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To find the best personal injury lawyer, you need to look for someone who has a lot of experience in court, knows a lot about your type of case, and has the resources to take on big insurance companies.
You need a personal injury lawyer who is good at talking to people, works on a contingency-fee basis, and has a history of winning cases like yours rather than just settling them quickly for less money.
Choosing the right lawyer can mean the difference between getting fair compensation and getting nothing when you’re hurt and have to pay medical bills, lose wages, and deal with insurance companies that won’t pay what you deserve.
The best personal injury lawyers know how to fight hard in court and really care about their clients. They give honest advice instead of making empty promises. They know how to handle New York’s complicated injury laws, have the money to take your case to trial, and have a good reputation that makes insurance companies pay attention.
This guide tells you exactly what to look for in a personal injury lawyer, what to watch out for, and the questions you should ask before hiring someone to handle your case.
Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?
You need a personal injury lawyer if your injuries are serious, someone is fighting you over who’s at fault, or the insurance company won’t pay what you deserve. Most people think they can handle their own case, but that’s usually a mistake that costs them thousands.
Here’s when you absolutely need legal help:
- Serious injuries: You’re still getting medical treatment, can’t work, or doctors say you’ll have permanent problems.
- Disputed fault: The other person says the accident wasn’t their fault, or multiple people were involved.
- Insurance problems: They’re stalling, denying your claim, or offering way less than your bills.
- Complex situations: Your case involves your job, government vehicles, or multiple insurance policies.
If any of these apply to you, don’t try to go it alone. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working against you.
Where to Find a Personal Injury Lawyer
Finding a good lawyer isn’t about picking the first name you see on a billboard. You want someone who’s actually fought personal injury cases like yours and won.
Ask People You Trust
You could start by talking to friends, family, or coworkers who have been through something like this. They’ll tell you the truth about whether their lawyer really helped or just took their money. If you’re in a union, ask your rep. They usually know which lawyers get good results for working people.
Ask these specific questions:
- Did your lawyer return your calls?
- Were you happy with how much you got?
- Would you hire them again?
Check Professional Directories
Look up lawyers on the New York State Bar Association website or trusted sites like Avvo. These show you if a lawyer is licensed, what other lawyers think of them, and if they’ve ever been in trouble.
Don’t just look at the ratings—read what people actually say about working with them.
Look at Real Case Results
Good lawyers aren’t shy about showing what they’ve won for people. Look for actual dollar amounts, not just vague promises. If a lawyer’s website doesn’t show any real results, that’s a red flag.
What to Look for in a Personal Injury Lawyer
The best personal injury lawyer for your case has specific qualities that separate them from everyone else advertising on TV.
Experience with Your Type of Case
A lawyer who handles car accidents might not know the first thing about construction injuries. You want someone who’s handled dozens of cases just like yours. They know the insurance companies, the common defenses, and what your case is really worth.
Trial Experience That Insurance Companies Respect
Most cases are settled outside of court, but insurance companies only pay lawyers a fair amount if they know they will actually go to court. Settlement mills are lawyers who never go to court. Insurance companies know they can lowball these firms all day long.
Ask how many cases they’ve taken to trial in the past year. If the answer is zero, keep looking.
Deep Knowledge of New York Laws
New York has specific rules that can make or break your case. The serious injury threshold determines if you can sue for pain and suffering after a car accident. No-fault insurance rules affect what bills get paid and when. Your lawyer needs to know these inside and out.
Resources to Fight Big Cases
Good lawyers have the money to hire investigators, medical experts, and accident reconstruction specialists. They can front all the costs of your case without asking you for a penny upfront.
Look for firms that can handle:
- Professional investigators who know how to preserve evidence.
- Medical experts who can explain your injuries to a jury.
- The financial resources to take on major insurance companies.
Clear Communication and Real Availability
You should never wonder what’s happening with your case. The best lawyers return calls quickly, explain things in plain English, and keep you updated regularly.
Honest Fee Structure
Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency-fee basis. This means they only get paid if you win. In New York, the 33.3% standard rate applies to any amount you recover.
Never pay money upfront for a personal injury case. If a lawyer asks for a retainer or upfront costs, walk away.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
Your first meeting with a lawyer tells you everything about how they’ll handle your case. Don’t be shy about asking tough questions.
About Their Experience and Results
- How many cases like mine have you handled this year?
- What’s the biggest settlement or verdict you’ve won in a case like mine?
- What percentage of your cases come from referrals from other lawyers?
- Can you show me examples of actual results you’ve achieved?
Other lawyers referring cases to a firm is the best sign of respect in the legal community.
About How They Handle Your Case
- Will you personally handle my case, or will it go to someone else?
- How often will you update me on what’s happening?
- What’s your typical response time when I call or email?
- How do you decide whether to settle or go to trial?
About Timeline and Strategy
- Based on what you know, what’s your initial strategy for my case?
- What’s a realistic timeline for a case like mine?
- What are the biggest challenges you see in my case?
- What do you think my case might be worth?
Any lawyer who guarantees a specific amount is lying to you. Honest lawyers give you ranges based on their experience.
