How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in New York City?

In most personal injury cases, New York law allows three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. However, claims involving the City of New York, the MTA, or other public entities often have much shorter deadlines, sometimes requiring a Notice of Claim within 90 days. Because deadlines vary by case type, speaking with an injury attorney early is critical.

What should I do immediately after being injured in an accident?

Seek medical care right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Many serious conditions do not present symptoms immediately. You should also document the scene if possible, preserve evidence, and avoid speaking with insurance companies before understanding your rights. An experienced injury lawyer can handle communications and protect your claim from the start.

Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes. New York follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident. Any recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault, but partial responsibility does not automatically prevent you from pursuing a claim.

What types of compensation are available in a New York City injury case?

Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, future loss of earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs. In cases involving permanent injuries, damages may also reflect reduced quality of life and ongoing medical support.

Do most personal injury cases go to court?

Many injury cases resolve through settlement, but not all should. Insurance companies often test whether a firm is willing to litigate. At Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC, every case is prepared as if it will go to trial, which strengthens negotiating leverage and protects clients if litigation becomes necessary.

What if my injury involved the City of New York or the MTA?

Claims involving government entities are subject to strict procedural rules and accelerated deadlines. Missing a notice requirement can permanently bar recovery. These cases require careful handling from the beginning, including timely filings and compliance with municipal liability laws.

Can I change lawyers if I am unhappy with my current attorney?

Yes. You are allowed to change attorneys at nearly any point in a New York personal injury case. In most situations, switching firms does not increase your legal fees. Many clients come to Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC after feeling ignored or rushed elsewhere and want more direct involvement and clearer communication.

How long does a personal injury case usually take in New York City?

The timeline depends on the severity of injuries, complexity of liability, and whether the case proceeds to litigation. Some cases resolve within months, while others take longer to ensure full medical recovery is understood. Settling too early can result in undervaluing a claim.

Should I accept an insurance company’s first settlement offer?

Early settlement offers are often made before the full extent of injuries and long-term costs are known. Accepting too soon may prevent recovery for future medical care or lost income. An injury attorney can evaluate whether an offer truly reflects the value of your case.

How much does it cost to hire a New York City injury lawyer?

Personal injury cases are typically handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront legal fees and payment is only collected if compensation is recovered. Consultations are free, and you should have a clear understanding of the fee structure before moving forward.

New York City Injury Lawyers

Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC

When you’re injured, you deserve more than a lawyer who occasionally returns your calls. At Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC, we believe accessibility is part of advocacy. That is why clients receive direct access to their attorney’s cell phone, real communication, real answers, when they need them most. If you’re already represented but unhappy with your lawyer’s responsiveness, strategy, or results, call us directly. We can take over your case with no additional attorney fees or costs.

For more than 45 years, the New York City injury lawyers at Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC have protected the rights of the injured across New York. From catastrophic transportation accidents to construction injuries, nursing home abuse, and complex liability claims, we have built a reputation for meticulous case preparation, relentless advocacy, and exceptional client service.

Abogados de lesiones personales de la ciudad de Nueva York. Hablamos Español.

A Firm Built on Access, Accountability & Results

Some firms emphasize volume. We emphasize people. We are not the largest law firm and we do not accept every case. But, if we do agree to accept your case it will receive the attention it deserves.

Clients come to us overwhelmed by medical bills, insurance pressure, and uncertainty about their future. Too often, they feel ignored by lawyers who take their case but not their calls. At Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC, communication is a cornerstone of our practice. When something changes, you hear it from us, not from letters, automated messages, or unanswered voicemail boxes.

Your attorney will give you his personal cell phone number because your legal representation should never feel distant or out of reach. Accessibility strengthens trust, trust strengthens strategy, and strategy drives results.

Car Accidents: Protecting Injured Drivers and Passengers Across New York

A serious car accident can upend your life in seconds. Injuries, damaged vehicles, lost earnings, and complicated insurance requirements pile up quickly. Our firm takes immediate steps to protect your claim, preserve evidence, and negotiate from a position of strength. We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and financial analysts to build a comprehensive case that reflects the full extent of your losses.

If your current lawyer isn’t calling you back, you’re not overreacting; communication matters. Call us. Our New York City accident lawyers will review your case and explain your options clearly.

Truck Accidents: Skilled Litigation in High-Risk, High-Damage Cases

Commercial truck crashes are among the most devastating transportation accidents on New York roads. These cases often involve multiple defendants, complex federal regulations, and aggressive insurance defense teams. Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC has decades of experience confronting trucking companies, analyzing black box data, securing safety records, and holding negligent drivers and carriers accountable.

You deserve a law firm that responds as quickly and forcefully as the trucking company’s legal team. With direct access to a New York City truck accident attorney, you’re never left waiting for answers.

