If you were rear-ended in Long Island traffic, you are not alone and not without options. Rear-end collisions may seem simple at first glance. Still, they often lead to complex injuries, insurance disputes, and long-term consequences. At Dell & Dean, PLLC, we have helped countless New Yorkers protect their rights and fight for fair outcomes after a crash. Contact our team today to discuss your options if you have been hurt in a rear-end accident. We are here to help.
Why Rear-End Accidents Happen
Rear-end crashes are a common type of accident in places like Long Island. Even at low speeds, they can cause serious injuries and damage. Most are due to driver error, such as:
- Distracted driving: Texting, eating, or adjusting the radio all take attention away from the road.
- Tailgating: Following too closely leaves almost no time to react.
- Speeding: The faster you go, the harder it is to stop in time.
- Bad weather or road conditions: Ice, potholes, or poor drainage increase the chance of a crash.
- Drunk or impaired driving: Alcohol and drugs affect judgment and reaction time.
Although the rear driver is often blamed, they are not always 100% at fault. The fault might be shared if the front driver slammed on the brakes without warning or had broken brake lights.
Common Injuries in Rear-End Collisions
Even at low speeds, the force of a rear-end impact can jolt the body in unnatural ways. Many crash victims walk away at first feeling shaken but otherwise fine, only to develop symptoms hours or days later. That is why getting medical attention as soon as possible is critical.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Whiplash: This soft tissue injury affects the neck and shoulders, usually from a sudden back-and-forth motion. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
- Concussions and head trauma: If your head hits the steering wheel, window, or headrest, you could suffer a mild traumatic brain injury—even if you never lose consciousness.
- Spinal injuries: Damage to the spine, including herniated discs or nerve impingement, can cause pain, numbness, or long-term mobility issues.
- Back and shoulder pain: Muscle strain and inflammation can lead to ongoing discomfort and limit daily activities.
- Airbag-related injuries: While airbags save lives, they can also cause abrasions, bruises, or broken bones when deployed.
More serious accidents may lead to fractures, internal bleeding, or injuries that require surgery. Any delay in diagnosis or treatment could complicate your recovery. It is essential to document your injuries early for your health and case.
Who’s at Fault in a Rear-End Collision?
New York uses a no-fault insurance system for car accidents. That means, after most crashes, you will turn to your insurance coverage—specifically, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP)—to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other basic economic losses, regardless of who caused the crash.
PIP usually kicks in immediately and can be a lifeline for injured drivers. But it also comes with limits. You can’t sue the other driver for pain and suffering unless your injuries meet the “serious injury threshold.” This includes things like:
- A broken bone
- Significant disfigurement
- Permanent limitation of a body organ or limb
- A substantial disability lasting at least 90 days
If your injuries meet that threshold, you can leave the no-fault system and file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for all of your accident-related costs and losses.
When that happens, New York’s comparative fault law comes into play. Under this law, if you’re found to be partially at fault for the crash, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if the court awarded you $100,000 but found you to be 25% at fault, you’d receive $75,000. You can still recover compensation under this rule even if you were mostly to blame.
What to Do After a Rear-End Crash
Taking the right steps after a rear-end collision can significantly affect your physical and legal recovery.
Here’s what to do:
- Call 911 and request a police report.
- Document everything, including photos of the scene, your vehicle, and visible injuries.
- Exchange information with the other driver, but avoid admitting fault.
- Get medical care immediately, even if you feel okay.
- Contact a lawyer before speaking with insurance companies.
What Compensation Can Victims Recover?
If your injuries meet the serious injury threshold, you may be eligible to pursue a personal injury claim for full compensation, far beyond what no-fault covers.
You may be able to recover money for:
- Medical expenses: Both current and future care
- Lost income: Wages missed due to injury or disability
- Property damage: Car repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and mental anguish
- Reduced quality of life: If you can’t do things you used to enjoy
- Loss of earning capacity: If you can’t return to the same kind of work
Insurance companies rarely offer full value without a fight. Too many people accept lowball settlements out of frustration or confusion. Dell & Dean, PLLC, pushes back hard for the compensation our clients deserve.
Why Work with Dell & Dean, PLLC?
We have earned a reputation for aggressive advocacy and compassionate client care. We don’t take shortcuts. Every case receives our full attention from start to finish. Whether your rear-end crash happened on the LIE, Sunrise Highway, or a quiet back road, we are prepared to fight for your interests.
Our firm is not interested in fast settlements that leave you shortchanged. We will take the time to understand the impact of your injuries and pursue the result that meets your needs, not the insurer’s convenience. From the first call to the final decision, you will have a team of professionals standing beside you.
Get Experienced Help After a Rear-End Crash
Rear-end accidents may seem routine, but their consequences aren’t. Don’t let a negligent driver or dismissive insurer control the outcome of your case. Dell & Dean, PLLC is here to advocate for your rights, guide you through the process, and help you confidently move toward recovery. Contact our Long Island office today to schedule a free consultation. Let’s discuss what happened, what you are facing, and how we can help.
Dell & Dean, PLLC, represents personal injury victims throughout Nassau County and Suffolk County on Long Island, as well as the boroughs of New York City and the surrounding areas.
