Whether you’ve been T-boned on Main Street or rear-ended on Route 5, filing a car accident claim in Buffalo starts with getting medical treatment, reporting the accident, and accessing no-fault insurance coverage through your auto insurance policy.
However, if you have been seriously hurt, you might worry that your no-fault insurance coverage won’t be enough to cover your medical bills and lost income. That’s where the experienced Buffalo car accident lawyers at Richmond Vona come in. Our trusted team helps you build and file an injury claim against the at-fault driver and secure full compensation for your injuries.
Step 1: Get Medical Care
If you’re badly hurt, you should seek treatment immediately at the nearest Buffalo urgent care facility. Even if you feel all right after a crash, get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. Adrenaline may mask injuries like whiplash, head trauma, and internal damage, so it’s important to be certain you are actually OK.
Make sure you request and keep any discharge instructions, test results, prescriptions, and follow-up appointment information you receive. You can request copies of additional medical records when they become available. If you’re not sure where to go or what to do after a car crash, contact our team today.
Step 2: Preserve the Scene
If you are able to do so safely, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Document the scene by taking photos of your injuries and any vehicle damage. You can also speak with witnesses, record their contact information, and note any nearby cameras that may have captured the crash.
But if you are seriously injured, focus on getting medical help. Do not delay care or stay at the scene to gather evidence. If possible, ask an uninjured person at the scene to collect information for you. You or a loved one can also contact an attorney as soon as possible for help preserving evidence.
Step 3: Report the Accident
After most crashes in New York State, you must disclose the accident in one or more ways to comply with the law and ensure you benefit from your insurance coverage:
- File a police report: You are required to call the police immediately after any crash that results in an injury. Responding officers will create an official record of the incident that can serve as evidence later.
- File a DMV report: You’re required to file a form MV-104 crash report with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days. Police reports aren’t required in crashes with no injuries, but DMV reports are mandatory in any accident causing at least $1,000 in property damage.
- Notify your insurance company: You are required to submit a claim for no-fault benefits with your insurance company within 30 days of a crash.
Step 4: Call a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been seriously injured, the other driver’s insurance company may contact you within days with a lowball offer. Contacting a trusted lawyer early can help protect your interests. Your attorney can handle all communications with insurers, steer you away from common mistakes, and preserve your right to pursue the full compensation owed to you.
When searching for the right Buffalo car accident attorney, consider looking for these attributes:
- Experience handling thousands of car accidents across Western New York
- Knowledge of local courts and insurance companies
- Free consultations and clear fee structures
- Reputation for open and honest communication
What to Prepare for Your Consultation
Don’t worry about having all the details figured out going into your first consultation. Just bring what you have, and your lawyer will help gather the rest.
Information and evidence to bring with you, if you have them, include:
- Details about the accident, including the date, time, and location
- Insurance information, both for you and the other driver
- The police report
- Any medical records related to your injuries
- Photos of the scene, your injuries, or damage to the vehicles
- Contact information for any witnesses
Step 5: Pursue an Injury Claim
In New York, your auto insurance policy’s no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) coverage will pay for up to $50,000 in medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. However, if you’re seriously injured in a crash, you can pursue a personal injury claim against the other driver to receive compensation for your excess losses.
Our Buffalo car accident claims process includes:
- Investigation: We’ll gather all relevant evidence and documentation, building a strong case on a foundation of facts.
- Initiation: We’ll send a demand letter to the other driver’s insurer, which will investigate the incident, determine liability, and estimate the value of your damages.
- Negotiation: We’ll make a settlement demand based on our estimate of your claim’s fair value, then negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair deal.
- Settlement or lawsuit: Most cases end with the insurance company agreeing to a settlement. However, we’re prepared to sue and go to trial if the insurer doesn’t want to pay you what you’re owed.
Don't Wait. Call Richmond Vona Today
At Richmond Vona, we take a modern, team-based approach to litigation, helping us deliver strong outcomes quickly without sacrificing service. Our Buffalo-based team has helped injury victims like you recover more than $250 million in compensation.
The faster you take action after a crash, the better your chances of maximizing your compensation. Reach out online or call 716-500-5678 today for a free consultation.
