Timothy Hedges

Tim Hedges is a dedicated Senior Trial Attorney proudly serving clients across Western and Central New York from our Rochester office at The Barnes Firm. Before joining the firm, I earned a football scholarship at the University at Buffalo, which taught me the value of hard work, tenacity, and excellence—lessons that carried over into law school, where I graduated with honors from the University at Buffalo School of Law. My litigation experience spans jury trials, arbitrations, and appellate work—and having also served as legal counsel for insurance companies, I understand exactly how they approach cases and how to counteract their tactics effectively.

What makes my practice unique is this combination of inside knowledge and tenacious advocacy. I use my experience on both sides of the aisle to ensure that insurance companies cannot bully my clients into unfair settlements. In partnership with the full resources and collaborative power of The Barnes Firm, I’m fully committed to fighting for justice and ensuring injured clients receive the fair and full compensation they deserve.

Why should I choose The Barnes Firm?

When you choose The Barnes Firm, you’re backed by the resources of one of the largest personal injury firms in the country. That means access to medical experts, accident investigators, and trial attorneys—all working together to build the strongest possible case. At the same time, I give my clients personalized attention, keeping them informed and supported at every stage.

What should I do after a car accident in Rochester?

First, make sure you and others are safe and call 911 so a police report is filed. Seek medical care right away—even if you don’t feel badly hurt, some injuries show up later. Then, contact an attorney before speaking to the insurance company. In New York, you’ll need to file a no-fault application quickly, and I can help make sure your rights are protected from the very start.

How does New York’s no-fault insurance work?

In New York, no-fault insurance covers your medical expenses and a portion of lost wages after a crash, regardless of who was at fault. However, it doesn’t cover pain and suffering. To recover those damages, you must meet New York’s “serious injury threshold.” I help clients navigate this system to ensure they receive every dollar they’re entitled to.

What if I was hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Rochester?

Unfortunately, it happens often. The good news is that most New York policies include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This allows us to pursue compensation through your own insurance if the other driver doesn’t have enough coverage. I use my background as former insurance counsel to fight these claims and make sure insurers pay what they owe.

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

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in New York. Wrongful death cases are usually two years, and claims against government agencies require a notice of claim within just 90 days. Because deadlines vary, it’s important to contact a lawyer quickly so we can preserve your rights.

One of the most challenging parts of practicing personal injury law in Rochester and across Western New York is the range of difficulties clients face after an accident. Between New York’s no-fault system, strict filing deadlines, and the reality of dealing with insurance companies that work hard to minimize claims, it can be overwhelming for someone who is simply trying to heal. Add to that the local challenges—like winter slip-and-fall accidents on icy sidewalks or collisions on busy routes like I-490 and the Thruway—and no two cases are ever alike.

What drives me through those challenges is knowing that I can take that burden off my clients’ shoulders. With my background as former insurance counsel and the resources of The Barnes Firm, I fight to level the playing field and make sure injured people in our community get the full compensation and justice they deserve.

What I’d like clients to know is that when they come to me, they’re not just another case—I see the person and the family behind every claim. At The Barnes Firm, we combine the strength of a large, experienced team with the personalized attention every client deserves. My goal is to guide clients through the legal process with compassion, persistence, and clear communication, while fighting to make sure they get the medical care, financial support, and justice they need.

Serving Rochester and communities across Western and Central New York is a privilege, and I’m committed to standing by my clients every step of the way as they rebuild after an accident.