Buffalo Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal Injury Lawyers Representing “The City of Good Neighbors”

When life takes an unexpected turn due to a personal injury, you need a powerful advocate in your corner. At William Mattar Law Offices, our experienced personal injury attorneys are dedicated to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.

Don’t let an injury derail your life. Trust the compassionate and skilled Buffalo personal injury attorneys at William Mattar Law Offices to guide you through every step of the process, so you can focus on your health, your family, and your recovery. Contact us today and discover how we can make a difference in your case and your future.

Why Choose Our Buffalo Personal Injury Lawyers?

You may be wondering — how can a personal injury lawyer help me?

There are many reasons to consider hiring an attorney if you’ve been seriously injured in a motor vehicle crash. For one, William Mattar offers clients our No Fee Until We WinSM, which promises that you will not owe us legal fees until we settle or win your case. Our experienced attorneys also have knowledge of all applicable legal deadlines and can ensure that they are met. Your personal injury lawyer can:

• Investigate your accident case
• Complete necessary paperwork and documentation
• Assess the value of your claim
• Guide you through the claim process
• Negotiate with the involved insurance companies.

William Mattar law offices has more than 30 years of experience fighting for injury victims across New York State. Because we help those that have been hurt in motor vehicle crashes every day, we understand the stress you may be experiencing. Our law firm takes a compassionate and dedicated approach to handling personal injury cases and can work to protect your legal rights.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Buffalo, NY

At William Mattar Law Offices, our team of skilled personal injury attorneys has extensive experience handling a diverse range of motor vehicle accident cases. We understand the unique challenges and complexities that come with each type of accident, and we are dedicated to providing our clients with the highest level of legal representation and support. Some common types of personal injury cases we handle include:

• Car Accidents: If you’ve been involved in a car accident, whether it was caused by distracted driving, drunk driving, or reckless behavior, we will thoroughly investigate the incident, gather all necessary evidence, and construct a compelling case to fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve.
• Bicycle Accidents: For cyclists who have been struck by a vehicle, we recognize the distinct difficulties you may encounter. Our team will work tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the resources and support you need during this challenging time.
• Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcycle accidents can result in devastating injuries, and our legal team is committed to uncovering the truth, determining liability, and aggressively pursuing compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and the physical and emotional trauma you’ve endured.
• Truck Accidents: Commercial truck accidents often lead to catastrophic consequences, and these cases can be highly complex. However, our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to navigate these intricacies. We will hold all responsible parties accountable, including the driver, trucking company, or even the manufacturer, to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
• Pedestrian Accidents: If you’ve been struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian, our personal injury lawyers will be your unwavering advocates. We will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the compensation you are entitled to.

Regardless of the type of accident you’ve experienced, our legal team will:

• Meticulously investigate every aspect of your case
• Gather all relevant evidence
• Identify all liable parties
• Provide expert guidance throughout the legal process
• Help you make informed decisions and take the most appropriate course of action

When you choose William Mattar Law Offices, you can trust that our personal injury team will be by your side every step of the way, fighting for your rights and working relentlessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

What Compensation Can I receive in a Personal Injury Claim?

In a personal injury claim in Buffalo, NY, you may be entitled to receive various types of compensation, depending on the specific circumstances of your case. The primary types of damages available in personal injury claims include:

• Medical expenses: You can seek compensation for medical costs related to your injury, such as hospital bills, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and any anticipated future medical expenses.
• Lost wages: If your injury has caused you to miss work or has diminished your earning capacity, you can recover damages for lost wages and future lost income.
• Pain and suffering: You may be entitled to compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and inconvenience caused by your injuries.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries have prevented you from engaging in activities you once enjoyed or have negatively impacted your quality of life, you can seek damages for loss of enjoyment of life.
• Property damage: If any of your personal property, such as your vehicle, was damaged in the incident that caused your injury, you can seek compensation for repair or replacement costs.
• Punitive damages: In rare cases involving intentional conduct, you may be awarded punitive damages, which are intended to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.

The specific types and amounts of compensation available in your case will depend on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the extent of your damages, and the strength of your evidence. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you assess the potential value of your claim and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Our Buffalo, NY Personal Injury Law Office

Our personal injury law office is conveniently located in the heart of Buffalo, NY, at 69 Delaware Ave, Suite 1111. We are easily accessible by both car and public transportation, and there are several parking options available nearby.

If you’re driving, you can take I-190 to exit 7 (Church Street) and head west on Church Street. Turn right onto Delaware Avenue, and our office will be on your left, just past Niagara Square. There is metered street parking along Delaware Avenue, as well as several parking garages within walking distance of our office, including the Brisbane Building Parking Garage and the 69 Delaware Parking Garage.

