At William Mattar, our main goal is assisting car accident victims in receiving compensation for injuries. If you or a loved has sustained injuries due to the negligent driving of another, a Syracuse car accident lawyer is ready to support you with compassion and legal experience. We provide free consultations and can visit you at home or in the hospital if you are unable to come to us. Our car accident lawyers are your staunchest advocates during this stressful time. Call today at 844-444-4444. We are available to talk to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Our Syracuse car accident lawyers have the knowledge and experience to handle claims related to a variety of motor vehicle accidents in the Syracuse area, including:
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Other Motor Vehicle Accidents
Many of the serious crashes our Syracuse clients describe happen on the same stretches of road. I-81 carries heavy traffic through the heart of the city, the I-690 corridor moves commuters east and west past downtown, and I-481 loops around the eastern edge of the metro area. Congested merges, short ramps, and sudden slowdowns on these corridors leave little room for driver error.
Our staff of case managers, intake specialists, and Syracuse car accident attorneys can take on the insurance company to help you get the best settlement result for your car accident claim. Every year, Allstate releases a “Best Drivers” report where it identifies which of the 200 largest U.S. cities and their surrounding areas have the safest drivers. The 2017 report had Syracuse ranked as the 151st safest city. Based on claims filed, the average Syracuse driver will experience a collision once every 7.6 years. The national average is once every 10 years.
At William Mattar, we understand how confusing the time after a car crash can be because we help car accident victims in Syracuse every day. Whether you’re a driver, passenger, pedestrian, motorcyclist, or bicyclist, we can assist you with your claim. The sooner we get started, the better, so call today. We’ll work hard to help you get the car injury settlement you need to pay for your medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
We’ve obtained millions of dollars for our clients over the years, and can use our knowledge of car injury law to help you get the best results possible for your claim. Get a law firm that only handles car accidents cases, and let us protect your best interests through settlement or litigation.
Motorcycle and Car Crashes
Warmer weather brings out motorcyclists in droves and also increases the risk of car drivers hitting a motorcycle. Although car drivers are constantly warned about "watching out for motorcycles", accidents do happen resulting in serious injuries to motorcyclists. In many cases, drivers of cars do not take the necessary precautions such as safe distance when driving near a motorcyclist. Riders are especially exposed on fast moving corridors like I-81 and I-690, where lane changes happen quickly and drivers may not see a motorcycle until it is too late.
Injuries incurred to motorcycle riders during a motorcycle vs car accident can range from severe head injuries and road rash to spinal cord injuries, especially if a motorcyclists has to take drastic measures to avoid being hit by a car. Swerving suddenly at speeds exceeding 30 mph can cause your motorcycle to flip on its side or even roll over several times. If you have been injured by a negligent driver, get in touch with a Syracuse car accident lawyer today skilled and familiar with litigation involving motorcycle/car accidents.
Bicycle-Car Crashes
In addition to motorcyclists taking to the roads in warmer weather, bicyclists also head to the streets in spring and summer. Although car drivers usually don't suffer serious injuries when a bicyclist hits them or they hit a bicyclist, the bicyclist often suffers severe bone fractures and head injuries if the driver has hit them. Drivers often do not stop at intersections or look both ways when exiting alleys or side streets. If you were involved in a bicycle-car crash and sustained a painful injury that may develop into a more serious condition, contact William Mattar today to schedule a free consultation with a Syracuse car accident lawyer.
Head-On Collisions--Evaluating Serious Damage
Determining how much compensation you deserve from being hit head-on by a reckless driver involves your lawyer working with legal professionals to evaluate the extent of injuries and projecting all expenses related to your injuries. Head-on collisions almost always result in serious injuries involving broken bones, severe lacerations and internal injuries. Victims of head-on accidents could spend weeks or even months in the hospital recovering from this devastating event.
A Syracuse car accident lawyer at William Mattar provides comprehensive support to clients suffering the terrible consequences of high-speed, head-on collisions. In addition to working to obtain compensation for your injuries, our attorneys will guide you every step of the way. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 844-noswap444-4444. We can visit you in the hospital or at your home if you cannot come to us.
