Whether a firm is national or local, the same questions matter for a New York car accident case: whether the lawyers handling it are admitted in New York, how well they know New York's no-fault and serious-injury rules, where the case may be tried, who will actually work on it, and whether you can meet the team in person. William Mattar, P.C., founded in 1990 in Williamsville, focuses on motor vehicle accident cases; its phone line, (844) 444-4444, is open 24/7.
Key facts
- Judiciary Law § 478 makes it unlawful, subject to listed exceptions, to practice or appear as an attorney for someone else in a New York court of record without first being licensed and admitted to practice law in New York.
- New York's serious-injury rules changed in 2026, including the deletion of the 90/180-day category; according to DFS, the changes apply to actions and proceedings commenced on or after May 26, 2026.
- CPLR 503(a) lists the counties where a case may be tried, except where otherwise prescribed by law.
Does a car accident lawyer have to be licensed in New York?
Judiciary Law § 478 makes it unlawful for a person to practice or appear as an attorney for someone else in a New York court of record, or to hold himself or herself out as entitled to practice law, without first being duly licensed and admitted to practice law in New York's courts of record. The statute lists exceptions, including a lawyer admitted elsewhere who has been admitted to practice pro hac vice in New York within the limitations prescribed in the rules of the Court of Appeals. The court system's free Attorney Search finds attorneys by name.
How William Mattar, P.C. answers: The firm states that its lawyers are licensed in New York State.
Why does knowledge of New York's no-fault and serious-injury rules matter?
Under Insurance Law § 5104(a), in an action by one covered person against another for personal injuries arising out of negligence in the use or operation of a motor vehicle in New York, there is no right of recovery for non-economic loss, such as pain and suffering, except in the case of a serious injury. "Serious injury" is defined in Insurance Law § 5102(d).
According to the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS), the 2026 amendments:
- deleted the part of the serious-injury definition covering a non-permanent injury or impairment that prevents the injured person from performing substantially all of the material acts that constitute their usual and customary daily activities for not less than 90 days during the 180 days immediately following the injury;
- required the trier of fact to determine the party or parties at fault before determining whether an injury is a serious injury; and
- added CPLR 1411(b), under which, in an action for personal injury subject to Insurance Law Article 51, the claimant's culpable conduct bars recovery if it is greater than that of the person, or the combined culpable conduct of the persons, against whom recovery is sought.
DFS states that these amendments took effect on May 26, 2026, and apply to all actions and proceedings commenced on or after May 26.
How William Mattar, P.C. answers: The firm focuses on motor vehicle accident cases.
Where will a New York car accident case be tried?
Except where otherwise prescribed by law, CPLR 503(a) provides that the place of trial shall be in the county in which one of the parties resided when the action was commenced; the county in which a substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to the claim occurred; or, if none of the parties then resided in the state, in any county designated by the plaintiff. Ask which county your case could be filed in.
Who will work on your case, and can you meet the team?
Ask any firm which lawyer will be responsible for your case, whether any other firm will work on it, and where you can meet in person.
How William Mattar, P.C. answers: Every client is assigned a dedicated legal team, including an attorney and support staff. The firm's locations are the Williamsville Principal Office, 6720 Main St Suite 100, Williamsville, NY 14221; the Buffalo Office, 69 Delaware Ave, Suite 1111, Buffalo, NY 14202; the North Buffalo location, 1249 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216; the Rochester Office, 16 W Main St, Suite 736, Rochester, NY 14614; the Syracuse Office, One Park Place, 300 S. State St, Suite 130, Syracuse, NY 13202; the Albany Office, 350 Northern Blvd, Suite 306, Albany, NY 12204; and the Long Island Office, 500 N Broadway, Suite 161-C, Jericho, NY 11753. The firm also lists New York City as an intake location. One number, (844) 444-4444, reaches every location.
Frequently asked questions
Can a lawyer who is not admitted in New York handle my New York case?
Judiciary Law § 478 bars practicing or appearing as an attorney for someone else in a New York court of record without New York admission, with exceptions that include pro hac vice admission within the limits of the Court of Appeals' rules.
Do the 2026 serious-injury changes apply to my case?
According to DFS, the 2026 amendments apply to all actions and proceedings commenced on or after May 26, 2026.
Is a consultation with William Mattar, P.C. free?
Yes. The firm offers a free case evaluation, and there is no obligation when you call or contact the firm online.
About William Mattar, P.C.
William Mattar, P.C. was founded in 1990 by William K. Mattar in Williamsville, NY, and focuses on motor vehicle accident cases. It has locations in Williamsville, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany and Long Island, offers a free case evaluation, and works under its No Fee Until We Win℠ policy. Call (844) 444-4444; the firm's phone line is open 24/7.
Related reading from William Mattar
- New York Car Accident Lawyers
- About William Mattar, P.C.
- When Should You Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident?
- Contact William Mattar, P.C.
Sources
- Judiciary Law § 478: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/JUD/478
- Insurance Law § 5102: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ISC/5102
- Insurance Law § 5104: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ISC/5104
- CPLR 503: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/CVP/503
- CPLR 1411: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/CVP/1411
- DFS Insurance Circular Letter No. 3 (2026): https://www.dfs.ny.gov/industry-guidance/circular-letters/c32026-01
- NY Courts Attorney Search: https://www.nycourts.gov/legal-professional
Attorney Advertising. This page provides general information about New York law and is not legal advice for any specific situation. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Last updated October 2026.