Content Reviewed By:
John Richmond, Co-Founding Member
- October 23, 2024
Car accidents in Buffalo are all too common. Distracted or impaired drivers are some of the people who cause crashes that leave victims with life-altering financial, physical, and emotional burdens. When someone else is responsible for your crash, you deserve compensation for the short-term and long-term impact on your life.
Partnering with our experienced Buffalo car accident lawyers is the first step toward maximizing your chances of securing fair compensation. At Richmond Vona, we have a solid reputation in the legal community and a strong history of securing high-value case results for our clients. We understand western New York and how insurance companies will work to diminish the value of your claim.
Let us put our decades of experience to work for you. Call (716) 500-5678 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation.
- Choose a Capable Car Accident Lawyer From Richmond Vona
- Compensation You Can Receive After a Buffalo Car Wreck
- How New York’s No-Fault Law May Affect Your Case
- What Is the New York Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims?
- What if I’m Partially at Fault?
- How Should I Prepare for My Consultation?
- Let Richmond Vona Handle Your Car Accident Lawsuit
- Related Readings
Choose a Capable Car Accident Lawyer From Richmond Vona
At Richmond Vona, we take a limited number of clients to ensure they each receive the personalized attention they deserve. We assign small teams of three to four members to streamline communication with our clients and ensure a strategic and collaborative approach in each case. Our client-centric approach allows us to work toward the best possible legal outcome, as well as provide high-quality services.
Founding partner John E. Richmond grew up in western New York and is intimately familiar with the local legal landscape, insurance company strategies in our market, and the major roadways that frequently see accidents. Prior to law school, founding partner Keith R. Vona served in the U.S. Marine Corps and spent nearly a decade as an officer in the Buffalo Police Department, instilling in him a strong sense of discipline and dedication that he brings to our legal practice.
Our award-winning legal team has many decades of combined experience and has been recognized by numerous respected organizations and publications:
- Top 10 Buffalo Car Accident Lawyers 2023 and 2024 by Trust Analytica
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating for Ethical Standards and Legal Ability, the highest rating available
- Super Lawyers
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers
We’ve recovered over $175 million in settlements and verdicts for clients throughout New York. We are honored when they leave glowing reviews praising our open communication, excellent service, and ability to get the results they deserve.
We leverage our experience in all areas of personal injury law to navigate the legal landscape and work toward the case results our clients need to rebuild their lives after an accident. We handle all kinds of auto injury cases, including those involving:
- Uber & Lyft accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Truck accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Bus accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Hit and run accidents
- Rear end collisions
- PIP claims
Learn more about our personal injury law firm and practice area by visiting our FAQs page and by catching up on our firm news.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Everyone deserves high-quality legal counsel and representation in their hour of need. Our Buffalo car accident lawyers are standing by to make sure you are not left out. We offer free consultations and take our cases on a contingency basis. That means we pay the upfront cost of investigating and litigating your case. Ultimately, you pay nothing unless we secure compensation on your behalf.
Compensation You Can Receive After a Buffalo Car Wreck
You will need comprehensive medical care and testing after a car accident. You won’t know the true extent of your damages without medical attention. Once we can calculate your full damages, our skilled Buffalo car accident attorneys will help you pursue full and fair compensation. Your compensable damages may include:
- Current and future medical and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and future earnings
- Property damage
- Costs of in-home nursing care
- Cost of modifying your home or vehicle to accommodate your injuries
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Funeral costs, loss of companionship, and lost financial contributions if the accident resulted in a wrongful death
Insurance companies will use underhanded tactics, such as pressuring you to accept unfairly low offers and negotiating in bad faith, to protect their bottom lines. When an insurance company tries to take advantage of you, we will not hesitate to push back or take your case to court if needed to protect your rights.
Case Results
Our Buffalo car accident lawyers have developed a strong reputation for securing high-value case results for our clients. Some examples of the cases and verdicts we have achieved on their behalf include:
- $825,000 for a client who was injured while driving down a residential street when a snowplow truck backed out of a driveway and hit him. Our client suffered serious injuries, including a neck injury requiring surgery. The defendant settled before concluding trial.
