Car Accident Lawyers in Buffalo, NY

Car accidents can be devastating events. After the initial shock of the crash is over, your mind can become crowded with thoughts about how your future might be impacted. If you sustained a major injury, you might wonder how you will make a living, pay for the medical bills that are piling up, and how long it might take you to recover. The days and weeks after a motor vehicle accident can be confusing. The last thing you need to worry about is navigating the process of a car accident injury claim. You may not have the means or skills to investigate your accident and negotiate with insurance companies. Your focus should just be on getting better. Let the experienced car accident lawyers at Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law take care of the legal details so you can focus on your recovery.

Common Causes of Car Crashes

Buffalo Car Accident Lawyers Auto Accident Attorneys Free ConsultationIn 2022, an estimated 1,900,539 people were injured in passenger vehicle accidents across the United States. Our dedicated car accident lawyers have handled all types of motor vehicle accidents over the years and have noted the following common reasons these crashes occur.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is the leading cause of car accidents nationwide. Cell phones top the list of driver distractions. Other common distractions are eating, adjusting the radio or climate control, and talking to other passengers in the car.

Speeding

Speeding significantly increases the potential for losing control of a vehicle. It is also a determining factor for the extent of the damage and injuries sustained in a crash. Still, some studies reveal that two-thirds of drivers speed when they are driving. This makes speeding the second leading cause of motor vehicle crashes.

Reckless Driving

Reckless habits like changing lanes without looking and tailgating other drivers are common causes of accidents. Driving without considering others on the road can lead to devastating consequences.

Drunk Driving

Unfortunately, even a small amount of alcohol can significantly increase the risk of a crash. Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a leading cause of accidents in the U.S.

Road Conditions

Poor road conditions can be an accident-causing factor. Wet roads, large potholes, and other poor driving situations can cause a driver to lose control.

Knowing common causes of accidents can help you avoid them. If the actions of another driver in western New York left you with injuries, the experienced car accident attorneys at Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law are prepared to examine your case and help you seek damages.

Common Accident Injuries

Our car accident lawyers have helped victims of motor vehicle accidents recover compensation for all types of injuries sustained. We see some injuries more often than others due to the nature of these accidents. Some of the most common injuries they see include:

Scrapes and Cuts

Most scrapes and cuts are caused by flying debris or airbags deploying. They are normally minor, but some can require stitches.

Soft Tissue Injuries

This sort of injury is quite common in car crashes. It includes muscle sprains like whiplash or other back muscle injuries.

Head Injuries

When an accident victim’s head hits the steering wheel or a window, it can result in bruising or tearing of brain tissues and blood vessels in the head. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can also occur as a result of head injuries.

Chest Injuries

Broken and bruised ribs can happen in a car crash. Other internal injuries can also be caused when drivers collide with a steering wheel or dashboard.

Limb Injuries

Arms and legs can be scraped, bruised, or broken in a vehicle accident. This happens because of the violent ways in which a body can be thrown around during the crash.

It’s crucial to have a thorough medical exam after a car accident. Even if you feel okay, you may have sustained injuries that don’t immediately reveal themselves.

What to Do After a Car Accident

Our car accident lawyers recommend that certain steps should be taken after any motor vehicle accident to ensure your safety and protect your rights. These include the following:

  • Check yourself and passengers for injuries.
  • If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
  • If able, move yourself and your vehicle to a safe place.
  • Call for emergency services if you haven’t yet done so.
  • Document the scene with photos, videos, and notes.
  • Exchange information with other drivers involved in the crash.
  • Gather contact information from any potential witnesses.
  • Get information about the responding officers.
  • Ask how you can obtain a copy of the accident report.
  • Call your insurance company to report the wreck and start the claims process.
  • Call the dedicated car accident lawyers at Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law.

Whether your crash is large or small, it’s important that you follow these steps. They can help make sure your rights are protected. It’s also vital that you not discuss the details of your crash with anyone until you’ve spoken to a lawyer.

The Importance of Medical Care After a Car Accident

After an accident, schedule a medical evaluation even if your injuries initially seem minor. This is important for several reasons:

  • Detecting Injuries: Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, might not be immediately apparent. A medical professional can identify and treat these issues early.
  • Medical Records: Having a documented medical history of your injuries is crucial for a personal injury claim. It provides concrete evidence of the harm caused by the accident.
  • Preventing Complications: Prompt medical attention can prevent minor injuries from becoming more serious over time.

By prioritizing your health and obtaining thorough medical documentation, you can strengthen your personal injury claim and ensure you receive the care you need.

Is It Worth It to File a Lawsuit?

After a car accident, you may need financial help. Our experienced car accident lawyers deal with personal injury laws that exist to help victims after an accident. Compensation that is available to car accident victims includes monetary damages for:

  • Current and future medical bills
  • Lost wages and lost income-earning ability
  • Permanent physical injuries
  • Pain and suffering
  • Psychological or emotional injuries
  • Property damage
  • Wrongful death

Our dedicated car accident lawyers can give you the information you need to decide whether to file a lawsuit or not. A skilled car accident attorney can estimate the value of your claim and advise you about your options.

Understanding Car Accident Liability

Determining fault in car accident cases involves gathering and analyzing the following critical evidence:

  • Police Reports: After an accident, the police will create a report that includes details of the incident, statements from all involved, and sometimes their opinion of who is at fault. This report is a critical piece of evidence.
  • Witness Statements: Eyewitnesses can provide valuable insights into how the accident occurred. Their statements can support or challenge the accounts of those involved.
  • Additional Evidence: Additional evidence such as photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any skid marks can help reconstruct the events leading up to the crash.

In addition, the concept of comparative negligence plays a crucial role in car accident cases. This means that fault can be shared between the parties involved. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation might be reduced by 20%. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you understand how fault might be determined in your case and the impact of comparative negligence on your compensation.

Why Partner With a Car Accident Lawyer at Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law?

The car accident lawyers at Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law are here to protect your rights while fighting for the money you need and deserve. In addition, our extensive investigative resources can help build an ironclad case. Many insurance companies won’t risk going to trial if they know we have a solid case against their client.

As soon as we take your case, our car accident lawyers start preparing for trial. This gives you a strong negotiating position with the insurance companies because we are not afraid of fighting for you in court. If litigation is what it takes to get the best results for you, we are willing and able to provide you with strong representation.

At Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law, you will never be passed off to another attorney. You will work with the same lawyer from beginning to end. You may have questions during the process and are more likely to feel comfortable making contact if you’ve been able to build a relationship with one of our highly skilled attorneys.

Our firm also handles disability claims. This means that if you are unable to work after your accident and need to file a Social Security Disability claim, we can handle that for you as well. By offering a full complement of services under the same roof, we can eliminate the stress of going to multiple places during your claims process.

Need Help? Schedule A Free Consultation With Our Car Accident Lawyers

If you live in western New York and you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, call us today. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the details of your case and advise you of your legal options. There is no reason to delay. Waiting to call makes investigations more difficult and can call into question the extent of your injuries. If you need help after a crash, call the car accident lawyers at Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law.

FAQs

How long do car accident claims take to resolve?

The timeline for resolving car accident claims can vary widely. On average, it can take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and whether the case goes to trial.

How much should you expect from the insurance company if injured in a car accident?

The compensation you can expect depends on several factors, including the extent of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It’s best to consult with a personal injury lawyer to get an accurate estimate based on your specific situation.

How long do you have to file a claim after a car accident in Buffalo?

In Buffalo, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, it’s important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure all deadlines are met.

How much does a car accident lawyer cost?

Many car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. Typically, the fee is a percentage of the settlement or judgment amount.