If you prefer to take public transportation, our office is just a short walk from several bus stops. The nearest bus stop is located at the intersection of Delaware Avenue and Niagara Square, which is served by bus routes 11, 25, 64, and 74. Additionally, the Lafayette Square Station, which is served by the Buffalo Metro Rail, is just a few blocks away from our office.

Accident Statistics in Buffalo, NY

Looking out for one another in the “City of Good Neighbors.” Helping people is what we at the William Mattar Law Offices do. We’re not just good lawyers; we’re good neighbors, too. That’s how it is in Western New York. Buffalo is the City of Good Neighbors, a place where people look out for one another—even on the road. Although it’s the second-most populous city in New York, with almost 280,000 residents, Buffalo barely makes the top 10 for traffic fatalities.

One reason Western New York roads are relatively safe is they’re less congested than those in many other urban areas; Buffalo doesn’t even rank in the nation’s top-50 cities for heavy traffic. In fact, the number of hours Buffalonians lose to sitting in traffic actually has decreased, from 69 hours to 46 in a recent year. Motor-vehicle crashes do happen in Buffalo, though, and, when one of them involves you, you’ll find William Mattar is ready to help.

Common Types of Personal Injuries

Injuries can occur in a wide variety of situations and can result from various types of accidents or incidents. Some of the most common types of accident injuries include:

• Slip and fall accidents: These accidents occur when someone slips, trips, or falls due to a hazardous condition on someone else’s property, such as a wet floor, uneven pavement, or inadequate lighting.
• Car accidents: Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of personal injuries, often resulting in whiplash, broken bones, head trauma, and other serious injuries.
• Workplace accidents: Injuries can occur in any work environment, but some industries, such as construction and manufacturing, have higher rates of workplace accidents.
• Dog bites: Dog owners can be held responsible for injuries caused by their pets, especially if they knew or should have known that their dog had aggressive tendencies.
• Assault and battery: These intentional acts of harm can result in both physical and emotional injuries.
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents: These accidents often result in serious injuries, as pedestrians and cyclists have little protection when struck by a motor vehicle.
• Traumatic brain injuries: TBIs can result from various types of accidents, including falls, car crashes, and sports-related incidents, leading to long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments.

If you have suffered any type of personal injury due to the negligence or intentional acts of another party, reach out to a personal injury attorney at our law firm so they can evaluate your case, protect your rights, and help you seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

What to do After an Accident in Buffalo, NY

There are several things’ people generally do after being involved in a motor vehicle crash. These include:

1. Call 911: Drivers typically call 911 following a crash. The police officer that arrives at the scene of an accident will often draft an official police report about the details of the crash. This report will include information that may help a future claim.
2. Seek medical care: If you are injured or suspect you may have been injured following a motor vehicle accident consider seeking medical attention as soon as possible. The extent of accident-related injuries may not appear right away and could worsen over time. Medical treatment can help rule out less apparent injuries and create an official record of medical care and symptoms.
3. Collect information and evidence: After an accident, it is important to document contact information such as names, phone numbers, and addresses of drivers, occupants, and witnesses involved after an accident. Photographs of the scene can serve as evidence later on.
4. Consult with a personal injury lawyer: After your accident, an insurance company (often the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier) may offer you a settlement that is less than you deserve. A personal injury attorney can help protect your claim and keep your best interests in mind to help ensure you receive the best outcome possible.

Do I have a Personal Injury Case?

To determine whether you have a personal injury case, you must consider several key factors:

1. Negligence: You must be able to prove that another party’s negligence caused your injury. Negligence occurs when someone fails to exercise reasonable care, leading to harm or injury to another person.
2. Causation: You must demonstrate that the other party’s negligence directly caused your injuries. This means establishing a clear link between the negligent act and the resulting harm.
3. Damages: You must have suffered actual damages, such as physical injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering, as a result of the incident.
4. Statute of limitations: In Buffalo, NY, you generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you fail to file within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation.

If you believe you have a personal injury case, it’s essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your injuries and losses.

How Much are Personal Injury Cases Worth?

The value of a personal injury case in Buffalo, NY, can vary significantly depending on numerous factors, including:

• Severity of injuries: Generally, more severe injuries lead to higher compensation amounts, as they often involve greater medical expenses, longer recovery times, and more significant impact on the victim’s life.
• Medical expenses: The cost of medical treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing care, is a key factor in determining the value of a personal injury case.
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, either temporarily or permanently, the value of your lost income and future earning capacity will be considered when calculating your damages.
• Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, can also contribute to the value of your case.
• Fault: The percentage of fault attributed to each party involved in the incident can impact the value of your case, as New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule.
• Insurance coverage: The amount of insurance coverage available from the at-fault party can also influence the potential value of your case.

