A car accident upends more than your day — it can upend your health, finances, and peace of mind. In New York City, where tens of thousands of collisions happen each year, choosing the right attorney can make all the difference. Below, we’ll walk through the key factors to evaluate — backed by up-to-date NYC data — so you can make an informed decision during a stressful time.
Before diving into how to choose a lawyer, it helps to understand just how common—and consequential—auto collisions remain in New York City.
In 2023, NYC saw 53,095 people suffer injuries in crashes (rosenbaumnylaw.com). Through June 2025, NYC recorded 87 traffic deaths, a 32 % drop compared to the same period in 2024 (nyc.gov).
Over the first nine months of 2024, 193 people were killed and 2,338 seriously injured in NYC crashes (transalt.org).
Given this volume of incidents, your case is not just one among many — it’s one where the right legal representation can differentiate between a fair recovery and a long battle for minimal compensation.
When faced with mounting medical bills, insurance companies, and lost wages, your choice of attorney becomes critical. Here’s how to choose wisely.
A lawyer with deep experience in slip-and-fall or medical malpractice may not have the practical knowledge to handle motor vehicle collision cases effectively. Look for attorneys who focus on auto accidents, motor vehicle liability, and personal injury. Local familiarity is also a plus — a Staten Island or NYC-area lawyer will better understand local courts, judges, insurers, and procedure. Ask about particular verdicts or settlements in cases like yours.
Review published verdicts and settlements, client testimonials, and peer ratings. Ask during an initial consultation: “Out of the car accident cases you take, in what percentage do you achieve a recovery for the client?” A firm that accepts only cases they believe are winnable may hold higher standards.
A firm with adequate staff (investigators, medical experts, litigation support) can build a stronger case. Ask whether the lawyer is prepared to go to trial or tends to settle early, and whether they handle tasks in-house or outsource experts.
In New York, the common arrangement for auto accident cases is a contingency fee, typically one-third (33⅓ %) of the recovery (calljed.com). Some more complex cases may carry fees up to 40 % depending on stage or risk (albtriallawyers.com). Ask what “the recovery” is measured from (gross or net), and whether costs are deducted before or after the attorney’s share. Ensure everything is in writing.
Look for a lawyer who is responsive and communicative. In the consultation, see how clearly the attorney explains things and ask who your point of contact will be. Regular updates and transparency go a long way in easing stress during the process.
You will have to trust this attorney with health information, financial stakes, and legal strategy. Sometimes smaller firms provide more individualized attention than larger ones. Choose someone who makes you feel comfortable and heard.
A good attorney will not promise unrealistic outcomes. They should explain realistic risks and trade-offs, like settling early versus going to trial.
At Barillari Law Firm, we specialize in representing injured New Yorkers in car accident cases. Choosing us means working with a proven team with a strong record of settlements and verdicts for Staten Island clients. We provide transparent contingency fee agreements with no upfront costs, local knowledge of NYC traffic law and courts, and a commitment to keeping you informed every step of the way.
Your choice of car accident attorney plays a pivotal role in how effectively and quickly your case is resolved. In a city like New York — where collisions happen daily and stakes run high — choosing an attorney who understands the local landscape, has a successful track record, and communicates clearly is essential.
If you’ve been in a car accident in Staten Island or the NYC area, contact Barillari Law Firm for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you decide on the best path forward.