How a Car Accident Claim Works in New York State
A Syracuse car accident claim moves through stages, and each stage has its own rules and deadlines. These rules come from New York State law, so they apply the same way across the state. Every case is unique and warrants individualized attention.
No-fault benefits come first. New York is a no-fault state, so the claim starts with your own insurance company. Under Insurance Law Section 5102 and Section 5103, no-fault benefits pay up to $50,000 per person for basic economic loss, including medical bills and a portion of lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. The no-fault application generally must be filed within 30 days of the accident.
The serious injury threshold opens the door to pain and suffering. To recover pain and suffering damages, the injured person must have a serious injury as defined by Insurance Law Section 5102(d). The qualifying categories include death, dismemberment, significant disfigurement, a fracture, loss of a fetus, permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function or system, permanent consequential limitation of use of a body organ or member, and significant limitation of use of a body function or system. Insurance companies challenge this threshold often, which makes consistent medical documentation important from the first appointment.
Then comes the liability claim. Once the threshold is met, a separate claim against the at-fault driver’s insurer covers pain and suffering. Most claims resolve in negotiation, and a lawsuit generally must be filed within three years of the crash under CPLR 214(5), though every case is unique and sometimes the time deadline is much shorter. New York’s comparative negligence rule allows recovery even when the injured person shares some fault, with the amount reduced by their percentage of responsibility.
William Mattar Accident Lawyers guides Syracuse clients through every stage of this process. The firm serves all of New York State, with offices and intake locations across the state.
What Affects the Value of a Syracuse Claim
No two claims are worth the same amount because no two crashes cause the same harm. The factors that carry the most weight include the severity of injuries and whether they meet the serious injury threshold, the cost of the medical care you have received and will need in the future, the income you lost while recovering and any lasting effect on your ability to work, and the ways the injuries have changed your daily life. Available insurance coverage also matters, since the at-fault driver’s policy limits and your own underinsured motorist coverage shape what may be recovered.
Where Syracuse Car Accident Cases Are Filed
Most claims resolve through the insurance process without a lawsuit. When a lawsuit is needed, it is typically filed in New York State Supreme Court, Onondaga County, in downtown Syracuse. Claims against a government entity, including the City of Syracuse or Onondaga County, follow shorter deadlines that begin with a notice of claim, so those cases move on a faster clock from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Syracuse?
Most car accident lawsuits for personal injury must be filed within three years of the crash under CPLR 214(5). Shorter deadlines apply when the claim involves a government entity, and some no-fault paperwork is due within 30 days. An attorney can confirm the deadlines that apply to your case.
What if my crash involved a City of Syracuse vehicle or a Centro bus?
Claims against a municipality or public authority follow special rules. A notice of claim generally must be served within 90 days under General Municipal Law Section 50-e, and the lawsuit deadline is shorter than in a standard injury case. Speaking with an attorney soon after the crash helps protect those deadlines.
Do I still have a case if I was partly at fault for a Syracuse crash?
Yes. New York follows a comparative negligence rule, so an injured person may recover compensation even if they share some responsibility for the crash. The recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault.
Will no-fault insurance pay my medical bills after a Syracuse car accident?
In most cases, yes. No-fault benefits from your own policy cover up to $50,000 per person in basic economic loss, including medical bills and a portion of lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. The application generally must be filed within 30 days, so it helps to start the claim quickly.
Contact a Syracuse Car Accident Attorney
The Syracuse office of William Mattar handles all types of car accidents. We have helped thousands of clients reach settlements in their car accident cases. Knowing you are represented by understanding, experienced car accident lawyers will give you the peace of mind you need while recuperating from your injuries and give you the best result possible. Call us today at 844-noswap444-4444 to speak to a professional New York accident injury lawyer.
Syracuse Location
William Mattar
One Park Place, 300 S. State St. Suite 130
Syracuse, NY 13202