Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Queens

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Queens, New York?

  Dial 311 to report a non-emergency to the police in Queens.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Queens, New York?

  Reports can only be obtained through the mail. To make a request, submit a request online at https://a836-citypay.nyc.gov/citypay/NYPD_VCLP or send it by mail addressed to: NYPD/Criminal Records Unit 375 Pearl Street Suite 4, 16th Floor New York, NY 10038

• What are the expenses for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Queens?

  Expenses that are essential elements of the personal injury lawsuit in Queens include fees for investigation, expert witnesses, and court filings or reports at deposition. In addition, there are also administrative costs, lawyer's fees, and miscellaneous expenses. On average, filing a lawsuit may cost between $15,000 to $100,000, depending on its complexity and requirements.

• What types of compensation are available to personal injury victims in Queens?

  Personal injury victims in Queens can recover financial compensation for economic and non-economic damage. Under New York's no-fault law, the victim needs to file an insurance claim from their policy to cover the medical bills, loss of income, disfigurement, and other related damages. Filing a lawsuit against an at-fault driver can only be possible if the policy coverage exceeds the no-fault benefits for economic and non-economic losses.

• How is the victim's personal injury settlement calculated in Queens?

  The settlement amount of a personal injury claim in Queens is calculated based on the actual monetary costs verified through receipts paid to treat injuries and fix economic damages. Conversely, non-economic damages are harder to express and validate but legal experts utilize different techniques, including the multiplier method. In this method, experts multiply the overall value of the economic damages by a number between one and five, depending on the severity of the losses.

• What is the maximum contingency fee for personal injury lawyers in Queens?

  Generally, contingency fees in Queens cannot exceed 33%. Under the contingency arrangement, most personal injury lawyers obtain a portion of the settlement amount based on the negotiated percentage. Several contributing factors impact the lawyer's percent rate and these are the level of experience, geographic area of practice, and the case's complexity and duration.

• What are the most common personal injury cases in Queens?

  Car accidents with injured individuals are the most recurrent cases that get thousands of reports. There are also workplace injuries which are often a result of hazards, equipment, or the physical environment. Lastly, medical malpractice injury results from the negligence of a health professional. These are some of the most common types of personal injury cases in Queens.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.