Rear-End Collisions in Motor Vehicle Accidents
Rear-end collisions are a commonplace but traumatic experience. They threaten life and limb, often causing permanent disabilities that significantly affect a victim’s quality of life. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end crashes account for approximately 29% of motor vehicle accidents. Sadly, they result in a substantial number of injuries and fatalities every year, in addition to property damage.
Causes of Accidents
In rear-end collisions, the lead vehicle is generally moving very slowly or has made a sudden deceleration, causing the vehicle behind to crash into it. When hit from behind, a driver can lose control of the vehicle, triggering a chain reaction that can result in multi-car accidents and extensive property damage. Contributing factors are tailgating, driving under the influence, worn pavement, poor weather conditions, speeding, driver distraction, brake failure, and sudden stops.
We Help Crash Victims Recover
A successful lawsuit demands the skill of an experienced personal injury attorney. The Buffalo Injury Law Firm routinely engages in aggressive negotiations with insurance companies and has a proven record of favorable settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients. We work diligently to help our clients obtain compensation and are always prepared to present a compelling case in front of a judge and jury.
What Happens to Your Body in a Rear-End Collision?
Victims of these accidents may have minor or major injuries from the vehicle’s momentum that hits them from behind. In addition to the body hitting the seat from being flung forward and then back, the seatbelt exerts pressure during this movement. The most common injuries associated with the impact are whiplash and concussion. Other injuries are trauma to the spinal cord, internal organs, knee injuries, and bone fractures. Additionally, the muscles and ligaments stretch beyond their capacity, leading to strains, tears, and soft tissue damage. Children in the back seat can be subjected to extreme force during an impact, causing injuries or even death, even when using a highly rated car seat.
New York’s No-Fault Law
New York is a no-fault state, which means motor vehicle accident victims are entitled to benefits from their insurance coverage whether or not they caused the collision. New York requires registered motor vehicles to have liability insurance with minimum coverage amounts. No-fault insurance pays for medical bills, prescription drugs, lost wages, and other expenses incurred due to the accident. No-fault does not cover motor vehicle damage or property damage. A lawsuit against a negligent party can be filed for economic and non-economic losses when the damages exceed the amount of no-fault coverage.
Protect Your Legal Rights with the Trusted Buffalo Injury Law Firm
A driver must use reasonable care when operating a vehicle. When a driver fails to use reasonable care, and it results in injuries and damages, that driver can be held liable for losses. New York follows a comparative fault system when both parties contribute to an accident. Under this rule, a victim’s settlement or award is reduced by the percentage they contributed to the accident.
We Offer Quality Legal Services with Compassion
At The Buffalo Injury Law Firm, our goal and focus are the recovery and well-being of our clients. We understand the harm and losses you and your family have endured. If someone else’s negligent or malicious act leads to a lifetime of pain and suffering, they need to be held accountable.
The Buffalo Injury Law Firm wants to provide a better outcome for you and your family. We represent clients in Western New York, including Buffalo, Rochester, Erie County, and Monroe County. Contact The Buffalo Injury Law Firm at (716) 646-8412 to schedule a confidential appointment.