Buffalo Car Accident Lawyer

At RK&L, our Buffalo car accident lawyers understand the devastating impact a collision can have on you and your family. Whether you've been injured on the I-190, involved in a multi-vehicle crash on Delaware Avenue, or hit by a distracted driver near Elmwood Village, we're here to guide you through the legal process with dedication and care. Contact RK&L today for a free consultation with our dedicated Buffalo personal injury attorneys.

Financial Compensation You May Be Entitled To After a Car Accident Injury

At RK&L, we understand that car accident injuries can create significant financial burdens. Our experienced Buffalo car accident attorneys work diligently to pursue every type of compensation you may be legally entitled to receive. Here are the different categories of damages you might be able to recover:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for all accident-related healthcare costs, including emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical care needs.
• Lost Income: Compensation for wages, salary, bonuses, and other earnings lost while recovering from your injuries, plus any reduction in future earning capacity due to permanent disabilities.
• Pain and Suffering: Monetary compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and reduced quality of life resulting from your accident injuries.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the crash.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact your injuries have had on your relationship with your spouse, including loss of companionship and support.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Coverage for occupational therapy, vocational rehabilitation, medical equipment, and home modifications needed due to your injuries.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Reimbursement for accident-related costs like transportation to medical appointments, hiring help for household duties, and other necessary services.
• Punitive Damages: In cases involving extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, additional compensation may be awarded to punish the at-fault party.

Our skilled legal team at RK&L will thoroughly evaluate your case to identify all potential sources of compensation and fight aggressively to maximize your recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you secure the financial compensation you deserve.

How a Buffalo Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Get The Maximum Compensation

At RK&L, our experienced Buffalo car accident lawyers work tirelessly to help accident victims secure the maximum compensation they deserve. Our proven legal strategies and dedicated approach ensure your rights are protected throughout the claims process. Here's how we advocate for you:

• Thorough Accident Investigation: Our legal team collects critical evidence, interviews witnesses, obtains police reports, and works with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong foundation for your claim.
• Medical Documentation Review: Our Buffalo personal injury lawyers carefully analyze your medical records, consult with healthcare providers, and document the full extent of your injuries to demonstrate their long-term impact on your life.
• Insurance Negotiation Strategy: Our skilled attorneys handle all communications with insurance companies, countering their tactics and negotiating aggressively to secure fair compensation for your injuries.
• Liability Assessment: We identify all potentially liable parties, from negligent drivers to vehicle manufacturers, ensuring every avenue for compensation is pursued.
• Damage Calculation: Our team meticulously calculates your current and future losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and diminished earning capacity.
• Legal Deadline Management: We ensure all claims and legal documents are filed within New York's statute of limitations, protecting your right to pursue compensation.
• Trial Preparation: While many cases settle out of court, we prepare every case as if it's going to trial, strengthening our negotiating position with insurance companies.
• Expert Witness Coordination: We work with medical specialists, economic experts, and accident reconstruction professionals who can testify about the impact of your injuries.
• Settlement Evaluation: Our experienced attorneys assess all settlement offers, providing you with clear guidance on whether to accept or continue negotiations for better terms.

Contact RK&L today for a free consultation with our Buffalo car accident lawyers. Let us put our experience, resources, and dedication to work for you while you focus on your recovery. Remember, you pay nothing unless we win compensation for your injuries.

Car Accident Cases We Take

At RK&L, our experienced Buffalo car accident lawyers handle a wide range of motor vehicle accident cases throughout Western New York. Our legal team has extensive experience successfully representing clients in the following types of accidents:

• Rear-End Collisions: These common accidents often result in serious neck injuries and whiplash. We help victims prove fault and document their injuries, even when insurance companies try to minimize claims.
• T-Bone Accidents: Side-impact collisions frequently cause severe injuries and complex liability issues. Our team investigates traffic signals, right-of-way violations, and other crucial factors to establish fault.
• Head-On Crashes: Among the most devastating accidents, often involving drunk, distracted, or wrong-way drivers. We pursue maximum compensation for catastrophic injuries and wrongful death claims.
• Multi-Vehicle Pileups: Complex cases requiring thorough investigation to determine fault among multiple parties. Our attorneys coordinate with accident reconstruction experts to establish liability.
• Left-Turn Accidents: These intersection collisions often result in disputes over right-of-way and traffic signal timing. We gather evidence to prove liability and protect our clients' rights.
• Commercial Truck Accidents: Collisions involving semi-trucks, delivery vehicles, and other commercial vehicles. We navigate complex federal regulations and pursue claims against both drivers and companies.
• Rideshare Accidents: Crashes involving Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare vehicles present unique insurance challenges. We understand the complex coverage issues and liability factors involved.
• Drunk Driving Crashes: Accidents caused by impaired drivers often warrant additional punitive damages. We work with law enforcement and gather evidence to build the strongest possible case.
• Distracted Driving Accidents: Cases involving texting, phone use, or other distractions. We obtain phone records and other evidence to prove driver negligence.
• Hit-and-Run Collisions: We help victims navigate uninsured motorist claims and work with law enforcement to identify responsible parties.

