Meet Your NYC Rear-End Collision Attorneys
Being in a car accident can turn your world upside down. At Ajlouny Injury Law, our expert team is here to guide you through the process with the support and expertise you need to handle your case with confidence.
Paul Ajlouny
Paul Ajlouny is a top-rated personal injury lawyer in Brooklyn with an impressive reputation throughout New York State, who earned his degree from St. John’s University and honed his skills at the Daniel Galinson firm. With over $150 million in settlements to his name, Paul is known for his client-focused approach and relentless pursuit of justice.
Michael Levitz
Michael Levitz combines fairness with skill in his role as a personal injury lawyer, and his dedication to achieving the best results for his clients is central to his practice. His competitive sports background helps him negotiate with insurance companies and build strong relationships with clients.
A graduate of Hofstra University's Maurice A. Deane School of Law, Michael has been recognized as one of the Top 40 National Trial Lawyers under 40 and received the Rising Star award from Super Lawyers Magazine.
Important Initial Advice For After A Rear-End Car Accident
Taking the right steps after being rear-ended is vital for your safety and for protecting any potential claim. Follow these steps right away:
- Check for Injuries: Make sure everyone is safe and call for medical help if needed. Even minor injuries should be checked by a doctor to avoid complications later.
- Call the Police: Having a police report helps document the accident and establishes the facts, which will be helpful when filing a claim or lawsuit.
- Collect Information: Get the other driver's details, insurance information, and statements from any witnesses. Keep this information organized for future reference.
- Document the Scene: Take clear photos of both vehicles, any injuries, and any damage to the surroundings. Visual evidence is valuable in proving fault and damages.
- See a Doctor: Even if you feel fine, visit a healthcare provider. Some injuries, like whiplash, can take time to appear but still need to be documented for your claim.
- Consult with an Attorney: Before agreeing to any settlement, talk to a personal injury attorney from our firm to ensure your rights are protected and you're not accepting less compensation than you deserve.
- Contact Your Insurance: Notify your insurer about the accident, but be careful not to admit fault or give too many details until you speak with an attorney.
- Stay Off Social Media: Avoid posting about the accident or your injuries. Anything shared publicly could potentially harm your case.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
In New York, you generally have three years from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury claim, and missing this deadline can result in losing your right to recover damages. The timeline is much shorter If a government vehicle is involved, in which case you must file a notice of claim within 90 days.
It’s important to act quickly, as evidence can fade over time.
Contacting an accident lawyer at Ajlouny Injury Law promptly helps protect your rights and ensures all legal deadlines are met while you focus on recovery.
Key Evidence That We Will Help You Gather
When filing a personal injury claim, gathering the right evidence helps to build a strong case. Our team will handle the heavy lifting, so you can focus on healing.
Here’s what we’ll assist you in collecting:
- Police Reports: It is essential to provide an official record of the accident, including details about the parties involved, time, location, and law enforcement’s assessment of fault.
- Medical Records: Detailed documentation of your injuries, treatments, and ongoing medical care help demonstrate the physical and financial impact of the accident.
- Eyewitness Statements: Testimonies from bystanders can provide an unbiased account of how the accident occurred, supporting your version of events.
- Photos and Video Evidence: Photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage and your injuries, along with any video footage from traffic cameras or dashcams can offer compelling proof for your case.
- Proof of Driver Negligence: Compile any evidence you can that shows the at-fault driver’s carelessness, such as speeding, distracted driving, or breaking traffic laws.
- Accident Reconstruction Reports: In complex cases, experts may recreate the accident to provide a clear understanding of how it occurred and who was at fault.
- Surveillance Footage: Nearby business cameras or security systems may have captured the accident, providing critical visual evidence of what transpired.
- Vehicle Damage Estimates: Assessments of the repair costs for your vehicle help show the severity of the accident’s impact and the financial loss you have incurred.
- Witness Testimonies from Experts: Specialists like medical professionals or accident reconstruction experts may be needed to explain your injuries or how the collision occurred.
How Much Will It Cost You?
At our firm, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront.
Our fees are only collected if we successfully recover compensation for you, which allows you to focus on your recovery without the worry of legal costs adding up.
Why Choose Us Over Other NYC Rear-End Collision Attorneys?
When you choose our firm, you’re not just hiring any attorney – you’re partnering with a team dedicated to personalized attention and exceptional results. We stand out by offering:
- Extensive experience with rear-end collision cases, understanding the unique challenges they pose.
- Direct access to your attorney, ensuring you’re never left in the dark about your case.
- Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies to secure maximum compensation.
- Compassionate support to guide you every step of the way while you focus on recovery.
Ready to get started? Contact our NYC car accident lawyer team today for a free consultation!
General Information on Rear-End Collisions in NYC
Rear-end collisions are a common type of traffic accident in New York City, occurring when one vehicle crashes into the back of another. These incidents can range from minor fender-benders to serious accidents with significant damage.
These next few sections provide an overview of what you need to know to effectively work through the aftermath of a rear-end collision.
Determining Fault in Rear-End Crashes
Determining fault in rear-end collisions requires understanding your state’s specific laws regarding negligence and insurance. Here’s a detailed look at how fault is determined in these types of accidents in New York:
New York's Comparative Negligence Law
New York operates under a comparative negligence system, which means that fault in an accident can be shared between parties, and each party is liable for their proportion of the fault. Even if you are partially responsible for the rear-end collision, you may still recover damages, but your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Full Liability: If you are found to be fully at fault for the accident, you will be responsible for covering all damages.
- Partial Liability: If you share fault, your compensation will be adjusted based on your degree of responsibility. For instance, if you are found 30% at fault, your recovery will be reduced by 30%.
New York's No-Fault Insurance System
New York is a no-fault insurance state, meaning that your own insurance covers your injuries and related costs regardless of who caused the accident. This system simplifies the claims process and ensures quick compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.
However, it also means:
- Limitations on Lawsuits: You cannot sue the other driver for personal injury damages unless your injuries meet a specific severity threshold defined by law, such as serious injury or significant impairment.
- Property Damage Claims: If the rear-end collision causes damage to your vehicle or property, you can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance. Alternatively, you could file a claim with your own insurer, if you have collision insurance.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
On average, there are 292 deaths annually in New York due to motor vehicle traffic-related injuries among vehicle occupants, with the highest rates affecting males and New Yorkers aged 65 and older, followed closely by those aged 20-24.
Rear-end collisions are a significant contributor to these statistics, and often occur due to:
- Distracted Driving: Actions like texting or talking on the phone divert attention from the road, increasing the likelihood of rear-ending another vehicle.
- Tailgating: Following too closely impedes a driver’s ability to stop in time if the vehicle ahead suddenly halts.
- Speeding: Excessive speed limits the driver’s ability to react and stop promptly, leading to rear-end crashes.
- Abrupt Stops: Sudden or unexpected braking can catch drivers off guard, resulting in rear-end collisions.
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather, such as rain, fog, or ice, impairs visibility and road traction and contributes to accidents of all kinds, including rear-end accidents.
Types of Injuries We See as Lawyers After Being Rear-Ended
Injuries from rear-end collisions often result in significant physical and emotional damage. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash: A sudden jerking motion of the head can cause strain and discomfort in the neck and upper back.
- Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Injuries to the head from impact or violent shaking can range from concussions to severe brain trauma.
- Spinal Injuries: Damage to the spine can lead to chronic pain or, in severe cases, even paralysis.
- Broken Bones: Fractures commonly occur in the arms, legs, and ribs due to intense impact.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Strains and sprains in muscles and ligaments can cause long-term discomfort and may require extensive therapy.
Statistics on Rear-End Accidents in The Big Apple
In a city as busy as New York, traffic accidents are understandably common. In 2022 alone there were 100,508 car crashes in the city, 37,848 of which resulted in either injury or fatality.
Rear-end collisions are one of the most common traffic accident types. These accidents can range in severity depending on the speed at which the accident occurs, and are often caused by distracted driving, which is the leading cause of accidents in general, or by other dangerous or careless behaviors.
Following too closely is another notable factor in rear-end collisions, with 7 recorded incidents in July of 2024 specifically attributed to this behavior.
Other Locations We Serve
Our team is dedicated to serving clients across the entirety of New York City. We are here to assist you, no matter where you are located. Our coverage includes, but is not limited to:
- Brooklyn
- Garden City
- New York
- Queens
Speak to an NYC Rear-End Accident Attorney Today!
If you have been involved in a rear-end collision, head-on collision, or a T-bone crash, we understand how overwhelming it can be. No matter what kind of accident you’ve been involved with, whether it’s a hit-and-run, or an accident involving a Lyft, Uber, or taxi cab, we're here to support you.
Our NYC car accident attorneys specialize in handling situations like these with care and expertise.
As your car accident team, we’re here to listen, guide you through the process, and fight for the compensation you need.
Don't wait—contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
