John Richmond, Co-Founder and CEO
- July 24, 2026
If you have recently been injured in Amherst, you are likely facing a sudden wave of stress that extends far beyond your physical pain. Between mounting medical bills, aggressive calls from insurance adjusters, and the uncertainty of when you can return to work, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. As one of the most populated and busiest areas in the greater Buffalo area, we know Amherst sees a high volume of traffic and activity, which unfortunately leads to a wide range of preventable accidents and injuries.
At Richmond Vona, we understand that you need more than just legal advice; you need a dedicated local advocate who understands the Amherst community and the Erie County court system. We are here to handle the legal complexities of your case so that you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.
- Richmond Vona Is Here For Your Amherst Personal Injury Case
- Common Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Amherst, NY
- Where Do Most Personal Injury Accidents Happen in Amherst?
- Who Can Be Held Liable for My Injuries in Amherst, NY?
- What Compensation Can I Recover After an Injury in Amherst, NY?
- How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in New York?
- What Can an Amherst Personal Injury Lawyer Do for You?
- Speak With an Amherst Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Richmond Vona Is Here For Your Amherst Personal Injury Case
Choosing the right legal representation will significantly impact the outcome of your claim. Our firm is built on a client-first approach, combining deep local knowledge with a track record of success in Amherst and the surrounding Western New York area. We have the ability to meet our clients remotely and at their convenience, in and around the greater Amherst area.
After an accident, navigating the legal system can be overwhelming, especially while you’re trying to recover and continue with daily life. When you trust us with your case, you’ll get a dedicated legal team of 2-3 people who will be in contact with you throughout your case.
We operate on a contingency fee structure, which means you pay no fee unless we win your case. This allows you to pursue justice without the burden of upfront legal costs, ensuring that high-quality legal representation is accessible to everyone in our community, regardless of their financial situation.
Meet Our Co-Founders
Co-founder Keith R. Vona, from Lovejoy, is former Marine and veteran, giving him a great understanding of what injury, emergency response, and real accountability actually look like. Our co-founder and CEO, John E. Richmond, grew up in Greece, with parents involved throughout our community. That deep compassion and care we have for our community and neighbors is the foundation of how we practice law.
Together, John and Keith built Richmond Vona in 2019 with a clear mission: to redefine what people expect from a personal injury law firm.
Proven Results in Personal Injury Cases
Our attorneys have a history of securing significant case results for our clients, ranging from six-figure settlements to multi-million dollar verdicts in complex liability cases. We have the resources and the determination to handle serious, life-altering injuries and achieve outcomes that truly reflect the damages our clients have suffered.
- $420K Recovery after a car accident at a major intersection in Amherst.
- $100K Max. Policy Recovery after a Car Accident in Amherst
- $115K Arbitration Recovery due to a car accident in Amherst
- $150K Recovery for Nursing Home Neglect in Williamsville
- $225K Max. Policy Recovery after a Car Accident in Williamsville
- $100K Max. Policy Recovery After a Car Accident in Amherst
- $125K Recovery for Bicycle Accident in Amherst
Common Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Amherst, NY
Accidents in Amherst happen everyday in various ways, each affects those involved differently. Our team is ready to help you, especially after these types of accidents:
- Car Accidents: We help victims navigate New York’s no-fault laws to secure coverage for medical expenses and lost wages.
- Truck Accidents: 18-wheeler accidents are devastating. With trucking routes all throughout Western New York, it’s important to have a local, experienced, and empathetic team by your side if a truck accident affects you and your loved ones.
- Motorcycle Accidents: During the warmer months, a motorcycle ride throughout Amherst and Buffalo is absolutely beautiful. With both our firm’s founders being former motorcycle riders, we know motorcycle accidents can happen no matter the precautions you take. Our team is here for you.
- Catastrophic Injuries: Catastrophic injuries are a group and classification of extreme injuries. This includes injuries like TBI (traumatic brain injuries), spinal injuries, and other injuries.
- Wrongful Death: If your loved one has died due to a preventable accident, firstly- our team and community is sending you our condolences. No amount of compensation is comparable to a loss of life. We’re here to help you secure compensation for any expenses, such as funeral expenses and lost wages.