- $1.2 million for a client hurt while driving in Hamburg, NY, on a major roadway. Another driver ran a red light and turned in front of our client on a green. Our client was seriously and permanently injured. His dog was also killed in the accident.
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This law firm goes above and beyond to fight for you. Their entire team treats you with respect and truly cares about your well-being. Look no further if you need a personal injury lawyer.
John Richmond and the team at Richmond Vona did an incredible job with my complicated personal injury case. They made sure no stone was unturned and got me the settlement I deserved for my situation. They treat you well, explain everything you need to know and more so you are always in the loop about the status of your case. John was easy to get in touch with anytime during the process and made signing paperwork easy and understandable. Their entire staff is professional and helpful throughout the process These guys are fair, trustworthy, and will stand up for you!
This firm’s attention to detail is second to none. It’s evident that they are true professionals and really care about their injured clients. This is the firm to call if you have been seriously injured due to someone else’s negligence.
How New York's No-Fault Law May Affect Your Case
All motorists in New York are legally responsible for carrying minimum auto insurance coverage. Car accident victims should know that New York is a no-fault car insurance state. This means that injured auto accident victims must first seek compensation through their no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) coverage after a crash.
When Can You Step Outside of the No-Fault System?
Again, you must first turn to your no-fault PIP coverage after a crash. However, if you suffer more than $50,000 in basic economic losses or a “serious injury” as defined by statute, you may turn to a personal injury lawsuit or auto liability claim against the at-fault party. Unlike PIP, these options allow you to seek compensation for your pain and suffering, which can significantly increase the value of your claim. Serious injuries include those that lead to:
- Death
- Dismemberment
- Significant disfigurement
- Fracture
- Loss of a fetus
- Permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function, or system
- Permanent consequential limitation of a body organ or member
- Significant limitation of use of a body function or system
What Is the 90/180 Day Rule?
Another way to meet the “serious injury” requirement is by suffering a non-permanent injury or impairment that prevents you from engaging in your regular day-to-day activities for at least 90 of the 180 days immediately following the crash.
You will need compelling medical evidence showing that the accident significantly disrupted your life for that period. Our car crash lawyers can help you gather the evidence needed to substantiate your claim.
What Is the New York Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims?
When filing a PIP claim, you must give notice within 30 days after your accident. The New York personal injury statute of limitations normally gives you three years from the date of injury to file your formal lawsuit seeking compensation. If your loved one was killed in a car accident, the deadline for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is shortened to two years from the date of their passing.
Do not wait to reach out to our Buffalo car accident lawyers. Remember, failure to file your case before the correct deadline will most likely result in it being dismissed in court. Getting started on your case as soon as possible is also essential because crucial evidence can quickly disappear and witness memories will start to fade.
What if I'm Partially at Fault?
Because New York follows the doctrine of “pure comparative negligence,” you can recover compensation following a car accident even if you were partly to blame for the wreck. For example, if you suffered $1 million in damages but were 30 percent responsible for the crash, you can collect up to $700,000.
How Should I Prepare for My Consultation?
Preparing for your free consultation will ensure a productive meeting and help our lawyers assess your case effectively. To prepare for your car accident consultation, take the following steps if possible:
- Gather all relevant documents, including the police report, medical records, insurance policies, and any correspondence with insurance companies.
- Make a detailed account of the accident, including the timeline, location, and circumstances.
- List any witnesses and their contact information.
- Document your injuries, treatments, and any impact on your daily life.
- Prepare a list of questions and concerns you have about your case.
Our compassionate attorneys understand that handling the aftermath of a car accident can be difficult on your own. If your injuries or other aspects of your situation make it difficult to take these steps, don’t worry. We are here to support you and ensure you understand your full legal rights and options.
Let Richmond Vona Handle Your Car Accident Lawsuit
Even a minor car accident can be difficult to handle. No matter the circumstances of your case, we are here to help. If you were injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s carelessness, you deserve a Buffalo car accident lawyer who will fight for every penny you deserve.
Richmond Vona will stand by your side throughout the life of your case. Call (716) 500-5678 or reach out online to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. You pay nothing unless we secure compensation on your behalf.
