According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), rear-end collisions are among the top causes of traffic fatalities. In 2017, rear-end collisions made up for just over seven percent of all fatal accidents. While these accidents may sometimes be little more than “fender benders,” even non-fatal rear-end crashes can have serious and even life-changing consequences.
Rear-end collisions happen everywhere cars are driven and Baldwin is no exception. Sadly, some rear-end collisions result in permanent injuries. In addition to the physical consequences that come with these accidents, there is also the potential for financial and emotional complications. If you are ready to pursue justice following a rear-end collision, a Baldwin car accident lawyer with Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. can assist you with your claim. Call (516) 932-0400 to speak with our team right away.
- How Rear-End Accidents Happen
- Common Rear-End Accident Injuries
- Rear-End Crash Compensation
- Time Limit on Filing a Lawsuit
- Obtain Compensation Following a Rear-End Collision
How Rear-End Accidents Happen
A rear-end collision can occur for many different reasons. These accidents involve the front of one vehicle colliding with the back of another. While rear-endings often happen due to the careless driving of the rear motorist, there are many situations in which a rear-end crash can happen:
- Following too closely: One of the most common causes of a rear-end collision involves the back driver following too closely. Also known as tailgating, these accidents occur due to the rear driver’s inability to stop in time to avoid a crash.
- Distracted driving: Distraction can also lead to the rear driver causing a crash. Drivers that are distracted can fail to notice changes in road conditions, including the driver in front of them stopping short.
- Intoxication: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs could experience diminished reaction time. This drop in reaction time can make it difficult for a driver to avoid traffic in front of them.
- Aggressive driving: In some accidents, aggressive driving can be to blame. Aggressive driving tends to involve a combination of reckless acts behind the wheel, including speeding or changing lanes erratically.
- Mechanical problems: Certain rear-end accidents happen even when neither driver is negligent. For example, mechanical defects involving a car’s braking system or headlights could result in a rear-end collision.
While most of these collisions result from the rear driver’s negligence, some accidents happen due to the actions of the front driver. For example, the front motorist could cut off another driver or even reverse their vehicle into the front of the other car.
A Baldwin rear-end collisions lawyer could help you pursue a legal claim whether you were in the front or back car in a rear-end accident. Our team can help develop a theory of liability to support your claim. To learn more, contact Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. today.
For a free legal consultation with a Rear-End Collisions lawyer serving Baldwin, call 516-932-0400
Common Rear-End Accident Injuries
Multiple injuries can result from a rear-end crash. While these carry many of the same risks as other collisions, one injury that is commonly attributed to a rear-end crash is whiplash. Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when an impact causes your head to accelerate forward and then whip back again. The sudden impact of a rear-end crash can cause this to happen when the seat belt engages.
Whiplash is often painful, but in many cases, it heals on its own. Unfortunately, in too many cases, whiplash does not heal on its own. In these more serious cases, whiplash can require additional intervention, including physical therapy or even surgical procedures. Other injuries could include:
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Severe burns
- Paralysis
- Amputation
- Other neck injuries
It can be costly to obtain medical treatment for any of these injuries. Hospital and ongoing treatment bills can add up quickly after an accident, especially if surgery or intensive care are required. Fortunately, most car accident injury victims in New York State are eligible for No-Fault benefits that should, in most cases, cover at least the first $50,000.00 of such expenses. However, in some cases, more specifically, in cases with some of the most severe or catastrophic injuries often requiring the most treatment, this $50,000.00 is simply way too little. We invite you to talk to our firm about your options.
Baldwin Rear-End Collisions Lawyer Near Me 516-932-0400
Rear-End Crash Compensation
The compensation that could be available following a rear-end crash will depend on the facts of your accident. Typically, the worse your injuries are, the more compensation you may be eligible to recover. Examples of compensation available to you could include:
- Medical bills: Whether through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, you could recover the cost of your hospital visits, surgical procedures, physical therapy, and other treatments.
- Property damage: You could also recoup the cost of either repairing or replacing your motor vehicle after a rear-end accident.
- Pain and suffering: You have the right to seek damages for the physical pain you experience in a rear-end crash.
- Lost wages: Past and future lost wages could lead to financial compensation in your injury claim.
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Time Limit on Filing a Lawsuit
If you intend to pursue a personal injury lawsuit following a rear-end crash, you must understand the statute of limitations that applies to your claim. The statute of limitations is a legal term that describes the time limit you have to bring a lawsuit. Not only does this time limit vary between jurisdictions, but it also varies from one type of claim to another. It can help to seek legal counsel to ensure you comply with the statute of limitations in your case.
If you fail to bring your lawsuit on time, the court has the power to dismiss your case. This means you could lose out on your chance of obtaining monetary compensation for your injuries forever. The longer you wait to discuss your options, the greater your chances of running into issues with the statute of limitations.
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Obtain Compensation Following a Rear-End Collision
It may not be wise to pursue a personal injury claim following a rear-end crash on your own. A Baldwin rear-end collisions lawyer could help you avoid the pitfalls that come with handling your own injury claim. Contact Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. at (516) 932-0400 to get started.
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