A+ rating on Better Business Bureau•Google reviews: 5.0•Martindale Hubbell Client Rating: 5.0•Lawyers.com Client Rating: 5.0•Avvo Client Rating: 5.0•Facebook Rating 5.0•Best Dog Bite Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Bicycle Accident Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Car Accident Lawyers – Middletown, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•A+ rating on Better Business Bureau•Google reviews: 5.0•Martindale Hubbell Client Rating: 5.0•Lawyers.com Client Rating: 5.0•Avvo Client Rating: 5.0•Facebook Rating 5.0•Best Dog Bite Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Bicycle Accident Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Car Accident Lawyers – Middletown, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)

Motor Vehicle Accidents Lawyer in Buffalo

Buffalo Auto Injury Guidance

Comprehensive Guide to Motor Vehicle Accident Claims

If you were injured in a motor vehicle collision in Buffalo, understanding your legal options can make a big difference in your recovery and financial stability. This guide explains what to do after a crash, how fault and liability are evaluated in New York, and the types of compensation commonly pursued, including medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It also outlines typical timelines and practical steps you can take to preserve evidence and protect your rights while you focus on healing and returning to normal life.

Navigating insurance claims, medical treatment, and potential litigation after an accident can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries and mounting bills. This page provides clear information about how claims progress in Erie County, possible settlement approaches, and how an attorney at Ahearne Law Firm PLLC can represent your interests during negotiation or in court. You will find actionable tips for documenting your case, communicating with adjusters, and making informed decisions about treatment, records, and timelines to support a strong personal injury claim.

How Legal Representation Helps Motor Vehicle Accident Victims

After a motor vehicle collision, having legal representation can help you preserve evidence, identify all responsible parties, and put together a clear claim for compensation. A personal injury attorney can manage communications with insurance companies, which often seek to minimize payouts, and help ensure your medical treatment and bills are fully documented. Representation may also provide access to investigators, medical consultants, and legal strategies that strengthen your position in negotiations or court, increasing the likelihood of a fair outcome that addresses both immediate costs and long-term impacts of your injuries.

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC and Attorney Allan J. Ahearne, Jr.

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC serves clients across New York, including Erie County and Buffalo, on a range of personal injury matters including motor vehicle accidents. Attorney Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. focuses on representing injured individuals and their families, guiding clients through each step from the initial investigation through settlement or trial. The firm emphasizes thorough case preparation, regular client communication, and practical legal strategies aimed at maximizing recovery while allowing clients to concentrate on medical care and rehabilitation following an accident.

Understanding Motor Vehicle Accident Claims

Motor vehicle accident claims in New York involve determining liability, documenting injuries and damages, and pursuing compensation through insurance claims or civil lawsuits. Important elements include gathering police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any photos or video from the scene. Comparative fault rules under New York law may reduce recovery if the injured party is partly at fault, making accurate investigation and careful presentation of facts essential. Understanding the types of damages available and the burden of proof helps you make informed choices about settlement offers and litigation.

Timelines for filing claims can vary; administrative insurance deadlines and court statutes of limitations require prompt action to protect your rights. Early medical treatment and consistent documentation of symptoms and care strengthen a claim by linking injuries to the collision. Dealing with insurance adjusters, medical providers, and billing issues often involves negotiation and dispute resolution. Knowing what to expect at each stage reduces uncertainty and enables you to focus on recovery while your legal team works to achieve a fair financial result for past and future losses.

Need More Information?

Key Terms and Glossary for Motor Vehicle Claims

Liability

Liability refers to legal responsibility for causing a collision and resulting injuries or damages. Establishing liability typically requires showing that a driver acted negligently, such as by failing to obey traffic laws, driving while distracted, or operating a vehicle unsafely. Liability can involve more than one party, including other drivers, vehicle owners, employers, or government entities responsible for road maintenance. Demonstrating liability relies on evidence like police reports, witness statements, traffic cameras, and physical vehicle damage showing how the crash occurred and who should be held accountable for losses.

Damages

Damages are the financial and nonfinancial losses an injured person may recover after a collision. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, property damage, and compensation for pain and suffering or emotional distress. Calculating damages often requires medical records, bills, wage documentation, and expert opinions about future care needs. Insurance settlements and court awards aim to place the injured person in a position comparable to where they would be without the accident, accounting for both economic costs and intangible impacts on quality of life.