If you've been injured in any type of car accident in Buffalo or Western New York, contact RK&L for a free consultation. Our skilled legal team will evaluate your case and explain your options for pursuing compensation. Our personal injury lawyers handle all types of motor vehicle accidents, from minor collisions to catastrophic crashes, and we're ready to put our experience to work for you.

High-Risk Roads and Intersections in Buffalo

Below, we've compiled a comprehensive list of locations where our car accident attorneys frequently see collisions occur, especially during challenging weather conditions or high-traffic periods.

• Delaware Avenue and Chippewa Street: This downtown intersection near the Theater District sees numerous accidents due to heavy pedestrian traffic and multiple turning lanes, particularly during evening entertainment hours.
• Elmwood Avenue and Forest Avenue: Our Buffalo car accident lawyers handle frequent cases from this intersection, where university traffic meets residential areas, creating complex traffic patterns.
• Main Street and Bailey Avenue: This major intersection experiences high collision rates due to the convergence of multiple traffic patterns and nearby University at Buffalo South Campus activity.
• Kensington Expressway (Route 33): Our car accident attorneys regularly represent clients injured on this major artery, particularly where it meets Best Street and Jefferson Avenue, where rapid speed changes and merging traffic create hazardous conditions.
• Scajaquada Expressway (Route 198): As Buffalo car accident lawyers, we see numerous cases involving this controversial roadway, especially near the Delaware Park area where speed limits change dramatically.
• William Street and Michigan Avenue: This intersection near downtown Buffalo proves particularly dangerous during Bills game days and major events, with our car accident attorneys handling numerous cases from this location.
• Broadway and Fillmore Avenue: Our Buffalo car accident lawyers frequently work with clients injured at this East Side intersection, where commercial truck traffic often conflicts with residential vehicles.
• Niagara Street and Porter Avenue: This West Side intersection poses significant risks due to its unusual angle and proximity to I-190 on-ramps, leading to many cases for our car accident attorneys.
• South Park Avenue near the Outer Harbor: Our Buffalo car accident lawyers see numerous cases from this area, particularly during summer months when tourism and events increase traffic volume.
• Transit Road and Walden Avenue: This heavily commercial area generates frequent accidents due to multiple turning lanes and high-volume retail traffic, requiring our car accident attorneys' intervention.
• Bailey Avenue and Genesee Street: Our Buffalo car accident lawyers regularly handle cases from this intersection, where rushed commuter traffic often leads to serious collisions.
• Hertel Avenue and Elmwood Avenue: This North Buffalo intersection sees frequent accidents due to its proximity to shopping districts and residential areas, keeping our car accident attorneys busy with cases year-round.

Neighborhoods We Serve in Buffalo

As dedicated Buffalo car accident lawyers, RK&L proudly serves residents throughout every neighborhood of our city. Our car accident attorneys understand the unique characteristics of each community, from the historic streets of the Elmwood Village to the bustling corridors of downtown. This local knowledge helps us better serve our clients and understand the specific circumstances surrounding their accidents. Here's a detailed look at the neighborhoods where our Buffalo car accident lawyers regularly assist clients:

