Suffering injuries in a car accident can be a life-altering experience. The aftermath of a collision often involves navigating complex insurance claims, medical bills, and lost wages, all while trying to recover physically and emotionally. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Buffalo, New York, you need a dedicated Accident Lawyer Buffalo to advocate for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve. At William Mattar, we are committed to assisting car accident victims in Buffalo and throughout New York State to navigate these challenging times and achieve the best possible outcome for their claims.
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Buffalo, New York, unfortunately, sees a significant number of traffic accidents each year. According to the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee data from 2012, Erie County witnessed over 16,000 traffic accidents, resulting in more than 8,000 injuries. Within Buffalo alone, over 3,000 individuals were injured in motor vehicle crashes. Allstate’s “Best Drivers” report in 2018 ranked Buffalo as the 144th safest city out of 200 largest U.S. cities, indicating a higher than average risk of accidents. Statistics suggest that a driver in Buffalo is likely to experience a collision approximately once every 7.4 years, compared to the national average of once every 10 years. These figures highlight the unfortunate reality that car accidents are a common occurrence in Buffalo, underscoring the importance of having access to experienced legal representation should you become involved in one.
Why Choose William Mattar as Your Buffalo Accident Lawyer?
At William Mattar, our legal practice is centered around accident law, with a strong emphasis on car accident claims. We understand the turmoil and confusion that can follow a car crash because we dedicate ourselves to helping crash victims in New York every single day. Whether you are a driver, passenger, pedestrian, motorcyclist, or bicyclist injured in an accident in Buffalo, our experienced attorneys are here to provide you with the legal support you need.
Our legal team possesses in-depth knowledge of New York car accident laws and the resources necessary to build a strong case on your behalf. We are dedicated to helping you obtain the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from your accident. We can guide you through the often-complex no-fault insurance process to ensure your medical bills and lost wages are properly addressed.
Over the years, William Mattar law firm has successfully recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. We leverage our extensive knowledge of car injury law to maximize your chances of achieving the best possible outcome in your claim. Choosing a law firm that specializes in motor vehicle accidents, like William Mattar, means you have a team dedicated to protecting your best interests, whether through skillful negotiation with insurance companies or, if necessary, through litigation.
If you are searching for the best car accident lawyer in Buffalo, we encourage you to speak with a member of our team before accepting any settlement offer from an insurance company. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, and their initial offers may not fully reflect the true value of your claim. William Mattar brings over 30 years of dedicated experience fighting for the rights of crash victims across New York State. For a free consultation with a knowledgeable Buffalo car accident attorney, call us today at 844-444-4444. Let us help you understand your legal options and take the first steps toward recovering the compensation you deserve.
Essential Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Buffalo
Being involved in a car accident can be a disorienting and overwhelming experience. Knowing the right steps to take immediately following a crash can not only protect your health and safety but also significantly strengthen any potential legal claim you may pursue with the help of an accident lawyer buffalo. Here’s what you should do:
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Prioritize Medical Attention: Your immediate priority after a car accident should be to seek medical evaluation and treatment. Even if you feel initially unharmed, some car crash injuries, particularly internal injuries, may not present immediate symptoms. Delaying medical attention can not only jeopardize your health but also weaken your ability to link your injuries directly to the accident later on. Seeking prompt medical care creates an official record of your injuries, which is crucial for your insurance claim and any legal proceedings.
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Contact Law Enforcement: Calling the police to the scene of the car accident is essential. The responding police officer will create an official police report detailing the critical facts of the crash. This police report is a valuable piece of documentation that your accident lawyer buffalo can use to understand the circumstances of the accident and build your case. Obtain a copy of this report as it often contains important information, including the officer’s assessment of fault, witness statements, and road conditions.
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Gather Information at the Scene: If you are able to do so safely, collect as much information as possible at the accident scene. This includes gathering contact details such as names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance information from all drivers involved in the accident and any witnesses present. If possible, document any statements made by other drivers or witnesses, as these accounts can be helpful in determining fault for the accident. Use your phone to take pictures of vehicle damage, accident scene, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
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Notify Your Insurance Provider: Report the car accident to your own insurance company as soon as possible. You will need to initiate a claim and complete necessary forms and documentation within specified deadlines. However, be cautious about signing any documents from any insurance company without first consulting with an experienced Buffalo accident lawyer. Insurance companies may try to get you to settle quickly and for less than you deserve.
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Consult with a Buffalo Car Accident Lawyer: Engaging a car accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident is a crucial step in protecting your rights. A lawyer can guide you through the complexities of insurance claims, help you understand your legal options, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Insurance companies often make initial settlement offers that are far below the actual value of your claim. An experienced accident lawyer buffalo can assess the full extent of your damages and negotiate effectively with insurance companies on your behalf, or litigate your case in court if necessary to secure the compensation you are entitled to.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Buffalo, NY
Understanding the common causes of car accidents in Buffalo can highlight the risks drivers face and underscore the importance of safe driving practices. Several factors contribute to motor vehicle collisions in the Buffalo area:
Drunk Driving
Drunk Driving Car Accident in Buffalo
Driving under the influence of alcohol remains a persistent and dangerous problem on roads across the country, including in Buffalo and Western New York. Impaired drivers significantly increase the risk of accidents, and sadly, drunk drivers are responsible for numerous serious and fatal crashes in this region every year. These accidents devastate families and leave victims facing severe injuries, long-term medical care, and even wrongful death.
