Brooklyn Rear-End Collision Lawyers

Rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident, especially in busy cities like Brooklyn. Over 1 million rear-end collisions occur every year in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 28 percent of all car accidents are rear-end collisions and account for more than seven percent of all traffic-related fatalities. In New York City, 30 percent of all car accidents occur in Brooklyn, more than any other borough. With the high traffic congestion rates, rear-end collisions occur almost daily.

Suffering an injury due to a car accident in Brooklyn can be traumatic. At Rubenstein & Rynecki, our Brooklyn rear-end collision lawyers understand the devastation of suffering injuries at the hands of others, and we are dedicated to holding negligent drivers accountable.

What Are Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions in Brooklyn?

Rear-end collisions usually occur in one of two ways – the vehicle behind crashes into you, or the vehicle in front suddenly stops or reverses. In some cases, the vehicle behind strikes you with enough force to thrust you into the car ahead, “sandwiching” you between both vehicles. Some of the more common causes of rear-end collisions include:

• Aggressive driving: Behaviors such as tailgating or weaving in and out of traffic can lead to rear-end accidents. 
• Distracted driving: Texting, eating, or talking on the phone diverts attention from the road. 
• Drowsy driving: Driving while sleep-deprived slows reaction times in stop-and-go traffic. 
• Drunk driving: Alcohol or drugs impair judgment, decrease reaction times, blur vision, and reduce focus.
• Inexperienced drivers: Novice drivers often struggle to respond to sudden stops or maintain safe following distances. 
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and distance between vehicles, making it harder to stop in time. 
• Sudden lane changes: In heavy traffic congestion, drivers who change lanes suddenly without signaling can cause rear-end accidents. 
• Sudden stops: Abrupt stops at traffic lights, stop signs, or pedestrian crossings can cause a rear-end collision, particularly in heavy city traffic.
• Tailgating: Following too close to the car in front of you can limit your ability to stop in time.
• Traffic congestion: The city’s congested, stop-and-go traffic increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions. 
• Weather conditions: Rain, snow, or ice can make roads slippery, increasing the likelihood of rear-end collisions. 

What Are Common Rear-End Accident Injuries?

The body often experiences tremendous stress and movement during a rear-end collision. The force of impact can be severe, especially if a fast-moving vehicle slams into the rear of a stopped vehicle. Even when secured by a seat belt, a rear-end collision can result in serious and even catastrophic injuries. The most common injuries include: 

• Back and spinal cord injuries: Back injuries are common in rear-end collisions because the lower and middle back often move back and forth in sudden violent motion, flattening or disrupting the spine’s natural curve. Spinal cord damage disrupts its message-sending capabilities to the brain, which can cause partial or full paralysis, depending on the location of the damage.
• Facial and eye injuries: Broken glass, broken dashboard fragments, and even the airbag can cause facial injuries, cuts, or burns.
• Fractures: The most common injuries in rear-end collisions are broken bones, such as wrists, hands, fingers, arms, legs, feet, toes, legs, ribs, and hips, ranging from simple fractures to compound fractures that puncture skin.
• Neck and shoulder injuries: A sudden strike from behind causes the head and neck to snap forward, damaging muscles and other soft tissues in the neck and shoulder area, as well as the spinal cord.
• Soft tissue damage: Soft tissue, such as ligaments, muscles, tendons, and nerves, can suffer sprains, tears, strains, pulled or torn muscles, bruises, and soreness.
• Traumatic brain injuries: Rear-end collisions cause the head to thrust forward, striking the steering wheel, airbag, or window, the force of which can cause numerous types of traumatic brain injuries. Severe brain injuries can result in lifelong pain and behavioral, cognitive, and physical disabilities.
• Whiplash: According to the NHTSA, 20 percent of all occupants suffer a whiplash injury during a rear-end collision. The force of impact in rear-end collisions causes the head to thrust violently forward and backward, which can result in spinal and nerve damage, concussion, stretched tendons, and muscle damage, even in vehicles with anti-whiplash properties in the headrests.

What Compensation Can I Seek for My Injuries?

Compensation has no set value and is based on economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to the fixed financial expenses related to the accident and your injuries, such as medical expenses, lost wages, repair costs, rehabilitation, or wrongful death and funeral expenses. Non-economic damages refer to personal costs related to the pain and suffering you experienced as a result of the accident and your injuries. They can include chronic pain, disfigurement, loss of life enjoyment, or PTSD.

Is There a Deadline to File a Rear-End Accident Claim?

In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is three years from the accident date or two years from the date of death.

How Can a Brooklyn Rear-End Collision Lawyer Help Me?

If you are injured in a rear-end collision, you should be focusing on your recovery. Our experienced Brooklyn rear-end collision lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki will protect your legal rights. Our lawyers will do the following:

• Investigate the accident scene and review police reports.
• Gather witness statements if applicable.
• File required documents with the court.
• Negotiate a settlement with insurance companies.
• Hire experts, if necessary.
• Represent you in court should the case proceed to trial.

Rubenstein & Rynecki’s legal team is exceptionally experienced and has an outstanding record of success, serving Brooklyn residents for over 50 years.

Our Experienced Brooklyn Rear-End Collision Lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki Can Represent You

Suffering an injury in a rear-end collision can have far-reaching effects on your life, with costly medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Our Brooklyn rear-end collision lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki can help you seek justice. Call today at 718-522-1020 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Brooklyn, we serve clients throughout New York City, including The Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.