Life in Rochester can change instantly. A car accident on bustling Monroe Avenue, a truck collision on Interstate 490, or even a slip and fall injury near Highland Park can turn your world upside down. If you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s actions, navigating the legal process can feel daunting. That’s where we come in.
At William Mattar Law Offices, we know how overwhelming it can be to recover after an accident. From pain and medical bills to missed work and stress, the challenges pile up quickly. That’s why you need an experienced and focused advocate.
Our personal injury lawyers are here to help you seek the maximum compensation you deserve after a Rochester crash.
When you’re ready to take the first step, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and legal options.
Table of contents
- Why Choose William Mattar Law Offices for Your Rochester Personal Injury Claim?
- What Is a Personal Injury Claim?
- Do I Have a Personal Injury Case in Rochester?
- Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company?
- Compensation Available to Personal Injury Victims in Rochester
- Rochester Personal Injury Claim FAQs
- Contact a Rochester Personal Injury Attorney at William Mattar Law Offices
Why Choose William Mattar Law Offices for Your Rochester Personal Injury Claim?
Choosing the right lawyer after an accident is an incredibly important decision. It can make all the difference in your recovery—both physically and financially. At William Mattar Law Offices, we’ve spent years helping injury victims in Rochester and beyond. We understand what you’re going through, and our team is equipped to offer the support you need during this difficult time.
What sets William Mattar apart? First, personal injury law isn’t just one of many things we do—it’s our focus. We have extensive experience handling cases involving motor vehicle accidents and other personal injuries, allowing us to focus entirely on helping victims like you. This laser focus has helped our clients recover huge settlements and verdicts.
From Lake Avenue to East Henrietta Road, we’re familiar with the unique landscape of the area, including the roadways, local businesses, and insurance companies that may be involved in your case. This knowledge is an advantage when it comes to investigating accidents and building strong cases.
Most importantly, we care about you—not just your case. When you work with William Mattar, you’ll get a team that listens to your story, answers your questions, and fights tirelessly for the compensation you need to move forward. We’re here to handle every step of the process for you, so you can focus on recovering and getting back to your life.
Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone. Contact us today to discuss how we can help with your personal injury claim.
What Is a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim is a legal process used by someone who has been hurt because of another person’s negligence or wrongful behavior. It’s a way to seek financial compensation for damages like medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses you suffered as a result of the injury.
When you file a personal injury claim, the goal is to hold the responsible party accountable and ensure that you’re not left alone to bear the financial and emotional burden of the accident. These claims can arise from a wide range of accidents and incidents, and no two cases are exactly the same.
Types of Personal Injuries We Handle
At William Mattar Law Offices, we work with clients who have suffered a variety of injuries in many different kinds of accidents. Below are some of the personal injury cases that we handle.
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Distracted driving accidents
- Rideshare accidents
- Self-driving car accidents
- Wrongful death
If you’ve been involved in any of these types of accidents—or any other situation where someone else’s negligence caused your injury—don’t hesitate to reach out.
If you’re unsure whether you have a valid personal injury claim, don’t worry. We can evaluate your case and explain your options. You don’t need to have all the answers right now—we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Do I Have a Personal Injury Case in Rochester?
The merits of your case hinges on certain factors. Most personal injury claims are based on negligence, meaning someone else’s careless or reckless behavior caused your injury.
For a successful personal injury lawsuit, you must prove four key elements of negligence.
- Duty of care: The first step is showing that the person who caused your injury had a legal duty to act responsibly. For instance, drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws and keep others on the road safe.
- Breach of duty: Next, you must show that this person breached their duty of care. This could mean running a red light, driving drunk, or engaging in other reckless behavior.
- Causation: It’s not enough to show that someone acted carelessly—you must also prove their negligence caused your injury. If a distracted driver rear-ended your car, for example, their action is directly linked to your harm.
- Damages: Finally, you must show that the accident caused damages, like medical bills, lost wages, or emotional pain and suffering.
Each case is unique, so consult an experienced attorney. If you’re unsure about your situation, a personal injury lawyer can help evaluate the details of your case and guide you toward the right course of action.
Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company?
It can be tempting to accept the first settlement offer from an insurance company, especially if you’re dealing with mounting medical bills and lost income. But in most cases, this isn’t the best idea. Insurance companies often prioritize their bottom line over your well-being, and they might offer less than what your claim is truly worth.
