John Richmond, Co-Founder and CEO
- July 22, 2026
If you were injured in a car accident in Amherst, Richmond Vona Injury Lawyers can help you pursue the full compensation you’re owed. Our car accident lawyers have recovered more than $200 million for injury victims across Buffalo and Western New York and we know how to take on insurance companies that undervalue valid claims. New York law allows seriously injured victims to recover damages beyond no-fault coverage, including pain and suffering, lost future earnings, and the lasting impact a crash can have on your life. Call (716) 500-5678 or contact us online for a free consultation.
- Why Choose Richmond Vona for Your Amherst Car Accident Case
- Driving in Amherst: Where Accidents Happen
- Common Car Accident Injuries We Handle
- Common Causes of Car Accidents in Amherst, NY
- What Compensation Is Available After an Amherst Car Accident?
- How New York’s No-Fault Law Applies to Your Claim
- What Our Clients Say
- How Richmond Vona Builds Your Case
- Our Car Accident Case Results
- What Are the Filing Deadlines for a Car Accident Claim in New York?
- Contact an Amherst Car Accident Lawyer at Richmond Vona
- Frequently Asked Questions: Car Accident Claims in Amherst, NY
Why Choose Richmond Vona for Your Amherst Car Accident Case
Every Richmond Vona client is assigned a dedicated team of two to three legal professionals, not a rotating roster of strangers. You will always know who is handling your case, what is happening with it, and how to reach us directly.
We are serious trial attorneys. When insurance companies refuse to make a fair offer, we take cases to court. That readiness is not a formality. It is the power we bring to the negotiating table. While we are always prepared to fight, the decision to go to trial is a significant one that we evaluate closely with you. We provide the expertise and the strategy, but you always have the final word on how we move forward.
Our team’s commitment to excellence has been recognized throughout the legal community, including:
- 2025 Super Lawyers: John Richmond, Keith Vona, Kristopher Schwarzmueller, Herschel Gelber
- 2025 Super Lawyers Rising Stars: Brian Alterio, Rebecca Postek
- Best Lawyers: Regional Tier 1, Buffalo, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs – John Richmond, Keith Vona, Timothy O’Connell, Pete Brady, Hershel Gelber, Stephanie Gelber, Michael Szczygiel, and Kristopher Schwarzmueller
- 2025 Best Law Firm
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyer in New York – John Richmond
- National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 Civil Plaintiff – Rebecca Postek
- Best Lawyers: Ones To – Watch Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs – Rebecca Postek
- 2025 Crisp SELECT Firm of the Year
Driving in Amherst: Where Accidents Happen
Amherst is one of the most populous towns in Erie County, with a busy network of local roads, commercial corridors, and highway access points that see heavy traffic throughout the day. Transit Road, Main Street, Maple Road, and Niagara Falls Boulevard are among the most heavily traveled routes in the area. Intersections near the University at Buffalo’s North Campus, the Sheridan Drive corridor, and the I-990 and I-290 interchange are all locations where the volume and mix of drivers, students, pedestrians, and commercial vehicles can increase collision risk.
Our winters add another layer of danger. Snow, ice, and reduced visibility on Erie County roads create conditions where a momentary lapse in attention or a failure to reduce speed can have serious consequences.
Common Car Accident Injuries We Handle
The injuries sustained in car accidents range widely in severity. Some clients come to us with fractures and soft tissue damage that require months of treatment. Others have suffered life-altering injuries that will affect them for years to come. We represent Amherst accident victims who have suffered:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Herniated and bulging discs requiring surgery
- Broken and fractured bones
- Whiplash and cervical injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Nerve damage
- Burn injuries and scarring
- Soft tissue injuries
- Wrongful death
Not every injury announces itself immediately. It is common for symptoms of serious conditions, including traumatic brain injuries and internal damage, to appear hours or days after a crash. Seeking prompt medical attention after any accident is critical, both for your health and for documenting your injuries in a way that supports your legal claim.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Amherst, NY
Our attorneys represent victims injured in all manner of car accidents across Amherst and throughout Erie County. Common causes we encounter in our clients’ cases include:
- Distracted driving, including cell phone use behind the wheel
- Speeding and aggressive driving
- Failure to yield at intersections or while merging
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Fatigued driving, particularly involving commercial vehicle operators
- Unsafe lane changes and improper passing
- Failure to adjust speed for weather or road conditions
- Mechanical failure or vehicle defects
- Inexperienced or unlicensed drivers
Regardless of how your accident happened, our team will investigate thoroughly to identify every liable party and build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
What Compensation Is Available After an Amherst Car Accident?
