Edmund J. HartwellFounding trial attorney
Car accidentsTruck accidentsConstruction accidentsSubway and bus accidentsSlip and fallMedical malpracticeWrongful deathPedestrian and cyclist
$150M+recovered (sample)
25 yrsin trial practice (sample)
1,200+families helped (sample)
$0unless we recover
Practice areas
Truck accidents
Claims against drivers, fleets and their insurers.
Construction accidents
Falls and gravity-related injuries under New York's Labor Law.
Subway and bus accidents
Claims against the MTA, where strict notice deadlines apply.
Slip and fall
Icy sidewalks, broken stairs and unsafe buildings.
Medical malpractice
Surgical errors, missed diagnoses and birth injuries.
Wrongful death
Helping families seek accountability after a loss.
Pedestrian and cyclist
Crosswalk crashes, dooring and e-bike collisions.
The file room
Every case starts as a file. Yours gets the same weight as a case we are trying next month.
We gather the records, the witnesses and the evidence before the other side has finished its first memo.
And the file stays open until the case is won. Sample copy for template purposes.
The record
Wrongful death
Jury verdict, Bronx County
Construction fall, Labor Law
Settlement, New York County
Medical malpractice
Settlement, Kings County
Subway platform injury
Settlement, Queens County
Sample results for template purposes. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Founding attorney
I built Hartwell & Crane Trial Lawyers on one idea: every client deserves a lawyer who is prepared, present and unafraid of a courtroom. Insurers know which firms will try a case, and they price their offers accordingly.
- Admitted to the New York State Bar (sample)
- Hundreds of jury trials and hearings (sample)
- Frequent speaker on injury law (sample)
Your case
Free case review
Tell us what happened. We explain your options and whether we can help, at no cost.
We build the case
We gather evidence, medical records and witness statements, and put a real value on your losses.
Negotiate or try it
We push for a fair settlement and are ready to go to trial if the insurer will not offer one.
Testimonials
I never had to chase anyone for an update. They explained every step in plain language and handled the insurance company for me.
After my fall at work I did not know where to turn. They took the case seriously from the first call and fought for a fair result.
They spoke with my family in Spanish and never made us feel rushed. We felt looked after during a very hard time.
FAQ
How long do I have to file an injury claim in New York?
Most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within three years of the accident. Medical malpractice claims generally have two and a half years, wrongful death claims two years, and claims against New York City or other public entities usually require a notice of claim within 90 days. Exceptions exist, so speak with a lawyer as early as you can.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?
Injury cases are typically handled on a contingency basis, which means no attorney fee unless there is a recovery. The firm explains its fee and how case expenses are handled in writing before you sign anything.
What is no-fault insurance after a car accident?
In New York, your own auto policy's no-fault coverage pays medical bills and a portion of lost earnings regardless of who caused the crash. You generally need to submit your no-fault application within 30 days. To sue for pain and suffering, your injury usually must meet the state's definition of a serious injury.
Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company?
Be careful. Adjusters may ask for a recorded statement early, and what you say can be used to reduce your claim. It is usually wise to speak with a lawyer before giving any statement.
I was hurt on a construction site. What are my rights?
New York's Labor Law offers strong protections to workers injured in falls and other gravity-related accidents, in addition to workers' compensation benefits. Which rules apply depends on your role and the site, so a case review is the best first step.