Buffalo, NY, Personal Injury, Car and Truck Accident Attorneys

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Car and truck accidents happen every day on Buffalo’s roads. Whether you were involved in a multi-vehicle pileup on I-190, a T-bone accident at a Main Street intersection, or a rear-end collision up the block from your home, if someone else caused the crash, you may be entitled to compensation.

The law firm of Fessenden Laumer & DeAngelo, PLLC, proudly represents Buffalo residents as they seek justice after a car or truck accident. We can fight to protect your rights and pursue compensation while you focus on recovery. Contact us today to learn more.

Common Causes of Car and Truck Accidents in Buffalo

Buffalo drivers face not only aggressive motorists and heavy traffic on a daily basis, but also frequent icy conditions that significantly raise the risk of a serious wreck. Some of the most common causes of accidents our Buffalo attorneys see include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding
  • Drunk or impaired driving
  • Aggressive driving
  • Commercial truck-related hazards
  • Hazardous weather conditions

The cause of the accident holds the key to establishing liability. Our law firm’s motor vehicle accident lawyers can investigate the crash to determine how it happened, identify all liable parties, and then fight to hold them accountable.

Common Injuries in Buffalo Car and Truck Accidents

Car and truck accidents often result in serious injuries that can lead to daily pain, limited mobility, time off work, costly medical bills, and significant emotional distress. Some of the most common injuries we’ve sought compensation for include:

  • Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
  • Back and neck injuries
  • Fractures and broken bones
  • Internal injuries
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Psychological trauma

Our law firm works with medical professionals and financial experts to assess the full impact of your injuries on your physical health, daily life, and finances. Once we’ve determined the value of your claim, we’ll pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

Differences Between Car and Truck Accident Claims

Truck accidents differ from car accidents in several important ways when it comes to pursuing compensation. Some of the most notable differences include:

Potentially Liable Parties

Liability in car accidents typically falls on one of the involved drivers, but truck accidents can include several liable parties. Those parties include the truck driver, the trucking company, maintenance contractors, cargo loaders, and vehicle manufacturers. To identify these parties and hold them accountable, our team must conduct an in-depth investigation into the accident to piece together what caused it.

Federal Regulations Come Into Play

Truck drivers and their employers must follow strict rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regarding work hours, training and hiring practices, maintenance and safety inspections, and cargo loading. Violations of these rules may constitute negligence, which makes it crucial to work with an attorney with deep knowledge of FMCSA regulations.

Unique Evidence Can Be Difficult To Obtain

Truck accidents involve several forms of evidence you won’t find in a typical car accident. That evidence includes black box data, electronic logging devices, telematics systems, maintenance and inspection reports, dispatch records and communications, and driver logs. Our attorneys know how to preserve and obtain this evidence and utilize our network of experts to analyze it and build a compelling case.

Complex Insurance Policies and Careful Insurers

While car accidents typically involve the standard auto insurance policies that most private citizens carry, truck company insurance coverage is often more extensive and complicated. Policy limits are generally higher with this coverage, but insurers often fight harder to avoid payment because of that.

What To Do After a Car or Truck Accident

Building a strong case for the compensation you deserve begins with your actions in the moments, days, and weeks following a car or truck accident. Here’s what to do:

  • Call 911: Report the accident to local police. The responding officer will create an accident report with key details about the accident that your attorney can use to build your case.
  • Take Photos and Videos: Document the accident scene by taking photos and videos of vehicle damage, accident debris, skid marks, traffic signs and signals, road and weather conditions, the surrounding area, and visible injuries.
  • Collect Contact Information: Gather the names, contact info, license and plate numbers, and insurance details of all involved parties. If there were any witnesses, collect their names and contact information.
  • Seek Medical Attention: See a healthcare provider right away, even if you feel fine. You may have suffered injuries, like whiplash or internal damage, that don’t show symptoms until well after the injury occurs. Your medical visit will also create vital documentation linking the accident to your injuries.
  • Keep Careful Records: Proving damages requires substantial evidence. Maintain an organized file of all medical records, bills, receipts, invoices, pay stubs, and other relevant documents.
  • Be Cautious When Speaking with Insurers: The insurance company is not your friend. They will attempt to weaken or deny your claim by offering lowball settlements or requesting unnecessary recorded statements. Refer them to your lawyer whenever possible. If you must speak with them, never admit fault, never accept quick settlements, and avoid any recorded statements.
  • Contact a Lawyer: A skilled attorney can protect your rights and help you avoid critical errors as you pursue your claim. The sooner you contact one, the easier it is to build a strong case.

What Compensation Might Be Available?

Accident victims can pursue several types of compensation depending on the circumstances of their case. That compensation may include:

  • Current and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

How a Car and Truck Accident Attorney Can Help

A skilled car and truck accident attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Our lawyers can help by:

  • Reviewing Your Case for Free: Not all motor vehicle accidents constitute a valid personal injury claim. Our lawyers can sit down with you to discuss your case free of charge and determine whether a negligent party may be responsible for your injuries.
  • Investigating and Gathering Evidence: We’ll conduct an in-depth investigation to identify all liable parties and gather the evidence needed to hold them responsible.
  • Calculating for Maximum Compensation: Without a skilled attorney to calculate compensation, you may leave money on the table. Our team works with experts to determine exactly how much the at-fault party owes you.
  • Offering Critical Support: At Fessenden Laumer & DeAngelo, PLLC, we understand that motor vehicle accidents are shattering for many clients. We offer compassion and understanding as you fight to rebuild your life.
  • Dealing with Insurers: We’ll push back when insurance companies attempt to reduce your payout, and we’ll protect your rights by handling all communications with them.
  • Negotiating and Litigating: We’ll advocate aggressively for a fair settlement on your behalf. If insurers won’t play fair, we’ll file a lawsuit and fight for the verdict you deserve.

Contact a Buffalo Car and Truck Accident Attorney Today

If you’ve suffered injuries in a car or truck accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to face the fallout alone. The skilled team at Fessenden Laumer & DeAngelo, PLLC, will fight to hold the negligent party accountable and work diligently to recover your rightful compensation. Contact us today for your free consultation.

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