Comparative Fault

Comparative fault is a legal principle that reduces recovery if the injured person is partly at fault for the crash. New York follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means a claimant can recover damages even if they are partially responsible, but the recovery amount is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a jury finds a claimant 20 percent at fault, any damages awarded would be reduced by 20 percent. Accurate evidence and legal argument are necessary to minimize assigned fault and protect recovery.

No-Fault Insurance (PIP)

No-fault insurance, also called personal injury protection (PIP), provides coverage for medical expenses and lost earnings regardless of who caused the crash, subject to policy limits and eligibility. In New York, PIP benefits are available through your own auto insurance and are typically the first source of payment for medical costs after an accident. PIP does not cover pain and suffering unless a statutory threshold is met, so additional claims against a negligent driver or their insurer may be necessary to address more serious injuries and non-economic losses.

PRO TIPS

Document Everything Immediately

After an accident, collect and preserve evidence such as photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries. Obtain a copy of the police report and contact information for witnesses, and keep detailed notes about symptoms, treatments, and daily impacts of your injuries. Early and consistent documentation supports insurance claims and potential litigation by establishing clear links between the collision and your losses.

Follow Medical Advice and Keep Records

Seek prompt medical attention for any injuries and follow recommended treatment plans, as gaps in care can be used to challenge the severity or cause of injuries. Keep organized records of appointments, diagnoses, bills, and medication. These documents help show the extent of your injuries and the costs incurred, which are essential when negotiating with insurers or presenting a claim in court.

Be Cautious with Insurance Adjusters

Insurance adjusters may contact you soon after a crash and attempt to obtain statements or offer a quick settlement. Avoid giving recorded statements or signing releases without legal advice, because early offers often do not cover long-term needs. Discuss communications with your attorney to ensure that any settlement fully accounts for current and future medical expenses and other damages.

Comparing Legal Options After a Crash

When Full Representation Is Advisable:

Severe or Long-Term Injuries

When injuries are significant, ongoing, or require specialized medical care, full legal representation can help secure compensation that reflects both present and future needs. A thorough legal approach also ensures medical records and expert opinions are obtained to document long-term impacts. Complex injuries often involve multiple providers, rehabilitation, and potential future wage loss that require careful valuation in settlement or trial.

Disputed Liability or Multiple Parties

If liability is contested or several parties may share responsibility, an organized legal response is important to identify all avenues for recovery and counter defense strategies. This can involve hiring investigators, reconstructing the crash, and coordinating depositions or discovery. Representation helps manage these complexities and gathers the necessary evidence to support claims against multiple insurers or defendants.

When Limited Assistance May Be Appropriate:

Minor Injuries and Clear Liability

For minor injuries with clear fault and low medical expenses, a limited scope arrangement may suffice to handle claim paperwork and settlement negotiations. This approach can be more cost-effective when the damages are modest and liability is undisputed. Nonetheless, even small cases benefit from accurate documentation of treatment and reasonable valuation of pain and inconvenience.

Quick, Fair Insurance Settlements

When an insurance company offers a timely settlement that reasonably covers all economic losses and there is no indication of long-term effects, limited legal assistance may help finalize terms and handle paperwork. It remains important to ensure the offer truly accounts for medical costs and lost income, and that accepting it does not waive claims for future needs that may arise from the collision.

Common Situations That Lead to Motor Vehicle Claims

Passenger Vehicle Collisions

Passenger vehicle collisions often result in varied injuries and property damage, requiring investigation into driver behavior and road conditions. These claims typically involve insurance negotiations and may require detailed medical documentation to support recovery.

Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Accidents involving commercial vehicles can introduce additional liability sources such as employers or maintenance companies, increasing case complexity. These situations often need thorough evidence gathering to determine responsibility and losses.

Hit-and-Run or Uninsured Drivers

Hit-and-run collisions or accidents with uninsured motorists require using your own policy benefits and investigative efforts to locate responsible parties. Understanding uninsured motorist coverage and timely reporting is important to preserve potential recovery avenues.

