Questions to Ask a New York City Personal Injury Lawyer (Before Hiring)

If you’ve been injured in an accident in New York City-whether from a car crash, slip and fall, workplace accident, or another incident-choosing the right NYC personal injury lawyer can make all the difference. Your free consultation is your chance to evaluate the attorney as much as they are assessing your case.

This guide covers the essential questions to ask a personal injury lawyer in New York City, along with answers to frequently asked questions about accident claims, timelines, fees, and your legal rights under New York law.

What to Expect in a Free Consultation with an NYC Personal Injury Attorney

At your consultation, you’ll explain how your accident happened and describe your injuries. The lawyer will ask clarifying questions to determine strengths, weaknesses, and next steps. Use this time wisely – come prepared with the right questions.

Essential Questions to Ask a New York Personal Injury Lawyer

1. Fees and Costs

• Do you work on contingency, and what percentage do you charge?
• Does your fee change if the case goes to trial?
• Who pays expenses such as filing fees, expert witnesses, and medical records?
• Will I owe anything if we don’t win?

(In NYC, most personal injury attorneys only get paid if you win. Always review the fee agreement carefully.)

2. Experience and Track Record

• How long have you practiced personal injury law in New York?
• What percentage of your practice is dedicated to accident cases?
• Have you handled cases like mine (car accident, slip and fall, construction accident, medical malpractice, product liability)?
• What were the results?
• Have you been recognized by Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, or other organizations?

Experience with New York courts and insurance companies is key to strong representation.

3. Case Evaluation and Value

• Do I have a viable case under New York law?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of my claim?
• What damages can I pursue (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, future medical care)?
• What is my case worth, realistically, and what factors could change that?

4. Trial and Litigation Experience

• How many NYC accident cases have you taken to trial?
• What were your verdicts and settlements?
• Who will handle my case if it goes to trial?
• Do you have the resources to take my case through discovery and trial?

Even though most cases settle, insurers in New York often offer more when they know your lawyer is trial-ready.

5. Strategy and Negotiation

• What is your approach to negotiating with New York insurance companies?
• Do you expect my case to settle, or will trial be necessary?
• How do you prepare cases for both settlement and litigation?

6. Communication and Case Management

• Who will be my main contact-an attorney, paralegal, or both?
• How often will I receive updates?
• What’s the best way to reach you-phone, email, client portal?
• How involved do you expect me to be?

Strong communication ensures you never feel left in the dark about your case.

7. Resources and Time

• Do you have the capacity to file my case quickly?
• How long do personal injury cases in New York usually take?
• What could delay or speed up resolution?

(Note: In New York, the statute of limitations for negligence is generally three years, though shorter deadlines apply to municipal claims and medical malpractice.)

8. Client References and Results

• Can you share testimonials or past case results?
• May I speak with a former client about their experience (confidentially)?

9. Your Role in the Case

• What do you need from me-documents, medical records, or testimony?
• Should I avoid speaking with insurance adjusters or posting online about my accident?

Frequently Asked Questions About NYC Personal Injury Cases

1. What is the personal injury claim process in New York?
Your lawyer files a summons and complaint in court, serves the defendant, and pursues evidence in discovery. Settlement negotiations, mediation, or trial may follow.

2. What should I do after an accident in New York City?

• Seek medical treatment immediately.
• Take photos of the accident scene and your injuries.
• Collect witness information.
• Keep detailed notes and follow your doctor’s advice.
• Contact a New York City accident attorney as soon as possible.

3. Will my case go to trial?
Most NYC accident claims settle. A trial may be necessary if liability is disputed or the insurance company refuses fair compensation. A trial-ready NYC lawyer improves settlement leverage.

4. How much is my case worth?
Compensation depends on:

• Economic damages: medical bills, lost income.
• Non-economic damages: pain and suffering.
• Other factors: injury severity, insurance coverage, defendant’s assets.

5. What if I’m partially at fault?
New York follows comparative negligence. Your recovery is reduced by your share of fault. Example: If you’re 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of damages.

6. How long will my case take?
Simple claims may settle in months; litigation often takes 1–2 years. Court schedules, medical recovery, and insurance tactics affect the timeline.

7. How long do I have to file a case in New York?

• Negligence: 3 years from the accident.
• Medical malpractice: 2.5 years.
• Claims against NYC or other municipalities: Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days.

8. How much does a New York personal injury lawyer cost?
Most work on contingency-you pay nothing upfront. Fees (typically 33–40%) and expenses are deducted from your recovery.

9. How do NYC accident lawyers help?
They investigate, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance carriers, and-if necessary-fight in court to maximize compensation.

Final Tips for Choosing a Personal Injury Lawyer in NYC

• Consult more than one NYC accident attorney and compare answers.
• Choose someone with courtroom experience and a clear strategy.
• Make sure the fee agreement is transparent and matches what you discussed.

Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP?

• Local Harlem office for convenience and trust
• Seven NYC-area locations: Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
• No fee unless we win – Our Fee Guarantee
• Bilingual services available
• Hundreds of positive reviews and client testimonials
• We handle the insurance companies so you can focus on healing
• Award-winning lawyers (Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers)

Firm Motto: “Don’t Be a Victim Twice.”
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) today for a free, confidential consultation with a top-rated New York City personal injury lawyer.

The call is free. The consultation is free. You don’t pay unless we win.