Choosing a Car Accident Lawyer in Western New York

October 23, 2026 | By William Mattar Accident Lawyers
Choosing a Car Accident Lawyer in Western New York

When choosing a car accident lawyer in Western New York, look for a lawyer admitted to practice in New York who regularly handles motor vehicle cases, whom you can meet in person if you want to, who puts the fee terms in writing, and who explains how you will get updates. Ask about each of these before you sign anything. William Mattar, P.C. was founded in 1990 in Williamsville, NY, focuses on motor vehicle accident cases, and can be reached at (844) 444-4444, open 24/7.

Key facts

  • New York's no-fault regulation requires written notice of the accident to the insurer as soon as reasonably practicable, and in no event more than 30 days after the accident, unless the injured person submits written proof providing clear and reasonable justification for the failure to comply.
  • Where a notice of claim is required by law before suing a public corporation, General Municipal Law § 50-e requires it to be served within ninety days after the claim arises, with exceptions.
  • William Mattar, P.C. has a Williamsville Principal Office, a Buffalo Office, a North Buffalo location and a Rochester Office.
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What should you look for in a car accident lawyer?

  • New York licensing. Confirm that the lawyer is admitted to practice in New York.
  • Motor vehicle focus. New York crash cases follow their own rules, including no-fault notice requirements and, under Insurance Law § 5104(a), a serious-injury threshold for recovering non-economic loss in motor vehicle negligence actions between covered persons. Ask how often the lawyer handles cases under these rules.
  • Local access. Ask whether you can meet in person at a location you can reach easily, and whether phone or video meetings are available if travel is hard after an injury.
  • Fee terms in writing. Under Rule 1.5(c) of New York's Rules of Professional Conduct, promptly after a lawyer has been employed in a contingent fee matter, the lawyer shall provide the client with a writing stating the method by which the fee is to be determined. Ask which costs and expenses you could owe, and read the agreement before signing.
  • Communication. Ask who your main contact will be, how you will get updates, and how to reach the team with questions.

Which New York deadlines should you know about after a crash?

No-fault notice. The mandatory personal injury protection endorsement in 11 NYCRR 65-1.1 requires written notice of the accident to be given to the insurer as soon as reasonably practicable, but in no event more than 30 days after the date of the accident. The exception is where the eligible injured person submits written proof providing clear and reasonable justification for the failure to comply with that time limit.

Notice of claim against a public corporation. General Municipal Law § 50-e applies in tort cases where a notice of claim is required by law as a condition precedent to suing a public corporation, or any of its officers, appointees or employees. In those cases, the notice of claim must be served within ninety days after the claim arises. In wrongful death actions, the ninety days run from the appointment of a representative of the decedent's estate. Under General Construction Law § 66, a public corporation includes a municipal corporation, and a municipal corporation includes a county, city, town, village and school district. On application, a court, in its discretion, may extend the time to serve a notice of claim, but the extension cannot exceed the time limited for the commencement of an action by the claimant against the public corporation. If a government-owned vehicle was involved in your crash, speak with a lawyer promptly.

Where does William Mattar, P.C. have locations in the Buffalo and Rochester areas?

  • Williamsville Principal Office: 6720 Main St Suite 100, Williamsville, NY 14221
  • Buffalo Office: 69 Delaware Ave, Suite 1111, Buffalo, NY 14202
  • North Buffalo location: 1249 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216
  • Rochester Office: 16 W Main St, Suite 736, Rochester, NY 14614

The phone number is the same for every location: (844) 444-4444. The firm is serving New York State.

Frequently asked questions

Does your lawyer need an office in your own town?

Not necessarily. What matters more is whether you can meet when you need to, whether the lawyer handles motor vehicle cases under New York law, and whether you get clear, regular updates.

Does William Mattar, P.C. have an office in Buffalo?

Yes. The Buffalo Office is at 69 Delaware Ave, Suite 1111, Buffalo, NY 14202, and the North Buffalo location is at 1249 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216.

Is the first consultation free?

Yes. Your initial case consultation is free, 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. Its locations include the Williamsville Principal Office, the Buffalo Office, the North Buffalo location and the Rochester Office. It offers a free case evaluation and No Fee Until We Win℠, and its phone line, (844) 444-4444, is open 24/7.

Sources

  • New York General Municipal Law § 50-e: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GMU/50-E
  • New York General Construction Law § 66: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GCN/66
  • New York Insurance Law § 5104: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ISC/5104
  • 11 NYCRR 65-1.1 (Regulation 68, NYS Department of Financial Services): https://www.dfs.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2024/08/reg68_11_nycrr_65_full_txt.pdf
  • New York Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 1.5(c) (22 NYCRR 1200.0): https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/rules/jointappellate/NY-Rules-Prof-Conduct-1200.pdf

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.