Any car crash can be a terrifying experience, but rear-end collisions are especially violent. You may experience serious or catastrophic injuries that impact your quality of life and your future. Your recovery may take months, and your injuries may prevent you from working.
Expensive medical bills along with reduced income can mean debt that lingers long after your injuries have healed. It doesn’t seem fair when the accident wasn’t even your fault, but you have options. Our rear-end collision lawyers in Westbury can help seek financial compensation.
The team at Levine And Wiss has more than 100 years of combined legal experience, and we’ve served thousands of clients. We’re ready to fight for you. Learn more about how our car accident lawyers in Westbury can help with your claim when you call for your free consultation.
Why You Need an Attorney After a Car Accident
After a crash, insurance companies act fast. Unfortunately, they are often more concerned with protecting their own interests than helping you. They might reach out within days with a settlement offer that seems fair but is actually well below what your claim is worth.
If you accept that offer, you close your claim. By signing, you give up the right to recover additional compensation, even if your condition gets worse or you need surgery. Our personal injury lawyers in Westbury will protect your rights and make sure you are treated fairly.
New York also has specific insurance regulations that will impact the compensation you can recover. Our team understands how these policies work and when we can file a claim for additional damages. We are on your side when the insurance company isn’t.
Understanding No-Fault Insurance in New York
In many states, accident victims will file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurer after a crash. However, New York is a No-Fault state. That means your own auto insurance pays for your initial medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages, even if you didn’t cause the crash.
This coverage is called Personal Injury Protection, or PIP. It covers up to $50,000 in basic economic losses, but it does not cover pain and suffering, and it has limits that serious injuries can quickly exceed. In some cases, you may have a path to recover additional damages.
To sue the driver beyond the No-Fault system, your injuries must meet New York’s revised serious injury threshold, such as significant disfigurement or fractures.
Westbury Rear End Collision Lawyer Near Me
(888) 468-4878Identifying Liable Parties in a Rear-End Collision
In most rear-end accidents, the driver in the back is usually at fault. Common reasons include following too closely, distracted driving, and speeding, which all show negligence. However, determining fault can sometimes be complicated.
If the front driver stops suddenly without warning or has broken brake lights, they may be fully or partially responsible. Our rear-end collision attorneys in Westbury can help you collect evidence to support your case and protect your share of the compensation.
New York follows comparative negligence rules. You can still get compensation even if you were partly at fault, but your share of the blame will lower your payout. Under new laws effective May 26, 2026, if your personal injury lawsuit is commenced on or after that date, you cannot recover any compensation if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident.
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Deadlines for Filing Your Claims
According to New York CPLR § 214, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit under New York law. Waiting too long can prevent you from pursuing compensation, even if your injuries are significant.
In New York’s No-Fault insurance system, there are specific deadlines to keep in mind. You must tell your insurance company about the accident within 30 days to get benefits. Medical providers also need to send the required paperwork for treatment within 45 days.
Failing to meet these requirements can jeopardize your ability to recover benefits for medical expenses and lost income. Our Westbury rear-end collision lawyers can help ensure important paperwork is completed correctly and submitted on time.
Consult With Our Rear-End Collision Attorneys in Westbury
A rear-end collision can leave you dealing with injuries that don’t always show up right away. Whiplash, back pain, and nerve damage can take days to surface, and by then, you may have already spoken to an insurance adjuster. Medical bills pile up while you’re missing work.
The driver who hit you may be liable for your damages, and you may be able to file a lawsuit to recover compensation beyond the No-Fault system. Our rear-end collision attorneys in Westbury can help you understand what your claim is worth and recover full compensation.
Levine And Wiss has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in awards and settlements for injured New Yorkers. We handle the legal challenges so you can focus on getting better. Call today for a free consultation and tell us about your car crash.