In the congested traffic of New York City that can be found in all five boroughs but especially in The Bronx, it's highly probable to see a rear-end collision at least once a day or more.
You might be a victim of an accident of this type. It is good to know know about all the accidents you might get involved in so that when that happens, you know exactly what to expect, how to react, and what to do.
Moreover, you will know who to call, and that is your Bronx rear-end accident lawyer from The Ward Law Group P.L.
What constitutes a rear-end accident?
Rear-end accidents happen when a vehicle gets hit from behind by another motorist. This impact affects passengers because all the energy from the car that hits is transferred to the front car passengers.
That quick movement makes their bodies go forward while their necks snap backward. This injury can be extremely severe, depending on the speed of the crash.
Not only that kind of injury can be sustained in a rear-end accident in The Bronx, but a series of others that we'll discuss later.
Common causes of rear-end collisions in the Bronx.
Sometimes, rear-end accidents can be caused by failing brakes. The driver finds out too little too late about the failure of their brakes and can't control the vehicle anymore that, eventually hits the behind of another car.
However, that situation does not lead to the primary causes. We have seen that not paying attention to what is in front causes a lot of accidents, not only rear-end accidents but any other types.
That is Distracted driving: texting or talking to the phone, eating, configuring GPS, changing the radio station, applying makeup, or looking for things in the back seats. All of those actions while driving can cause a significant accident.
Another common cause is Tailgating, which is following too close to the car in front of us. Every driver needs to leave a safe space to have enough time to react and avoid a collision.
Tailgating is considered reckless or careless driving which has proved to cause many accidents in The Bronx.
We all know that depending on the type of vehicle, size, weight, and speed in which the vehicle is traveling, it will need a larger or shorter brake space. It is not the same space that will require a motorcycle traveling at 25 Mph to stop as a large commercial truck traveling at the same speed.
Therefore, depending on the type of vehicle, each driver must respect a safe space between them and the car in front.
Typical injuries associated with these types of accidents.
The injury that is present in almost all rear-end collision accidents is a Whiplash injury. The neck hurts a lot in this type of accident. It is painful and can heal in a few weeks but it can also have long-term complications.
It is challenging for a doctor to prove their patient has a whiplash injury because no medical tests show an affectation in the area unless there is a broken cervical bone.
Many insurance companies use that lack of information to diminish the importance of it because they don't feel the pain and want to decrease the amount of monetary compensation to give out.
Other types of injuries that may be linked to rear-end collisions in The Bronx are:
- Spinal cord injury
- Broken bones
- Headaches
- Internal organ damage
- Paralysis
- Amputation
- Eye injuries
- Crushing injuries
High-risk areas or intersections in the Bronx
It is known that in the United States, there are roughly 1.7 million rear-end accidents yearly. That's about 29% of all traffic accidents in the Nation.
The Bronx has some intersections or areas known for their dangers and many accidents that occur every day. Among them, we have:
Henry Hudson Parkway
It is a three-lane road in each direction with no traffic lights. In this type of road, vehicles tend to reach high velocities, and if they are not cautious, they can hit another car causing multiple rear-end collisions.
Grand Concourse
Known as one of the most dangerous roads in New York, we can also see different types of accidents, including rear-end accidents. It has 5.2 miles of extension.
Cross Bronx Expressway
Exit 4B on the westbound side of the Cross Bronx Expressway has been identified as the most problematic intersection in the United States. This expressway's lack of emergency lanes can cause congestion and accidents that tend to be rear-end collisions.
Determining fault in rear-end accidents
A rear-end accident lawyer can quickly and easily determine who was at fault and why the at-fault party should be found 100% liable for your injuries.
It is not only a matter to say they were at fault but to be able to prove what they did wrong. Besides, your rear-end accident lawyer is in charge of determining the damages you have been subjected to to find fair monetary compensation.
You have to know that New York is a no-fault state. That means the insurance company will first provide you coverage for economic damages such as medical assistance, prescription medication, rehabilitation, lost wages, etc.
However, insurance coverage has a limit that is usually reached quickly, and then you have to pay the rest. If your lawyer determines that fault is on the other party, you have grounds to file a claim to the other driver's insurance company under their bodily injury coverage.
They will start an investigation on their side, mostly finding excuses for them to give you less money. This is where your lawyer will defend your rights by ensuring they don't claim false facts to avoid paying what you deserve.
After you have gained compensation from both insurance coverages, if there are still things to be paid and serious injuries that you have suffered, you are entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver.
Steps to Take After a Rear-End Accident
If you've been involved in a rear-end accident in The Bronx, knowing what steps to take to protect your rights and well-being is crucial. Even amid stress, following these immediate actions can make a significant difference:
1. Check for Safety:
First and foremost, ensure that everyone involved in the accident is safe. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road to prevent further collisions and hazards.
2. Exchange Information:
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. This includes names, phone numbers, addresses, insurance company names, and policy numbers.
3. Document the Scene:
Use your phone to take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and license plates. These visual records can be crucial when determining liability.
4. Gather Witness Statements:
If witnesses are present, ask for their contact information and a brief description of what they saw. Witness statements can help establish the sequence of events and support your version of the incident.
5. Contact the Authorities:
Even if the accident seems minor, it's a good idea to report it to the police. A police report can provide an official incident record, which can be valuable for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
6. Seek Medical Attention:
Even if you feel okay initially, seeking medical attention promptly is essential. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, might not show immediate symptoms. A medical professional can evaluate your condition and provide necessary documentation if injuries become apparent later.
7. Preserve Evidence:
Keep all documents related to the accident, such as medical records, repair estimates, and communication with insurance companies. This information can be crucial when seeking compensation.
8. Consult a Rear-End Accident Lawyer:
Consulting an experienced Rear-End Accident Lawyer in The Bronx is advisable if you've been injured. They can guide you through the legal process, ensuring you understand your rights and options.
Remember, the moments following a rear-end accident can significantly impact the outcome of any potential legal claims or insurance negotiations.
Get Help From a Bronx Rear-End Accident Lawyer
Now that you know the implications, you understand that a rear-end accident can have long-lasting consequences. It is your right to receive compensation for your damages when you were a victim of somebody else's negligence.
The Ward Law Group P.L. has over 12 years of servicing traffic accident victims to recover from their losses. We have won millions for our clients. Our compassionate, experienced, and respected rear-end accident lawyers greatly support you and your family.
If you are concerned about what the outcome of your case would be, then you should contact us right away. There's no advance payment, and we won't charge you anything until we win fair compensation for you. Contact us for a free consultation of your case at 855-DOLOR-55.