According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rear-end accidents make up nearly a third of all automobile accidents in the U.S. — and you could prove that by a colleague of ours whose car was a rear-end accident magnet. It got hit five times during the ten years she owned it. Fortunately, unlike some rear-end accident victims, this individual was never seriously injured.
Under New York State’s no-fault law, her insurance covered the damages because the accidents were considered mild or moderate, and as long as no one is seriously injured in an accident, the driver’s only claim is usually against their no-fault policy, regardless of who is to blame.
Now that distracted driving is a “thing,” however, there are more serious rear-end collisions where the person driving the car that hits you should be considered at fault and held responsible. If you or your passengers are seriously injured because of someone else’s negligence the stakes can be high. You need an attorney with expertise in personal injury to investigate and represent you so that you are not held even partially responsible. Serious injuries usually occur when the person behind is tailgating, speeding, or just not paying attention.
Rear-end automobile accidents can be life-changing for those who are seriously injured. Don’t make a bad situation worse by taking the situation too lightly. Call the police to the scene and contact us at www.jeffreyfreedman.com or 1-800-343-8537. In the case of a serious accident, a qualified attorney who regularly handles personal injury cases is your best ally.