Queens personal injury attorney: Fight for Rights 2025

Why Queens Residents Turn to Personal Injury Attorneys After Life-Changing Accidents

A Queens personal injury attorney helps victims of negligence secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. After a life-changing accident in Queens, from a car crash to a slip and fall, you face physical pain, mounting bills, and stress from uncooperative insurance companies. A local attorney provides critical support by:

• Navigating New York’s complex no-fault insurance system.
• Handling all negotiations with insurance companies.
• Ensuring your lawsuit is filed before the statute of limitations expires.
• Working on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless you win.

At Segal & Lax, our team has 75 years of combined experience helping New Yorkers steer the legal system. As a dedicated Queens personal injury attorney firm, we have secured millions for clients injured by negligence. Whether your accident occurred on Queens Boulevard, a Long Island City construction site, or in a Jackson Heights store, we understand the challenges you face and are here to fight for the compensation you deserve.

What to Do Immediately After an Accident in Queens

The moments after an accident are chaotic, but the steps you take can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation.

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately. Your health is the priority. Call 911 for serious injuries. Adrenaline can mask severe conditions like internal bleeding or fractures, so see a doctor even if you feel fine. A medical visit creates an official record linking your injuries to the accident, which is crucial evidence for your Queens personal injury attorney. Queens has several excellent hospitals, including New York-Presbyterian – Queens and Mount Sinai Queens.

2. Report the Accident. Contact the New York City Police Department for car accidents or any incident involving serious injury. An official police report establishes the facts of the event. For slip and falls, report the incident to the property manager and ensure they document it.

3. Gather Evidence. If you are able, use your phone to take photos and videos of the scene from multiple angles. Document vehicle damage, hazardous conditions (like spills or potholes), and any visible injuries. Collect names and phone numbers from any witnesses, as their testimony can be invaluable.

4. Exchange Information, But Do Not Admit Fault. For vehicle accidents, get contact details, insurance information, and license plate numbers from other drivers. However, avoid saying “I’m sorry” or admitting fault, as this can be used against you. Stick to the facts when speaking with anyone at the scene, including police and, later, insurance adjusters.

These actions protect your health and preserve the evidence needed to build a strong personal injury claim.

Understanding the Personal Injury Claim Process in Queens

The legal process can seem daunting, but as your Queens personal injury attorney, we manage the complexities so you can focus on healing.

The process begins with a free initial consultation where we review your case and discuss your legal options. If you decide to proceed, we start a thorough case investigation. We gather all critical evidence, including medical records, police reports, photos, and witness statements. We may also work with medical and accident reconstruction professionals to provide testimony that strengthens your claim. The goal is to establish liability by proving the other party’s negligence caused your injuries and damages.

With a strong case, we enter negotiation and settlement talks with the at-fault party’s insurer. Most personal injury cases are resolved at this stage. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to file a lawsuit in Queens court.

After filing, the case enters the findy phase, where both sides exchange information and take depositions (sworn testimony). If a settlement still cannot be reached, the case proceeds to trial, where a judge or jury will determine liability and compensation. We will be by your side throughout, advocating for your rights.

Common Personal Injury Cases We Handle

As a Queens personal injury attorney firm, we handle a wide range of accident claims.

• Car Accidents: We help clients steer New York’s no-fault system and sue for pain and suffering in cases of serious injury. Our Queens Car Accident Lawyer team is ready to assist.
• Construction Accidents: New York’s labor laws offer strong protections for injured workers. A Queens Construction Accident Lawyer can help you pursue claims beyond workers’ compensation.
• Pedestrian Accidents: Victims of pedestrian collisions often suffer catastrophic injuries. A Queens Pedestrian Accident Lawyer holds negligent drivers accountable.
• Premises Liability: Property owners can be held liable for injuries caused by unsafe conditions. A Queens Premises Liability Lawyer can manage your claim.
• Medical Malpractice: These complex cases involve proving that a healthcare provider’s negligence caused harm. Our Queens Medical Malpractice Lawyer team has the necessary knowledge.
• Wrongful Death: We provide compassionate guidance to families seeking justice and financial stability after losing a loved one. A Queens Wrongful Death Lawyer can help.
• Bicycle Accidents: Cyclists are vulnerable on busy Queens streets. A Queens Bicycle Accident Lawyer fights for the compensation injured riders deserve.

We also represent victims of truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, and catastrophic injuries, including those needing a Queens Brain Injury Lawyer or Queens Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer.

No matter what type of accident brought you to this difficult moment, we’ve handled similar cases and know the path forward.

Why You Need a Queens Personal Injury Attorney

After an accident, you might wonder if you truly need a lawyer. The reality is that a dedicated Queens personal injury attorney provides a significant advantage.

A primary role we serve is dealing with insurance companies. Adjusters are trained to protect their company’s profits by minimizing or denying claims. They may record your conversations to use your words against you or offer a quick, lowball settlement before the full extent of your injuries is known. We handle all communications with insurers, protecting you from these tactics and ensuring your claim is taken seriously.

New York’s no-fault insurance system for car accidents adds another layer of complexity. To sue for pain and suffering, your injuries must meet a “serious injury” threshold. We know how to steer this system to maximize your compensation. We conduct a thorough investigation to calculate all your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic losses like pain and suffering.