When another driver’s negligence causes your injuries, New York law gives you the right to pursue compensation for the full range of losses you have experienced. Those damages fall into two categories: economic damages, which cover your measurable financial losses, and non-economic damages, which account for the human cost of your injuries.
| Economic Damages | Non-Economic Damages |
|---|---|
| Past and future medical expenses | Pain and suffering |
| Lost wages | Emotional distress |
| Lost future earning capacity | Loss of enjoyment of life |
| Property damage and vehicle repair or replacement | Loss of bodily function |
| Out-of-pocket incidental expenses | Scarring and disfigurement |
If a loved one passed in an Amherst car accident, our attorneys can also help your family pursue wrongful death damages. These may include your loved one’s final medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost financial support, and the loss of guidance, companionship, and care your family has suffered.
Our attorneys will carefully evaluate every category of loss applicable to your situation. We do not accept quick offers that leave injury victims short. We pursue what you truly deserve.
What if I Was Partially at Fault?
New York has changed the fault rules for certain motor vehicle injury claims as part of the ‘Money In Your Pockets’ legislation in June 2026. Under the state’s traditional comparative fault system, being partly responsible for a crash reduced your recovery but did not eliminate it. If your share of fault is greater than the fault of the defendant you are suing, or greater than the combined fault of the defendants you are suing, you will be barred from recovering damages.
Insurance companies already try to shift blame in disputed crashes. Under the new rule, those arguments carry higher stakes. The difference between being less than half at fault and more than half at fault may determine whether you can recover compensation at all.
How New York's No-Fault Law Applies to Your Claim
New York is a no-fault insurance state. After a car accident in Amherst, your own auto insurance policy will cover your initial medical bills and a portion of your lost wages through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, regardless of who caused the crash.
However, no-fault coverage has limits. When your injuries are serious, New York law allows you to step outside the no-fault system and file a claim directly against the at-fault driver. To do so, your injuries must meet New York’s “serious injury” threshold. This standard may be satisfied by a significant disfigurement, a bone fracture, a permanent or significant limitation of a body organ, member, or function, or a medically determined injury that prevents you from performing your normal daily activities permanently. Previously, you could recover partial damages if you couldn’t perform daily activities for at least 90 of the 180 days following the accident. In 2026, one of the qualifying “serious injury” categories was removed. The 90/180-day category, which allowed people to qualify even without a permanent injury, no longer exists. If you are unsure whether your injuries meet the serious injury threshold, that is exactly what a free consultation is for.
What Our Clients Say
Our clients regularly share their experiences working with Richmond Vona. Here is what a few of them have said:
How Richmond Vona Builds Your Case
A strong car accident claim requires thorough investigation, careful documentation, and a legal strategy tailored to the specific facts of your case. When you hire Richmond Vona, our team gets to work right away. Our process typically includes the following after a car accident:
- A detailed review of the police accident report
- Visiting the scene to document road conditions, traffic controls, and sight lines
- Securing surveillance footage, traffic camera recordings, and any available dashcam video before it is deleted or overwritten
- Interviewing eyewitnesses while their accounts are fresh
- Gathering and reviewing all medical records to fully document your injuries and treatment
- Consulting accident reconstruction specialists when liability is in dispute
- Analyzing cell phone records or driver history when distracted or impaired driving is suspected
- Evaluating all available insurance coverage, including uninsured and underinsured motorist policies
- Calculating the full economic and non-economic value of your claim, including future losses
Throughout this process, your dedicated team will communicate with you openly and honestly. We will explain every development in plain language and make sure you understand your options at every stage.
