August 8, 2025
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Reading Time: 4 min
If you’ve been injured in a car crash, you might wonder whether it’s worth hiring an attorney. Maybe the insurance company has already called you to discuss a settlement, or you’re thinking about handling the claim yourself. While every situation is different, having a lawyer on your side after a car crash can make a big difference, especially if you were seriously injured.
At Cellino Law, we help accident victims understand their rights and fight for the compensation they deserve. Fill out our online form or call us at 888-888-8888 to speak with a member of our legal team today.
Why a Personal Injury Attorney Can Make a Difference in Your Claim
After a car crash, you may think the insurance claims process is simple. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Insurance companies are businesses whose goal is to save money, which means they may not pay the full amount you may be entitled to receive. A personal injury attorney knows the insurance company’s tactics, will work to protect your rights, and will secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
In New York, car crash claims can be complex. We are a no-fault state, which means your own insurance covers your basic medical costs and lost wages up to a certain limit, regardless of who caused the crash. If your injuries are serious or your expenses go beyond that limit, you may have the right to file a lawsuit with the at-fault driver’s insurance. Knowing if your case qualifies, and proving it, may be more difficult without proper legal guidance.
What a Personal Injury Attorney Can Do for You
A personal injury attorney can handle every step of your claim so you can focus on healing. This often includes:
- Investigating the accident and gathering evidence
- Speaking with witnesses and experts
- Calculating the full value of your claim, including future costs
- Handling all communication with the insurance companies
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
- Taking your case to court if needed
Having an attorney can strengthen your case, improve your chances of a fair settlement, and help you avoid being taken advantage of by the insurance company.
Understanding New York’s Serious Injury Threshold
In New York, the serious injury threshold determines whether you can sue for pain and suffering after a car accident. This rule limits who can pursue a claim beyond basic no-fault insurance, and you must show that your injuries meet specific legal criteria to qualify. This may include:
- Broken bones
- Permanent limitation of use of a body part
- Significant limitation of use of a body function or system
- Substantially full disability for at least 90 days following the accident
An experienced attorney can help gather the medical records and evidence needed to show that your injuries meet the serious injury threshold. Strong documentation can improve your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
The Cost of Hiring an Attorney
Many people hesitate to reach out for legal assistance because they worry about the cost. At Cellino Law, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing up front. We only get paid if we win your case, and our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict we secure for you.
This arrangement makes hiring an attorney low-risk for you. You are able to focus on your health and recovery while our team handles the legal and financial work required to move your case forward.
Timing Matters
In New York, strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, apply to car crash claims. For most personal injury cases, you have three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. Missing these deadlines can mean losing your right to pursue compensation altogether.
Evidence can also disappear quickly. Witnesses’ memories fade, skid marks wash away, and damaged vehicles get repaired or scrapped. Medical records and accident reports are the strongest when obtained quickly. The sooner you contact an attorney, the more opportunities they have to gather evidence, protect your rights, and build a strong case.
Cellino Law Is Here to Help
If you’re unsure whether you need an attorney after being injured in a car crash, it’s in your best interest to speak with one as soon as possible. The experienced attorneys at Cellino Law will review your case, explain all of your options, and help you understand your rights.
Fill out our online form or call 888-888-8888 to schedule your free case evaluation, and let us handle the legal process so you can focus on your recovery.
Content checked by the personal injury attorney Ross Cellino. As a family man and a trial attorney, I pride myself on winning cases and serving the community. With over 35 years of experience, I understand the function of a jury, how juries arrive at conclusions, and the role that the jury plays in administering justice. I know how to win cases. You can find us in Manhattan, Buffalo, Melville, Rochester, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and other locations throughout New York.