Why You Shouldn’t Pick A Billboard Attorney To Represent You in a Personal Injury Case

Why You Shouldn’t Pick A Billboard Attorney To Represent You in a Personal Injury Case

Serving Injured New Yorkers in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island, and the surrounding areas

If you were injured in a car accident, construction accident, slip and fall, medical error, or other serious incident in New York City, you have probably seen the giant personal injury billboards over the BQE and the West Side Highway, subway ads on your commute, and late-night TV commercials that promise quick cash.

Those lawyers are hard to miss. Visibility, however, is not the same as skill, honesty, or real dedication to your case.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we have seen how high-volume “billboard” firms can leave injured people confused, rushed, and undercompensated. This page explains why picking a billboard attorney for a New York City personal injury case can hurt you, how these business models work, and how to choose a NYC personal injury lawyer who will actually put your interests first.

If you were hurt anywhere in New York City, you can call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) right now for a free consultation with an honest lawyer, not a call center.

What Is A “Billboard Attorney” In New York City?

A billboard attorney is not simply any lawyer who advertises. In the negative sense, it usually means a law firm that:

• Spends massive sums on billboards, bus wraps, subway posters, TV, radio, and online ads
• Relies on signing as many personal injury cases as possible to fund that ad spend
• Promotes a recognizable “figurehead” attorney who rarely, if ever, personally handles clients’ files

On the surface, the marketing looks impressive. Inside, the process usually looks very different:

• You call a phone number from the ad and speak with an intake operator, not an attorney
• Your case is assigned to a case manager or junior staff member
• You receive minimal communication and almost no explanation of the legal strategy
• Months later, you are told, “We are ready to settle” without a complete understanding of your rights

In a New York City personal injury case, that kind of volume-driven system can seriously damage the value of your claim.

Why Billboard Attorneys Can Be Dangerous For Your NYC Personal Injury Case

1. You Become A File Number, Not A Person

High-volume firms often function as “settlement mills.” They must move large numbers of cases quickly to pay for expensive advertising. That can lead to:

• Rushed investigations and incomplete accident documentation
• Limited review of medical records and future treatment needs
• Little or no effort to understand how your injuries affect your specific job, family, and long-term plans

You may speak with multiple staff members, but you never get to know the lawyer from the commercial. Your case is treated like a transaction, not as your one opportunity to secure fair compensation under New York law.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we deliberately limit the number of cases we accept so we can actually know our clients, understand their injuries, and build their cases the right way.

2. The Lawyer On The Billboard May Never Touch Your File

In many advertising-heavy firms:

• The attorney in the commercial is primarily a brand
• Junior associates, case managers, and non-lawyer staff handle most of the day-to-day work
• No single experienced lawyer truly “owns” your case

This can cause:

• Missed deadlines in New York courts
• Poor communication about settlement offers and litigation decisions
• Inconsistent strategy, with different staff members giving different answers
• Critical evidence falling through the cracks

When your ability to pay rent, cover medical bills, and take care of your family depends on your case, you deserve a New York City personal injury attorney who is accessible, accountable, and actually involved.

3. Pressure To Settle Quickly Instead Of Seeking Full Value

Advertising in New York City is expensive. Firms that pour millions of dollars into billboards and TV spots often feel intense pressure to:

• Close files as fast as possible
• Avoid complex litigation and depositions
• Accept low settlement offers instead of investing time and resources in a whole fight

The risks to you are serious:

• Your case may be settled before you reach maximum medical improvement
• Future surgeries, therapy, or long-term limitations may not be fully accounted for
• Lost earning capacity and long-term wage loss may be underestimated
• You sign a release that permanently ends your rights for far less than your case is worth

Speed is not a measure of success. In severe New York personal injury cases, a quick settlement can cost you years of financial security.

