Cheektowaga Car Accident Lawyers

A car accident in Cheektowaga, New York, can turn your life upside down. One moment, you're making a routine trip along Union Road or Transit Road; the next, you're facing painful injuries, vehicle damage, mounting medical bills, and calls from insurance adjusters. If you’re unsure where to turn after a crash, the Cheektowaga car accident lawyers at Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys are here to help you navigate the process.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Cheektowaga?

First, check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 immediately if medical attention is needed. Even if injuries seem minor, you should be evaluated by medical professionals, as some injuries—like concussions or internal bleeding—may not be immediately apparent.

If it’s safe to do so, move vehicles out of the roadway to prevent additional collisions. Exchange names, contact information, insurance details, and license plate numbers with other drivers. Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, weather, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Also, collect names and contact details of witnesses, if available.

You are legally required to report any accident in New York that involves injury or property damage exceeding $1,000. Call the police to the scene so they can create an official report, and be sure to file a report with the DMV within 10 days using Form MV-104 if necessary. This report will be important when working with insurance companies or pursuing a legal claim.

Why Do Car Accidents Happen So Frequently in Cheektowaga?

Cheektowaga’s location near Buffalo and its access to major highways like I-90 and Route 33 mean high traffic volume, especially around commercial areas such as the Walden Galleria Mall. Congested intersections, high-speed zones, and frequent lane changes increase the risk of accidents.

Harsh Western New York winters also play a role—snow, black ice, and low visibility make the roads especially dangerous. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of collisions in Erie County. Texting, using GPS, or eating behind the wheel significantly impairs reaction time.

Other common causes include:

• Speeding, particularly on major roads like Union Road
• Failing to adjust driving for snowy or icy conditions
• Unsafe lane changes or merging
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Driving under the influence
• Fatigued driving on long commutes or overnight shifts

How Does New York’s No-Fault Insurance System Affect Your Claim?

New York follows a no-fault insurance system. This means that regardless of who caused the crash, your own car insurance policy's Personal Injury Protection (PIP) will pay for your initial medical bills and a portion of lost wages, up to your policy limits.

PIP typically covers up to 80% of your lost income, capped at $2,000 per month for up to three years. It also includes reimbursement for medical expenses and other necessary costs, like transportation to medical appointments.

However, no-fault coverage does not provide compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering. To pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, your injuries must meet New York’s "serious injury" threshold, which includes:

• Significant disfigurement
• Bone fractures
• Permanent limitation of use of a body organ or member
• Significant limitation of a body function or system
• Full disability for at least 90 days of the first 180 days after the accident

If your injuries qualify, you may step outside the no-fault system and seek full compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.

What Compensation Might You Be Entitled to After a Cheektowaga Car Accident?

The aftermath of a serious crash can be financially devastating. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be eligible for compensation for:

• Emergency medical care, hospitalization, surgeries, and follow-up treatment.
• Future medical expenses related to long-term care or rehabilitation.
• Lost income and future earning capacity.
• Repair or replacement of your vehicle and other property damage (through collision or third-party claims).
• Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life (if you meet the serious injury threshold).

Your attorney can help assess your damages and calculate what your case is truly worth, beyond what an insurance company might offer upfront.

How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in New York?

In most personal injury cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, this timeline may be shorter if a government vehicle or municipal entity was involved, for example, if you were struck by a town-owned snowplow or city bus. In those cases, you may have as little as 90 days to file a Notice of Claim.

Missing a filing deadline could mean losing your right to recover compensation, so it’s critical to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.

Why Should You Consider Working With Skilled Legal Help After a Car Accident?

Navigating the claims process alone can be overwhelming, especially when you’re injured and stressed. Insurance companies often offer quick settlements that don’t fully reflect the value of your losses. A skilled car accident attorney can advocate for your rights and make sure no detail is overlooked.

Your lawyer will work to:

• Collect and preserve evidence.
• Handle communication with insurers.
• Calculate both economic and non-economic damages.
• Negotiate a fair settlement or take your case to trial, if necessary.

When someone else's negligence causes you harm, the right legal team can make all the difference in your recovery and financial stability.

Find Reliable Legal Support From the Cheektowaga Car Accident Lawyers at Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, reach out to the seasoned Cheektowaga car accident lawyers at Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys today. We will discuss your case, give you your options, and help guide you on the path to recovery and fair compensation. For a free case review, call us at 716-648-3030 or fill out our online form. Located in Hamburg, New York, we proudly serve clients in West Seneca, Orchard Park, Lackawanna, Cheektowaga, Erie County, and the rest of the county.