After an accident, hiring the right attorney can make all the difference between winning a fair settlement and walking away with less than you deserve. Unfortunately, many people make critical mistakes when choosing a lawyer—mistakes that can cost them time, money, and peace of mind.
At Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, we’ve helped countless clients across Queens, New York, and New Jersey who came to us after a bad experience with another law firm. In this article, we’ll outline the most common mistakes to avoid when hiring a personal injury lawyer in Queens, so you can make an informed decision and protect your rights from the start.
Mistake 1: Choosing a Lawyer Without Local Experience
Queens is unique. The borough’s court system, insurance adjusters, and even accident patterns differ from other areas in New York. Hiring an attorney who isn’t familiar with Queens can slow your case down or lead to missed opportunities.
A Queens injury law firm that regularly handles cases here knows:
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Which judges handle personal injury cases in Queens County.
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How to navigate the Queens County Civil Court efficiently.
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How local insurers and defense firms approach settlement negotiations.
At Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, we’ve handled hundreds of cases right here in Queens—so when we say we know how to win locally, we mean it.
Learn more: Queens Personal Injury Lawyers
Mistake 2: Falling for “Quick Settlement” Promises
If a lawyer promises you a fast settlement before reviewing your medical records or police reports, that’s a red flag. Quick settlements often mean smaller settlements.
Insurance companies rely on speed to pressure victims into taking low offers before they realize the full extent of their injuries. A quality Queens personal injury attorney will take the time to understand your case, calculate long-term costs, and negotiate strategically.
We don’t rush your case—we build it for maximum value. Learn more about how our results-driven approach delivers better outcomes: Case Results
Mistake 3: Not Asking About Communication
Communication is one of the biggest complaints clients have about law firms. Too many people sign with an attorney only to be ignored for weeks at a time.
When interviewing a Queens injury lawyer, ask:
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Who will update me about my case?
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How often will I receive updates?
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Will I work directly with an attorney or a case manager?
At Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, communication is a cornerstone of our firm. Clients have direct access to their attorney, regular updates, and honest answers throughout the process.
Get started here: Free Consultation
Mistake 4: Ignoring Track Record and Reputation
Not every lawyer with a flashy billboard or TV commercial has the results to back it up. Before hiring anyone, check their experience, case results, and online reviews.
Look for an attorney who can prove their success handling personal injury cases like yours. Transparency about results shows confidence and credibility.
You can view our proven history of success on our Case Results page.
Mistake 5: Hiring a Lawyer Who Handles Every Type of Case
Some law firms take on any kind of legal issue—criminal, real estate, family law, and personal injury. While this might seem convenient, it often means they lack deep expertise in your specific type of claim.
Personal injury law is complex, especially in New York. You need a firm that focuses exclusively on injury cases so that every decision—from evidence collection to negotiation—is made strategically.
At Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, personal injury is all we do. That specialization gives our clients the advantage of experience, focus, and precision.
Mistake 6: Overlooking Fee Structure and Costs
Understanding how your attorney gets paid is critical. Many clients mistakenly assume they must pay out of pocket, which prevents them from seeking representation.
At Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, we work on a contingency basis—you don’t pay unless we win. That means our goals are aligned with yours.
Always ask about:
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Whether the lawyer charges upfront fees.
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What percentage is taken from your settlement.
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Any potential case expenses.
For more details, see our related article: How Contingency Fees Work with Queens Personal Injury Attorneys
Mistake 7: Not Verifying Courtroom Experience
Many law firms settle every case, even when trial could result in far higher compensation. Insurance companies know which firms are willing to go to court—and which aren’t.
A lawyer without trial experience might encourage you to accept less than you deserve.
At Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, we prepare every case as if it’s going before a judge and jury. This readiness puts pressure on insurers to settle fairly and gives us the leverage to fight back when they don’t.
Mistake 8: Ignoring the Firm’s Local Reputation
Queens residents talk—and local reputation matters. A well-regarded attorney in your community is more likely to be respected by judges, medical professionals, and even insurance adjusters.
At Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, we’re proud to be part of the Queens community. Our reputation is built on trust, hard work, and real results for our clients.
Mistake 9: Waiting Too Long to Hire an Attorney
Time is not on your side. Evidence fades, witnesses forget details, and filing deadlines approach quickly under New York’s statute of limitations. The sooner you hire a Queens personal injury attorney, the stronger your case will be.
Even if you’re unsure about the value of your claim, scheduling a consultation right away can preserve your rights and give you peace of mind.
Schedule your Free Case Review today.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these mistakes will help you hire the right Queens injury law firm—one that knows the borough, fights aggressively, and puts your recovery first.
At Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, we’ve earned the trust of accident victims throughout Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Long Island, and New Jersey. Our experience, transparency, and commitment to clients set us apart.
If you’ve been injured, call 212-CARRION or visit CarrionEsq.com to schedule your free consultation today.