Disclaimer: *Steve and Rich Barnes have obtained millions in recoveries for their clients and have supervised over $2.5 Billion Dollars in settlements.
Written by The Barnes Firm, reviewed by Richard Barnes
Rich Barnes
President
Driving a motor vehicle is the most popular way to travel the city and suburbs of Buffalo. With thousands of cars commuting to work and traveling the roads of Buffalo each day, car accidents unfortunately occur, sometimes leaving victims with severe, long-lasting injuries.
At The Barnes Firm, our trusted car accident attorneys have been helping car accident victims in Buffalo and surrounding communities for decades. Our team is knowledgeable in New York State car accident laws and will work hard to help you get the best result possible for your case. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident in Buffalo, or Western New York, our team of experienced car accident lawyers at The Barnes Firm are here to help you get the settlement you deserve. Insurance companies will often lowball car accident victims and not provide them the compensation they deserve for their injuries. When you hire a Buffalo car accident attorney at The Barnes Firm, you can be confident that our experience and knowledge will help you get the best result possible for your accident case. With over 100 years of combined experience, our attorneys are ready to fight for you every step of the way.
Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”
Years of Experience: 30+ years
LinkedIn Profile: Richard Barnes
No matter the cause of your car accident, our team of experienced Buffalo car accident lawyers at The Barnes Firm are equipped to handle your case. Our team has found that car accidents in Buffalo can typically be linked back to one or more of the following causes:
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident in Buffalo, or a surrounding community, The Barnes Firm can help. Call us at (800) 800-0000 today. Our team of experienced car accident attorneys are available 24/7 to answer any questions and assist with filing an accident claim.
At The Barnes Firm, our team of Buffalo car accident lawyers has successfully helped clients get the best result possible in the following types of car accidents:
New York is a no-fault state. This means regardless of who is responsible or at fault for your accident, insurance will be the first place to turn to get compensation for your injuries. Insurance companies may deny your claim or only pay up to certain policy limits. If your claim is denied, or your injuries exceed what the insurance company will pay, you can potentially file a claim against anyone who contributed to your car accident injuries. This could include:
Car accident claims in New York State can be confusing when you don’t have an experienced attorney on your side. When you choose The Barnes Firm, our trusted team of Buffalo car accident attorneys will guide you through every part of your claim and work hard to help you get the best result possible. Try not to be too anxious and accept the first offer from insurance after an accident. Instead, call The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000 and find out what your case is really worth.
After a car accident, victims can be left feeling overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, The Barnes Firm recommends that you:
Regardless of the severity of your car accident injuries, The Barnes Firm can help you get the financial compensation you deserve. Our team of car accident attorneys have helped clients with one, or more of the following injuries, recover compensation for:
At The Barnes Firm, our experienced and trusted team of attorneys understand how traumatic and life-changing car accident injuries can be – and want to help. After a car accident, put your trust in our successful team of attorneys and have them handle the legal aspect so you can focus on getting better and recovering from your injuries.
Depending on the severity of your accident, the damages you can recover will vary. Our trusted team of Buffalo car accident lawyers will help you recover all the damages you are entitled to after an accident. Compensation for damages may be used for or include:
Our team of result-driven Buffalo car accident lawyers have the experience and knowledge to help you get the best result possible for your car accident claim.
In Buffalo, and throughout New York State, you have three years from the date of accident, or date of injury discovery, to file a personal injury claim. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, call The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation and find out what your case is worth.
At The Barnes Firm, our experienced and result-driven Buffalo car accident attorneys have helped thousands of clients injured in car accidents get the best result possible. Our team of car accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm have recovered millions for our clients and will put that experience and success to work for you.
Call (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation – it could be the best call you make.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, construction accident, or have suffered another type of personal injury contact our team today.
Free Case Evaluation or call us: (800) 800-0000Client Reviews
“I highly recommend The Barnes Firm and their team of attorneys. Above and beyond all expectations. If you want a lawyer and a law firm that will actually care about you, and get your case done right, they are the best! They will work hard for you no matter the size of your case. I have recommended you guys to my family and friends! Thank you!”
Most people have never needed a lawyer when they find themselves injured and in need of legal advice. We hear the following questions from many of our clients. We hope the answers help clarify your options and considerations.
You should get a NY car accident lawyer if you or a loved one suffers an injury from the accident. Injuries are the basis for many claims and subsequent lawsuits in civil court. If you suffer an injury, the other person can be liable for your injuries and damages.
The average car accident settlement in New York is around $287,000 for significant cases. This is eight times more than the national average. However, injury victims might get anywhere from a few hundred dollars to hundreds of thousands, and some cases can result in millions, depending on the circumstances. The value of your settlement will be based on the injuries you sustain.
