Rear-end car accidents are quite common, accounting for nearly 30 percent of car crashes in the U.S., and often causing catastrophic injuries. At Kohan Law Group we serve clients throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester County, Rockland County, and New York City (Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, and Staten Island). If you have been seriously injured in a rear-end car accident, our aggressive car Hempstead accident attorneys will fight for the compensation you deserve.
Are rear-end car accidents always the fault of the driver behind in Nassau County and New York State?
Almost all rear-end car accidents are considered the fault of the driver behind since all drivers are legally responsible for leaving enough distance between their car and the car in front of them to stop safely. There are exceptions, but if you are the victim of an accident in which the front driver made it impossible for you to stop safely, you may still be at a disadvantage in terms of public perception. It is at such times that having a sharp attorney is invaluable.
There are also situations in which rear-end accidents may be the result of an automotive defect, such as faulty brakes in the rear vehicle, or defective brake lights in the front vehicle, for which the car manufacturer may be held accountable. The more complicated the case, the more you need the accomplished Nassau County rear-end car accident attorneys at Kohan Law Group.
Reasons for Nassau County Rear-End Accidents
The NHTSA reports that most rear-end car accidents are due to an inattentive rear driver. Proof of this is that over 80 percent of rear-end crashes occur when the front vehicle is already stopped and those in the front car are sitting ducks. But why do such accidents happen at all?
Below are a number of reasons for rear-end collisions, almost all the fault of the driver of the rear vehicle:
- Distracted driving (e.g. cell phone use and texting, eating, shaving)
- Driving while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or medication
- Driving while drowsy or fatigued
- Speeding, tailgating, or otherwise driving recklessly
- Road rage
- Failure to properly maintain their vehicle
Having suffered a serious injury in a rear-end car accident, you are likely experiencing an overwhelming combination of physical pain, emotional trauma, and worry about your financial future. Our seasoned rear-end car accident attorneys, with their excellent credentials and history of successful outcomes for clients in Nassau County, will reassure you and help you keep things in perspective.
Injuries Suffered in Rear-End Collisions Cover a Broad Range
In general, the higher the speed of the car behind, the greater the extent of victims’ injuries. Although some few lucky drivers or passengers end up simply with cuts and bruises or a strained muscle that will heal soon, far too many suffer much more serious, possibly life-altering, or even fatal, injuries, including:
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash or cervical fractures
- Shoulder, knee, and/or back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries (e.g. herniations, bulges, protruding discs)
- Broken ribs
- Lung contusion
- Airbag burns
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Dental injuries, including lost or broken teeth
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Even in stop-and-go traffic, rear-end accidents can result in long-lasting injuries, especially because most of the time airbags do not deploy.
Why Having Superior Rear-End Car Accident Attorneys Is Crucial
If the accident is clearly the fault of the other driver, his or her insurance provider is likely to push you to settle quickly. While the amount being offered may be tempting, only a professional can assess what your injury is worth in the courtroom, and protect you from insurers whose priority is their bottom line.
Our rear-end car accident attorneys know exactly what tactics will work against hostile insurance companies and opposing attorneys who are only looking out for their clients and those same insurance companies. At Kohan Law Group, our team of aggressive lawyers is fully prepared to use all our legal knowledge and well-developed strategies when it comes to prosecuting your rights to just compensation.
While you try to rest and recover from your injuries, we will:
- Handle all discussions and negotiations with appropriate parties
- Interview witnesses
- Obtain and examine all available data (e.g. police reports, medical data, surveillance footage)
- Consult with experts whose testimony will bolster your case
- Fight for your right to maximum compensation
- Never charge you for services and out-of-pocket expenses, unless we obtain damages for you, from verdict or settlement.
Furthermore, we are always available to answer questions, provide updates, and discuss strategies.
Damages We Will Fight to Win for You and Your Family
Every rear-end accident is unique, so our legal plans will be tailored to your particular situation. No matter what your needs are, our rear-end car accident attorneys are ready to fight to obtain the help you need. Depending on your injuries, we will work hard to get you resources to cover:
- Medical, rehabilitation, and psychotherapy costs
- Lost income, present, and future
- Property damage or loss
- Ongoing nursing care
- Replacement services (e.g. caregiving, cleaning, transportation)
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If you have tragically lost a loved one due to a wrongful death, we will do everything in our power to make sure you receive a just verdict or other restitution for final medical costs, funeral costs, and loss of support.
When You Are Partly at Fault for a Rear-End Accident in New York State
In some rear-end accidents, both parties may bear some blame for the collision. Suppose, for example, that the driver of the front car, stalled on the parkway at midnight, forgot to put his flashers on, but the rear driver was speeding and intoxicated. While the rear driver may bear the bulk of responsibility for the collision, the front driver may also be partially responsible. Shared blame is also common in side swipes and “T-bone” collisions.
New York State law follows a principle known as pure comparative negligence, in which the jury listens to the specifics of the case and assigns a percentage of blame to each driver. The word “pure,” as used here, indicates that the injured party is permitted to receive compensation no matter what percentage of the accident is ruled to be his or her fault.
However, if you are the injured party and the jury awards you a compensatory award, the percentage of your assigned blame will be deducted from the amount you are awarded at verdict. For instance, if you are found to bear 10 percent of the blame for the rear-end accident and are awarded $100,000, you will actually receive $90,000.
Contact Our Nassau County Rear-End Car Accident Attorneys Today
If you have suffered a serious injury in a rear-end car accident, it is wise to move quickly to prepare for the upcoming legal battle. There is a very strict statute of limitations (deadline to make a claim or file suit) for personal injury cases in Nassau County and all of New York State. There is also much to be gained by getting a jump-start on the process. For one thing, the wheels of justice turn slowly, and for another, allowing our attorneys to uncover pertinent facts before data is misplaced or memories grow dim is critical to creating a winning strategy. Call Kohan Law Group now and let us immediately get to work for you.
Kohan Law Group represents rear-end car accident victims throughout Nassau County as well as in New York City, including Queens and Brooklyn, from their Manhasset office in North Hempstead.