Getting injured is overwhelming enough—but hiring the wrong attorney can make a bad situation worse. Choosing the right personal injury lawyer early on helps preserve evidence, avoid costly missteps, and build a stronger foundation for your case. In this post, we’ll break down why timing matters, what to look for in a lawyer, and what to do if you’re considering switching law firms mid-case.
After an accident, the clock starts ticking fast. Crucial evidence like video footage, eyewitness accounts, and physical conditions at the scene can vanish within days. The earlier your attorney gets involved, the better your chances of capturing this information before it’s lost.
Insurance companies also act quickly—often reaching out within hours or days to gather statements or offer lowball settlements. Having legal representation early on means someone is already in your corner, protecting your rights and helping you avoid saying or doing something that could hurt your claim.
Many personal injury cases also have strict filing deadlines. For example, if your injury involved a town-owned sidewalk or roadway, you may need to file a Notice of Claim within just 90 days. A local attorney will know which deadlines apply and ensure you don’t miss them.
New to personal injury claims? Get a clear overview of how the process works in New York and what steps to take after an accident. Read Our Personal Injury Claim Guide.
Not all attorneys are the same—and not all personal injury lawyers handle every type of injury case. Here’s what to look for:
Contingency-based fees: Reputable injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case.
Want to see who you’ll be working with? Meet the attorneys behind Vlahadamis Law and learn why Long Island clients trust us with serious injury cases. View Our Legal Team.
Yes—you can switch law firms in the middle of a personal injury case. In fact, it’s something we help with often. Many people come to us frustrated that their current lawyer isn’t communicating, isn’t making progress, or just doesn’t feel like the right fit.
Changing lawyers doesn’t mean starting over. It means taking control of your case and choosing a team that’s better equipped to help you win.
We make transitions easy. We’ll handle the paperwork, coordinate with your prior attorney, and make sure your case keeps moving forward without delay. Fee arrangements are typically worked out between firms, so you won’t pay extra just because you switched.
At the end of the day, it’s your case—and you have the right to work with someone you trust.
