Questions injured New Yorkers ask us
Straight answers about cost, deadlines, language access, and what to expect.
How much does a New York accident lawyer cost?
Nothing up front. New York personal injury attorneys in our network work on contingency - a typical fee is 33⅓% of the recovery (one-third), and you pay $0 if they don't win. The free case review through NYAccident.org is also no-cost and no-obligation.
What should I do after a car accident in NYC?
1) Call 911 and get a police report (NYPD MV-104). 2) Get medical care the same day - gaps in treatment hurt your claim. 3) Photograph the vehicles, license plates, street, and any injuries. 4) Exchange insurance info; get witness names and phone numbers. 5) Report the crash to your own insurer to open your No-Fault (PIP) claim within 30 days - this pays your medical bills regardless of fault. 6) Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company before talking to a lawyer.
How long do I have to file?
Time is not your friend. New York generally gives you 3 years for personal injury, but claims against the City can expire in as little as 90 days. Start now, even if you're not sure.
Do I have to speak English?
No. Our intake works in Spanish, and our attorney network includes Spanish-speaking lawyers who'll meet you where you are.
What if I'm undocumented?
Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation for an injury in New York. Period. Your information stays confidential.
What if I was partly at fault?
New York follows pure comparative negligence - even if you share most of the blame, you can still recover damages, reduced by your percentage of fault. Let an attorney evaluate it.
How much is my New York personal injury case worth?
Honest answer: it depends on the severity of your injury, medical bills, lost wages, long-term impact, available insurance, and liability. Cases range from a few thousand dollars for minor soft-tissue injuries to seven figures for catastrophic injury or wrongful death. A vetted New York personal injury attorney can give you a realistic range after reviewing your records.
Will I have to go to court?
Probably not. The vast majority of New York personal injury cases settle before trial. Filing a lawsuit is often used as leverage to push the insurance company toward a fair settlement. If your case does go to trial, your attorney handles it - you'd typically only appear for a deposition and the trial itself.
How long does a New York personal injury case take?
Simple cases with clear liability can settle in 6–12 months. Cases that require a lawsuit, expert witnesses, or trial preparation often take 1–3 years. Construction (Labor Law 240/241) and medical malpractice cases tend to take the longest. Your attorney can give a timeline once they see the file.
What should I do right after a New York accident (slip and fall, work injury, or other)?
Get medical care immediately - both for your health and for the record. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any vehicles or hazards. Get names and contact information for witnesses. Report the accident (police for a crash, store manager for a fall, supervisor for a workplace injury). Do not give a recorded statement to the at-fault party's insurance company before speaking with an attorney.
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