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Rear-End Accident Lawyer in Queens

Have you ever heard the recommendation to keep your distance from the car before you while driving? Driving instructors emphasize the need to maintain a safe distance between vehicles. This distance should be such that you can still see the car's license plate. When you learned to drive, you were taught to keep a safe distance from the car in front to prevent accidents. 

However, some drivers have not yet been able to internalize this basic principle of orderly traffic and responsible driving. Instead, they frequently tailgate the cars in front of them. This behavior reduces vehicle distance and increases the likelihood of a collision. Such accidents can cause harm to all parties involved. 

This could sound like advice repeated over the years. Car accident rates are lower in cities prioritizing awareness and following principles like maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles. 

Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you while driving is crucial for several reasons: 

  • Reaction Time: Maintaining a safe following distance enables you to respond quickly to any sudden movements made by the car in front of you, such as braking suddenly or swerving. It would be best to allow this additional space to prevent accidents and ensure your safety. 
  • Stopping Distance: A larger following distance gives you enough room to safely stop your car without hitting the back of another car. Your car needs time to stop completely, especially when traveling at higher speeds. 
  • Visibility: Maintaining a safe distance improves your ability to see the road before you. It may be difficult to see potential hazards or obstacles being so close to the car in front because your view may be obscured. 
  • Emergency: Having enough room in front of your car will allow you to make evasive maneuvers without putting yourself or others in danger. If the car in front suddenly stops or runs into something, it's crucial to have room to maneuver. 
  • Less Stress: Maintaining a safe distance makes for a less stressful driving experience. When you aren't tailgating, you have time to gradually increase or decrease your speed, which can ease both your own and other drivers' stress levels. 
  • Avoiding Chain Reactions: If you follow another car too closely and it suddenly stops, it might cause a series of collisions behind you. Keeping a safe distance helps improve traffic flow and prevent unnecessary accidents. 
  • Weather Conditions: Weather, such as rain, snow, or fog, can have a big impact on stopping distances. If your car crashes and you lose control of it. You can adjust to shifting driving conditions and prevent potential skidding by maintaining a greater following distance. 

To stay safe, keep a distance of 2-3 seconds behind the car in front of you. This allows you to gauge a safe distance regardless of your speed. In adverse conditions or at higher speeds, it's advisable to increase this distance further. Safe driving practices contribute to road safety and help prevent accidents. 

A rear-end collision injury lawyer from The Ward Law Group will give you the best advice regarding your case. Please do not go through this process alone. Trust in our professionals. Contact us right now and receive a free case evaluation! 

Definition of Rear-End Accidents 

A car accident involving two vehicles colliding from behind is a rear-end collision. These accidents often happen when cars follow too closely or don't leave enough space to stop safely. They can occur in a variety of situations and lead to a variety of personal injuries and losses. 

Typical Scenarios and Causes 

Rear-end accidents can occur in various situations, including: 

  • Sudden Braking: If the vehicle in front brakes suddenly, the vehicle behind it might not have enough time to stop in time, which could lead to a collision. 
  • Traffic congestion: Heavy or sudden congestion can result in slower speeds, so drivers must keep a safe following distance to avoid collisions. 
  • Distracted Driving: Motorists may miss slowed or stopped vehicles in front of them if they are preoccupied with their phones, conversations, or other activities. 
  • Tailgating: The risk of a rear-end collision increases when a car follows another one too closely, slowing down its reaction time. 
  • Speeding: This practice makes it more difficult for drivers to stop in time to avoid collisions, especially in situations requiring sudden or congested stops. 

Difference Between Rear-End Accidents and Other Types of Accidents 

Rear-end accidents in Queens differ from other types of accidents in several ways: 

  • Fault Assign: The driver of the trailing vehicle is typically held responsible for rear-end collisions. This is so that collisions can be avoided, and drivers are expected to maintain a safe following distance. 
  • Injury Patterns: Because of the sudden impact, rear-end collisions frequently cause specific injuries, like whiplash. In contrast, other accidents could result in various injuries depending on how they happened. 
  • Visibility: Poor visibility or driver negligence frequently causes rear-end collisions. Intersections, lane changes, or turning could cause other accidents. 

Rear-End Collision Laws in Queens/New York Law 

Rear-end collisions are subject to specific laws and regulations in Queens and New York. Knowing liability, negligence, insurance, and New York Vehicle and Traffic Law is important after a rear-end car accident. 

Understanding Liability and Negligence 

In rear-end collisions, the trailing driver is frequently held responsible. Drivers must keep a safe following distance and be ready to stop or slow down if the vehicle in front does. Negligence would be doing so instead. Liability is not always clear-cut and can be affected by particular circumstances. 

Comparative negligence may be relevant if the leading driver's actions caused the collision or provoked any car accident injury. For instance, unwarranted reversing or braking may affect liability assessment. In such circumstances, the degree of fault of both drivers is assessed, and compensation is modified accordingly. 

The Effects of "No-Fault" Insurance 

New York has a "no-fault" insurance system, which means that regardless of fault, each driver's insurance covers their medical expenses and financial loss up to the policy limit. The purpose of the system is to speed up claims processing and minimize litigation. Car accident victims with severe injuries that exceed the no-fault limit may be eligible for extra compensation. 

