A rear-end car crash can have a devastating impact on you and your family. Along with the physical injuries you suffered, you may also be dealing with the emotional and financial impact of the collision. The attorneys at Ginarte, Gonzalez & Winograd, L.L.P., have helped hundreds of victims of rear-end collisions recover the compensation they deserve for the injuries they suffered as a result of someone else’s negligence.
If you have been injured in a New York or New Jersey rear-end collision, the experienced accident attorneys at Ginarte Gonzalez & Winograd, LLP, can help you get the justice you deserve. With over 150 years of combined experience, our personal injury lawyers have protected the rights of countless accident victims in New York and New Jersey.
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New York/New Jersey Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident in the United States according to the National Safety Council. Each year, approximately 2.5 million rear-end accidents occur across the United States, accounting for more than one-third of all crashes reported each year. In New York, there were 315,377 car accidents in 2010, meaning that statistically speaking over 100,000 of those were likely rear-end collisions.
Rear-end collisions are often referred to as “whiplash” accidents because even a relatively minor rear-end accident often produces whiplash injuries. Although a whiplash injury typically heals within a few months, it can be extremely painful and cause a victim to lose time from work and family activities.
Along with whiplash injuries, the victim in a rear-end collision may also suffer other injuries, including:
- Neck, back and spine injuries — The same force and movements that cause a whiplash injury can also cause much more serious back, neck and spine injuries. A victim could suffer a herniated or ruptured disc. Vertebrae could also become fractured or dislocated. A victim could even become paralyzed as a result of these injuries. Many of these injuries will cause the victim disabilities and pain for the rest of his or her life.
- Head injuries — The traumatic blow that often accompanies a rear-end collision can cause a traumatic brain injury that can lead to a lifetime of cognitive, psychological and mobility problems.
- Fractures, breaks and strains — Leg and arm bones are particularly prone to injury in a rear-end accident because the victim is often thrown into the dash or other hard surfaces in the car’s interior.
Causes of Rear-End Accidents
As with all types of accidents, a rear-end accident can occur for a wide variety of reasons. There are, however, some common factors in many rear-end collisions. Some examples include:
- Distracted driving — A driver who is distracted by a cell phone, by eating food, by talking to passengers in the vehicle, or anything else that provides a distraction is less likely to notice the need to stop in time. This is particularly true in traffic jams and emergency situations where the vehicles in front stop abruptly.
- Drowsy driving — A driver who has not had enough rest can be as dangerous as someone who is driving under the influence of alcohol, according to some studies. If a driver nods off for just a second, a rear-end accident can result.
- Driving under the influence — A driver who is under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or even prescription drugs usually has a slower reaction time. As a result, he or she may not react in time to avoid a rear-end accident.
- Reckless driving — Whether a driver is driving too fast, or following too close to the vehicle in front of him or her (tailgating), a reckless driver is much more likely to cause a rear-end accident than a driver who is not driving recklessly.
The law presumes fault on the part of the driver of the vehicle that collides with the car in front of him or her. This means that the other driver will usually be held liable for the rear-end accident if you were in the car that was struck from behind. This still must be proven. There are narrow circumstances where this presumption may be rebutted.
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Hurt in an NY / NJ Rear-End Collision? The Ginarte Law Firm Can Help!
If you are the victim of a rear-end accident caused by another driver’s negligence, the Ginarte law firm is here for you. Call 1-888-GINARTE (1-888-446-2783) now, fill out our online contact form, or visit one of our seven nearby offices in Newark, New York City, Union City, Elizabeth, Clifton or Perth Amboy today. Remember, there is no charge to talk with our rear-end collision lawyers, and we collect fees only if you win your case!