Debunking Common Myths About Personal Injury Law in NYC

If you or someone close to you has been injured in New York City, chances are you’ve heard conflicting stories about what to expect from the legal process. Misconceptions about NYC personal injury myths often discourage people from seeking justice or delay taking action altogether. In this article, we’ll tackle the most common personal injury myths, separate fact from fiction, and help you understand your rights under New York law with guidance from Cohan Law Firm.

Myth #1: “If I’m partly at fault, I can’t recover anything”

Fact:

New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partly responsible for the accident. Your compensation will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you were 30% at fault in a car accident, you can still recover 70% of your damages.

Many people mistakenly believe that any contribution to an accident invalidates their claim. However, this is one of the most persistent personal injury myths and facts NY lawyers deal with regularly.

Myth #2: “Personal injury lawsuits always take years to resolve”

Fact:

While some complex cases can take longer, many personal injury claims in NYC are settled within months. The timeline depends on the severity of injuries, insurance negotiations, and court scheduling. With the support of Cohan Law Firm, you can often streamline the process and move toward resolution without unnecessary delays.

Myth #3: “I can’t afford a personal injury lawyer”

Fact:

Most personal injury lawyers in NYC, including Cohan Law Firm, work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront and only pay legal fees if your case is won. This ensures access to justice regardless of your financial situation.

No one should let financial fear prevent them from pursuing a rightful claim.

Myth #4: “I wasn’t seriously hurt, so I don’t have a case”

Fact:

Some injuries, like soft tissue damage or concussions, may not show immediate symptoms. Even minor accidents can lead to significant medical bills or lost wages. It’s essential to seek medical attention and legal guidance before dismissing your rights. NYC personal injury myths often cause individuals to underestimate the long-term impact of seemingly minor injuries.

Myth #5: “Insurance will cover everything, so I don’t need a lawyer”

Fact:

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Without legal representation, you may accept a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your damages. A skilled attorney at Cohan Law Firm can evaluate whether the offer is fair and negotiate for a better result.

Being unaware of this puts victims at risk of accepting inadequate compensation, which is why debunking injury law misconceptions NYC is so vital.

Myth #6: “I can file a claim anytime”

Fact:

In New York, there’s a strict statute of limitations. For most personal injury cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Missing this window can permanently bar you from seeking compensation.

There are some exceptions, but you should never assume you have unlimited time. A prompt consultation with Cohan Law Firm can ensure your rights are preserved.

Myth #7: “Only physical injuries count”

Fact:

Personal injury claims can also include emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and more. New York courts recognize both physical and non-physical damages when determining compensation.

This myth causes many to overlook legitimate aspects of their injury case, underestimating the breadth of NYC injury claim facts.

Myth #8: “I have to go to court to win compensation”

Fact:

Most personal injury cases in NYC are settled out of court through negotiations. Litigation is a last resort. An attorney can often reach a favorable settlement without the need for a trial.

With guidance from firms like Cohan Law Firm, many victims achieve compensation without stepping into a courtroom.

Myth #9: “I can handle the case myself using online forms”

Fact:

While it might be tempting to avoid legal fees, self-representation can result in undervalued claims, missed deadlines, or improperly filed paperwork. Personal injury law is nuanced, and NYC has specific requirements that must be met. Having a lawyer ensures every detail is addressed correctly.

Myth #10: “I need to wait until I’m fully recovered to file a claim”

Fact:

You don’t need to be fully recovered to begin the claims process. In fact, waiting too long could hurt your case. Medical records from the early stages are crucial, and the sooner an attorney begins gathering evidence, the stronger your case will be.

Delays can give the impression that the injury wasn’t serious, one of the more harmful personal injury false beliefs.

Final Thoughts: Know the Facts Before You Decide

Understanding the truth behind these NYC personal injury myths is the first step in making an informed decision about your legal options. Cohan Law Firm is here to ensure you have the facts, the support, and the representation you deserve.

Contact us for a free case evaluation in NYC, or download our free injury-claim checklist to see if you might have a case. Let our experienced attorneys answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.

DISCLAIMER LEGAL This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship.