1. How do I know if this lawyer has enough experience with my type of injury or accident?
 Ask whether they’ve handled many cases like yours, whether they’ve gone to trial, what results or settlements they’ve achieved, and whether they have experts lined up in your area of injury. 
  
2. What questions should I ask during a free consultation?
  Here are some common questions: What is your fee structure? How many cases like mine have you won? What obstacles might my case face? What evidence will you need? How long do you expect this to take? Who will handle my case day‑to‑day? Will I deal with the lawyer directly or with associates/paralegals? 
 
3. How do fee arrangements work? What should I expect to pay up front or if there’s no recovery?
Most personal injury firms in NY operate on a contingency fee: you pay nothing up‑front; the attorney takes a percentage of any settlement or judgment. If there is no recovery, you usually owe nothing or very little. Be sure to ask about case costs/expenses (e.g. expert fees, medical records): who advances them, and if you’ll owe them even if there is no recovery.
 
 4. How important is reputation, verdicts, and settlements when choosing a lawyer?
 Very important. Past verdicts and settlement amounts show what a lawyer has achieved in the past. Also, check peer reviews and ratings.  But results aren't everything.  In the end, you'll want to hire an attorney you feel you can trust and who understands you.  

5. Will the lawyer communicate with me regularly, and how will they keep me updated?
 They should. A good attorney will explain who on their team handles what, how often you’ll get updates (phone, email, text), provide copies of correspondence and documentation, and be responsive to your questions. Ask what their usual response time is.
 
6. How do I check if the lawyer is licensed, in good standing, and has a history of disciplinary actions?
You can check on the New York State Unified Court System directory, or New York State Bar Association. Also ask the attorney directly for references or if there have been any complaints or discipline.
 
7. What happens if a lawyer says “we’ll settle” vs “we’ll take it to trial” — which should I prefer for my case?
Settlements are common because they avoid time, expense and uncertainty. But if your case merits a trial (the other side won’t settle fairly, injuries are severe, liability is disputed), you want someone willing and able to go to trial. Ask about past trial experience and how often they take cases to trial vs those they settle.
 
8. How long will I have to wait before I see money from a case if we win?
Once a case settles or you win a judgment, there are often delays: insurance company payout, liens (medical bills, health insurance, etc.), court approval, etc. It might take a few weeks to months after settlement or judgment. A lawyer should explain expected timeline and any deductions (expenses, fees, liens).
 
9. What can I do to help my lawyer build a strong case (gathering evidence, medical records, etc.)?
Keep all medical records and bills, take photos of the accident scene and your injuries, save receipts, document lost time from work, and list witnesses ASAP with contact info.  Follow medical advice, show up at appointments. Cooperate fully and be honest—strong cases need clear documentation.