Lackawanna Car Accident Lawyers

Car accidents can drastically alter the course of your life in mere seconds. The aftermath can involve significant physical injuries, emotional trauma, mounting medical bills, and lost wages. During these challenging times, having skilled legal representation can make a substantial difference in your recovery journey.  

For decades, the Lackawanna car accident lawyers at Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys have provided compassionate and thorough representation to Western New York communities. We empathize with the difficulties faced by car accident survivors and their families and fight to pursue fair compensation for their damages. That allows them to focus on what matters most—their health and recovery. With our extensive knowledge of New York traffic laws, insurance policies, and effective negotiation tactics, we strive to achieve the best possible outcome for each client we represent.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Lackawanna?

The moments following a collision are often chaotic and confusing. However, the actions you take during this critical time can significantly impact your potential legal case. 

First, assess yourself and others for injuries and call 911 even if medical attention is not immediately necessary. If you do not require an ER visit, follow up with a medical evaluation later that day or the next day. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately; a consultation is important for health reasons and potential insurance claims.

If possible, document the accident scene by taking photographs of vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers involved, but refrain from discussing fault or making statements that could be interpreted as admitting liability. Gather contact details from witnesses who observed the accident, and ask the responding officers about obtaining a copy of the police report. That serves as an official record of the incident. 

After addressing immediate concerns, contact our Lackawanna car accident lawyers to discuss your situation and potential legal options. Feel free to do this before contacting your auto insurance provider; we can advise you about what to say in order to protect your rights.

How Is Fault Determined in Lackawanna Car Accidents?

New York operates under a "no-fault" insurance system, which means your own insurance company will pay for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident, up to your policy limits. However, determining fault remains important for claims involving serious injuries that exceed no-fault coverage limits.

Fault determination involves analyzing various forms of evidence, including police reports, witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage assessments, traffic camera footage, and expert reconstructions when necessary. 

Remember that New York follows the principle of comparative negligence, meaning compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. Our Lackawanna car accident lawyers conduct thorough investigations to establish liability and build strong cases that maximize your potential recovery.

What Compensation Might I Be Entitled to After a Car Accident?

Car accident survivors may be eligible for several types of compensation, depending on the specifics of their case. 

• Economic damages cover quantifiable financial losses, including past and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, property damage, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. 
• Non-economic damages address intangible losses such as physical pain, emotional suffering, diminished quality of life, and loss of enjoyment of activities.
• In cases involving extraordinary misconduct, punitive damages might occasionally be awarded to punish particularly reckless behavior and deter similar conduct in the future; these damage awards are rare, however. 

The value of your claim depends on injury severity, long-term impact on your life, clarity of liability, insurance policy limitations, and the quality of legal representation.  

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Lackawanna?

New York State has specific time limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits. Generally, you have three years from the date of the accident to initiate a legal claim for personal injuries. However, if the accident resulted in a fatality, surviving family members typically have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

These deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, are strictly enforced by courts. Filing after these periods have expired will likely result in your case being dismissed, regardless of its merits. Considering these timeframes and the preparation required for a strong case, we highly recommend contacting our Lackawanna car accident lawyers promptly after an accident.

Why Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident?

While you are not legally required to retain legal representation after a collision, doing so offers significant advantages. Insurance companies employ teams of adjusters and lawyers whose primary objective is minimizing payouts. Without proper legal guidance, you might accept an inadequate settlement that fails to cover your long-term needs.

A lawyer levels the playing field in many ways:

• They gather and preserve important evidence
• They consult with medical professionals to understand the full extent of your injuries
• They calculate fair compensation that accounts for all damages
• They negotiate effectively with insurers
• They prepare your case for trial if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached

Our Lackawanna car accident lawyers provide these services while maintaining regular communication about your case progress.

How Do I Pay for Legal Representation After a Car Accident?

Many individuals hesitate to seek legal assistance due to concerns about lawyer fees during an already financially stressful period. At Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys, we operate on a contingency fee arrangement, eliminating this barrier to quality representation. This payment structure means our compensation comes solely from a percentage of your final settlement or court award. We receive payment only when you do, aligning our interests with your successful outcome. 

This approach allows anyone to access professional legal services regardless of financial circumstances. During your initial case review, we explain our fee structure transparently so you understand the financial aspects of representation. There are no upfront costs or hourly rates to worry about while your case progresses through the legal system.

Lackawanna Car Accident Lawyers at Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys Stand Ready to Protect Your Rights

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an automobile collision, let our dedicated Lackawanna car accident lawyers at Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys explain your legal options and advocate vigorously for your interests. To schedule a free case review, submit our online form or call our Hamburg, New York office at 716-648-3030. We proudly serve clients in West Seneca, Orchard Park, Lackawanna, Cheektowaga, Erie County, and the rest of the county.