Given the numerous variables involved, it’s challenging to provide an exact estimate of the worth of a personal injury case without a thorough evaluation of the specific circumstances. However, some rough estimates based on the severity of the injury are:

• Minor injuries (e.g., whiplash, soft tissue damage): $10,000 to $50,000
• Moderate injuries (e.g., broken bones, concussions): $50,000 to $500,000
• Severe injuries (e.g., spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries): $500,000 to several million dollars

It’s essential to work with highly rated personal injury lawyers who can assess the unique factors in your case and fight for the fair compensation you deserve. They will gather evidence, consult with experts, and negotiate with insurance companies to make sure that you receive a fair settlement or award that accounts for all of your damages, both economic and non-economic.

How Much Does is Cost to Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in Buffalo, NY?

In Buffalo, NY, most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t pay any upfront legal fees, and the attorney only gets paid if they successfully recover compensation for you through a settlement or court award. The contingency fee is typically a percentage of the total recovery.

The exact percentage of the contingency fee may vary depending on the complexity of your case and the stage at which it’s resolved. Some personal injury lawyers may charge a lower percentage if the case settles before filing a lawsuit and a higher percentage if the case goes to trial.

It’s important to discuss the contingency fee arrangement with your attorney during your initial consultation so that you fully understand the terms and any potential additional costs. Top rated personal injury lawyers should be transparent about their fees and willing to answer any questions you may have.

While the contingency fee may seem substantial, it’s important to remember that personal injury attorneys bear the risk of not getting paid if they don’t win your case. This arrangement allows injured individuals to access legal representation without having to pay upfront, leveling the playing field against insurance companies and large corporations.

How Long will My Personal Injury Case Take?

The duration of a personal injury case in Buffalo, NY, can vary significantly depending on factors such as:

• Complexity of the case
• Severity of the injuries
• Willingness of the insurance company to settle
• And the court’s schedule if the case goes to trial.

On average, a straightforward case with clear liability and minor injuries may be resolved within a few months to a year. However, more complex cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or multiple parties can take several years to conclude.

It’s essential to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through the process, set realistic expectations, and work diligently to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while still fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve.

What if I’m Partially at Fault in Buffalo, NY?

New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means that even if you are partially at fault for an accident, you can still recover damages. However, your recovery will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.

In some cases, the insurance company or the other party may try to shift more blame onto you to reduce their own liability. Your attorney will work to counter these arguments and ensure that fault is accurately apportioned based on the evidence.

Additionally, New York follows a “no-fault” system for car accidents, which means that your own car insurance will cover your medical expenses and lost wages up to a certain limit, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, if your injuries are severe enough to meet certain thresholds, you may be able to step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault party.

Navigating comparative negligence and no-fault laws in Buffalo, NY, can be challenging, which is why it’s essential to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side who can protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

What is the Personal Injury Claims Process?

The personal injury claims process in Buffalo, NY, generally involves the following steps:

1. Seek medical attention: Prioritize your health and well-being by seeking medical treatment for your serious injuries as soon as possible.
2. Consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer: Schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney to discuss your case and determine your legal options.
3. Investigation and evidence gathering: Your attorney will investigate the accident, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review medical records to build a strong case on your behalf.
4. Filing an insurance claim or lawsuit: Your experienced personal injury attorney will file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company or, if necessary, file a lawsuit to pursue compensation.
5. Negotiation and settlement: Buffalo personal injury attorneys will negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement that covers your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
6. Trial: If a settlement can’t be reached, your case may proceed to trial, where your attorney will present your case to a judge or jury to determine the outcome and any awarded damages.
7. Appeals: If either party is unsatisfied with the trial outcome, they may file an appeal to a higher court to review the decision.

Overall, your personal injury attorney will provide legal representation to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve and need to move forward with your life.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury in Buffalo?

A statute of limitations is a law that sets a time limitation for bringing certain kinds of legal action, such as a lawsuit.

The statute of limitations for a Buffalo personal injury lawsuit depends on numerous factors and may be different in every situation. For some personal injury lawsuits, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident. However, if an injury victim is under the age of 18, this statute of limitations could possibly be delayed. In fatal motor vehicle crashes, a representative of the deceased may choose to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. In this case, the statute of limitations is approximately two years from the date of death.

Every injury case is unique, however, and several potential statutes of limitations could apply to your case. You should not rely on the information above to determine the statutes of limitations that apply to your case.  You should instead speak with a personal injury attorney who can examine your case closely.

A Buffalo Personal Injury Law Firm You Can Trust

When you’re injured, William Mattar law offices can help. Whether you’ve been hurt in a car, motorcycle, truck, or bicycle crash, our experienced personal injury lawyers are prepared to handle your case. Contact William Mattar law offices today at (716) 444 – 4444 or fill out our free online consultation form to get started.

Buffalo Office

William Mattar Law Offices
Buffalo, New York 14202
(716) 444 – 4444

Main Office

William Mattar Law Offices
6720 Main St., Suite 100
Williamsville, New York 14221
(716) 444 – 4444