Involved in a rear-end collision in Glens Falls? It is the most common type of multi-vehicle accident reported in Warren County. Even the most safe and attentive of drivers could end up in a rear-end crash. It is crucial that you know how to protect your legal rights and your financial interests. In this article, our Glens Falls auto accident lawyer explains the key things that you should know about rear-end collision claims in New York.
Rear-End Collisions are the Most Common Type of Multi-Vehicle Crash
According to a comprehensive analysis conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end collisions are the most common type of multi-vehicle accident reported nationwide. Indeed, rear-end crashes make up around half of all multi-car collisions. For reference, that means that there are well over one million rear-end collisions reported nationwide on an annual basis. The often sudden nature of these accidents can lead to serious injuries and significant property damage.
The Most Common Reasons Why Rear-End Collisions Happen in Glens Falls, NY
A rear-end collision in Glens Falls can happen for a wide variety of different reasons—and very rarely are the unavoidable incidents. Indeed, the vast majority of rear-end accidents happen because of the carelessness, recklessness, or otherwise negligent conduct of one or more parties. Here are some of the most common reasons why rear-end collisions are reported in Glens Falls:
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is consistently among the top causes of rear-end collisions in New York. A wide range of different driver actions—from texting to talking on the phone—can divert a person’s attention from the road and increase the risk of a crash.
- Tailgating: All motorists in New York should leave adequate space between them and the vehicle that they are following. Driving too closely to—tailgating—another vehicle increases the chances of a collision, especially so if the leading car stops abruptly.
- Speeding: Speed matters. Motorists in Glens Falls, NY must obey the posted speed limit. Driving too fast for the road conditions reduces the driver’s available reaction time. It can make it difficult to stop in time to avoid a collision.
- Drunk/Drugged Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs slows reaction times and impairs judgment, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Quick Stops By Front Driver: In some cases, the front driver could make a completely unjustified and unsafe quick stop. While the rear driver should still leave enough space to adjust, an unsafe quick stop could contribute to a rear-end collision.
- Malfunctioning Brake Lights: All vehicles in New York are required to have proper working brake lights. Malfunctioning brake lights reduce the warning time that the rear-driver has and could contribute to a crash.
What to Know About New York’s No-Fault Insurance System
As described by the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), New York operates under a comprehensive no-fault auto insurance system. To comply with this system, every motorist in Glens Falls is required to have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage as part of their auto insurance policy. The PIP coverage is designed to pay for medical expenses, lost earnings, and other incidental costs, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. How does this impact your case? After a rear-end collision in Glens Falls, NY, your initial claim would be through your own insurance company—regardless of who caused the accident.
You Can Step Outside of the No-Fault System After a Serious Rear-End Collision
While the no-fault system simplifies the initial claim process, New York law allows for stepping outside the no-fault system if the accident resulted in a serious injury. The serious injury threshold includes conditions like significant disfigurement, bone fractures, permanent limitation of use of a body organ or member, substantial full disability for 90 days, or death. If the injuries sustained meet this threshold, victims can file a liability claim or personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Every serious rear-end collision in New York should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced attorney. While a rear-end collision is typically the fault of the rear driver, that is not automatically the case in New York. For a number of different reasons, the front driver or another party may bear legal liability for part or all of a rear-end crash. An experienced Glens Falls car accident lawyer can carefully investigate your crash and help you gather and organize all relevant evidence.
We Help Car Crash Victims in Glens Falls Secure the Maximum Financial Recovery
Managing the aftermath of a rear-end collision can be stressful and confusing. You do not have to navigate every aspect of the insurance claims process alone. At Larson & Gallivan Law, we help car crash victims in Glens Falls and throughout Warren County take action to get justice and full and fair financial compensation. Our firm assists clients with all aspects of claims—from the understanding of the nuances of New York’s no-fault insurance system to the determination of if your injuries meet the serious injury threshold. Our goal is to ensure you receive the maximum financial recovery. Along with other damages, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation for:
- Property damages, including vehicle repairs or replacement;
- Ambulance costs and other emergency room costs;
- Hospital bills and other types of medical expenses;
- Ongoing and/or rehabilitative medical care;
- Loss of wages and diminishment of earning power;
- Pain and suffering & mental anguish;
- Permanent disability or disfigurement;
- Loss of lifestyle enjoyment; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Set Up a Free Consultation With a Top-Rated Glens Falls Car Accident Attorney Today
At Larson & Gallivan Law, our New York auto accident lawyers are aggressive, experienced, and results-forward advocates for injured victims. If you or your loved one was hurt in a rear-end crash, we are more than ready to help. Call us at 518-862-8799 or contact us online to set up your free, no obligation initial appointment. We fight for the rights of car crash victims in Glens Falls, Warren County, and throughout the surrounding area in New York.
