What To Do If A Car Hits You From Behind In New York  

Picture this: it’s rush hour on a Friday evening, and you’re traveling down the LIE. The traffic ahead suddenly slows down, so you tap your breaks. But, before you know it, another vehicle slams into the back of your car.

Due to severe congestion on Long Island (and so many driving distractions), rear-end collisions are a reality that countless New Yorkers are forced to face. In fact, they’re some of the most common types of car accidents in the country. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), rear-end crashes accounted for 40.6% of collisions with other motor vehicles in 2023. And they tend to happen when you least expect it.

Despite the prevalence of such collisions, being hit from behind can leave you shaken, injured, and unsure of what to do next. Thankfully, our firm has guided numerous clients through this exact situation, so here’s what you need to know. 

What Is A Rear-End Collision?

A rear-end collision is precisely what it sounds like: when one car crashes into the back of another. It might happen because someone was distracted by their phone, following another vehicle too closely in traffic, or misjudged how quickly the car in front was stopping.

Sometimes, these incidents are more severe. A rear-end crash at high speeds may set off a chain reaction involving multiple cars, creating a pileup that leaves everyone confused about who’s at fault.

And while the driver who initially causes the hit from behind is usually considered responsible, that doesn’t mean the process for seeking justice and compensation is simple. Determining who’s liable in multi-car accidents can get messy, which is why it’s so important to document everything properly and call an attorney right away. 

What To Do After You’re Rear-Ended

After being involved in a rear-end collision, your safety and the safety of your passengers should come first. So, if anyone is injured, dial 911 immediately. Remember that, even if you feel alright, adrenaline can sometimes mask pain.

If your vehicle is drivable, it’s also best to move it out of the road to prevent the risk of further accidents. Otherwise, you and your passengers should exit the vehicle and move away from oncoming traffic.

It’s recommended that you contact the police to file a report as well, regardless of whether you suffered injuries. This report will serve as key evidence for your future case, especially if the other driver tries to dispute what happened.

Additionally, speak with the other driver(s) and exchange information, including their name, contact info, driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance company and policy number. If there are other witnesses present, you can gather their names and contact details as well.

Another crucial step is documenting the scene. If you’re able, take photos and videos of the crash scene, including damage to both vehicles, your license plates, skid marks or other debris on the road, nearby traffic signs, and any visible injuries you’ve sustained.

Finally, contact a personal injury attorney before trying to deal with your insurance. Oftentimes, insurance companies will attempt to shift blame or downplay injuries to avoid paying the compensation that you deserve.

However, an experienced personal injury attorney will navigate the process for you and fight for your case to be taken seriously. 

Common Injuries From Rear-End Collisions

Even at slow speeds, the sheer force of another car hitting yours can do real damage. The most common injury resulting from a rear-end collision is whiplash, or the sudden movement of your neck forward and backward.

Aside from that, rear-end crashes may also lead to concussions, herniated discs, other spinal injuries, broken bones, or deep tissue pain.

Sometimes, victims don’t feel the full effects of their injuries until later. That’s why it’s critical to get evaluated by your doctor as soon as possible. Not only will seeking medical care protect your health, but it’ll also create medical records that will serve as evidence should you need to file a claim.

And, of course, suffering any kind of car accident, including a rear-end crash, can leave victims with non-visible injuries. The emotional trauma may lead to anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Why Contact A Personal Injury Attorney?

On the surface, rear-end collisions might look straightforward. But insurance companies are notorious for minimizing injuries, blaming pre-existing conditions, and shifting blame. All of which pressures victims to settle for less than what they truly deserve.

That’s where Langella & Langella comes in. Our personal injury attorneys are experienced in helping New Yorkers recover compensation for a range of losses due to rear-end collisions, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, car repairs, car replacement, and loss of consortium.

Don’t wait to reach out for a free consultation with us. While it’s true that, in New York State, you typically have three years from the date of your accident to file your personal injury lawsuit, outcomes are typically better the sooner you get started and secure legal counsel. 

How Langella & Langella Fights For Justice

Once you contact our firm, we will immediately begin designing a custom strategy for your unique case. Our personal injury attorneys will investigate what happened, gather evidence, handle insurance companies, speak to third-party experts who can support your case, and have your back every step of the way.

We know just how stressful and long-lasting the impacts of rear-end collisions can be, so allow us to navigate the nitty-gritty while you focus on recovering.

Contact us today for a Free Consultation by calling (631) 348-9500. If you’ve been hit from behind, don’t go at it alone. We’ll fight for your rights while you focus on healing.