• Allentown Historic District: Our Allentown Historic District car accident attorneys frequently handle cases in this vibrant arts district, where narrow historic streets and heavy pedestrian traffic create unique accident risks around Allen Street and Delaware Avenue.
• Elmwood Village: As Elmwood Village car accident lawyers, we serve this thriving residential area where busy commercial corridors along Elmwood Avenue intersect with residential streets, leading to complex traffic patterns and frequent accidents.
• North Buffalo: Our North Buffalo car accident attorneys assist residents along Hertel Avenue and throughout this family-friendly neighborhood, dealing with cases involving everything from shopping district fender-benders to serious accidents on main arteries.
• South Buffalo: Our South Buffalo car accident lawyers understand the distinctive character of this proud neighborhood, handling cases along Seneca Street and South Park Avenue where industrial traffic often mixes with residential vehicles.
• West Side: As experienced West Side car accident attorneys, we serve this diverse community where accidents often occur along Niagara Street and Richmond Avenue, particularly during farmer's market days and community events.
• East Side: Our East Side car accident lawyers provide dedicated representation to residents throughout this historic area, handling cases along Bailey Avenue, Genesee Street, and Broadway where commercial and residential traffic intersect.
• Downtown/Central Business District: Our Downtown/Central Business District car accident attorneys regularly assist clients involved in accidents around Main Street, Delaware Avenue, and the busy streets near government buildings and entertainment venues.
• Fruit Belt/Medical Corridor: As Fruit Belt/Medical Corridor car accident lawyers, we handle numerous cases in this area where hospital traffic and residential vehicles navigate narrow historic streets around the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.
• University Heights: Our University Heights accident attorneys serve this dynamic neighborhood near the University at Buffalo South Campus, where student traffic and residential vehicles create unique accident patterns along Main Street and Bailey Avenue.
• Riverside: Our Riverside car accident lawyers assist residents throughout this northern neighborhood, handling cases along Tonawanda Street and Ontario Street where changing traffic patterns create accident risks.
• Kaisertown: As dedicated Kaisertown car accident attorneys, we serve this tight-knit community, addressing accidents along Clinton Street and routing trucks mixing with residential traffic.
• Larkinville: Our Larkinville car accident lawyers work with residents and visitors in this revitalized district, handling cases related to the area's growing entertainment and business traffic.

Common Injuries Associated with Car Accidents

At RK&L, our Buffalo car accident lawyers understand the serious impact injuries can have on your life. Through our extensive experience representing accident victims, we regularly help clients who have suffered injuries ranging from mild to catastrophic. Here are the most common car accident injuries we see:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden acceleration-deceleration forces can cause severe neck strain and soft tissue damage. Even in low-speed collisions, whiplash can result in chronic pain, limited mobility, and long-term complications if not properly treated.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): From mild concussions to severe brain trauma, head injuries often occur when victims strike the steering wheel, dashboard, or windows. These injuries can cause cognitive issues, personality changes, and lifelong disabilities requiring extensive rehabilitation.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: The tremendous force of car accidents can damage the spine, potentially causing partial or complete paralysis. These catastrophic injuries often require lifelong medical care and significant lifestyle modifications.
• Back Injuries: Herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, and soft tissue damage to the back are common in car crashes. These injuries can cause chronic pain and limit mobility, often requiring surgery and extensive physical therapy.
• Broken Bones: The impact of a collision frequently results in fractured arms, legs, ribs, and other bones. Multiple fractures may require surgical intervention and extended recovery periods, keeping victims out of work for extended periods.
• Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause serious damage to organs like the liver, kidneys, and spleen. These potentially life-threatening injuries may not show immediate symptoms, making prompt medical evaluation crucial after any accident.
• Knee and Leg Injuries: Dashboard impacts often cause knee trauma, torn ligaments, and leg fractures. These injuries can significantly impair mobility and may require multiple surgeries to repair.
• Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, many accident victims experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These emotional injuries can be just as debilitating as physical ones and often require professional treatment.

If you've suffered any of these injuries in a car accident, it's crucial to seek both medical care and legal representation promptly. At RK&L, we work closely with medical experts to document your injuries and ensure you receive compensation that covers both your current and future medical needs. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your injury case.

Who is Liable for My Car Accident Injuries?

At RK&L, our experienced Buffalo car accident attorneys understand that determining liability after a crash can be complex. New York's liability laws allow injury victims to pursue compensation from multiple parties who may share responsibility. Here are the potentially liable parties we investigate in every car accident case:

