When Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in New York City?
Accidents in New York City can leave victims struggling with medical bills, lost wages, and pressure from insurance companies. While not every accident requires legal representation, hiring a NYC personal injury lawyer early often makes a crucial difference in protecting your rights and maximizing your financial recovery.
Why Contact a NYC Personal Injury Lawyer Early
- Protect Your Rights in New York: Insurance adjusters and defense lawyers aim to minimize payouts. A skilled NYC injury attorney ensures your interests come first.
- Preserve Key Evidence: Accident scenes change quickly in a busy city like New York, surveillance footage disappears, and witness memories fade. A lawyer secures crucial proof before it’s gone.
- Avoid Insurance Traps: Adjusters often push quick, low settlements or twist your statements. Attorneys handle all communication and negotiations on your behalf.
- Meet Strict New York Deadlines: Missing filing deadlines under New York law can permanently bar your claim.
- Accurate Case Valuation: Lawyers calculate present and future damages, including medical costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
- No Upfront Fees: At Greenstein & Pittari, we work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you.
Key Situations When You Should Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in NYC
1. Serious or Long-Term Injuries
Severe injuries – such as fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or permanent disability – often require long-term care. Our NYC lawyers work with medical and financial experts to fight for full compensation.
2. Disputed or Shared Liability
If fault is unclear or you’re accused of being partly responsible, your recovery may be reduced under New York’s comparative negligence law. We challenge unfair liability claims and protect your right to maximum compensation.
3. Insurance Company Tactics
Insurers frequently delay, deny, or underpay claims. We recognize bad-faith tactics and negotiate aggressively – taking your case to trial if necessary.
4. Multiple or Corporate Defendants
Multi-vehicle crashes, construction site accidents, product liability cases, or medical malpractice claims often involve several parties. Our attorneys manage complex disputes and ensure every liable party is held accountable.
5. Lost Wages or Future Earnings
If injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, we calculate both current income losses and diminished earning capacity.
6. Government Entity Involvement
Accidents involving city buses, MTA subways, or municipal vehicles have strict rules. In New York, you may have just 90 days to file a Notice of Claim. We ensure deadlines are met.
New York Statutes of Limitations You Must Know
- General personal injury: 3 years (CPLR § 214)
- Medical/dental malpractice: 2 years, 6 months (with exceptions)
- Wrongful death: 2 years from date of death
- Government-related claims: Notice of Claim within 90 days; lawsuit within 1 year + 90 days
- Auto no-fault benefits: Usually 30 days to file
Because multiple deadlines may apply, contact a NYC lawyer immediately to protect your rights.
How Our NYC Personal Injury Lawyers Add Value
- Investigate facts, liability, and insurance coverage
- Coordinate with medical and financial experts
- Negotiate with insurance companies for fair settlements
- Prepare your case for trial if settlement offers are inadequate
- Handle all legal paperwork, filings, and communications so you can focus on recovery
Bottom Line: When to Call a New York Personal Injury Lawyer
- Immediately after an accident – ideally within days
- If you have serious injuries or unclear liability
- When insurance companies push back or delay payment
- If multiple parties or government entities are involved
- Anytime deadlines are approaching
Call today for a free consultation. Let us fight for the justice and financial recovery you deserve.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP?
- Convenient Harlem office plus six additional NYC-area locations (Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, Nassau County)
- No Fee Unless We Win – Our Fee Guarantee
- Bilingual services available
- Hundreds of 5-star reviews and testimonials
- Top-Rated Attorneys – recognized by Best Lawyers & Super Lawyers
- We handle the insurance companies so you can focus on healing
Contact Us Today – Don’t Be a Victim Twice
1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462)
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we focus exclusively on personal injury law in New York City, with a proven track record of successful verdicts and settlements. Our firm motto is “Don’t Be a Victim Twice.”
- Free consultation
- Contingency fee – no upfront costs
- Experienced trial lawyers ready to fight for you
Take the first step toward compensation and justice today. Call us at 1-800-VICTIM2 – the call is free, the consultation is free, and you don’t pay unless we win.