Rear-end collisions are among the most common car accidents. Rear-end collisions happen when one vehicle strikes the rear end of another.
Rear-end collisions can also result in a variety of injuries ranging from mild to severe. One of the most common injuries from rear-end collisions is whiplash, a condition where the neck muscles are severely strained. Recovering from such an injury can lead to expenses that you may not have been prepared for.
If you or a loved one were injured in a rear-end collision, consult with a New York rear-end collisions lawyer to see what your legal options are in your case.
You may be able to file a lawsuit to claim compensation for those expenses. There is a chance that you could recover a settlement via a legally-required auto insurance policy. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 to reach a member of our team to discuss your case during a free consultation.
Causes of Rear-End Collision
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end collisions can have a variety of causes. These causes can include:
- Tailgating: Tailgating is following closely behind the vehicle in front of you. When drivers do this, the second vehicle does not have enough time to stop if the first vehicle tries to slow down or stop. Depending on the speed at which both cars are moving, the damage could be minimal or severe.
- Distracted driving: There are many possible distractions that can take drivers’ attention off of the road. These include other passengers, the radio, and even navigation systems. Being distracted while driving can reduce a driver’s reaction time and lead to an accident.
- Lane changes: Switching lanes can be dangerous if a driver pulls into the space that is not large enough for their vehicle. This drastically reduces the amount of distance the following driver has to stop should they need to. It is possible to be rear-ended because the following vehicle did not have enough time to stop after changing lanes.
There are other possible causes of rearing collisions not covered on this list. There are many potential causes of rearing collisions, and they happen relatively frequently. If you are rear-ended by another vehicle, you may be able to seek compensation for the repairs to your car or other expenses. Consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to determine if you have legal options. We can gather evidence that proves your claim. The police report you are legally required to file after an accident can be helpful to your case, for instance.
For a free legal consultation with a rear-end collisions accidents lawyer serving New York, call (844) 730-0233
Settlement vs. Trial
If you are worried about taking your case to trial, you are not alone. Many people stress over how their case will hold up in front of a judge. However, it is important to note that the vast majority of cases never make it to trial. This is because they are closed due to settlement agreements. The process of going to trial takes a long time, and both sides grow tired. Instead, the defendant (the at-fault driver) offers the victim a settlement agreement.
It is important to thoroughly assess the settlement agreement to make sure it is fair. According to the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, many people who are involved in car accidents have other health issues later on. Many first settlement agreements do not take this into account when determining the amount of compensation. Have your lawyer review the agreement and renegotiate if needed to ensure that it will meet your needs.
New York Rear-End Collisions Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Types of Injuries
Rear-end collisions can result in a variety of injuries. One of the most common injuries is whiplash, which is a condition where the muscles of the neck are severely strained. It can have different levels of severity. In less severe cases, it will heal on its own without medical intervention. In more severe cases, a neck brace and physical therapy may be needed to fully recover.
Bruising from airbags and seatbelts is also common. While these devices are designed to save lives, they can also cause damage. For example, being too close to the airbag when it deploys causes it to hit with a lot of force. Seat belts also lock into place during an accident, which can bruise the skin that it is touching.
Brain injuries are possible, as well. Because of the impact, it is possible to suffer a hard impact to the head from the airbag or a part of the car. Since the brain is not protected inside your skull, it is prone to injuries like concussions.
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Statute of Limitations
When you file a civil lawsuit, there is a statute of limitations that applies. A statute of limitations is a legal time limit on how long you have to file a case. It is put in place to ensure that victims file lawsuits in a reasonable amount of time. The more time that passes between the accident and the trial, the harder it is to find evidence. Therefore, you will want to ensure that your case is handled as soon as possible.
In the state of New York, you have three years to file a civil lawsuit regarding your rear-end collision accident. That means that you have three years from the date of the accident to file your case. Three years may seem like a long time, but it can take some time to build a case. To avoid problems with the statute of limitations, consult a lawyer about your case as soon as possible. The sooner you can begin the process, the more likely it is that your lawyer will be able to find all of the evidence and witnesses needed for your case.
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Recovering from a rear-end collision can take months, if not years, depending on your injuries. Dealing with the financial, property damage, and other expenses from your accident do not have to be a burden. You can file a lawsuit to claim compensation to handle these expenses. Consult with a New York rear-end collisions lawyer for guidance. The team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can discuss your case with you. Call us at (844) 730-0233 for a free consultation.
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