• Negligent Drivers: Other motorists who violate traffic laws, drive distracted, operate vehicles while impaired, or otherwise fail to exercise reasonable care can be held liable for crashes they cause.
• Commercial Vehicle Companies: Trucking companies, delivery services, and other businesses may be responsible for their drivers' negligence and for failing to maintain their vehicles properly.
• Vehicle Manufacturers: When accidents are caused by defective auto parts, brake failures, or other manufacturing defects, the vehicle or parts manufacturers can be held liable for resulting injuries.
• Government Entities: Cities, counties, or state agencies may be liable when poor road design, inadequate maintenance, missing signs, or malfunctioning traffic signals contribute to accidents.
• Vehicle Owners: Under New York law, vehicle owners can be held responsible for accidents caused by anyone they allow to drive their car through "vicarious liability" laws.
• Construction Companies: Road construction firms that fail to properly mark hazards, maintain safe detours, or create dangerous conditions can be liable for resulting accidents.
• Employers: When accidents happen during work-related driving, employers may be liable for their employees' negligent actions under "respondeat superior" doctrine.
• Alcohol Vendors: Bars, restaurants, and other establishments that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated persons may share liability in drunk driving accidents under "dram shop" laws.
• Maintenance Companies: Repair shops or maintenance providers who perform faulty work that leads to mechanical failures can be held responsible for resulting crashes.

Don't assume you know who's responsible for your accident injuries. Contact RK&L for a free consultation with our Buffalo car accident lawyers. We'll thoroughly investigate your crash to identify all liable parties and pursue maximum compensation from every available source. Our experienced legal team knows how to prove liability and hold negligent parties accountable for the harm they've caused.

What To Do After Being Injured in a Car Accident

At RK&L, our Buffalo car accident lawyers understand that the actions you take immediately after a crash can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here's our recommended step-by-step guide to protect your health and legal rights after a car accident:

• Ensure Immediate Safety: Move to a safe location if possible and turn on hazard lights. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries before attempting to exit the vehicle.
• Call Emergency Services: Contact 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance, even if injuries seem minor. A police report is crucial documentation for your claim.
• Document the Scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and visible injuries. Capture skid marks, debris, and the overall accident scene from multiple angles.
• Gather Information: Exchange contact and insurance details with other drivers involved. Collect names and contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident.
• Seek Medical Treatment: Get evaluated by medical professionals immediately, even if you feel fine. Some serious injuries may not show symptoms immediately after the crash.
• Notify Your Insurance: Report the accident to your insurance company but stick to basic facts. Don't provide recorded statements or accept quick settlement offers without legal advice.
• Preserve Evidence: Keep all accident-related documents, including medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies. Save receipts for any accident-related expenses.
• Document Recovery: Keep a daily journal of your injuries, pain levels, and how the injuries affect your daily life. Note missed work days and activities you can no longer perform.
• Avoid Social Media: Refrain from posting about your accident or injuries on social media platforms. Insurance companies often monitor these accounts to dispute claims.
• Contact Our Law Firm: Call RK&L as soon as possible for a free consultation with an experienced Buffalo car accident lawyer who can protect your rights and handle your claim.

Don't risk compromising your legal rights after a car accident. Contact RK&L today to speak with our skilled Buffalo car accident attorneys. We'll guide you through every step of the legal process while you focus on your recovery. Remember, the sooner you get legal representation, the better we can protect your right to maximum compensation.

Get Help From Our Buffalo Car Accident Lawyers

Don't wait to get experienced legal help after a car accident. Contact RK&L today for a free consultation with our dedicated Buffalo personal injury attorneys. We'll evaluate your case, answer your questions, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Evening and weekend appointments are available, and we can come to you if needed.

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Buffalo Car Accident Lawyer FAQs

How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?

Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and we only get paid if we win compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so there's no financial risk to you.

Should I accept the insurance company's first settlement offer?

Insurance companies typically offer low initial settlements, hoping you'll accept them before understanding the full extent of your injuries. It's best to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer who can evaluate whether the offer fairly compensates you for all current and future damages.

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in New York?

New York's statute of limitations generally gives you three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, certain circumstances, such as accidents involving government vehicles, may shorten this deadline, making it crucial to consult a lawyer promptly.

What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?

Your own uninsured motorist coverage can provide compensation if an uninsured driver hits you. Our personal injury lawyers can help you understand your policy coverage and pursue compensation through your own insurance company.

How long will my car accident case take to resolve?

Each case is unique, but factors affecting the timeline include the severity of injuries, insurance company cooperation, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. While some cases resolve in months, complex cases may take a year or longer to secure fair compensation.

Can I still receive compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes. New York follows comparative negligence laws, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your percentage of fault would reduce your compensation.

What if my injuries get worse after settling my case?

Once you settle your case, you cannot go back and ask for more compensation, even if your injuries worsen. This is why it's crucial to understand the full extent of your injuries and future medical needs before accepting a settlement.

Will I have to go to court for my car accident case?

Most car accident cases settle out of court through negotiations. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial to fight for the compensation you deserve.