Role of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law 

The New York Vehicle and Traffic Law outlines rules and regulations for drivers in the state. Several sections are relevant to rear-end collisions, including: 

  • Section 1129 requires drivers to keep a safe following distance to prevent collisions. The law states that drivers shouldn't follow another vehicle any closer than is prudent and reasonable, considering the amount of traffic, the speed limit, and the state of the road. 
  • Section 375 deals with equipment infractions, such as the need to work brake lights. A driver may be held accountable if their brake lights fail and cause a rear-end collision. 
  • Section 388: This section holds vehicle owners liable for the negligence of drivers who use their vehicles with permission. 

Injuries Commonly Sustained in Rear-End Collisions 

Throughout our years of experience, we have witnessed various injuries caused by rear-end accidents. As lawyers, we have noticed that doctors and lawyers work together closely in certain rear-end collision cases. Their collaboration aims to assist those impacted in recovering to the fullest extent possible. 

To address this problem, it is necessary to take a legal and medical approach to support health. This can be done by initiating a personal injury claim and utilizing medical science. 

The recovery process will take some time, but if we identify the most common characteristics of the injury suffered after the accident, it will be easier to follow the corresponding recommendations and move forward with your case over time. Below, we have identified some of the most common examples of the type of injuries: 

  • Neck and whiplash injuries: Whiplash is a common injury following a rear-end collision. The head may jerk forward and snap back due to the forceful impact, straining the neck muscles and ligaments. Some symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and restricted range of motion. 
  • Spinal and back injuries: A rear-end collision's impact can result in spinal compression, herniated discs, and other back injuries. Chronic pain, restricted mobility, and, in severe cases, paralysis can all be consequences of these injuries. 
  • Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries: Even when wearing a seatbelt and an airbag, an impact can still cause the head to strike the dashboard, steering wheel, or window. Concussions, contusions, or more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) may result from this, which may impair one's cognitive, emotional, and physical abilities. 
  • Face and dental injuries from airbag deployment: Airbags inflate violently to safeguard passengers. Fast inflation of airbags can cause facial cuts, broken bones, and dental harm despite preventing severe injuries. 
  • Soft Tissue Injuries: In a rear-end collision, ligaments, tendons, and muscles may be strained, sprained, or torn. These soft tissue injuries may result in discomfort, edema, and limited motion. 

Insurance Companies and Rear-End Collisions 

Negotiating with insurance companies and understanding accident clauses can be challenging for someone without training. Normally, insurance companies will want to reduce the amount of coverage for the accident as much as possible. 

For this reason, it is important to have the support of a rear-end collision attorney from our team, who specializes in this type of negotiation, to obtain the greatest possible benefit for you. 

Following a rear-end collision, navigating insurance companies requires knowledge of your rights and their strategies. This point is where a personal injury attorney is very important: 

  • Companies frequently try to minimize payouts and settle claims as quickly as possible. Be wary of low offers and downplayed injuries. 
  • Avoid admitting fault or not being honest regarding injuries when speaking with insurance adjusters. A rear-end car accident lawyer should be consulted before making statements. 
  • Legal Professional: An experienced attorney represents you and negotiates with the insurer on your behalf to ensure fair compensation. They evaluate all of your losses and uphold your rights. 

Factors Influencing Compensation Amounts 

Several specific and changing factors may affect the amount of compensation to be obtained. Our professionals have been able to identify the most relevant ones: 

  • Injury severity: A major factor in determining the amount of compensation is the victim's degree of injuries. Because of the significant medical expenses and drawn-out recovery times involved, more serious injuries that necessitate intensive medical care, surgeries, and rehabilitation frequently result in higher compensation. 
  • Impact on Quality of Life: The effects of the injuries on the victim's general quality of life are also considered. In addition to the physical limitations brought on by the injuries, compensation also considers the emotional pain and suffering endured. The victim's diminished capacity to engage in regular activities and pastimes is also considered when determining compensation. 
  • Earning Potential: The victim's potential loss of future earnings and lost wages may be taken into account if the injuries suffered in the rear-end collision result in a reduced capacity to work or even a permanent disability. The purpose of compensation is to ease the financial burden brought on by lost income and potential career changes. 
  • Medical Costs: Accident-related medical costs, both present and future, play a significant role in calculating compensation. These include the price of required future medical procedures, therapy, and rehabilitation. 

We must be aware that these factors affecting compensation are considerations from a general perspective. Normally, each case will be evaluated case-by-case to identify the elements favoring our legal strategy. 

Contact a Queens Rear-End Accident Attorney

At The Ward Law Group, we work daily for a better community. We want to see a safer Queens for all pedestrians and drivers. No one deserves to be violated for recklessness that could have been avoided. We invite you to contact us so that you can stop carrying the burden of this painful situation alone. 

Our rear-end accident attorneys will accompany you from the first moment until your case is completely solved. Our experienced Queen car accident lawyers will be key to helping you succeed.  Contact us now at 855-DOLOR-55 for a free consultation.