How a Rear-End Collision Lawyer Supports Your Car Accident Claim

A rear-end accident can happen in seconds, but the injuries and insurance headaches can follow you around for much longer. These collisions are also quite common. Rear-end crashes account for as many as 28% of all car accidents, according to a 2025 revision of a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report. If you were struck from behind, a rear-end collision lawyer can help build a successful case. The lawyer will understand that, under New York law, the driver who hit you from behind is typically presumed negligent.

An attorney who is truly on your side will gather the relevant evidence regarding fault and damages to improve your chances of a better outcome. At Matera & Manley, our personal injury lawyers are ready to help you navigate your injury claim and advocate for your interests.

What Makes Rear-End Collisions Unique?

Rear-end collisions occur when one vehicle strikes the rear of another vehicle that is stopped, slowing, or traveling ahead in the same direction. While other crashes may involve losing control of the vehicle, rear-end crashes involve a driver failing to stop within the available distance.

Unlike head-on or side-impact crashes, rear-end collisions happen in the same direction of travel. The vehicles generally travel in the same direction, although the lead vehicle may be stopped or stopping.

They also frequently occur in ordinary traffic transitions. A lead vehicle may brake or stop because of congestion, a red light, a turning vehicle, a pedestrian, a merge, or a sudden traffic queue. Rear-end events commonly involve a stopped or decelerating lead vehicle and delayed response by the following driver.

Driver attention is especially important. Looking away briefly can be enough to eliminate the time needed to perceive braking, react, and stop.

In New York, a rear-end crash with a stopped or stopping vehicle generally establishes what is called a prima facie case of negligence against the rear driver. The rear driver may rebut that initial inference with evidence of a non-negligent explanation for the collision.

How a Rear-End Collision Lawyer Supports Your Claim

After a rear-end collision, how can a lawyer support your claim? One of the biggest ways is by understanding fault.

In any personal injury claim, fault plays a significant role in your compensation. New York’s fault rules changed significantly in 2026, particularly regarding motor vehicle crashes. For motor vehicle personal injury actions subject to New York’s No-Fault Law that began on or after May 26, 2026, New York adopted a modified comparative-fault rule. Under this system, the amount of damages you can recover decreases by the amount of fault that falls on you. If an attorney can argue you are mostly at fault, you might not be able to recover damages

If someone else rear-ended you, this rule may work in your favor. In many rear-end cases involving a stopped or stopping lead vehicle, the rear driver may need to offer evidence of a non-negligent explanation for the collision. At Matera & Manley, our attorneys stay up to date on the latest fault rules that can affect your claim. Then, we capture the details we need to move it forward and improve the chances of securing a better settlement.

Our attorneys know how to gather certain key details to help strengthen your claim. We capture details from the date, time, and location of the accident. Our attorneys also consider why you stopped your car, whether it was due to traffic, a stop sign, or yielding to a pedestrian. We also gather records to demonstrate the extent of your injuries.

Using this information, we evaluate the damages that may be available under the facts and applicable law. This includes property damage, medical expenses, lost income, and non-economic damages.

Schedule a Free Case Review

No one wants to get into any kind of crash. If you experience a rear-end collision, you’re not alone. Reach out to Matera & Manley to work with a lawyer familiar with the fault rules most relevant to your case. Our attorneys will advocate for a better claim.

Our personal injury attorneys have a proven track record of success in pursuing personal injury claims. Schedule a free case review today.