To check a New York car accident law firm's results before you hire it, ask the firm for the details behind each result it publishes, find out whether each one was a settlement or a verdict, and, if a case was filed in court, look for it through the New York State Unified Court System's online case tools. Keep in mind that every case depends on its own facts. William Mattar, P.C. lists its reported settlements below and offers a free case evaluation at (844) 444-4444.
Key facts
- Under New York's Rule 7.1, as amended effective June 1, 2026, a lawyer shall not make a false or misleading communication about the lawyer or the lawyer's services.
- The same rule requires any communication made under it to include the name and contact information of at least one lawyer or law firm responsible for its content.
- The court system's legal glossary defines a verdict as "the decision made by a jury."
- NYSCEF, the New York State Courts Electronic Filing system, lets you search for cases as a public user without logging in.
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What does New York's lawyer advertising rule say?
New York's rule on lawyer communications changed on June 1, 2026, when a new Rule 7.1 replaced the prior Rule 7.1 in its entirety. Under the new Rule 7.1, a lawyer shall not make a false or misleading communication about the lawyer or the lawyer's services. A communication is false or misleading if it contains a material misrepresentation of fact or law, or omits a fact necessary to make the statement considered as a whole not materially misleading. A lawyer may communicate information about the lawyer's services through any media, and any communication made under the rule must include the name and contact information of at least one lawyer or law firm responsible for its content.
A dollar figure on its own leaves many questions open, so ask the firm about any result it shares.
What is the difference between a settlement and a verdict?
The New York State Unified Court System's legal glossary defines a settlement as "a formal, voluntary, signed, written agreement between the parties that solves the issues in a case before a Judge's decision or a jury verdict." It defines a verdict as "the decision made by a jury." When a firm lists a result, ask which of the two it was.
How can you look up New York court cases?
NYSCEF is a program that permits the filing of legal papers by electronic means with the County Clerk or appropriate court and offers electronic service of papers in those cases. The NYSCEF home page says you can search for cases as a public user and do not have to log in to search. The court system's e-Courts page also lists WebCivil Supreme among its Case Search tools.
Ask the firm whether a result came from a filed case and, if so, in which county.
What should you ask about any result?
- What type of case was it (for example, a car, truck or motorcycle accident)?
- Was it a settlement or a verdict?
- Did the lawyer who would handle your case work on it?
- Is the figure the total amount, or what the client received after fees and expenses?
- How similar were the facts to yours?
Every case is different. William Mattar, P.C.'s own disclaimer states that each case rests on its own facts, including liability, damages, and means of recovery, making million-dollar results atypical.
What results has William Mattar, P.C. reported?
William Mattar, P.C. reports these settlements:
- a $3,250,000.00 settlement in a truck accident case
- a $3,000,000.00 settlement in a truck accident case
- a $2,500,000.00 settlement in a car accident case
- a $2,488,403.50 settlement in a car accident case
- a $2,140,751.33 settlement in a truck accident case
- a $2,100,000.00 settlement in a car accident case
- a $1,950,000.00 settlement in a car accident case
- a $1,750,000.00 settlement in a motorcycle accident case
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Past performance does not guarantee future results, including financial results or client satisfaction.
Frequently asked questions
Is a settlement the same as a verdict?
No. The court system's glossary describes a settlement as a written agreement between the parties that solves the issues in a case before a Judge's decision or a jury verdict, and a verdict as the decision made by a jury.
Does a large past result mean my case is worth a similar amount?
No. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case rests on its own facts.
Does it cost anything to talk to William Mattar, P.C.?
No. 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
- Client Reviews
- About William Mattar, P.C.
- How Long Does a Car Accident Settlement Take?
- What Percentage of New York Car Accident Cases Go to Trial?
Sources
- Joint Order of the Appellate Division amending Rule 7.1 of the New York Rules of Professional Conduct (22 NYCRR 1200.0), dated May 27, 2026, effective June 1, 2026: https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/rules/comments/orders/AdministrativeOrder-JointAppDivOrder-RulesOfProfessionalConduct-AttorneyAdvertising-052726f-r.pdf
- NYS Unified Court System, CourtHelp Legal Glossary: https://www.nycourts.gov/help/courthelp/legal-glossary
- NYSCEF home page: https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/nyscef/HomePage
- NYS Unified Court System, e-Courts: https://www.nycourts.gov/ecourts
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.