Buffalo Car Accident Lawyer

If you've been injured in a car accident in Buffalo or anywhere in New York State, you'relikely dealing with pain, confusion, and a growing list of expenses. You don’t have to face these challenges alone.

At Feroleto Law, our experienced car accident lawyers are here to help you navigate New York’s complex insurance laws, pursue compensation, and fight for justice.

Call us at (716) 854-0700 for a free, confidential consultation. And if we move forward with your case, you will pay nothing unless we win.

Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer in a No-Fault State Like New York

New York is a "no-fault" insurance state. That means your own insurance is responsible for paying medical expenses and lost wages—up to $50,000—regardless of who caused the accident.

While this system is designed to streamline benefits and reduce litigation, it comes with strict limits. No-fault insurance does not cover pain and suffering, emotional trauma, or long-term impacts that go beyond economic losses. And for many accident victims, those non-economic damages are the most devastating part.

Let’s say you were rear-ended by a distracted driver and suffered serious back injuries. Your medical bills reach $60,000 and you're unable to return to work. Maybe you’ve developed chronic pain, anxiety while driving, or PTSD. Your no-fault coverage caps at $50,000, but that doesn’t even begin to address your pain, future treatment needs, or emotional distress.

This is where a car accident attorney becomes essential. Our job is to help you understand your full legal rights and pursue compensation beyond no-fault insurance, especially if your injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold set by New York law, as described further below.

Feroleto Law Can Help You:

• Go beyond no-fault benefits when your injuries qualify as "serious."
• Challenge insurance denials and aggressively negotiate fair settlements.
• Identify all liable parties including drivers, employers, manufacturers, and municipalities.
• Collect and preserve key evidence including medical records, eyewitness testimony, accident reconstruction, and more.
• Navigate the process every step of the way,from filing your claim to taking your case to court if necessary.

Our Buffalo car accident attorneys have decades of experience helping car crash victims across upstate New York. We go beyond simple legal filings to fight for our clients and help ensure they receive the full care and compensation they need.

What Types of Compensation May You Be Entitled to After a Car Accident?

If someone else’s negligence caused your accident and your injuries qualify under the serious injury threshold, New York law allows you to seek damages through a personal injury lawsuit.

Damages fall into two main categories: economic and non-economic.

Economic Damages

These are direct financial costs you’ve incurred as a direct result of the accident, including:

• Medical bills: Costs caninclude emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, chiropractic care, and future treatments.
• Lost wages: If you missed work due to your injuries, you may be compensated for your lost income.
• Loss of future earning capacity: If your injuries limit your ability to earn in the future, that potential income can be part of your claim.
• Property damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other property damaged in the crash.
• Household or personal assistance: If you need to hire help for cleaning, childcare, or transportation due to your injuries.

Non-Economic Damages

These damages compensate you for the physical and emotional consequences of the accident:

• Pain and suffering: Chronic pain, disability, and emotional anguish.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: If you can no longer participate in activitiesthat you once loved.
• Loss of consortium: Impacts on your relationship with a spouse or partner.
• Mental health issues: Depression, PTSD, anxiety, and trauma-related symptoms.

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Punitive Damages

Although rare, punitive damages may be awarded when the at-fault party’s behavior was especially reckless or egregious, such as drunk driving or intentionally dangerous conduct. These damages are intended to punish wrongdoers and deter future misconduct.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Claims

Do I have to pay Feroleto Law upfront?

No. We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you only pay us if we win your case.

What if I was partially at fault for the car accident?

New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. If you were partially at fault, you can still recover compensation. However, your total compensation will bereduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're awarded $100,000 but found 20% responsible for the crash, you would receive $80,000.

What injuries qualify as “serious” under New York law?

“Serious injury” is a legal definition under New York law that includes multiple categories of injuries. Some of the injuries that typically meet the serious injury threshold include:

• Bone fractures
• Significant disfigurement or scarring
• Permanent limitation of an organ or limb
• Significant loss of mobility or function
• Inability to do regular activities for at least 90 days
• Loss of a fetus
• Death (in wrongful death cases)

Should I speak to the insurance company?

No. Always consult a lawyer before speaking to any insurance adjuster. Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to minimize payouts. Let us protect your interests.

If for some reason you must speak with an insurance company, answer questions as factually as possible and to the best of your ability. Do not divulge any more information than what is asked for, do not speculate (it is OK to say you don’t know the answer to a question), and do not lie.

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What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance?

You may still have options. Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) may cover your damages. We can help you explore all available coverage.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a car accident lawsuit. But in some cases—such as those involving government vehicles—you may have as little as 90 days to file a notice of claim. No-fault documents are due shortly after the crash to ensure your medical bills get paid. Don’t wait. Call us right away.

What should I do immediately after a car accident?

• Get medical attention
• Report the accident to the police
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver
• Take photos of the scene, the vehicles and your injuries
• Get contact information from any witnesses
• Contact Feroleto Law before speaking to the insurance company

What if my loved one died in the crash?

You may be able to file a wrongful death claim on their behalf. We can help you pursue compensation for funeral costs, loss of income, emotional loss, and more.

Call Feroleto Law Today and Let Us Fight for You

A car accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable. You may be in pain, unable to work, and unsure of what steps to take. The insurance company may be calling, but you don’t have to go through this alone.

At Feroleto Law, we’re more than just personal injury attorneys. We’re compassionate advocates who fight for people, not profits. We listen. We investigate. We build strong cases. And we never settle for less than what our clients truly deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, don’t wait. Call us at (716) 854-0700 or contact us online for your free, no-obligation consultation with a Buffalo car accident lawyer. We’ll give you honest answers, explain your options, and help you decide what’s best for your future.

And remember: You pay nothing unless we win your case. Let Feroleto Law take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing and moving forward.