Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of motor vehicle accidents, especially on busy roads in Fishkill, NY. Many people assume the rear driver is always responsible, but liability can be far more complicated.
Attorney Ira M. Maurer, a nationally recognized trial lawyer who has secured more than $100 million for injured clients over his 40 year career, brings extensive legal and technical experience to these challenging cases. His deep medical knowledge and decades of success make him a powerful advocate for injured victims when fault is disputed. When injuries, property damage, and insurance concerns arise, it helps to understand how fault is evaluated in rear-end collisions.
How Fault Is Determined In Rear-End Crashes
Although the rear driver is often presumed to be at fault, that presumption does not apply in every scenario. Several situations can shift or share responsibility between drivers. These may include:
- The front driver braking suddenly without a reasonable cause
- A vehicle reversing unexpectedly
- Malfunctioning or broken brake lights
- Multi-vehicle chain reactions where several impacts happen within seconds
New York’s comparative negligence rules allow fault to be divided between parties, meaning compensation can reflect each driver’s share of responsibility.
Evidence That Helps Clarify Liability
Investigators and insurance companies rely on several types of evidence to understand how a rear-end collision occurred. Common examples include:
- Police reports describing the scene and initial statements
- Eyewitness accounts that support or contradict a driver’s version of events
- Traffic camera or dashcam footage that captures the moments before impact
- Photographs of vehicle damage patterns
- Medical records documenting injury timing and severity
This information can make a significant difference when liability is unclear or disputed.
Steps To Take After A Rear-End Collision In Fishkill
Anyone injured in a rear-end crash should protect their health and their claim by taking a few key steps. These include:
- Seeking immediate medical attention, even if symptoms are mild
- Documenting the scene and obtaining contact information from witnesses
- Reporting the incident to the insurance company promptly
- Avoiding statements that suggest fault
- Consulting a motor vehicle accident attorney who understands local laws and courts
Taking these actions early helps ensure important evidence is preserved.
Legal Options After A Rear-End Impact In Fishkill, NY
Rear-end collisions can create uncertainty, especially when injuries, medical bills, and conflicting accounts make it difficult to know what comes next. An experienced legal professional can evaluate the facts of the accident, explain how fault may be assigned, and help protect the right to pursue compensation.
Anyone injured in a motor vehicle accident in Fishkill, NY, is encouraged to schedule a consultation with Maurer Law Firm PLLC to receive guidance that supports their recovery and future. Call 845-896-5295 to get started.
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