Long Island Rear-End Accident Lawyers

Rear-End Accident Lawyers On Long Island

Although rear-end accidents are common, they can be just as dangerous as head-on collisions or vehicle rollovers. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), more than 28% of car crashes are rear-ended accidents, and over 2000 people are killed each year as a result of these collisions.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a rear-end accident in a busy area like Long Island, it’s likely due to the second driver not paying attention to what’s in front of them. In most cases, the driver who was following too closely is at fault and you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. To learn more, get in touch with our Long Island rear-end accident attorneys at Rosenberg & Rodriguez. We offer a complimentary consultation.

Common Causes Of Rear-End Accidents On Long Island

Rear-end accidents are more common in crowded cities like Long Island as the streets are congested and there are more drivers. While the reasons for these collisions can vary, common causes include:

Drivers Following Too Closely

According to New York Law, it is necessary for drivers to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them. To ensure safety, it is recommended that drivers maintain a following distance of three to four seconds, allowing them enough time and space to react in the case of sudden stops or traffic changes.

Maintaining a safe distance between your vehicle and others is crucial, especially in harsh weather or heavy traffic. This reduces the risk of accidents involving cars or large trucks. When you drive slowly, your vehicle takes less time to come to a complete stop. However, when driving at higher speeds, it’s important to be extra cautious to ensure safe driving.

Rubbernecking

Drivers who are not paying attention to the road may not notice when they come to a stop at a traffic signal, stop sign, or in normal traffic. This is especially true if they are distracted and not looking at their surroundings. If they fail to notice that the cars in front of them have slowed down or stopped, it could result in a collision with other drivers.

Texting And Driving

Texting while driving is illegal in New York. However, it has become more prevalent, which poses a threat to drivers’ safety. If a driver is texting during a rear-end collision on Long Island, the legal consequences will likely be more severe.

Sudden Stops

If you have to suddenly stop, it may not be your fault if there’s a crash. If the driver behind you doesn’t react quickly or isn’t paying attention, they could hit your car from behind and be responsible for any damages. While sudden stops are sometimes necessary, stay aware of vehicles following closely to prevent collisions.

If you’re involved in a rear-end collision, it can be challenging to provide evidence, as both parties may have different perspectives on what happened. Therefore, it’s crucial to hire an experienced Long Island rear-end accident lawyer to protect your rights and represent you in court. With the guidance of a legal expert, you can maneuver through this complex process with confidence.

Impaired Driving

If you were in a car accident caused by an intoxicated driver, it’s important that you quickly get in touch with a skilled lawyer who specializes in drunk driving accidents. Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous and can even lead to fatalities.

Common Injuries From Long Island Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end collisions can cause severe damage and long-term physical and psychological distress, especially to the stationary driver. While both drivers may get injured, the driver who was not moving is more likely to suffer from serious harm. It’s essential to be aware of common injuries resulting from such accidents, as they can significantly impact your settlement amount.

Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash is a painful and rigid injury that can happen in the neck and shoulder area of victims when they experience a sudden acceleration caused by a rear-end crash. This acceleration forces the spine beyond its normal range of motion and causes traumatic injuries to both regions. According to the NHTSA, 20% of all motorists involved in rear-end accidents suffer a whiplash injury. Among those, almost 80% experience pain and soreness that lasts longer than a week following the accident.

Back Injuries

If your car is hit from behind, it can cause severe damage to your spine due to the sudden impact. This can result in serious harm to your discs, nerves, and joints, putting your daily activities at risk. It’s important to seek the help of a Long Island rear-end accident lawyer to get compensation for your injuries and justice for what you have suffered.

Head and Face Injuries

Although airbags are essential safety features in modern cars and can save lives in accidents, they may not provide full protection from harm. In the event of a high-speed rear-end collision, deployment of the airbag can still result in severe injuries due to its forceful impact.

Arm and Hand Injuries

On Long Island, when rear-end accidents happen, those holding onto their steering wheel often experience the full force of the impact. This can cause a range of injuries that affect the arms, shoulders, hands, and wrists – including severe pain or even broken bones. While these injuries may not seem as urgent as others, they can greatly disrupt daily life by limiting mobility and causing prolonged discomfort.

Seatbelt Injuries

Seatbelts are important for safety on the road and can save lives during accidents. However, they can also cause injuries. In a rear-end collision, the force can throw you forward against the seatbelt. While this can prevent you from hitting the steering wheel with your face, it can also lead to bruises, lacerations, and whiplash from contact with the belt.