New York State residents who have been seriously injured or killed in a car accident should turn to the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. for representation. Our efficient car accident lawyers in Buffalo understand that injuries caused by a motor vehicle accident can have immense short-term consequences and a long-lasting impact on your life. We will work diligently to ensure you get a reasonable recovery when you are in a car crash caused by a negligent driver.
Did you know that Buffalo is ranked 18th in the top 20 cities with the worst drivers in the nation? Over 24.86% of Buffalo drivers are found at-fault for car crashes. This means that buffalo residents are 43% more likely to get in an at-fault accident than the average driver. With poor drivers all around, it is no surprise that buffalo has a high need for personal injury attorneys equipped to represent the injured parties.
At the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. we understand the various factors that play a role in car crash litigation. Our main goal is to provide the highest level of personal injury service to you so that you can focus on your recovery and nothing else.
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Immediately following your accident you need to move to a safe place and turn off the engine. It is important that you move away from high traffic areas and use cones, flares or any other warning signs, if you have them.
Check yourself for injuries as soon as you are safe. If you are hurt, immediately call the ambulance and try to stay still. If you are unsure, it is always better to be safe than sorry. For your personal injury claim, seeking medical attention quickly is beneficial. Keep proper documentation of all complaints and each provider you see from the date of accident onward.
No matter how minor the accident may seem, it is imperative that you call the police following an accident. In New York State you are legally required to notify the police if an involved party is injured or killed. A police report can be invaluable in determining fault following motor vehicle crashes. It also is hard proof of demographic data such as the location the collision occurred and the day and time. It is always a good idea to get the name of the responding officer to the scene.
Try to gather as much information from the scene as possible, while remaining in a safe location.
- All involved parties (names, numbers, contact information, etc.)
- Vehicle descriptions (make, model, year)
- License plate numbers
- Witnesses to the accident
- Insurance Information
- Pictures (vehicle damage, injuries, etc.)
Once you are safe and discharged by a medical professional, you should file a claim through your No-Fault insurance carrier. Call and explain that you would like to report a claim. You should be careful while talking to your insurance company. Do not give many details or a recorded statement before discussing the case with your attorney.
Filing a personal injury claim is usually required within 3 years of the date of accident. It can, however, be shorter in certain circumstances. Talk with a buffalo car accident lawyer to be absolutely sure. We are experienced in dealing with car crash claims and can help you understand your rights.
Addressing the causes of crashes is as important as understanding the prevalence of these accidents. According to the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research (ITSMR), in New York State, over 98,212 crashes were the result of human factors. 11,858 accidents were caused by environmental factors and over 4,599 crashes were the result of vehicular factors. This means that over 85% of all car crashes are caused by the negligence of others.
The following factors are commonly involved in serious car accidents:
In 2017, 57,006 crashes were caused by distracted driving. Drivers have a responsibility to be attentive while driving and failing to do so can have deadly consequences.
Most cases of rear-end accidents are caused by drivers following other vehicles too closely. In 2017, 52,467 accidents were caused by not leaving enough space between cars. When an emergency situation occurs, extra space can help avoid serious crashes.
When a driver believes they have the right-of-way, their guard is down. When someone fails to yield, the other driver may not be prepared to avoid a severe collision. In 2017, 43,778 crashes were caused by drivers who did not yield properly.
According to a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration there is a direct correlation between sideswipe car accidents and failing to properly change lanes. Signaling when changing lanes and properly scanning the surrounding area decreased the likelihood of an accident.
Many drivers fail to adjust their speed to the current weather conditions. The World Report on Road Traffic Injury Prevention explains that an increase in average speed of 1 km/h results in a 3% higher risk of a crash involving personal injury. The faster the speed of your car, the less time you have to react.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 3,752 New York State residents have been killed as a result of drunk driving car accidents between 2003 and 2012. Do not drive with a BAC above 0.08% to avoid a potentially fatal experience.
In the first six months of licensed driving, young drivers are 8 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash. Inexperience can be combated with the proper research and knowledge of the rules of the road to avoid unnecessary collisions.
According to the American Sleep Foundation, more than 20% of U.S. adult drivers admit to falling asleep behind the wheel of a car. Drowsiness while driving decreases reaction times, and makes it three times as likely you will get in a crash.
Driving while ability impaired is a serious crime. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16% of all motor vehicle crashes involve drugs other than alcohol, legal and illegal.
There are many reasons why it would be wise to consult our Buffalo car accident attorneys. Our firm will take care of every aspect of your case so that you do not have to. Insurance companies want to settle your claim for the smallest recovery possible. The attorneys here are competitive. We enjoy a good fight and are ready to fight for you and your family.
Many clients come to us with complaints that their insurance provider is haggling them to quickly resolve the claim. Their goal is to keep as much money in their own pocket as possible. It is important that you do not settle until you complete all medical treatment and you can return to normal activities. This is the only way to know the complete worth of your case. We will evaluate all aspects of the case to determine its true value. Our compassionate staff will eliminate your need to talk to insurance agents so you can focus on what is important – your health. We will ensure that all paperwork is submitted on time, like your No-Fault Application which is required within 30 days of your accident and will attempt to make this process as smooth as possible.
When you are injured and unable to work, it impacts your life as well as your families. We can help relieve anxiety about how to have your bills paid by taking the initiative to contact your No-Fault insurance carrier for you. Most personal injury firms you find will make you handle lost wages yourself. We treat you the way we would like to be treated. If we were in your shoes, we would want the personal attention and help that our firm provides. We are empathetic to your difficulties. We have weekly team meetings to discuss how to properly fight for your wages, we diary to follow-up with your insurance adjuster frequently and will handle any bumps in the road so you do not have to.
