Hiring a Lawyer
When to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in New York (and Why Waiting Costs You)
Jonathan Fuzailov, Esq.
February 25, 2026 · 4 min read
If the insurer is already asking for a statement, the answer is now. Here's how a lawyer protects you from common early mistakes.
Signs you should call now
You were hospitalized or need surgery, fault is disputed, the insurer wants a recorded statement, a commercial vehicle or public entity is involved, or you have been offered a quick settlement. Each of these puts real money at risk.
How contingency fees work
Personal injury attorneys in New York work on contingency — typically one third of the recovery, with no hourly billing and nothing owed if there is no recovery. Case expenses are advanced by the firm and reimbursed from the settlement.
What a lawyer does that you cannot
Preserving surveillance footage with spoliation letters, identifying every applicable insurance policy, coordinating no-fault with health insurance and liens, and valuing future medical care and lost earning capacity with expert support.
The cost of waiting
Early low offers are calculated to close a claim before its full value is known. Once you sign a release, the case is over — even if you later need surgery.
Free case review
Hurt in an accident in New York? Talk to a lawyer today.
Deadlines in New York can be as short as 90 days, and insurers start building their defense immediately. Get a free, no-obligation review of your case from Fuzailov Law — you pay nothing unless we win.
Request a free case review
Tell us what happened. We'll review your case and respond the same day — no fee unless we win.