Located in Monroe County, Rochester is a gem of the Upstate New York region. The city is home to over 205,000 residents and rests on the shores of Lake Ontario near the Finger Lakes. Many drivers, motorcyclists, and bicyclists travel the roads of the Rochester area every day.
If you've been seriously injured in a Rochester motor vehicle crash, the personal injury attorneys at William Mattar are here to help. The legal team at our Rochester office fights on behalf of injury victims to protect their rights and guide them through the legal process.
We will work to help you recover financial compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Speak with one of our attorneys today.
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What We do
At William Mattar, our personal injury lawyers have represented many Rochester clients, each with their own unique case. Our team works with injury victims who have been involved in different types of motor vehicle crashes, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and truck accidents, just to name a few.
Our goal is to obtain maximum financial compensation for those who have been injured.
As your dedicated personal injury lawyer, we can assist with all aspects of your injury case. For a typical case, an attorney will investigate the claim, gather evidence about the accident, negotiate with the involved insurance companies and adjusters, and represent their client in court if the case proceeds to trial.
Call William Mattar Accident Lawyers today to learn more about what we can do for you.
Do Personal Injury Claims Have to Go to Court?
If you've never been involved in bringing a personal injury claim, you may not be familiar with the legal process. The short answer to “Do personal injury claims have to go to court?” is “not necessarily.”
In fact, some personal injury claims are settled out of court. This will invariably depend on the circumstances of your specific case.
For some personal injury claims, an attorney may negotiate a settlement with an insurance company, such as the at-fault driver's insurance company. The settlement will be an agreed-upon amount of compensation for the injury victim.
If a settlement is not reached, a lawsuit may be filed, and the case could go to trial. In the event that a personal injury case goes to trial, your attorney will present evidence and advocate for you to receive compensation for your injuries.
Common Accident Hotspots in Rochester
Rochester’s busy roads and intersections are frequent sites of motor vehicle accidents. If you’ve suffered a serious injury or lost a loved one in a wrongful death case caused by someone else’s negligence, knowing these hotspots can help you stay alert or understand accident trends.
Here are key areas where accidents are possible:
- Monroe Avenue and Alexander Street
- Lake Avenue and Smith Street
- Chili Avenue and Howard Road
- Upper Falls Boulevard
- Hudson Avenue
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Rochester, an attorney from our personal injury law firm can help you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Our experienced personal injury lawyers handle various personal injury matters, including truck, motorcycle, and construction accidents. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay attorneys’ fees unless we help you obtain compensation.
Call William Mattar after a Rochester crash for a free consultation. Let our legal team help you explore your legal options and seek fair compensation for your injuries.
FAQ
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Rochester, NY?
In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is three years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death claims, the time limit is two years. It’s important to act quickly, as delays can impact your ability to recover compensation. In addition, even shorter notice of claim or statute of limitations can apply. For this reason, it is a good idea to contact an attorney as soon as possible after a crash.
Can I file a personal injury lawsuit if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, New York follows a comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation, but your settlement or award may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
What is the difference between economic and non-economic damages?
Economic damages are tangible losses like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages cover intangible losses, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress.
How is compensation calculated in personal injury matters?
Compensation depends on the specifics of your case, including medical expenses, lost income, the severity of your injuries, and the impact on your quality of life. Non-economic damages, such as emotional pain, are sometimes calculated using a multiplier based on your economic damages. Non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, may seem intangible but are very real.
Can I recover compensation for injuries sustained on someone else's property?
Yes, if a property owner’s negligence caused your injury, you might be able to file a premises liability claim. Examples include slip-and-fall accidents, unsafe construction sites, or hazards that were not properly addressed.
What is a contingency fee basis?
A contingency fee means your injury lawyer only gets paid an attorneys’ fee if they help you recover compensation. This allows injury victims to pursue legal services without upfront costs.
Are there time limits for medical malpractice claims in New York?
Yes, medical malpractice claims must generally be filed within two and a half years of the alleged malpractice. However, exceptions may apply, such as situations where foreign objects are left in the body. The time limitations can be even shorter if the claim is made against a municipal entity or the state. An experienced attorney can review the unique circumstances and provide an accurate answer.
How do I prove negligence in a personal injury case?
To prove negligence, you must show that the other party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries as a result. Evidence such as witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony can support your case.
Can I sue if my injuries prevent me from working long-term?
Yes, you may be entitled to compensation for lost earning capacity if your injuries impact your ability to work in the future. A skilled attorney can help calculate these damages.
What should I do immediately after an automobile accident?
After an accident, prioritize medical treatment, report the incident to law enforcement, and gather evidence, such as photos, witness contact information, and insurance details. Consulting a Rochester personal injury lawyer early can help protect your rights.
What happens if the other party doesn’t have insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still recover compensation through your own insurance policy under uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. An experienced attorney can explain how that might work.
Are there specific laws for accidents involving construction sites?
Yes, New York has strict laws, such as the Scaffold Law, that protect construction workers injured due to unsafe conditions. These laws can also apply to bystanders hurt near construction sites.
How does a personal injury firm handle wrongful death claims?
A personal injury law firm can help families seek compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills incurred before death, loss of income, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one. These claims are filed on behalf of the deceased's estate.
What Types of Compensation Could I Recover in a Personal Injury Case?
A motor vehicle accident can change a person's life forever. After sustaining a serious injury, you may be overwhelmed with medical expenses, experience a drastic change in your ability to accomplish basic tasks, or even feel a loss of enjoyment in life. Compensation in a personal injury case is intended to address these challenges.
Depending on your case, you may be entitled to receive compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages can include medical bills from treatment or procedures, property damage, lost wages due to time off work, and other out-of-pocket expenses that can be quantified.
Non-economic damages consider the human experience of suffering a serious injury, including the pain and suffering and emotional anguish you may endure.
Non-economic damages are more subjective and may be harder to prove – the monetary value of a potential claim for pain and suffering will vary from case to case.
If you're looking for a qualified personal injury attorney in Rochester, NY – look no further than William Mattar. Our team of legal professionals is experienced in many areas of personal injury law and can tackle even the most complex of cases.
Call to schedule an initial consultation.