Read more about here: How Much Should a Settlement Be for a Car Accident?
New York allows anyone who sustained an injury in a car accident to sue for damages. Before you can file a lawsuit, you must go through the insurance claim process first. There are various restrictions and deadlines to consider before filing a lawsuit and it’s helpful to have an experienced attorney on your side to guide you through the process.
Typically, a car accident lawsuit can take a couple of weeks to a few months to resolve. In some instances, it can take up to a year or longer. The length it takes can depend on liability issues, insurance policy limits, and injury severity. You must wait until you finish your medical treatment before accepting a settlement. Do not try to rush the process. Stick to your treatments and work with your legal team.
Once you file an insurance claim for a New York car accident, the insurance company must settle within 35 business days. However, they have other deadlines to respond to your lawsuit. The state gives them 15 days from the filing date to respond. They can respond by asking for additional information, such as details about the accident or medical records. When they ask for more information, it can be a delay tactic.
New York is a no-fault state. That means drivers must submit claims to their insurance company after a crash. The insurer can cover economic and noneconomic losses. If you were in an accident, the insurance company can reimburse you for damages. This reimbursement comes regardless of who is responsible for causing the accident. Motorists must have liability insurance with the following minimum coverage options:
The insurance company can pay this out to the driver and the passenger in the vehicle. It can also cover damages for pedestrians who were struck by your car.
We must examine your insurance coverage and the victim’s injuries to determine what happens next. When you have insurance, you are covered under no-fault law. That means any losses you cause can be covered. If there is a claim filed, that can increase your insurance premium. If you break any laws, you may also have to deal with a ticket.
You will also have the chance to defend yourself. There are some common defenses you can use. You can try to show you were not at fault. You can also show the injured person contributed to the collision, thus splitting the responsibility between multiple parties. Or you can show they miscalculated their damages.
Car accidents stay on your record and can impact your insurance coverage. You will want these accidents off your record as soon as possible. A car accident will typically stay on your record for four years in New York. It can remain on your record even longer if it is a severe accident. If there is alcohol involved, then you will be facing criminal charges, and the timeline will extend even more.
New York personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That means they will get a percentage of your final settlement. This percentage can vary by firm. It will also change the further along you go in your claim. You may have one percentage during pre-litigation and then a different one in litigation. Some attorneys can also up the percentage if the case goes to trial.
Learn more: How Much Does a Lawyer Charge for a Car Accident Case?
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"My lawyer was Mike Cooper, he helped me with my lawsuit when I broke my ankle. He was extremely helpful and attentive and helped me in my time of need. I cannot thank hi...
"My lawyer was Derek Roller and he helped so much! Very on top of everything and always kept me informed as to what was going on! I couldn’t recommend someone better!"
"Derek Roller attorney with the Barnes Firm did an outstanding job representing me in a vehicle accident. I was kept informed and followed up on consistently throughout t...
"My personal injury lawyer was Derek Roller and they helped me with my personal injury car accident lawsuit. I can’t thank them enough! They did everything in a timely ...
"Derek roller was very professional, down to earth, and tells it to you straight. He said he thinks he can help me and even if he can’t, he’s going to try. I didn’t...
"I was represented by Phil Maiarana, when the insurance company made an offer, Phil did an excellent job and worked to get the original offer doubled! Outstanding custome...
"My personal injury lawyer was Derek Roller and he helped me with my motor vehicle accident/personal injury lawsuit. I felt heard, any documents that needed to be submitt...
"Raeanne Over and Matt Louisos have been absolutely wonderful to work with. He has helped turn an insurance nightmare into something breathable. I hope to never have to b...
"Highly Recommend this law firm especially Matt Louisos. Handled my case with no issues and got 4X the insurance offer."
"My attorney, Michael Cooper, settled my lawsuit in a timely manner and was very professional. I was very pleased working with him and his staff. I have confidence in his...
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"My personal injury lawyer was Murrett, John C., Jr and they helped me with my car accident case lawsuit. I can’t thank them enough! I also would like to take the time ...
"I was in a car accident and called The Barnes Firm for help. My attorney, Derek Roller, encouraged me to seek medical attention immediately when he realized I was in a l...
"My attorney Derek Roller represented me in my slip and fall case when I broke my right foot in 2021 after slipping and falling on a wet office floor. It was very painful...
"After my auto accident as I was hit from behind, I started my case with Rich Barnes. After the tragic accident of Rich’s Daughter and Brother, Rich turned my case over...
"My personal Injury Lawyer at The Barnes Firm, Derek Roller helped me get the most from my case. He kept great communication with me and always had an answer to my questi...
"Louisos, Matthew A., Esq. was an outstanding lawyer who truly made a difference in my case. He maintained excellent communication through emails and phone calls, always ...
