We fight for the justice you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured because of someone else’s negligence in Syracuse or Central New York, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. At Nichols Law Offices, PLLC, we treat every personal injury case with the dedication, care, and attention to detail it deserves. For more than three decades, Attorney Craig K. Nichols has helped injured people and families recover the compensation they need to move forward.
Your case is personal to us.
Call 315-445-8763 today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Why Choose a Syracuse Personal Injury Lawyer?
Accidents happen every day on Syracuse roads, in local businesses, on sidewalks, and at workplaces. According to historical New York State DMV data, thousands of crashes occur in the Syracuse area each year, many resulting in personal injuries. Whether your injuries are minor or life-changing, the financial and emotional impact can be overwhelming—medical bills, lost wages, pain, and uncertainty about the future.
New York law allows injured victims to pursue compensation when another party’s negligence causes harm. An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate the incident, gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the full value of your claim.
At Nichols Law Offices, PLLC, we proudly serve clients throughout Syracuse, Rome, Fort Drum, Jefferson County, Onondaga County, and surrounding Central New York communities.
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
We represent clients injured in a wide range of incidents, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Drunk driving and distracted driving crashes
- Slip and fall / premises liability claims
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Work accidents
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Chronic pain resulting from accidents
- Wrongful death claims
Each case is unique. We take the time to understand the full impact of your injuries and build a strong claim tailored to your situation.
Understanding Personal Injury Claims in New York
No-Fault Insurance System New York is a no-fault state for motor vehicle accidents. This means your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage generally pays for initial medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. However, if your injuries meet the legal “serious injury” threshold, you may be able to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for additional damages, including pain and suffering.
Negligence and Duty of Care To recover damages, you generally must show that another party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries. Examples include:
- Drivers must operate vehicles safely
- Property owners must keep premises reasonably safe
- Manufacturers must produce safe products
- Medical providers must follow accepted standards of care
Comparative Negligence New York has long followed pure comparative negligence rules in many personal injury cases, allowing recovery even if you share some fault (with your award reduced by your percentage of responsibility). Recent 2026 legislative changes have modified how comparative fault applies in certain motor vehicle cases. The specific rules that apply depend on when your case is filed and the facts involved. An experienced attorney can explain how current law affects your claim.
Statute of Limitations In most personal injury cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit under New York Civil Practice Law & Rules § 214(5). Wrongful death claims generally must be filed within two years of the date of death. Claims against government entities have much shorter notice deadlines (often 90 days). Missing a deadline can permanently bar your right to compensation, so contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
Damages Available in a Personal Injury Claim
You may be entitled to recover:
Economic damages
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages and benefits
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-economic damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
In wrongful death cases, eligible family members may also recover funeral expenses and loss of financial support.
How an Experienced Syracuse Personal Injury Attorney Helps
Insurance companies focus on limiting payouts. Having skilled legal representation levels the playing field. At Nichols Law Offices, PLLC, we:
- Thoroughly review the facts of your case
- Conduct a full investigation and gather evidence
- Obtain and organize medical records
- Interview witnesses and review police/accident reports
- Calculate the full value of your damages
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies
- File a lawsuit and take the case to trial when necessary
You focus on healing. We handle the legal work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims in Syracuse, NY
What is a personal injury claim in New York? A personal injury claim seeks compensation when another party’s negligence causes you physical, emotional, or financial harm. Common examples in Syracuse include car and truck accidents, slip-and-fall incidents, dog bites, and workplace injuries.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York? Most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within three years of the accident. Wrongful death claims generally have a two-year deadline from the date of death. Claims involving government entities require much faster notice. Contact us promptly to protect your rights.
Does New York have a no-fault insurance system? Yes. For car accidents, your own PIP coverage typically pays initial medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault. You may still pursue a claim against the at-fault party for pain and suffering if your injuries meet the serious injury threshold under New York law.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault? In many cases, yes. New York’s comparative negligence rules generally allow recovery even if you share some responsibility, though your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. Recent changes apply specifically to certain motor vehicle cases—consult an attorney for guidance based on current law and your facts.
What types of damages can I recover? You may recover economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages, property damage) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life). The specific amounts depend on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer? At Nichols Law Offices, PLLC, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront fees or hourly rates. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
Do I need a lawyer for my personal injury claim? Insurance companies are not on your side. An experienced Syracuse personal injury attorney investigates thoroughly, builds strong evidence, negotiates effectively, and protects you from lowball offers or tactics that undervalue your claim.
What should I do right after an accident?
- Seek medical attention immediately (even if injuries seem minor).
- Report the incident to police when appropriate.
- Document the scene with photos and collect witness information.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters before speaking with a lawyer.
- Contact Nichols Law Offices for a free consultation.
How do I schedule a free consultation? Call 315-445-8763 or fill out the contact form on our website. We offer free, no-obligation consultations and are available Monday–Sunday. Our office is located at 333 Butternut Drive, Suite 110, Syracuse, NY 13214.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
You do not have to navigate the legal system alone. With over three decades of experience helping injured people in Syracuse and Central New York, Attorney Craig K. Nichols and the team at Nichols Law Offices, PLLC are ready to fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.
Your case. To us, it’s personal.
Call 315-445-8763 today or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different. Contact Nichols Law Offices, PLLC to discuss your specific situation.