Buffalo Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney Services

Why Choose Ahearne Law Firm PLLC for Your Motor Vehicle Claim

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC represents individuals injured in motor vehicle collisions throughout Erie County and Buffalo, providing focused legal advocacy for fair compensation. The firm assists clients with claim preparation, negotiation with insurers, and representation in court when necessary. Attorney Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. and the team prioritize client communication, prompt investigation, and securing documentation to support both economic and non-economic damages, allowing injured persons to concentrate on recovery while their legal matters are handled professionally.

The firm works to identify all possible sources of recovery, including third-party claims and applicable insurance coverages, and pursues timely resolutions that account for current medical needs and future care. Clients receive guidance on medical documentation, preserving evidence, and evaluating settlement offers compared to the projected value of their claim. From initial consultation to resolution, the approach is pragmatic and client-focused, aimed at achieving outcomes that address the real impacts of motor vehicle injuries.

Get a Free Consultation with Ahearne Law Firm

People Also Search For

Buffalo car accident lawyer

motor vehicle accident attorney Buffalo

Buffalo personal injury lawyer

auto collision claim Erie County

whiplash injury claim Buffalo

uninsured motorist claim New York

commercial vehicle accident attorney

Ahearne Law Firm Buffalo

FAQS

What should I do immediately after a motor vehicle accident in Buffalo?

Immediately after an accident, ensure safety and seek prompt medical attention even if injuries seem minor, as some symptoms can appear later. Contact law enforcement to obtain an official accident report and exchange information with other drivers, including insurance and vehicle details. Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, visible injuries, and any road conditions or signage that may be relevant. Collect witness contact information if possible, and preserve any evidence such as clothing or damaged personal items that relate to the crash. After addressing immediate safety and medical needs, report the accident to your auto insurer and keep a careful record of all medical visits, bills, prescriptions, and time missed from work. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal review and consult with an attorney to discuss next steps and how to protect your rights. Early consultation helps ensure key evidence is preserved and that claims are handled correctly, reducing avoidable mistakes during the claims process.

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York after a car crash?

In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits stemming from a car crash is generally three years from the date of the accident. This deadline applies to actions against negligent drivers and other entities responsible for causing injury. Missing this window can bar your right to seek compensation in court, so it is important to act promptly and consult an attorney to determine all applicable deadlines for your specific circumstances. Certain situations, such as claims against government entities or for wrongful death, may have different or shorter filing deadlines and administrative notice requirements. These variations make early legal review important so you do not miss critical procedural steps. An attorney can evaluate your case, advise on deadlines, and take timely action to preserve your legal rights while the necessary investigation and documentation of your claim proceed.

Will my own insurance cover medical bills after an accident in New York?

Yes, New York requires personal injury protection benefits under no-fault or PIP coverage that may pay for a portion of medical expenses and lost earnings regardless of fault, subject to policy limits and eligibility rules. PIP typically covers immediate medical bills and some income loss, but it does not compensate for pain and suffering unless the injury meets a statutory threshold for more serious harm. Reviewing your policy and reporting the claim promptly helps ensure benefits are available for necessary treatment. If injuries exceed PIP coverage or meet the threshold for a lawsuit, you may pursue a claim against the at-fault driver or their insurer for additional economic and non-economic damages. Coordination between PIP benefits and third-party claims can be complex, as insurers will want documentation linking injuries to the collision. Working with an attorney helps ensure all medical costs are properly documented and pursued through the correct benefits and legal channels.

How is fault determined in Buffalo motor vehicle collisions?

Fault is determined by examining the evidence of how the collision occurred, including police reports, witness statements, photographs, vehicle damage patterns, traffic laws, and any available video footage. Investigators look for indications of unsafe driving behaviors like distracted driving, failure to yield, speeding, or running a red light. Establishing fault often involves reconstructing events and showing that a driver breached a duty of care, and that breach caused the collision and injuries. New York applies a comparative fault doctrine, so multiple parties can share responsibility and recoveries are adjusted based on assigned percentages of fault. This makes accurate evidence and persuasive legal presentation important to minimize any portion of fault assigned to the injured person. When liability is disputed, thorough investigation and testimony from witnesses or professionals can be decisive in clarifying responsibility and supporting a strong claim.

What types of compensation can I recover after a car accident?

