Whether you’ve been hurt in a boating accident, bicycle crash, construction mishap, or even a dog bite in Newburgh, you’re probably wondering what comes next—and whether you even need a lawyer.
This guide will answer these questions for you and walk you through everything you need to know:
- When to hire a personal injury lawyer
- What happens if you were partially at fault
- How much compensation you might expect
- How long settlements usually take
- What to look for in a top-performing Newburgh law firm
We’ll break down timelines and common pitfalls, as well as share practical tips so you can make informed decisions, without any legal jargon getting in the way.
Sounds good? Keep reading!
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Personal Injury Claim in Newburgh?
Technically, you can handle a personal injury claim on your own in Newburgh. However, most people quickly realize it’s a lot trickier than it looks.
If your injury is serious—think broken spine, traumatic brain injury, or a burn that needs surgery—a lawyer is considered almost essential. The same applies if your claim involves big medical bills, lost wages, or multiple parties.
And even simple accidents can get messy. Insurance companies might lowball you, deny your claim, or argue over who’s at fault.
Overall, you might handle it yourself if it’s a minor injury, such as a sprained wrist, or the fault is clear—but if there’s any doubt, a consultation with a Newburgh attorney can quickly show whether your case is worth taking seriously.
For instance, a Sobo & Sobo personal injury lawyer in Newburgh offers free consultations to all personal injury clients, no matter if you ultimately use their services or not. Combined with their “you-don’t-pay-unless-we-win” policy, it creates a completely no-risk way to see where your case stands.
Can a Lawyer in Newburgh Help Me If My Injury Was Partially My Fault?
Absolutely! Newburgh follows a “pure comparative negligence” system, which basically means you can still get compensated, even if you were mostly to blame.
Let’s say you were jaywalking when hit by a speeding driver. Even if you’re found 40% at fault, you can still recover 60% of your damages. So, if your total damages are $100,000, you’d receive $60,000.
Of course, a personal injury lawyer can make a big difference here in digging up evidence to minimize your fault, challenge sneaky insurance tricks, and prove the other party’s negligence. They might even bring in accident reconstruction or medical experts.
When Should I Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in Newburgh After an Accident?
The short answer: as soon as humanly possible. The longer you wait, the harder it gets to build a strong case.
Evidence disappears fast. Surveillance cameras get wiped in 48 hours. Witness memories fade. Tire marks, debris, or other physical evidence can vanish or get moved.
A personal injury lawyer, however, can send “preservation letters” to make sure nothing gets lost, meaning that early legal guidance keeps you protected and ensures your injuries are properly documented from the start.
As for the statute of limitations, most New York personal injury claims have a three-year statute of limitations, but again, waiting can cost you money for the exact reasons mentioned above.
How Much Compensation Can I Get for a Personal Injury in Newburgh?
Compensation varies a lot, and it all comes down to the specifics of your injury:
- Minor injuries might land you $5,000-$75,000.
- Moderate injuries (e.g., surgery or extended treatment) can reach up to $200,000.
- Serious injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or spinal damage, can easily go past $200,000. Even millions.
Sobo & Sobo in Newburgh, for example, has secured $1.5 million for a premises liability case that ranked in the top 100 verdicts nationwide, which just proves that having experienced attorneys often turns lowball offers into full, fair settlements.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Personal Injury Settlement in Newburgh?
There’s no magic number, but generally speaking, settlements can take anywhere from six months to three years, with most cases wrapping up in about 1–2 years.
Simple accidents, like a fender-bender with clear fault, often settle in 6–12 months. Moderate cases with some disputed liability or surgery involved usually take 1–2 years.
Complex cases that go to trial, however? Plan for 2–4 years or more.
Still, Sobo & Sobo, with over 50 years in Newburgh and Orange County courts, notes most cases actually settle before trial.
How Do I Find Newburgh Personal Injury Law Firms With High Success Rates?
Your best bet is to start by looking at the results.
Do they have a success rate on their website? Published verdicts? Any Top 100 recognitions? Seven-figure settlements for, say, car accidents and premises liability?
Because if they do, those are your instant green flags.
Also, ask the right questions in consultations. Things like:
- How many cases like yours have they handled?
- What were the outcomes?
- How often do they take cases to trial?
- Do they know Orange County courts inside and out?
Their answers will reveal both skill and strategy.
Finally, check online resources—legal directories like Avvo or Super Lawyers, client reviews, and bar association records. Look for professional recognition, awards, speaking engagements, or publications.
All of these signal that insurers know this firm gets results, which can increase your settlement offers.