4. Cookie-Cutter Strategies That Ignore New York Law

When a firm is juggling hundreds of NYC car accident, premises liability, and construction cases at once, it becomes tempting to rely on standard forms and generic strategies:

• Template demand letters that do not fully explain your medical condition
• Minimal investigation into vehicle ownership, multiple insurance policies, or third-party liability
• Little attention to important issues like New York’s Serious Injury Threshold in motor vehicle cases or Labor Law protections on construction sites

New York law is complex. For example:

• Car crash cases often involve No-Fault insurance, serious injury threshold requirements, and multiple layers of coverage
• Construction accident cases may trigger special protections under Labor Law sections 200, 240, and 241
• Claims against the City of New York, the MTA, or other public entities usually require a Notice of Claim within 90 days

If your lawyer is using a one-size-fits-all “playbook,” key legal arguments may be missed, and significant sources of recovery may never be pursued.

5. Limited Trial Experience, And Insurers Keep Score

Most personal injury lawsuits in New York settle, but how they are decided is heavily influenced by whether the insurance company believes your lawyer is willing and able to take a case to trial.

Insurance carriers and defense law firms track which plaintiff firms:

• Take cases to verdict and win
• File suits but almost always settle on the courthouse steps
• Avoid litigation altogether and accept early, low offers

If your attorney is known as a billboard firm that rarely tries cases, adjusters feel comfortable offering less. They assume the firm will not risk the time and cost of a trial.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we prepare cases as if they may go to a jury. That trial readiness gives us leverage in settlement negotiations and helps us push for full and fair compensation for our clients.

6. Confusing Tiered Fee Agreements That Quietly Increase What You Pay

Some high-volume firms use tiered contingency fee contracts that start at a lower percentage and increase once a lawsuit is filed or certain events occur.

Often:

• The “introductory” percentage applies only if the case settles very quickly, which is unrealistic in serious injury matters
• Filing a lawsuit or preparing for trial triggers an automatic increase in the percentage, even if the additional work is modest
• The overall structure may be designed more to cover overhead and advertising, not to align with your best interests

In addition, there are case expenses, medical liens, and health insurance reimbursements that must be paid from the settlement proceeds.

A New York City personal injury lawyer should walk you through all of this in plain language. You deserve to understand how the contingency fee works, what costs are advanced, and how much you are likely to net at the end.

Greenstein & Pittari, LLP uses clear written fee agreements, explains exactly how fees and costs work, and never charges a legal fee unless we are successful.

Legal Issues In NYC That Billboard Firms May Mishandle

A New York City injury case is not just about “getting money.” It involves specific laws, deadlines, and procedures that must be handled correctly.

New York Statutes Of Limitations

Deadlines vary by case type, for example:

• Many negligence cases, including typical car accidents, have a three-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident
• Medical malpractice cases often have a two-and-a-half-year statute of limitations, with special rules for continuous treatment
• Many claims against municipalities, such as the City of New York or the MTA, require a Notice of Claim within 90 days and have shorter periods to file suit

A high-volume office with poor communication can easily miss or miscalculate these deadlines, which can permanently destroy your claim.

No Fault And The Serious Injury Threshold

In New York motor vehicle cases:

• Your own No-Fault carrier typically pays up to a certain amount of basic medical and lost wage benefits, regardless of fault
• To bring a lawsuit for pain and suffering, you usually must prove that you suffered a “serious injury” as defined by New York Insurance Law

A careful attorney will work with your doctors, gather detailed medical documentation, and present your injuries in a way that satisfies this legal threshold. A cookie-cutter approach that treats every car crash the same puts that at risk.

New York Labor Law And Construction Accidents

Construction workers in New York often have additional legal protections, especially for elevation-related accidents and unsafe work site conditions. A billboard firm that treats a serious construction fall as a simple slip-and-fall can miss significant claims under Labor Law and may fail to pursue all responsible parties.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we take the time to analyze which laws apply, which defendants should be named, and how to build the strongest possible case for New York City accident victims.

How To Choose The Right New York City Personal Injury Lawyer

Your choice of attorney can shape the rest of your life after a serious accident. Here is how to choose wisely instead of relying on a billboard.

