Bay Shore Rear-End Car Accident Lawyer
A rear-end car accident could happen at any time, often when you least expect it. Victims of rear-ended collisions could face more than damage to their vehicle; they may also suffer serious injuries as well.
If you or a loved one were severely injured due to a reckless and careless driver, you could benefit from the advice and counsel of a Bay Shore rear-end car accident lawyer. An experienced local personal injury attorney could evaluate your case, help you plan and execute a strategy for recovering the compensation for damages.
Determining Liability in Rear-End Car Accidents
In most cases, the drivers who are struck from behind in a rear-end car accident are not usually held liable for a collision. Drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles attentively as to be able to stop their cars, if necessary. However, there are many instances where a rear-end car accident occurs due to an inattentive or speeding motorist.
Additionally, there may be instances where multiple drivers may play a role in causing the accident, such as in a “pile-up.” If a third-party vehicle caused the defendant to rear-end the plaintiff’s car, the defendant might only be held partially liable for the damages.
Evidence Proving Liability
Evidence proving a driver’s liability could be presented either directly or circumstantially. Direct evidence is fact-based proof that does not need to be substantiated with other evidence to be incriminating, such as a witness statement or tangible evidence. For example, if a witness saw the rear-end accident and stated that the defendant was speeding, that could be introduced as evidence.
Circumstantial evidence infers a fact, so it must connect to other evidence or come to an undeniable conclusion. For example, a Bay Shore rear-end car collision attorney might present photographs of the damage to the defendant’s front bumper and the plaintiff’s rear bumper. Within the context of the other evidence presented, the attorney’s job is to lead the jury to circumstantially gather that the defendant hit the plaintiff’s car from behind.
A skilled lawyer could walk the plaintiff through the steps of gathering their evidence and presenting it in the most effective way.
Seeking Relief for a Motor Vehicle Crash in Bay Shore
A rear-end auto accident lawyer in Bay Shore could help plaintiffs receive multiple types of compensation dependent upon losses suffered. Any personal items or property damaged in the accident could be recovered, including money for vehicle repair. Other economic losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, or out-of-pocket expenses, may also be reimbursed.
Non-economic damages refer to emotional losses, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress caused by the accident and injuries of the plaintiff. The jury typically determines non-economic damages by looking at the severity of the accident and the injuries, as well as other similar cases in the jurisdiction.
Deadline to File a Claim
Plaintiffs seeking personal injury damages must file their case within three years of the rear-end accident, pursuant to New York Civil Practice Law and Rules §214. Adhering to the deadline of filing is crucial — if the plaintiff does not file within the time limit, the case could be dismissed with prejudice.
How a Bay Shore Rear-End Car Accident Attorney Could Help
Car collisions from behind could cause serious bodily injury and vehicle damage. If a driver is distracted or speeding, they could hit the car in front of them with tremendous force, causing unfortunate results that could leave all parties with stressful medical, legal, and financial demands.
If this has happened to you, fight your case alone. A Bay Shore rear-end car accident lawyer could help handle the negotiations and zealously advocate for your rights. To get started on your claim today, call to schedule a consultation.