Before you accept any offer, it’s a good idea to consult a personal injury lawyer. An attorney understands the value of your case and can negotiate for fair compensation on your behalf. Otherwise, you risk leaving money on the table—money you might need for future medical treatments, long-term recovery, or other accident-related costs.
Tactics Insurance Companies Use to Pay Less
Insurance companies protect their profits using various tactics to minimize your claim.
Some common strategies include:
- Lowball offers: They might give you a quick, low settlement offer, hoping you’ll accept it before realizing how much your case is actually worth.
- Delay tactics: They might drag out the process, hoping you’ll get frustrated or desperate and settle for less.
- Blaming you: They might argue that you were partially or fully at fault for the accident to reduce their liability.
- Downplaying injuries: Adjusters may try to dispute the severity of your injuries or suggest you don’t need as much medical care as you claim.
Having an attorney on your side can help counter these tactics and ensure you get maximum compensation.
Compensation Available to Personal Injury Victims in Rochester
If you’ve been hurt in an accident, you might be entitled to several types of compensation, depending on the specifics of your case.
Personal injury victims in Rochester can typically pursue compensation for damages, such as:
- Medical expenses: This includes the costs of emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and any other medical treatment related to your injury.
- Lost income: If your injury caused you to miss work or reduced your ability to earn an income, you can claim these financial losses.
- Pain and suffering: This refers to compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and decreased quality of life caused by the accident.
- Property damage: If your car, bike, or other personal property was damaged in the accident, you can seek compensation for repairs or replacement.
- Future expenses: For severe injuries, this might include ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, or modifications to your home.
Some of these damages may be covered by no-fault insurance. Understanding what you may recover requires an experienced attorney to review your situation and ensure your claim includes all the damages you deserve.
Rochester Personal Injury Claim FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding personal injury claims in Rochester, New York:
How much does a personal injury attorney cost?
Hiring a personal injury attorney often feels like a big decision, especially if you’re already dealing with financial stress from your accident.
Like most personal injury attorneys at William Mattar Law Offices, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront attorneys’ fees, and we only get paid attorney’s fees if you receive a personal injury recovery. Our goal is to make sure you have access to legal help without any added financial burden.
What if I’m partly to blame for the accident?
Even if you share some responsibility for the accident, you may still be able to recover compensation. New York follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you're mostly to blame for your accident, but your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in New York?
You typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in New York. However, certain circumstances can shorten or extend this timeframe, so it’s best to consult an attorney as soon as possible. The statute of limitations can be much shorter. Sometimes, an even shorter notice of claim period applies. If you fail to timely serve a notice of claim, you will not be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Under these circumstances, it is critical to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
How long will my case take?
The length of a case depends on several factors, including its complexity and whether it goes to trial. Some cases are resolved in months, while others may take longer. A lawyer can give you a better idea based on the specifics of your situation. Every case is unique.
Can I still file a personal injury claim if I don’t see a doctor immediately?
While it’s always best to seek medical attention right after an accident, it’s still possible to file a claim if you delay treatment. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident, but proper evidence and documentation can strengthen your case.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help address these challenges and explain what steps to take next.
What if the person who caused my car accident doesn’t have insurance?
If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, you may still have options for recovering compensation. For example, you might file a claim under your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
A personal injury attorney can help you explore all available avenues for compensation and work to ensure you aren’t left covering the costs on your own.
Will my case go to trial?
Not all personal injury cases go to trial—many are resolved through settlement negotiations. However, if you cannot reach a fair settlement, your attorney may recommend taking the case to court.
At William Mattar, we prepare every case as if it might go to trial, ensuring we’re ready to fight for you no matter what. Your attorney will guide you through this process and keep your best interests in focus.
Contact a Rochester Personal Injury Attorney at William Mattar Law Offices
After an accident, having the right legal support can make all the difference. At William Mattar Law Offices, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Our dedicated team can assist by:
- Investigating your accident and gathering evidence.
- Handling negotiations with insurance companies.
- Representing you in court if your case goes to trial.
- Ensuring you receive the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.
Your recovery and peace of mind are our priorities. Don’t wait—contact us today at (585) 444-4444 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation with a personal injury lawyer after a Rochester crash. We’re ready to help you move forward and rebuild your life.