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How Do Rear-End Collisions Happen in New York?
Rear-end collisions occur when the front of one vehicle collides with the rear-end of the vehicle in front of it. These crashes might occur at relatively slow speeds or could happen if a driver fails to stop in time and hits another vehicle with full force. Rear-end collisions can occur for many different reasons.
Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:
- Tailgating – Tailgating is the leading cause of rear-end collisions. This occurs when a driver is driving too close to the car in front of them. If the vehicle in front stops suddenly, this leaves little room for the vehicle in the back to stop safely, leading to a rear-end accident.
- Speeding – When a driver is speeding, it diminishes the amount of control over their vehicle. If a driver is driving over the speed limit and the cars in front of them come to a stop, it can be nearly impossible to stop in time, resulting in an accident.
- Distracted driving – Texting, talking on the phone, putting on makeup, changing the radio, and many other activities distract drivers. When drivers are distracted, they may not notice the cars in front of them stopping, leading to a rear-end collision.
- Driving under the influence – When someone drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they might experience significantly impaired vision, judgment, and motor skills, making it difficult or impossible to avoid a rear-end collision.
- Dangerous weather conditions – Wet or icy roads can make it challenging to operate a vehicle as usual. When the roads are dangerous, or if the weather makes it tough to see, drivers must maintain distance between vehicles to lessen the chances of an accident. Unfortunately, many drivers don’t adjust their driving to accommodate the weather, resulting in collisions.
- Vehicle mechanical issues – Issues with brakes or other vehicle components can make it harder to maintain complete control of a vehicle, giving rise to accidents.
If you’ve experienced a rear-end collision, it is best to discuss your situation with a New York City car accident lawyer. Your lawyer can investigate to determine the cause of your accident to help you seek compensation.
Common Injuries Resulting from Rear-End Accidents
Depending on the situation, rear-end collisions could result in severe injuries.
Some of the most common injuries suffered in rear-end collisions include:
- Whiplash
- Brain injuries (TBIs)
- Head and facial injuries
- Back, spine, and spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Cuts, scrapes, and lacerations
- Broken and fractured bones
Who’s Liable in a Rear-End Collision in New York?
All motorists are responsible for maintaining a safe distance between vehicles to avoid accidents. Drivers often fail to maintain such a distance. For rear-end collisions, the rear vehicle is almost always at fault, because it was their responsibility to keep a distance and they failed to do so.
In some instances, though, perhaps the rear driver was maintaining a distance, but the front driver had to stop suddenly for whatever reason.
While either driver can be at fault for a rear-end collision, in most cases, the rear vehicle is liable for a rear-end collision. It may seem unfair, but the fact is the vehicle in the rear should always keep a distance such that, if something were to occur causing them to stop suddenly, they’d have the time and space to do so without causing an accident.
New York’s No-Fault Rule for Car Accidents
If you’re looking to recover compensation for your injuries and damages after an accident, it is important to note that New York is a no-fault state.
Drivers in New York are legally required to have car insurance. Under the no-fault rules, if you’re involved in a car accident, you can recover from your insurance no matter who was at fault. If the other driver turns out to be liable for the accident, however, your insurance will likely go after them for reimbursement.
What if I’m Partly to Blame for the Rear-End Collision?
In some instances, both parties may be to blame for a rear-end collision. New York follows the rule for pure comparative negligence. Under pure comparative negligence, you can still recover for your injuries and damages, but your settlement amount is deducted based on your percentage of fault. So, for example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for your accident and your damages are $20,000, you would receive $16,000.
Compensation for Rear-End Collisions in New York
Damages in New York will depend on the severity of your injuries and your losses. Compensation for a rear-end collision might include:
- Medical expenses
- Physical rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Discuss Your Case with a Car Accident Attorney in New York
Were you injured in a rear-end collision in New York or Long Island? If so, you could be owed significant compensation for your medical expenses, repairs to your vehicle, lost wages, and more. Contact an experienced New York car accident attorney from Finz & Finz, P.C. to discuss your rights and legal options during a free and confidential consultation. Our New York City injury attorneys can be reached by phone at 855-TOP-FIRM or online.
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Finz & Finz, P.C. is a New York and Long Island personal injury law firm based out of Mineola, NY. It was founded in 1984 and is highly rated, with many honors and awards of excellence.