If you have been injured by a drunk driver in Buffalo, you have the right to seek financial compensation for your losses. A skilled accident lawyer buffalo can help you recover damages, including lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other accident-related costs. Holding drunk drivers accountable for their negligence is crucial, and legal action can provide victims with the financial resources they need to rebuild their lives.
Speeding
Exceeding posted speed limits is another widespread cause of car accidents in Buffalo and surrounding areas. Speed limits are carefully established to account for factors such as pedestrian traffic, population density, and the presence of businesses, all aimed at ensuring road safety. When drivers disregard speed limits, they create dangerous conditions and significantly increase the risk of collisions for everyone on the road.
High-speed car accidents are more likely to result in serious and life-threatening injuries requiring extensive and prolonged medical treatment. If you have been injured in a crash caused by a speeding driver, a personal injury attorney at William Mattar can assist you in navigating the legal process. We will handle all aspects of your high-speed crash case, including paperwork, insurance negotiations, and court proceedings, allowing you to focus on your recovery without the added stress of dealing with complex legal matters.
Hazardous Weather Conditions
Buffalo, known for its proximity to Lake Erie, experiences frequent and often unpredictable weather changes. Inclement weather conditions, including rain, ice, snow, and sleet, dramatically increase driving hazards by creating slippery road surfaces and reducing visibility. Lake effect snow, a common occurrence in Buffalo, can rapidly transform dry roads into treacherous, snow-covered paths, often catching drivers unprepared. Furthermore, severe weather events like high winds and ice storms can leave debris, such as fallen tree branches and power lines, obstructing roadways, adding to the dangers. Drivers in Buffalo must be particularly vigilant and adapt their driving to these challenging weather conditions to prevent accidents.
Types of Car Accidents That Often Lead to Serious Injuries
While any car accident has the potential to cause injury, certain types of collisions are statistically more likely to result in severe harm. The severity of injuries in a car accident is influenced by various factors, including vehicle speed, airbag deployment, seat belt use, the angle of impact, and vehicle type. Head-on collisions and T-bone (side-impact) collisions are two categories of accidents that carry a particularly high risk of causing serious injuries.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of car accidents, especially when vehicles are traveling at high speeds. The force of impact in a head-on crash can be devastating, frequently leading to severe injuries such as concussions, broken bones, and internal organ damage. Even at lower speeds, head-on collisions can cause whiplash, a painful neck injury characterized by strain and inflammation of neck and upper back muscles. Whiplash can result in intense pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and a burning sensation in the neck area. Beyond physical pain, whiplash can also lead to insomnia, fatigue, memory problems, and muscle spasms, significantly impacting a victim’s quality of life.
T-Bone (Side-Impact) Collisions
T-bone car accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle. These collisions are common at intersections, often happening when a driver disregards a traffic signal or stop sign. T-bone accidents provide less protection for occupants, as the side structure of a vehicle is less robust than the front and rear. Common injuries resulting from side-impact car accidents include neck and back injuries, head trauma, brain injuries, and bone fractures. Victims of T-bone crashes may also experience emotional trauma, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), stemming from the shock and severity of the accident.
New York Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims
Statute of Limitations for a Buffalo Car Accident
In New York State, the statute of limitations sets a legal deadline for filing a lawsuit after a car accident injury. Understanding these time limits is crucial, as failing to file within the designated period can permanently bar you from pursuing legal action and recovering compensation. The specific statute of limitations for a car accident in Buffalo can vary depending on the circumstances of the case.
For most personal injury lawsuits arising from a car accident (involving drivers, passengers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, bicyclists, etc.), the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident. This means you generally have three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit seeking damages for your injuries. If the injured party is a minor under the age of 18, the three-year statute of limitations is tolled (paused) until their 18th birthday, giving them until their 21st birthday to file a lawsuit.
In the tragic event of a fatality resulting from a car accident, the family or representative of the deceased may file a wrongful death lawsuit. In New York, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years from the date of the person’s death, not the date of the accident.
If the car accident involves a municipality or government agency, such as if a city-owned vehicle caused the accident or if negligent road maintenance contributed to the crash, the statute of limitations is significantly shorter and more complex. Claims against municipalities often have a statute of limitations of one year or even less, and they typically require a Notice of Claim to be filed within a very short timeframe, sometimes as little as 90 days from the date of the accident.
Given the complexities and variations in statute of limitations laws, it is imperative to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer buffalo as soon as possible after an accident. An attorney can accurately assess the applicable statute of limitations in your specific case and ensure that all necessary legal actions are taken within the required timeframes to protect your right to seek compensation.
Contact a Dedicated Buffalo Car Accident Attorney at William Mattar
If you have been hurt in a car accident in Buffalo, don’t hesitate to call William Mattar. Our attorneys possess extensive legal experience and a deep understanding of New York car accident laws. We are committed to protecting your rights and helping you navigate the legal process effectively. Let us put our knowledge and resources to work for you. Having a dedicated personal injury lawyer from William Mattar on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
Contact William Mattar today at 844-444-4444 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. You can also easily reach out by filling out our free initial consultation form online. It’s quick, easy, and the first step toward getting the legal help you need to recover and move forward after a car accident.