Victims of motor vehicle collisions can pursue economic damages such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, future medical care, and lost wages, as well as property damage to vehicles and personal items. Non-economic damages may include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life when injuries have significant impacts. In some cases, punitive damages could be sought if the defendant’s conduct was particularly reckless, though those are less common and fact-specific. Calculating compensation often requires medical records, bills, wage statements, and documentation of how injuries affect daily activities and future earning capacity. Expert opinions may be used to estimate future medical needs and loss of earning potential. The overall goal of a claim is to address both immediate financial burdens and longer-term consequences of the collision so the injured person can recover financially and maintain necessary care.

Should I give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster?

You should be cautious about giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters without first consulting with an attorney. Adjusters may seek a quick recorded account that could be used to minimize the severity of injuries or suggest inconsistencies later. A written or informal description of events is common, but a recorded statement can inadvertently lock you into details that an insurer could use against you during settlement negotiations or litigation. Discussing communications with legal counsel helps you provide accurate, measured information while avoiding unnecessary admissions that could harm your claim. An attorney can advise on what to say, review any settlement offers, and handle negotiations with insurers to protect your interests and make sure any proposed resolution accounts for both current and potential future costs related to your injuries.

What if the at-fault driver is uninsured or leaves the scene?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or flees the scene, you may have options through your own insurance policy, such as uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, which can cover medical expenses and related losses when another party cannot be identified or lacks insurance. Promptly report the incident to police and to your insurer, and provide any evidence such as photos, witness contacts, or video that might help identify the responsible driver or establish the crash circumstances for a claim under your policy. Investigative efforts can sometimes locate the other driver or establish liability through indirect evidence. If the driver remains unidentified, your uninsured motorist benefits may offer a route to recovery for injuries and losses. An attorney can help evaluate insurance coverages, assist with claims under your policy, and pursue all available avenues to secure compensation for medical care and other damages despite the absence of a responsible party’s coverage.

How can medical treatment affect my injury claim?

Consistent and timely medical treatment is essential when pursuing an injury claim, because medical records provide the primary evidence linking your injuries to the collision and documenting the severity and course of care. Attend all recommended appointments, follow treatment plans, and keep detailed records of visits, diagnoses, therapies, and medications. Gaps in treatment or failure to follow medical advice can be cited by insurers to challenge the credibility of injury claims or the claimed severity of harm. Medical documentation also helps quantify damages for both current and future needs, supporting accurate valuation of compensation for medical costs and loss of earning capacity. When specialized care or long-term rehabilitation is necessary, documenting that need through physician statements and treatment plans strengthens claims for future care. Working with an attorney can help coordinate requests for medical records and present your treatment history effectively to insurers or the court.

Will I have to go to court to get compensation?

Many motor vehicle claims are resolved through negotiation and settlement with insurance companies, which can avoid the time and expense of a trial. Settlement offers may arise after initial demand, further medical documentation, or negotiation sessions. A well-documented claim that fairly quantifies damages often leads to a negotiated resolution that compensates for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering without going to court. However, some cases do proceed to litigation when liability is disputed or settlement offers are inadequate relative to the injury’s long-term impacts. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit and pursuing the case through discovery, motion practice, and possibly trial may be necessary. An attorney can evaluate settlement proposals, explain the potential advantages and drawbacks of litigation, and represent your interests in court when that step becomes necessary.

How much does it cost to hire Ahearne Law Firm PLLC for a motor vehicle case?

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC typically handles motor vehicle injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means legal fees are collected only if a recovery is obtained through settlement or judgment. This arrangement allows injured persons to pursue claims without upfront legal costs while aligning the firm’s interests with achieving the best possible outcome. The specific percentage and expense arrangements are explained during an initial consultation and set out in a written fee agreement so you understand how fees and costs will be handled. Clients are still responsible for reasonable case-related expenses, which may be advanced by the firm and reimbursed from the recovery. The contingency model helps make legal representation accessible to many clients after an injury, and the firm provides clear information about fees, expenses, and the distribution of any settlement or verdict. Discuss the fee agreement in detail during your consultation to ensure you are comfortable with the terms and projected case process.

Personal Injury Services in Buffalo

Explore our injury practice areas

⚖️ All Personal Injury Services