- Slip and Falls: We hold property owners accountable when they fail in their duty of care to maintain safe premises.
- Dog Bites: We assist those injured by unrestrained or dangerous animals in seeking compensation for physical and emotional trauma.
- Premises Liability:
- Workplace Injuries: From construction sites to office buildings, we help workers pursue claims beyond standard workers’ compensation when third-party negligence is involved.
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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.
Where Do Most Personal Injury Accidents Happen in Amherst?
Amherst is home to some of the busiest thoroughfares and shopping hubs in Western New York, which are frequently the sites of personal injury incidents. High-traffic areas where accidents often occur include:
- Transit Road: This major commercial corridor is a frequent site for rear-end collisions and intersection accidents.
- Maple Road: With its mix of residential entrances and commercial plazas, Maple Road sees significant daily congestion and accidents.
- The I-290 (Youngmann Memorial Highway): The Amherst stretch of the 290 is notorious for high-speed accidents and multi-vehicle pile ups during rush hour and winter weather.
- Shopping Centers: Busy areas such as the Boulevard Mall vicinity and other large plazas in the Northtown area are common locations for parking lot accidents and slip-and-fall incidents.
Who Can Be Held Liable for My Injuries in Amherst, NY?
Liability refers to the legal responsibility for the harm caused by an accident. Depending on the circumstances, responsibility may fall on:
- Individuals: Such as negligent drivers, businesses, or pet owners.
- Businesses: Companies may be liable for the actions of their employees or for faulty products.
- Property Owners: Both residential and commercial owners can be held responsible for dangerous conditions on their land.
- Multiple Parties: In some cases, more than one person or entity may share the blame for your injuries.
What Compensation Can I Recover After an Injury in Amherst, NY?
Victims of negligence in Amherst are often eligible for both economic and non-economic damages.
- Economic Damages: These are measurable financial losses, such as hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost income.
- Non-Economic Damages: These cover intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. As of 2026, New York has implemented a narrow $100,000 cap on non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, aimed at lawbreaking claimants rather than innocent victims. The cap applies only to non-death personal injury claims where the injured plaintiff shares fault and was operating an uninsured vehicle they were responsible for insuring, operating while impaired, or operating during the commission of or immediate flight from a felony.
Can I Still Recover Compensation If I’m Partly at Fault?
Yes, though the rule recently changed. New York has historically been a pure contributory negligence state, meaning you could still recover damages if you were partially (or even mostly) at fault, with your compensation reduced by your percentage of fault. Under recent legislative changes in 2026, New York has shifted to a modified comparative fault law. As a result, drivers who are found to be more than 50% at fault will no longer have any claim. If you are found to be 50% at fault or less, your recovery is still reduced proportionally rather than completely prevented.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in New York?
Timing is essential in legal matters. In New York, the statute of limitations generally allows three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there are some exceptions, like claims against a local municipality, which require a much faster Notice of Claim. Waiting too long can result in the loss of critical evidence or the expiration of your right to sue.
What Can an Amherst Personal Injury Lawyer Do for You?
Hiring a personal injury lawyer levels the playing field against powerful insurance companies. At Richmond Vona, our role is to act as your advocate through every stage of the process, including:
- Investigating the Claim: We gather police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage to build a strong foundation for your case.
- Dealing with Insurers: We handle all communications and negotiations with insurance adjusters so you don’t have to.
- Calculating Damages: We work with experts to ensure we are pursuing the full amount you need for both current and future expenses.
- Fighting for Fair Compensation: Whether through a settlement or a trial, we are prepared to fight for the justice you deserve.
- Helping You and Your Family Move Forward: We’re here to help you and your loved ones move forward after an accident that was no fault of your own- whether that’s through compensation, medical care, and just having someone to listen to your concerns, our team is here for you.
Our Team of Amherst Personal Injury Attorneys Near You
Speak With an Amherst Personal Injury Lawyer Today
- Phone: 716-500-5678
- Office Location: Richmond Vona, serving Amherst, NY