1. Focus On Real Personal Injury Experience

Ask any potential lawyer:

• How long have you practiced in personal injury or medical malpractice?
• What percentage of your practice is devoted to these cases?
• Have you handled cases like mine in the New York City Supreme Court or federal court?

You want a firm that focuses on New York personal injury and malpractice, not one that dabbles in many different areas at once.

2. Research Reputation And Professional Background

Instead of just trusting a slogan:

• Review the types of cases and results the firm talks about
• Look for professional recognition such as Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, or other respected ratings
• Check whether attorneys teach, lecture, or publish in the field of personal injury law
• Pay attention to patterns in reviews about communication, honesty, and client service

3. Evaluate Communication And Availability

During your initial consultation:

• Note whether you speak to an actual attorney
• Ask how often you will receive updates
• Make sure you understand how to reach your lawyer with questions

You should never feel like you are bothering your attorney for wanting information about your own case.

4. Understand The Fee And Cost Structure

Before you sign anything, you should know:

• The contingency fee percentage
• Whether that percentage changes if the case goes to trial or appeal
• Whether the firm advances case costs, such as experts and court fees
• How medical liens, health insurance, and other reimbursements will be handled

A reputable NYC personal injury law firm will explain this clearly and in writing.

5. Consider Firm Size And Style

Mega firms are not always better. Smaller, focused firms like Greenstein & Pittari, LLP can offer:

• Direct access to experienced attorneys
• Custom strategies tailored to your facts
• Strong local knowledge of New York courts and communities

You want a firm that is big enough to have the resources you need, but small enough to treat you like an individual.

Why Injured New Yorkers Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we designed our practice around people, not advertising volume.

• We focus exclusively on personal injury and related claims
• We maintain multiple convenient offices in Harlem, The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
• We offer bilingual services for clients who prefer to communicate in another language
• We are recognized by respected organizations such as Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers
• We have hundreds of positive client reviews and testimonials
• We deal with the insurance companies so you can focus on healing

Our motto is “Don’t Be a Victim Twice.” That means we work to protect you from being victimized by a negligent driver, a property owner, a doctor, or an employer, and then again by an unfair insurance process.

Strong, Trial Ready Representation

When you hire Greenstein & Pittari, LLP:

• You meet and speak with a lawyer, not just an intake clerk
• You know who is responsible for your case
• We thoroughly investigate your accident, gather evidence, and consult experts when needed
• We prepare your case as if it may go to trial, which strengthens settlement negotiations

We represent clients in:

• Car, truck, motorcycle, and rideshare collisions
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents throughout New York City
• Bus, subway, and other transit incidents
• Construction accidents and Labor Law claims
• Slip, trip, and fall cases, building, stairway, and sidewalk accidents
• Medical malpractice and serious hospital errors
• Catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases

We work on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay a legal fee unless we recover money for you. That is our Fee Guarantee: No Fee Unless Successful.

Call A New York City Personal Injury Lawyer Today

You do not have to choose a lawyer just because you see them on a billboard or bus. You should choose a firm that will listen to you, guide you, and fight for you.

If you or a loved one has been injured in New York City:

• Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) today to schedule a free, confidential consultation, or
• Fill out our online contact form to tell us what happened

The call is free. The consultation is free. You do not pay us unless we win your case.

FAQ: Billboard Attorneys And New York City Personal Injury Cases

1. Are all lawyers who advertise “billboard attorneys”?

No. Many excellent attorneys advertise in some form. A “billboard attorney” in the negative sense usually refers to a firm that relies on very high volume, mass marketing, and a settlement mill model where clients receive little personal attention and cases are rushed to quick settlements.

The key question is not whether the lawyer advertises. The key question is whether the lawyer will personally invest time and effort in your New York City case.

2. How can a billboard attorney hurt my NYC personal injury case?

A volume-driven practice can:

• Miss important facts that prove liability
• Overlook additional insurance policies or responsible parties
• Rush settlements before your future medical needs are clear
• Fail to document wage loss, loss of earning capacity, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering

These mistakes can dramatically reduce the value of your claim and your long-term financial stability.

