Personal Injury Attorney Serving Rochester, Monroe County, and the Southern Tier

If you've been injured and aren't sure whether you have a case, the right first step is a conversation. At Bernacki Law, that conversation is free — and you'll leave with an honest assessment of your options, not a sales pitch.

What Personal Injury Law Covers

Personal injury law applies when someone is hurt because of another party's negligence or failure to act responsibly. Common situations include motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall incidents, premises liability claims, and general negligence matters where another party's conduct caused harm.



If you've been in any of these situations and are uncertain whether a legal claim makes sense, that uncertainty is exactly what an initial consultation is designed to resolve. Many injury claims have more value than people initially expect. Others are better addressed through a different path. John gives you a frank answer either way.

How Bernacki Law Handles Personal Injury Matters

Bernacki Law accepts personal injury matters on a consultation basis. After reviewing the facts of your situation, John will give you a straightforward assessment: whether a claim appears viable, what the process would involve, and whether he handles the matter directly or connects you with a trusted personal injury attorney better positioned to take it.



That referral model is not a limitation — it is a reflection of how a solo practice with strong professional relationships actually serves clients well. If your matter calls for a high-volume litigation firm with dedicated PI staff, John will tell you that and connect you with someone he trusts. If he can handle it directly, he will. Either way, you leave the consultation knowing exactly where you stand.

What to Expect From the First Conversation

John's approach to a personal injury consultation is the same as every other matter he handles: plain language, honest information, and no pressure. He'll ask about the circumstances of the injury, the extent of harm, whether medical treatment was sought, and whether any documentation exists. From there, he gives you his assessment.


You don't need to know whether you have a case before you call. That's what the consultation is for.



We serve personal injury consultation clients from our Pittsford office in Monroe County and our Belmont office serving Allegany County and the Southern Tier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Personal Injury Claims in New York

  • Do I have a personal injury case in New York?

    Whether a personal injury claim is viable depends on several factors: whether another party's negligence caused your injury, the extent of the harm, and whether the circumstances fall within New York's statute of limitations for personal injury claims. The clearest way to find out is a free consultation with an attorney who will give you an honest answer based on the actual facts of your situation.

  • How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in New York?

    In most cases, New York allows three years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. There are exceptions — claims against government entities, for example, carry much shorter notice requirements. If you're uncertain about timing, call sooner rather than later. Deadlines in personal injury matters are firm.

  • Is a free consultation really free — and what does it include?

    Yes. Bernacki Law offers a free initial consultation for personal injury matters. In that conversation, John reviews the circumstances of your situation, gives you an honest assessment of whether a claim appears viable, outlines what the process would involve, and tells you whether he can handle the matter directly or whether a referral to a specialist would better serve your needs. You leave the conversation with information, not a bill.

  • What if my case is too small to be worth pursuing?

    That determination is worth making with an attorney rather than on your own. Injury claims frequently involve damages that are not immediately obvious — ongoing medical costs, lost wages, and long-term impact that may not be apparent in the immediate aftermath of an accident. John's assessment covers the realistic picture so you can make an informed decision before walking away from a claim that may have real value.

  • Does Bernacki Law handle personal injury cases in the Southern Tier?

    Yes. We serve personal injury consultation clients from our Belmont office at 2 Schuyler Street, covering Allegany County and the broader Southern Tier. Call either office to speak with John directly about your situation.

Contact Us Today

Bernacki Law serves personal injury consultation clients across Monroe County and the Southern Tier. John Bernacki has more than 35 years of legal experience, including 16 years as Pittsford Town Justice, and provides personal injury assessments from offices in Pittsford and Belmont, New York. Every consultation is handled personally by John. Learn more on our about page.


Call us to discuss your situation. The first conversation is free, and you'll leave with an honest assessment of your options.