Our firm’s legal knowledge and local court familiarity are invaluable. With over 75 years of combined experience, we understand Queens courts and New York’s specific personal injury laws. Our strong track record and client Testimonials demonstrate our commitment to achieving positive outcomes. We prioritize clear communication, keeping you informed at every stage. While most cases settle, we are always prepared for trial if it means securing the fair compensation you deserve.

How a Queens Personal Injury Attorney Works on a Contingency Fee Basis

One of the biggest concerns for injured individuals is the cost of legal representation. This is where the contingency fee arrangement becomes a game-changer.

With a contingency fee, you pay no upfront costs to retain our services. Our promise is simple: “no win, no fee.” You only pay attorney fees if we successfully recover compensation for you, either through a settlement or a court verdict.

The attorney’s fee is a pre-agreed percentage of the settlement or award. This arrangement aligns our interests directly with yours. We only get paid if we win, which gives us every incentive to fight for the maximum possible compensation.

The contingency fee also typically covers the various case expenses that come up when pursuing a personal injury claim. If we don’t win your case, you generally don’t owe us for these expenses either.

This provides you with risk-free representation, allowing you to pursue justice without added financial burden. It’s one of the many reasons Why Hire Us at Segal & Lax—we believe everyone deserves access to quality legal representation.

Recoverable Damages and Critical Deadlines in Queens

After an accident in Queens, understanding what compensation you can seek and the deadlines for filing a claim is crucial for protecting your rights.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Queens Personal Injury Case?

New York law allows you to seek compensation for various losses, which are grouped into several categories.

• Economic Damages: These are your measurable financial losses, including current and future medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damage.
• Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for non-tangible suffering, such as physical pain, emotional distress, scarring or disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. A spouse may also claim loss of consortium.
• Punitive Damages: Awarded only in rare cases, these damages are intended to punish a defendant for exceptionally reckless or malicious behavior and deter others from similar conduct. A Queens personal injury attorney can assess if they apply to your case.

How Does the Statute of Limitations Apply to Personal Injury Cases in Queens?

You have a limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline, known as the statute of limitations, will likely bar you from ever recovering compensation.

• General Deadline: For most personal injury cases in Queens, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident.
• Claims Against Government Entities: A major exception involves claims against a city or government agency (e.g., MTA, NYC). You must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the incident.
• Wrongful Death: Families generally have two years from the date of death to file a claim.

In some situations, such as when the victim is a minor or an injury is not finded right away, the deadline may be extended. Because these rules are complex, it is vital to consult a Queens personal injury attorney to ensure you meet your specific deadline.

A Look at Queens Accident Statistics

Statistics highlight the daily risks in the borough. According to NYC data, over one thousand bicycle injuries occurred in Queens in 2020 alone. Nationally, two construction workers sustain fatal injuries per day, a grim reminder of the dangers on job sites throughout Queens. These numbers, combined with countless car and pedestrian accidents, underscore the prevalence of negligence and the need for accountability. A Queens Bicycle Accident Lawyer can help if you’ve been injured.

Frequently Asked Questions about Queens Personal Injury Claims

After an accident, your mind is probably racing with questions. As a Queens personal injury attorney firm, we have provided answers to some of the most common ones.

How much is my personal injury case worth?

There is no “average” case value, as the compensation depends entirely on the specifics of your situation. The final amount is determined by several factors, including:

• The severity and permanence of your injuries.
• The total of your economic losses, such as medical bills and lost wages (both past and future).
• The extent of your non-economic damages, like pain and suffering.
• The clarity of proof establishing the other party’s fault.
• The at-fault party’s insurance policy limits.

An accurate valuation is only possible after you have reached maximum medical improvement and we have a full picture of your long-term prognosis.

How long will my personal injury case take?

The timeline for a personal injury case can range from several months to a few years. The duration depends on factors like:

• Case Complexity: Simple cases with clear fault resolve faster than complex ones.
• Medical Treatment: We must wait until your medical treatment is complete or your long-term needs are clear to know the full value of your claim.
• Negotiation: Insurance companies often delay or make low offers, extending the negotiation process.
• Litigation: If a lawsuit is filed, court backlogs and the findy process can add significant time.

Our priority is securing the full compensation you deserve, not settling quickly for less.

Do I have to go to court for my personal injury claim?

It is unlikely. The vast majority of personal injury cases in Queens are settled out of court through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration. Trials are expensive and unpredictable, so both sides are usually motivated to reach a settlement.

However, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This shows the insurance company we are serious and gives us leverage in negotiations. If the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, we will not hesitate to take your case before a judge and jury. The final decision to accept a settlement or go to trial is always yours, made with our informed guidance.

Get the Legal Support You Deserve

An injury caused by someone else’s negligence can turn your world upside down, leaving you with physical pain, financial strain, and emotional stress. You do not have to steer this challenging time alone.

Taking prompt action is essential to protect your rights, especially with strict deadlines like the three-year statute of limitations or the 90-day notice requirement for claims against the city.

At Segal & Lax, our attorneys have over 75 years of combined experience providing serious, personalized representation to injured New Yorkers. We understand the devastating impact of an accident and are committed to fighting for your family’s well-being.

We operate on a “no win, no fee” contingency basis, meaning you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. There is no financial risk to you.

Whether you were injured in a car crash, construction accident, or slip and fall in Queens, we know the local courts and how to stand up to insurance companies. Let us handle the legal fight while you focus on healing.

Contact a Queens personal injury attorney today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us put our experience to work for you.