3. How do I know if the lawyer in the ad will actually handle my case?

During your consultation, ask:

• Will you be the primary attorney on my case?
• Will I be able to speak directly with you?
• How often will I receive updates, and who will provide them?

If you cannot get clear answers or if you only speak with non-lawyer staff, that is a strong warning sign.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we tell you exactly who will handle your case and how to reach them.

4. Why is trial experience necessary if most cases settle?

Most New York personal injury cases do settle, but settlement values usually depend on whether the other side believes your lawyer is willing and able to go to trial.

A firm with real trial experience and a reputation for taking cases to verdict often:

• Receives more serious settlement offers
• Has greater leverage in negotiating
• Is better prepared if the insurance company refuses to be fair

If a law firm rarely goes to court, insurers know that and may offer less.

5. What is a contingency fee, and how does it work in New York?

In a contingency fee arrangement:

• You pay no attorney’s fee up front
• The law firm’s fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict
• If there is no monetary recovery, you do not owe a legal fee

In New York, personal injury firms typically use contingency agreements that must be in writing. At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we explain the percentage, case costs, medical liens, and likely net recovery so you understand how everything works before you sign.

6. What is the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in New York City?

It depends on the type of case. Many negligence-based personal injury claims have a three-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident. Medical malpractice cases and claims against government entities often have shorter deadlines, and government-related claims frequently require a Notice of Claim within 90 days.

Because the rules are complex and missing a deadline can permanently bar your claim, you should speak with a New York City personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident.

7. Can I switch lawyers if I have already hired a billboard firm?

In many situations, yes. In New York, you generally have the right to change attorneys if you are unhappy with your representation. Your former lawyer may be entitled to a portion of the fee, but that is usually worked out between law firms and does not increase the total percentage you pay.

If you are concerned that your case is being rushed or neglected, you can contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP for a confidential review of your situation.

8. How soon after an accident should I contact a lawyer in NYC?

You’ll need to contact a New York City accident attorney as soon as possible. Early involvement allows your lawyer to:

• Preserve surveillance footage and physical evidence
• Locate and interview witnesses before memories fade
• Advise you about medical treatment, No Fault applications, and insurance communications
• Ensure that essential deadlines, such as Notice of Claim requirements, are met

Waiting too long can weaken your case and reduce its value.

9. Are billboard law firms more expensive than smaller firms?

Most personal injury firms in New York charge similar contingency fee percentages. The difference usually lies in what you receive, not in the percentage you sign.

If a billboard firm rushes to settle your case for a low amount while charging the same percentage as a more careful firm, you may end up with far less money in your pocket.

10. What should I ask a lawyer before I hire them for my NYC injury case?

Helpful questions include:

• How long have you practiced personal injury or malpractice law in New York?
• Have you tried cases like mine in New York courts?
• How many active cases do you currently handle?
• Who will I communicate with and how often?
• What is your contingency fee, and how are costs handled?

Pay close attention to how clearly and honestly the lawyer responds.

11. What if I were injured outside Manhattan, such as in Brooklyn or Queens?

Greenstein & Pittari, LLP represents clients who are injured in all five boroughs:

• Manhattan
• Brooklyn
• Queens
• The Bronx
• Staten Island

We also serve clients in surrounding areas, including parts of Westchester and Long Island. We can often handle most of your cases by phone, video, or email, and we will meet in person when needed.

12. Why is Greenstein & Pittari, LLP the right choice for New York City accident victims?

Because we:

• Focus on New York personal injury and related litigation, not on every legal topic under the sun
• Limit our caseload so we can give each case the time and attention it deserves
• Offer direct attorney access and clear communication
• Prepare every case as if it may go to trial, which strengthens settlement negotiations
• Have convenient offices in Harlem, The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
• Work on a contingency fee basis with an explicit Fee Guarantee: No Fee Unless Successful

Your life is not a billboard.

If you were injured in New York City, call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) or contact us online today. Let Greenstein & Pittari, LLP provide the focused, compassionate, and determined representation you deserve.