In most personal injury cases, New York’s statute of limitations gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, certain cases (such as claims against government entities or medical malpractice) have much shorter deadlines. Missing the deadline usually means losing your right to compensation forever. Contact a Syracuse personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.

1. Seek medical attention right away — even if injuries seem minor.
2. Call 911 and report the accident to police.
3. Document the scene with photos and gather witness information.
4. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies until you speak with an attorney.
5. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer promptly.

Early action preserves evidence and strengthens your case.

Yes. New York is a no-fault state, meaning your own insurance (PIP coverage) typically pays for your initial medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. However, if your injuries qualify as “serious” under New York law (such as fractures, significant disfigurement, or permanent loss of use), you can step outside the no-fault system and file a claim against the at-fault driver for additional damages, including pain and suffering.

Yes. New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages even if you share some fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if your case is worth $100,000 and you are found 25% at fault, you may still recover $75,000. An experienced attorney can help minimize any fault assigned to you.

You may be entitled to:

• Economic damages: Past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and property damage.
• Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.

In wrongful death cases, families can recover funeral expenses and loss of financial support.

At Nichols Law Offices, PLLC, we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront and no hourly fees. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you. This allows everyone — regardless of financial situation — to have strong legal representation.

Every case is different. Some straightforward cases settle in a few months, while complex cases involving serious injuries, multiple parties, or insurance disputes can take 1–3 years or longer. We keep you informed every step of the way and push for the fastest fair resolution possible.

Insurance companies are businesses focused on minimizing payouts. Without an experienced Syracuse personal injury attorney, you risk settling for far less than your case is worth. A lawyer handles investigation, evidence gathering, negotiations, and litigation so you can focus on healing.

• Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
• Slip and fall / premises liability incidents
• Dog bites and animal attacks
• Drunk or distracted driving crashes
• Construction and work-related accidents
• Wrongful death cases
• And more

Yes. Many serious injuries (especially soft tissue, whiplash, and concussion injuries) do not cause immediate pain. Seeing a doctor creates a medical record that links your injuries to the accident and protects your legal rights.

Call us today at 315-445-8762. We offer free, no-obligation consultations and are available to help Monday through Sunday. You can also fill out our online contact form.

Office Location: 333 Butternut Drive, Suite 110 Syracuse, NY 13214

Serving Syracuse, Rome, Fort Drum, Jefferson County, Onondaga County, and all of Central New York.

Your Case. To Us, It’s Personal.