Rear-end accidents happen every day in New York and nationwide. In 2020, there were 1.4 million rear-end collisions in the US. These types of wrecks can cause significant damage and injuries and leave you with financial burdens. If you or a loved one have been hurt in a NYC rear-end accident, contact our NYC personal injury attorneys for help a free consultation on your case.
Having an experienced New York car accident attorney can help you recover the compensation you need. Our legal team at Hecht, Kleeger, & Damashek, P.C. can examine your case and fight to bring you what you are owed. KNR has a history of success and a dedication to our clients. These clients continue to motivate us to stand up for New York injury victims in every way we can.
How Do NY Rear-End Accidents Happen?
Rear-end car accidents occur when a vehicle hits the back of the one traveling in front of it. These types of car accidents can occur from:
- Tailgating, or following another vehicle too closely
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Sudden deceleration or braking of the car in front
Out of all of these, tailgating is the most common cause of rear-end accidents. At least one-third of all rear-end collisions in the United States happen due to tailgating. Due to how common and dangerous it is, many states have made laws that discourage and penalize tailgating, including New York.
What are the Tailgating Laws in NY?
The New York State Vehicle & Traffic Laws define tailgating as following a vehicle “more closely than is reasonable and prudent.” Following too closely is seen as a traffic violation in New York and is punishable by fines and four points on your driving record. However, the law does not define a reasonable amount of space.
According to New York’s Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Manual, a reasonable distance is roughly equal to two seconds of travel. This means it should take two or more seconds to reach the exact spot where the car in front of you had previously been. Any distance within this two-second range can be considered tailgating.
New York City Car Accidents
Common Injuries From Rear-End Crashes in New York
Unfortunately, rear-end accidents can cause significant injuries, regardless of factors like speed or following distance. Common injuries in rear-end collisions include:
- Whiplash
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Lacerations from seat belts or airbags
- Soft tissue damage
Whiplash is a widespread injury in rear-end accidents, as the impact from behind can cause the rest of your body to move faster than your head, forcing your neck to bend rapidly.
How Can a NYC Rear-End Accident Lawyer at HKD Help?
Our legal team at Hecht, Kleeger, & Damashek has experience handling even the most challenging car accident cases. We honor every opportunity to represent an injury victim seriously and tenaciously. We take these essential steps after rear-end accidents to secure the compensation you deserve.
We’ll Conduct a Thorough Investigation
A knowledgeable lawyer can investigate your accident and prepare the documents that will be needed for your claim. This can include medical evidence, such as bills or records, showing the extent of your injuries and their impact on the quality of your life. It can also include witness statements, police reports, and photos or videos of the crash site.
The evidence we gather will help us prove who is liable for the accident and determine how much they owe you.
We’ll Determine Fault
A rear-end accident is almost always the fault of the driver behind you. They were likely following too closely and did not leave a safe distance. However, there may be exceptions. If you were involved in a rear-end collision, it’s crucial to investigate who is at fault.
We’ll Handle Insurance and File Your Claim
After a car accident in New York, insurance companies will contact you to get you to settle quickly. No matter how good-natured their intentions may seem, many adjusters offer a much lower settlement than you deserve. Your NYC personal injury lawyer can push back against their unfair offers and help secure the maximum compensation. We can guide you through the claims process step-by-step so you avoid any costly errors.
We’ll Help You Recover Full Compensation
You are entitled to compensation for your physical and intangible losses. These include medical expenses, pain and suffering damages, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and more.
If you have been involved in a rear-end accident and are now facing severe and traumatic physical or emotional trauma, you must contact our NYC personal firm as soon as possible. Every case is unique, and we can help you with your individual situation and calculate the full and fair compensation you need.
The New York injury attorneys at our office are also adept in cases involving wrongful death. If a loved one was fatally injured in a rear-end collision, we will vigorously fight for benefits to cover funeral costs, loss of companionship, and more.
Call Our NYC Rear-End Collision Lawyers Today
We are Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., and we have a combined 75 years of experience in aiding injured individuals throughout the New York area. We have helped retain millions of dollars for our clients and are proud to serve the NYC area. If you have been injured, call us immediately to receive a free case evaluation and to begin the claim process to receive the money you deserve. Call us today at (212) 490-5700 to speak with a qualified attorney today. Our no-win no fee lawyers work on a contingency fee basis and offer free initial consultations.
CLIENT REVIEWS
07/05/2015
After meeting a half dozen lawyers at different firms, I decided to go to Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek. As soon as I met Jon Damashek, I knew I had to look no further. Mr. Damashek made me feel at ease…
5
Michael R., HKD CLIENT