Subway, Bus & Train Accidents: Representation for Victims of NYC Transit Injuries

Accidents involving the MTA, subways, buses, or commuter rail systems require early action and precise legal strategy. Strict notice deadlines apply, and government agencies defend these claims vigorously. Our attorneys understand transit law and have handled some of New York’s most complex public transportation injury cases.

Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or employee, our NYC transit & MTA injury lawyers will guide you through every step of the process and keep you informed throughout.

Pedestrian Accidents: Standing Up for Vulnerable Road Users

New York pedestrians face constant risk from distracted drivers, speeding vehicles, delivery vans, and rideshare traffic. When drivers fail to yield or pay attention, pedestrians suffer the most severe injuries. We investigate every angle of your case, from traffic cameras to witness interviews, to ensure your rights are protected.

If your current lawyer isn’t communicating or seems to be pushing a quick settlement, you can call us directly and get a straightforward, experienced second opinion.

Bicycle Accidents: Advocacy for Injured Cyclists Citywide

Cyclists deserve safe roads, but too often face hazards caused by careless drivers or poorly maintained infrastructure. At Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC, we represent injured bicyclists in claims involving dooring, unsafe lane changes, roadway defects, and negligent drivers. We understand the unique mechanics of bicycle crashes and the long-term medical impact they can create.

You’ll always know what’s happening in your case—because you’ll always be able to reach your attorney personally.

Motorcycle Accidents: Combatting Bias and Proving the Truth

Motorcyclists often face unfair assumptions in the aftermath of a crash. Insurance companies look for reasons to blame the rider, regardless of the facts. We cut through those biases with evidence, expert analysis, and skilled negotiation. Our New York City motorcycle accident lawyers have secured major recoveries for motorcyclists injured by negligent drivers, unsafe intersections, and defective equipment.

You will never feel like just a case file. Your attorney’s cell phone number is yours from day one.

Slip & Falls: Holding Property Owners Accountable for Unsafe Conditions

Slip and fall injuries may sound simple, but the consequences, fractures, head injuries, and spinal damage, can be life-changing. Property owners must maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. When they fail, they should be held responsible.

We investigate negligence, consult safety professionals, and build strong premises liability claims. If your current representation isn’t giving your case attention, we’re here to step in and move it forward.

Construction Accidents: Protecting New York’s Workforce

Construction is the backbone of our city, and one of its most dangerous professions. Falls, falling objects, scaffold failures, equipment malfunctions, and site negligence can cause severe injuries. New York’s labor laws offer powerful protections for workers, but navigating them requires experience and precision.

Our firm represents construction workers, contractors, and laborers injured on job sites, guiding them through Labor Law §§ 240, 241, and 200 claims as well as third-party actions. When your livelihood is on the line, you deserve a lawyer who answers your calls every time.

Airplane & Airport Injuries: Focused Representation in Complex Aviation Claims

Whether your injury occurred during boarding, in-flight, on the jet bridge, or within an airport terminal, aviation-related injury claims require careful legal handling. We pursue cases involving turbulence injuries, falling luggage, unsafe conditions, airline negligence, security failures, and operational errors.

Major carriers and airport authorities are well-protected by legal teams, so you need one equally committed to your recovery.

Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect: Protecting Loved Ones with Strength and Compassion

Discovering that a nursing home mistreated a loved one is heartbreaking. Our firm represents families in cases of neglect, physical harm, bedsores, falls, medication errors, dehydration, malnutrition, emotional abuse, and unsafe supervision.

We move quickly to preserve evidence, and protect your family member’s safety and dignity. If your current lawyer isn’t communicating, call us immediately.

If You Aren’t Happy With Your Lawyer, Call Us Directly

You are not stuck with a lawyer who won’t call you back, won’t explain your case, or won’t fight for you. Switching attorneys is simple, and in many cases:

Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC will:

Review your file and evaluate your case at no cost.
Handle the transfer process from your prior attorney.
Provide direct access to your attorney by cell phone throughout your case.

Your case matters. Your recovery matters. You deserve representation that treats you accordingly.

Serving Throughout New York City & Upstate NY

Bronx
Brooklyn
Manhattan
Long Island
Queens
Staten Island
Nassau County
Orange County
Putnam County
Rockland County
Suffolk County
Westchester County

Call NYC Injury Lawyers Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC, Today

Choosing the right lawyer can change the entire course of your recovery. At Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC, you receive the strength of a proven trial firm along with the personal commitment of New York City injury attorneys who are accessible, responsive, and invested in your future.

Call now for a free consultation. Hablamos Español. And yes, you can call your attorney on his cell phone whenever you need him.