Red Flags When Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
Some lawyers will hurt your case more than help it. Here’s what to avoid:
They Promise Unrealistic Results
No ethical lawyer can guarantee you’ll win or promise a specific dollar amount. Anyone who does is either inexperienced or dishonest. Good lawyers give you realistic expectations based on facts.
They Pressure You to Sign Right Away
You should never feel rushed into hiring a lawyer. Take time to think about it, talk to your family, and maybe get a second opinion. Desperate lawyers who need you to sign immediately are usually not the ones you want fighting for you.
They Have No Trial Experience
Ask directly: “When’s the last time you took a case to trial?” If they can’t give you a recent example, they’re probably a settlement mill. Insurance companies know exactly which lawyers never go to court and treat them accordingly.
Their Fee Agreement Is Confusing
Everything about fees and costs should be crystal clear and in writing. You should know exactly what percentage the lawyer takes and who pays for things like expert witnesses and court costs if you lose.
They Contact You First
In New York, it’s against the rules for lawyers to contact accident victims directly. If someone calls or shows up at your door after your accident, hang up or close the door.
When to Hire and Why Timing Matters
The biggest mistake people make is waiting too long to call a lawyer. Every day you wait makes your case harder to win and potentially worth less money.
Evidence Disappears Fast
Skid marks fade, security camera footage gets deleted, and witnesses forget what they saw. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the better chance they have to preserve the evidence that wins your case.
New York Has Strict Deadlines
Missing these deadlines means you lose your right to sue, no matter how strong your case is:
- 3 years for personal injury claims from the date of the accident.
- 2 years for wrongful death claims.
- You have a 90-day notice of claim to file against New York City or other government entities.
- You must apply for no-fault insurance benefits within 30 days of a car accident.
Insurance Companies Start Working Against You Immediately
While you’re recovering in the hospital, insurance adjusters are already investigating your case and looking for ways to deny or minimize your claim. You need someone on your side just as fast.
Can I Change Personal Injury Lawyers?
Yes, you can fire your lawyer and hire someone new at any point in your case. It’s your case, your choice, and your right.
If your current lawyer isn’t communicating, seems unprepared, or is pushing you toward a settlement you don’t want, it’s time to make a change. The process is simple—your new lawyer handles everything, including getting your file from the old firm.
You won’t pay double fees. The lawyers split the contingency fee from your final settlement, so switching costs you nothing extra.
Signs It’s Time to Switch
- Your lawyer doesn’t return calls or emails within a reasonable time.
- You feel confused about what’s happening with your case.
- They’re pressuring you to take a settlement that feels too low.
- You’ve lost confidence in their ability to fight for you.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is.
Why Choose Grigor Law for Your Personal Injury Case
Chrissy Grigoropoulos has built a reputation in New York courts as a lawyer who fights hard and gets results. She’s not afraid to take cases to trial, which is exactly what insurance companies fear most.
We’re different because we actually care about our clients as people, not just case numbers. We’re available 24/7, speak multiple languages, and we’ll never pressure you into a settlement you don’t want.
Our track record speaks for itself. We’ve recovered millions for injured New Yorkers, as shown in our recent case settlements, and we’re ready to fight just as hard for you.
Get Help Now. Your Personal Injury Case Can’t Wait
If someone else was careless and hurt you, you have more than just medical bills to deal with. You also have to deal with insurance companies that are already trying to minimize your recovery. You need a strong advocate who knows how important your case is and will fight for every dollar you are owed. We don’t just settle cases at Grigor Law Injury & Car Accident Lawyers. We build them for trial so you can get the most money possible.
While you focus on getting better, don’t let important evidence slip through the cracks or New York’s strict deadlines pass.
Call us at (718) 808-9309 right away to get a strong legal team on your side. Keep in mind that we only get paid if we win your case. Don’t leave your future to chance. Call us now and let us handle the fight while you focus on getting better.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Percentage Do Most Personal Injury Lawyers Take?
Most personal injury lawyers in New York charge 33.3% of your settlement or verdict. This is called a contingency fee, which means you pay nothing unless you win your case.
Who Pays for Case Expenses if I Lose?
This depends on your agreement with your lawyer. At Grigor Law, if we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing for attorney fees or case expenses.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in New York?
You have three years to file for most personal injury lawsuits in New York. However, claims against government entities have much shorter deadlines, so don’t wait.
Can I Still Sue if the Accident Was Partly My Fault?
Yes, New York follows pure comparative negligence rules. This means you can still recover money even if you were partially at fault, but your compensation gets reduced by your percentage of blame.
Do Most Personal Injury Cases Go to Trial?
Most personal injury cases are resolved through settlement rather than going to trial. However, having a lawyer who’s willing and able to go to trial is what forces insurance companies to offer fair settlements.
Can I Switch Lawyers if I’m Not Happy with My Current One?
Absolutely. You can change lawyers at any time during your case. Your new lawyer will handle the transition and make sure there are no delays in your case.
What Should I Never Say to an Insurance Adjuster?
Never admit fault, say you’re “fine,” or give a recorded statement without talking to your lawyer first. Insurance adjusters are trained to use your words against you to minimize your claim.
Will My Lawyer Help with Medical Bills and No-Fault Insurance?
Yes, experienced New York personal injury lawyers coordinate your no-fault benefits with your injury claim. We make sure your medical bills get paid while we fight for full compensation for your injuries.
