Buffalo Car Accident Attorney
A car accident can happen anywhere and at any time. When someone else is to blame for your crash, you should not have to pay for their mistakes.
Talk with a Buffalo car accident attorney from Cantor, Wolff, Nicastro & Hall LLC to learn how we can help. No accident case is too big or too small for us to handle. With more than 100 years of combined experience, we have the knowledge and skills to fight for the full compensation you need.
For a free case review, call Buffalo Injury Law today at (716) 848-8000 or contact us online.
How Our Buffalo Car Accident Lawyers Can Help After a Crash
New York has a system in place called “no-fault car insurance.” If you are in an accident, your coverage should automatically cover essential medical costs and other losses, no matter who was responsible. Unfortunately, filing a claim is not as easy and straightforward as it should be. A car accident lawyer in Buffalo, NY, can file a claim on your behalf and manage all the related paperwork.
A car accident injury lawyer can also work with investigators to find out what happened to cause your crash. You will need extensive evidence to support your claim for compensation. An attorney can gather photos, surveillance videos, witness statements, police accident reports, and other evidence to show who was at fault.
During and after an investigation, an attorney can also manage all communications, negotiations, and discussions with insurance companies and the other side. Dealing with a car accident can be a stressful event. You need to focus on healing, not on managing your claim. A car accident law firm can handle the back-and-forth with the other side.
A Buffalo car crash lawyer can also file a lawsuit and advocate for your rights in court. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, you may need to file a lawsuit to get the compensation you deserve. An experienced attorney will be prepared to present a persuasive case at trial.
How Much Is Your Car Accident Case Worth?
Each car accident case has unique facts and considerations that can affect the value of a claim. For example, an accident that results in broken bones may be valued differently than a similar accident that results in a head injury. An attorney can explore your claim and explain what types of compensation you may deserve.
Compensations our attorneys will seek for your car accident claim:
- Medical expenses and costs related to future treatment
- Payment to account for the pain and suffering you experienced
- Lost wages caused by the accident and compensation for the damage done to your potential future earnings
- Property losses such as the damage to your vehicle
If the victim had pre-existing conditions, that may affect the final settlement, and for this reason, it’s important to discuss the details of your case, call Buffalo Injury Law now. Our personal injury attorneys will review your case for free and answer all your questions.
Understanding Comparative Negligence in New York
New York follows what’s known as a “comparative negligence rule” in their fault laws. This means that the amount of fault in an accident is divided according to responsibility. This is a complex process that courts use to make sure that cost and fault are reasonably divided.
For example, suppose that you were hurt in a crash and suffered $100,000 in compensable damages. A court determines that the other driver was 80% at fault, and you were 20% at fault. To account for your share of fault, your damages would be reduced by 20%. So you would receive $80,000 rather than the full $100,000.
In every case, it’s essential to know exactly what happened and how courts and the other side may try to assign fault. If you have been involved in a car accident, do not assume the other side will fairly divide the fault or provide the compensation you need. Speak to a car accident lawyer to discuss your case and how to get the full compensation you deserve.
Time Limit for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in NY
New York has deadlines on how long you have to bring a lawsuit after an accident. In New York, you usually have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. If someone you love died from a car crash, you have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a claim.
If you fail to file your lawsuit within the time limit under the law, you may lose your right to bring your case to court.
What to Do If You’ve Been Hurt in a Car Accident
After a car accident, take these steps to get help and protect yourself:
- Do not discuss the accident or who was at fault. After an accident, you may think you know the accident’s cause. However, it is best not to talk about it with the other parties involved. This is because your words may be used against you at a later time.
- Contact emergency services. Contact the police so they can file a report. If anyone needs medical care, notify emergency medical services of the accident.
- Take photos of your injuries and the accident scene. Injury photos can help investigators and attorneys understand how you were harmed and what may have happened during the accident. Pictures of the accident scene, including damage to your vehicle, road conditions, and debris or lighting can also help. They can give investigators essential clues about who was at fault.
- Collect any useful information you can about the accident. Gather the names and contact information for witnesses, license plate numbers, police officers’ names on the scene, and any other information around your accident.
- Get treatment for your injuries. Go to the ER, urgent care, or your doctor for immediate treatment. Follow your treatment plan and start a journal of how you are feeling.
- Speak with a Buffalo car accident attorney about the next steps. An attorney can advise you on how your claim may proceed, what you will need to do, and how much compensation you may be entitled to receive. After an accident, a lawyer can manage all the details of your claim so you can focus on healing.
Common Car Accident Injuries
People who are involved in car accidents can suffer a wide range of injuries, including:
- Head injuries. Even with airbags and seatbelts, victims in car accidents frequently suffer serious head injuries.
- Traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries can still happen even if someone does not hit his or her head during an accident. The sudden, powerful force of impact can damage the brain, leading to bleeds and other life-threatening conditions.
- Broken bones. The devastating force of a car accident can leave drivers and passengers with broken bones that require extensive medical treatment.
- Whiplash. During a car accident, particularly rear-end accidents, the head may move in one direction then rapidly snap back. This can cause lasting pain, stiffness and a reduced range of motion for your neck.
- Scarring and disfigurement. Sharp edges, broken glass and violent forces can combine to leave accident victims with lasting harm.
- Bruising. Bruising may occur externally or on internal organs. Bruising can be a significant injury and may indicate deeper problems.
- Burns. Gasoline and many other fluids in a vehicle are flammable. These fluids may catch fire in a car accident, leading to life-threatening situations and major burns.
- Dental damage. In an accident, people may strike their head or chin on objects in the car. Loose items in a vehicle or pieces of another vehicle may also strike an individual. Loss of teeth and significant dental repair may be required after an accident.
- Cuts and abrasions. Victims in a car accident may be cut by pieces of debris. These cuts can be serious and can lead to long-term scarring.
- Soft tissue and muscle tears. Joints and muscles can only withstand so much force. If they take too much strain, they can tear or rupture, leading to years of mobility problems and pain.
- Spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries are common in a car accident and can leave victims partially or entirely paralyzed, transforming their daily lives.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Buffalo
These are some of the common causes of car accidents in New York:
- Speeding is a known leading cause of accidents. When people go too fast, they can’t react in time to avoid crashes.
- Distracted driving is a growing problem in Buffalo and elsewhere. Phones, entertainment systems and many other distractions have become common in cars. When motorists are focused on a device, they are not focusing on the road.
- Drunk or intoxicated driving is an ongoing issue. New York has increased education and awareness around drunk and intoxicated driving, but the problem persists. Those who use legal or illegal substances and get on the road are putting everyone’s lives at risk.
- Weather conditions demand caution. In Buffalo, most residents understand the risks that the weather presents on the roads. They slow down and drive appropriately. But some motorists disregard the weather and drive too fast for conditions, putting other motorists’ lives at risk.
- Mechanical problems such as tire or brake failure can cause severe collisions. When we are on the road, we expect our car and its parts to function as intended. That is not always the case. Tires can unexpectedly blow out, brakes can fail, and other equipment you expect to keep you safe instead can cause you harm.
Talk to a Buffalo Car Accident Attorney Now
If you have been injured in a car accident, call Buffalo Injury Law today. The experienced Buffalo car accident lawyers at Cantor, Wolff, Nicastro & Hall LLC are committed to helping injury victims get their lives back on track. Our firm has more than 100 years of combined experience and a strong reputation for winning at trial. Our car accident attorneys are honored to serve the citizens of Buffalo. We are here to help.
For your free case review, call us today at (716) 848-8000 or get in touch through our online form.