"Michael Cooper and his team went above and beyond to assist me and get me to the end result with nothing but kindness and compassion. I highly recommend The Barnes Firm ...
"I was injured in a car accident while on vacation out of state. I called the Barnes Firm and attorney Mike Cooper took care of everything. Mike Cooper and his staff at t...
"My Lawyer John C Murrett exhibited excellent communication skills, keeping me informed at every stage of the process and promptly addressing any concerns or inquiries I ...
"My personal injury lawyer was Derek Roller and he helped me with my no fault lawsuit. I can't thank him enough!"
"I am very happy with the outcome of the service I received from The Barnes Firm. My lawyer Matt gave my case his all. It is very hard to fight a a lawsuit for a fall, le...
"I’m more than satisfied with the services that The Barnes firm has provided. My lawyer, Micheal J. Cooper was amazing. I highly recommend this law firm to everyone."
"My personal injury lawyer was Robert Schreck and they helped me with my personal injury lawsuit related to an automobile accident. I appreciated them taking care of all ...
"During one of the most difficult times in my life, Derek at The Barnes firm and his team made things possible. I was with a different law firm prior to; however, I was d...
"I would definitely recommend Matt Louisos as a lawyer. Before I found Matt, I talked to another big name Law Firm and they said that they couldn’t help me. Once I reac...
"My personal injury lawyer was John C. Murrett and they helped me with my injury lawsuit. I can’t thank them enough!"
"Great firm that will fight for you. They were very helpful with my case, any questions I had, and always responded fast. I highly recommend The Barnes Firm, as they get ...
"Wanted to let people know Derek J. Roller, Esq. of The Barnes Firm level of professionalism is unparalleled, and I am thankful for his commitment. Thank you again, Mark"
"Philip & his assistant Leah were very helpful. The Barnes Firm, assisted me with my questions and concerns. Most importantly they helped me get the medical attention...
"The Barnes Firm has helped me handle the death of my child in a auto accident and made it less painful for me. Thank you Michael Cooper! I always get paid what I'm promi...
"I highly recommend The Barnes Firm and team of attorneys. Above and beyond all expectations. If you want a lawyer and a law firm that will actually care about you, and g...
"Derek Roller did an amazing job settling our case 10/10 would recommend"
"I called after my accident and attorney Michael Cooper has been there every step of the way. I recommend giving him a call after an accident."
"If your looking for a honest lawyer who gets the job done, Phil Maiarana is your guy. He got me what I asked for & more! Thank you Phil"
"My experience with The Barnes Firm was great and my lawyer, Philip J. Maiarana, was very knowledgeable and ensured that I got full coverage in terms of my settlements."
"My attorney was John C Murrett Jr, Esq. He and his assistant Nichole were most helpful and professional in the handling of my personal injury suit. The suit developed fr...
"My injury attorney, Derek Roller, was great to work with. He kept me updated along each step of the way, from the moment I contacted The Barnes Firm for a consult, throu...
"Jack and Nichole were a great team. She guided me through every step of my medical and treatment. Jack stayed in constant contact with me keeping me updated on everythin...
"My Attorney is Philip J Maiarana & his Paralegal is Leah Novo. They are very professional & thorough. Everything was explained & was kept updated through tex...
"Phil at the Barnes Firm is the utmost professional. He is very knowledgeable and proficient. When you contact him with a question or concern he gets back to you immediat...
"My personal injury lawyer was Derek Roller and he helped me with my Car Accident lawsuit. I can’t thank him enough! He was very nice and concern for my well being. He ...
"My attorney, Matt Louisos with The Barnes Firm, did an amazing job! Matt was very personable, easy to speak with and kept me informed consistently throughout the process...
"They were very attentive to my needs, and willing to explain the process and steps to me. They took the time to hear me and my concerns and help to ease my nerves. Alway...
"My lawyer was Derek J. Roller, that helped with my automobile accident lawsuit. I could tell he took this case seriously and always gave me updates with what was happeni...
"I'm so glad that I used The Barnes Firm because they went above and beyond with the things that they had to do for me in a very quick and informative way. I can't say en...
"No Fault case where my car insurance would not pay for injuries sustained. My car was rear ended & other driver took off. Injuries were not life threatening, but end...
"Thank you Matt Louisos and his team at The Barnes Firm! You were easy to work with and always there when I need you. I would recommend you to anyone!"
"My lawyer Michael Cooper is amazing, he helped me with everything, great doctors, great physical therapy a wonderful chiropractor, I couldn’t’ of asked for a better ...
"Matt Louisos and his team were very easy to talk to and they worked very hard in getting me the maximum amount of money that I deserved due to my MVA. Thank you all very...
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