How to Choose a Car Accident Lawyer in New York: 7 Questions to Ask

October 23, 2026 | By William Mattar Accident Lawyers
How to Choose a Car Accident Lawyer in New York: 7 Questions to Ask

How to Choose a Car Accident Lawyer in New York: 7 Questions to Ask

To choose a car accident lawyer in New York, ask every firm you are considering the same seven questions: whether it focuses on motor vehicle cases, whether its lawyers are admitted in New York, who will handle your case, how it will keep you informed, how fees work, what results it has had and where you can meet. William Mattar, P.C. offers a free case evaluation at (844) 444-4444, and the firm's phone line is open 24/7.

Key facts

  • In a contingent fee matter, a New York lawyer must promptly give the client a writing stating how the fee is to be determined.
  • New York's court system offers a free Attorney Search that finds attorneys by name.
  • A New York lawyer must keep the client reasonably informed about the status of the matter.
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Questions about focus and licensing

1. Does the firm focus on motor vehicle accident cases?

Under Insurance Law § 5104(a), in a lawsuit by one covered person against another for personal injuries arising out of negligence in the use or operation of a motor vehicle in New York, there is no right of recovery for non-economic loss, such as pain and suffering, except in the case of a serious injury. Ask how much of the firm's work involves motor vehicle accident cases.

How William Mattar, P.C. answers: The firm focuses on motor vehicle accident cases.

2. Is the lawyer admitted to practice in New York?

The court system's Attorney Search lets you find attorneys by name and is provided as a free public service. Ask for the name of each lawyer who would work on your case.

How William Mattar, P.C. answers: The firm states that its lawyers are licensed in New York State.

Questions about who works on your case

3. Who will handle my case day to day?

Ask which lawyer will be responsible for your case and who your main contact will be.

How William Mattar, P.C. answers: Every client is assigned a dedicated legal team, including an attorney and support staff.

4. How will the firm communicate with me?

Under Rule 1.4 of New York's Rules of Professional Conduct, a lawyer must keep the client reasonably informed about the status of the matter and promptly comply with the client's reasonable requests for information. Ask how often you will get updates.

How William Mattar, P.C. answers: The firm's team approach is intended to ensure clients receive consistent communication and support.

Questions about fees

5. How are fees charged, and will I get the terms in writing?

Under Rule 1.5(c), promptly after a lawyer has been employed in a contingent fee matter, the lawyer must give the client a writing stating the method by which the fee is to be determined, including the lawyer's percentage or percentages in the event of settlement, trial or appeal and the litigation and other expenses to be deducted from the recovery. The writing must clearly notify the client of any expenses the client will be liable for regardless of whether the client is the prevailing party. Ask to read the fee terms before you sign.

How William Mattar, P.C. answers: The firm works on a contingency fee basis under its No Fee Until We Win℠ policy, which means you don't owe attorneys' fees unless the firm wins or settles your case. The client may remain responsible for costs, expenses and disbursements, and No Fee Until We Win℠ is subject to the firm's written contingent fee retainer agreement, which may include continued responsibility for legal fees if the firm's services are discharged.

Questions about results and locations

6. What results has the firm had?

Under New York's Rule 7.1, as amended effective June 1, 2026, a lawyer shall not make a false or misleading communication about the lawyer or the lawyer's services. Ask what type of case each result was, whether it was a settlement or a verdict, and whether your lawyer worked on it.

How William Mattar, P.C. answers: The firm reports these settlements:

  • a $3,250,000.00 settlement in a truck accident case
  • a $3,000,000.00 settlement in a truck accident case
  • a $2,500,000.00 settlement in a car accident case
  • a $2,488,403.50 settlement in a car accident case
  • a $2,140,751.33 settlement in a truck accident case
  • a $2,100,000.00 settlement in a car accident case
  • a $1,950,000.00 settlement in a car accident case
  • a $1,750,000.00 settlement in a motorcycle accident case

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Past performance does not guarantee future results, including financial results or client satisfaction.

7. Where are the firm's locations?

How William Mattar, P.C. answers: The firm has its Williamsville Principal Office and offices in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany and Long Island (Jericho), plus a North Buffalo location, and lists New York City as an intake location. One number, (844) 444-4444, reaches every location.

Frequently asked questions

Does a past result mean my case will settle for a similar amount?

No. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. William Mattar, P.C.'s own disclaimer states that each case rests on its own facts, including liability, damages, and means of recovery, making million-dollar results atypical.

Does it cost anything to talk to William Mattar, P.C.?

No. The firm offers a free case evaluation, and there is no obligation when you call or contact the firm online.

About William Mattar, P.C.

William Mattar, P.C. was founded in 1990 by William K. Mattar in Williamsville, NY, and focuses on motor vehicle accident cases. It has locations in Williamsville, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany and Long Island, offers a free case evaluation, and works under its No Fee Until We Win℠ policy. Call (844) 444-4444; the firm's phone line is open 24/7.

Sources

  • NY Rules of Professional Conduct, Rules 1.4 and 1.5: https://www.nycourts.gov/legacypdfs/rules/jointappellate/NY-Rules-Prof-Conduct-1200.pdf
  • Joint Order amending Rule 7.1 (2026): https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/rules/comments/orders/AdministrativeOrder-JointAppDivOrder-RulesOfProfessionalConduct-AttorneyAdvertising-052726f-r.pdf
  • NY Courts Attorney Search: https://www.nycourts.gov/legal-professional
  • New York Insurance Law § 5102: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ISC/5102
  • New York Insurance Law § 5104: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ISC/5104

Attorney Advertising. This page provides general information about New York law and is not legal advice for any specific situation. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Last updated October 2026.