Our Car Accident Case Results
Our team has a strong track record of achieving meaningful results for car accident victims across Western New York. Here are some examples of what we have accomplished for our clients:
- $1.2 million for a client seriously and permanently injured when another driver ran a red light and turned in front of him on a green signal in Hamburg
- $950,000 for a client who was seriously injured while in a work truck clearing snow in Orchard Park. Their spinal injuries failed conservative care, which led to them getting a major surgery. A key challenge in this case relating to that was juggling workers’ compensation, social security disability, and the need for plaintiff funding. In the end, our team was able to recover nearly the maximum policy of $975,000, and recovered $950,000 for our client.
- $100,000 for a client who was rear-ended and suffered injuries to his neck and back that would likely need surgery in Amherst
- $100,000 for a client in Amherst who suffered disc herniations in the neck and back after being struck by a vehicle who failed to yield for right of way during a lefthand turn.
Our track record demonstrates what is possible when a prepared, determined legal team refuses to settle for less than what a case is worth. At Richmond Vona, we focus on communicating with you throughout your case, handling your case effectively and efficiently, and helping you understand what options are available to help you move forward.
What Are the Filing Deadlines for a Car Accident Claim in New York?
New York law imposes strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, on personal injury and wrongful death claims. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from seeking compensation, regardless of how strong your case may be. The applicable deadline in your case will depend on the type of claim and who the liable parties are.
Time matters in a car accident case for another reason as well: evidence disappears. Surveillance footage gets deleted, witnesses become harder to locate, and physical conditions at the scene change. The sooner you contact our team, the better positioned we will be to build the strongest possible case for you. Do not wait.
Contact an Amherst Car Accident Lawyer at Richmond Vona
You deserve a legal team that will fight for you with the same intensity that the insurance company brings to minimizing your claim. Richmond Vona provides comprehensive legal representation without sacrificing the personal attention and open communication our clients deserve.
We will listen to your story, give you an honest assessment of your options, and stand beside you at every step of the process. Call (716) 500-5678 or contact us online to schedule your free, confidential consultation. There is no fee unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions: Car Accident Claims in Amherst, NY
How much does a car accident lawyer in Amherst cost?
At Richmond Vona, you will not owe us anything unless we beat the insurance company’s initial settlement offer. Your first consultation is completely free and confidential.
Should I speak with the other driver's insurance company after my accident?
No. You are not required to provide a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company, and doing so before speaking with an attorney can seriously damage your claim. Contact Richmond Vona first. We will advise you on exactly how to handle all communications with insurers.
What if the at-fault driver was uninsured?
New York law requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage, which may provide compensation when the responsible driver has no insurance. Our attorneys will review all available insurance policies and identify every possible source of recovery in your case.
How long does a car accident case take to resolve in New York?
Timelines vary based on the complexity of the case, the severity of your injuries, and whether the matter proceeds to trial. Many cases settle within months. Others involving serious injuries or disputed liability take longer. Our team will give you an honest and realistic assessment from your very first conversation with us. We know after a car accident, the last thing you want is a long and drawn out case. Your dedicated legal team of 2-3 people are working to resolve your car accident case not only quickly but, we’re working to get you the damages you need to move forward. Our team on average resolves cases faster than other firms while helping our clients get the damages they deserve.
What should I do right after a car accident in Amherst?
Your first step should always be to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. Delayed injuries and symptoms are real and can cause worsening of any underlying injuries. Take and save photographs of the scene, all vehicles involved, and any visible injuries if it is safe to do so. Collect the other driver’s contact, license, and insurance information. Do not admit fault or discuss the accident in detail with anyone other than law enforcement and your attorney. Then call Richmond Vona.
Do I need to go to court to receive compensation?
Not necessarily. Many car accident claims in New York are resolved through settlement negotiations before trial. However, our attorneys are fully prepared to litigate your case in court if that is what it takes to secure a fair outcome for you.
"*" indicates required fields
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.