Injured in a Motor Vehicle Accident?
Your Recovery Starts Here.
Trusted Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys Serving Buffalo & Western New York
A serious motor vehicle accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. At Collins & Collins Attorneys, we fight to get you the medical care, lost wages, and compensation you deserve. Our team has represented injured New Yorkers for over 75 years—recovering millions for working men and women just like you.
From fender benders to catastrophic collisions, we’ve seen it all.
Collins & Collins has successfully handled every type of motor vehicle accident—car, truck, motorcycle, rideshare, pedestrian, and bicycle. No matter how your crash happened, we have the experience, resources, and determination to fight for the results you deserve.
What You Need to Know About Motor Vehicle Accidents in New York
New York is a No-Fault Insurance state. This means that after an accident, your own insurance generally covers your medical expenses and lost wages—regardless of who was at fault—up to certain limits. However, if you suffer a “serious injury” under New York law, you may pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for additional damages such as pain and suffering.
✅
File Your No-Fault Application Within 30 Days
To secure medical and lost wage benefits, you must submit a No-Fault application to your insurance company within 30 days of the accident. Missing this deadline can result in denied coverage.
✅
Understand What Qualifies as a “Serious Injury”
Under New York law, a “serious injury” can include fractures, significant disfigurement, permanent loss of use of a body part, or any injury that causes you to be unable to perform daily activities for at least 90 of the 180 days following the crash. Meeting this threshold allows you to pursue additional compensation for pain and suffering from the at-fault driver.
✅
Know Your Rights if the Other Driver is Uninsured or Flees the Scene
If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance—or leaves the scene—you may still recover damages through your own policy’s Supplementary Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (SUM) coverage. This can provide crucial compensation when other options are limited.
✅
Act Quickly to Protect Evidence
Photos, witness statements, and police reports can make a big difference in your claim. Gather and preserve evidence as soon as possible after the accident to strengthen your case and ensure important details aren’t lost over time.
Common Motor Vehicle Accidents We Handle
Rear-End Collisions
Often caused by tailgating or sudden stops, rear-end crashes can result in whiplash, back injuries, and vehicle damage. Fault is typically assigned to the driver in the rear.
Intersection Crashes
These occur when drivers run red lights, fail to yield, or misjudge crossing traffic, leading to dangerous side-impact or head-on collisions.
Sideswipe Accidents
Happen when two vehicles traveling in the same direction make side contact, often during unsafe lane changes or merging without checking blind spots.
Head-On Collisions
Among the most severe crashes, head-on impacts often cause catastrophic injuries due to the combined force of both vehicles traveling toward each other.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups
Typically occurring on highways in poor weather or low-visibility conditions, pileups involve multiple impacts, making injury claims complex.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
When a driver causes a crash and leaves the scene without stopping, victims may still be able to recover damages through uninsured motorist coverage.
Distracted Driving Crashes
Texting, eating, or adjusting in-car controls can take attention away from the road—just seconds of distraction can cause serious accidents.
Speeding & Reckless Driving Incidents
Excessive speed, weaving through traffic, or ignoring traffic laws drastically increases the risk of losing control and causing injury.
Important Time Frames for Filing
Missing a deadline can cost you your right to compensation:
You must report within 10 days any accident occurring in New York State causing a fatality, personal injury or damage over $1,000 to the property of any one person.
-
30 Days – File your No-Fault benefits application.
-
90 Days – File a Notice of Claim if a municipal or state vehicle was involved.
-
3 Years – General statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
-
2 Years – Wrongful death claims.
Rideshare Accidents: What You Need to Know
Accidents involving Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare services can be complex because of overlapping insurance coverage between the driver, the rideshare company, and other parties.
It’s essential to work with an experienced attorney who understands the unique challenges of rideshare accident claims. We can help you determine whose insurance should pay, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
-
Rideshare coverage depends on whether the driver was waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or transporting one.
-
Uber and Lyft provide up to $1.25 million in liability coverage during active rides in New York.
-
If you’re injured as a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, you may have claims against multiple insurers.
-
Filing deadlines are strict—act quickly to protect your rights.
Why Choose Collins & Collins?
With over 75 years of experience fighting for injured men and women across Western New York, Collins & Collins is built on trust, tenacity, and results. We know the law, we know Buffalo, and we know how to win. From your first call to your final check—we’re by your side every step of the way.
Proven Results
Millions recovered for injured clients across New York State.
Decades of Experience
Representing accident victims for over 75 years.
Local Knowledge
Deep understanding of Buffalo-area roads, traffic patterns, and insurance tactics.
Full-Service Representation
From accident investigation to trial, we handle every step.
No Fee Unless We Win*
You pay nothing unless we recover for you.
“At Collins & Collins, we're here to guide you through one of the most stressful times in your life"
— Ethan W. Collins
Attorney
Buffalo Knows Hard Work. We Know How to Protect It.
From ironworkers and electricians to nurses, warehouse employees, and city workers—we represent the people who keep Buffalo running.
We know local employers. We know union benefits. We know how to fight back against denied claims and lowball settlements.
