Rear-End Accident Lawyer

Buffalo roadways present unique challenges that can increase the risk of rear-end accidents. From winter whiteouts along the Skyway to sudden traffic congestion near the Peace Bridge, these collisions happen unexpectedly and can have lasting consequences. At Rosenthal Kooshoian & Lennon, LLP, our rear-end accident lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these crashes take on Buffalo residents and visitors alike.

When another driver crashes into your vehicle from behind while you're traveling along Delaware Avenue or waiting at a light on Elmwood, you need a rear-end accident lawyer who knows Buffalo and understands New York's complex liability laws. Our legal team has successfully represented countless Western New Yorkers who have suffered injuries in rear-end collisions, securing the compensation they deserve while they focus on recovery.

How a Rear-End Accident Lawyer in Buffalo Can Maximize Your Compensation

At Rosenthal Kooshoian & Lennon, LLP, we understand that rear-end collisions on Buffalo's challenging roadways can lead to serious injuries and significant financial burdens. Our rear-end accident attorneys work tirelessly to ensure victims receive the full compensation they deserve.

• Local Knowledge Advantage: Our rear-end accident lawyers possess intimate knowledge of Buffalo's unique traffic patterns, from the Skyway's winter whiteouts to Peace Bridge congestion, strengthening your case with location-specific insights.
• Thorough Injury Documentation: We partner with leading Buffalo medical providers to thoroughly document whiplash, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries that commonly result from rear-end accidents on local roads like Delaware Avenue and the I-190.
• Evidence Preservation Tactics: Our rear-end accident attorneys immediately secure traffic camera footage, accident scene photographs, and witness statements from your collision site, whether it occurred in Elmwood Village or near the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.
• Insurance Negotiation Strategy: We counter insurance companies' attempts to minimize payouts by demonstrating how Buffalo-specific factors, such as sudden lake effect snowstorms or construction along Route 33, contributed to your rear-end accident.
• Liability Protection: Our rear-end accident lawyers defend against comparative negligence claims that could reduce your compensation, such as allegations of sudden stops on the Kensington Expressway or non-functioning brake lights.
• No-Fault Insurance Navigation: We guide you through New York's complex no-fault insurance system, ensuring you receive immediate coverage for medical treatments at facilities like ECMC while building your case for additional compensation.
• Comprehensive Damage Assessment: Your rear-end accident attorney will calculate all current and future losses, including specialized medical treatments, lost wages from your downtown Buffalo employer, and diminished earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering Valuation: We effectively demonstrate how your injuries impact your quality of life, preventing you from enjoying Delaware Park walks or participating in community events throughout Western New York.
• Property Damage Recovery: Beyond vehicle repair costs, your rear-end accident lawyer will pursue compensation for any personal property damaged in the collision and transportation expenses during repairs.
• Trial Preparation Excellence: While most cases settle, our attorneys prepare every rear-end accident claim as if it will go before an Erie County jury, strengthening our negotiating position with insurers.
• Contingency Fee Structure: Our rear-end accident attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for your injuries sustained on Buffalo's roadways.
• Timely Filing Guarantee: We ensure your rear-end accident claim meets all New York State deadlines, protecting your right to compensation while you focus on recovery.

Financial Compensation You May Be Entitled To After a Rear-End Accident Injury

At Rosenthal Kooshoian & Lennon, LLP, our rear-end accident lawyers work diligently to recover every category of damages Buffalo victims deserve following collisions on our city's often treacherous roadways, from the Skyway during winter storms to congested intersections near Canalside.

• Medical Expense Reimbursement: Our rear-end accident lawyer pursues compensation for all healthcare costs, including emergency treatment at Buffalo General, diagnostic imaging, surgical procedures, physical therapy sessions, prescription medications, and future medical needs related to your injuries.
• Lost Income Recovery: Our rear-end accident lawyer will calculate and demand payment for wages lost while recovering from your rear-end collision injuries, whether you missed shifts at the Larkin Building offices or were unable to complete your regular route as a delivery driver across Western New York.
• Diminished Earning Capacity: Your rear-end accident lawyer will work with economic experts to determine how your injuries impact your ability to earn income in the future, especially if you can no longer perform physical work at Buffalo's manufacturing facilities or construction sites.
• Pain and Suffering Damages: Our rear-end accident lawyer helps quantify your physical pain and discomfort resulting from rear-end accident injuries like whiplash, which can make even simple activities like driving along Delaware Avenue or shopping at the Elmwood Village unbearable.
• Emotional Distress Compensation: Your rear-end accident attorney will document psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD that developed after your collision, particularly if you now fear driving on the I-190 or other locations where your accident occurred.
• Loss of Enjoyment: Our rear-end accident lawyers pursue damages for how your injuries prevent participation in activities that previously brought you joy, whether hiking at Tifft Nature Preserve, attending Bills games, or simply playing with your children at Delaware Park.
• Property Damage Restitution: Our rear-end accident lawyers ensure you receive fair compensation for vehicle repairs or replacement, personal property damaged in the collision, and rental car expenses while your vehicle is being repaired.
• Household Services Compensation: Our Buffalo car accident lawyers will seek payment for costs of hiring help for household tasks you cannot perform due to rear-end accident injuries, from snow removal during Buffalo's harsh winters to basic home maintenance and cleaning.
• Medical Assistive Devices: Your rear-end accident attorney will include all costs for necessary equipment such as wheelchairs, neck braces, or other supportive devices needed during your recovery from collision injuries.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Our rear-end accident lawyer secures funding for career retraining if your rear-end accident injuries prevent returning to your previous occupation at Buffalo-area employers.
• Loss of Consortium: Our rear-end accident lawyers help spouses recover compensation for the impact your injuries have had on your relationship and family dynamics throughout your Western New York community.
• Punitive Damages: In cases involving extreme negligence, such as rear-end collisions caused by drunk drivers on Main Street or distracted drivers texting while approaching the Peace Bridge, we may pursue additional punitive damages.

Common Injuries in Rear-End Car Accidents

Our rear-end accident lawyers have helped countless Buffalo residents recover compensation for a wide range of injuries suffered in collisions throughout Western New York, from minor fender benders on Elmwood Avenue to high-speed impacts on the I-90.

• Whiplash: This neck injury occurs when your head suddenly jerks forward and backward during impact, damaging soft tissues and potentially causing chronic pain that Buffalo medical professionals at ECMC often find difficult to detect on standard imaging tests.
• Cervical Spine Injuries: Our rear-end accident attorneys regularly represent clients with herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or spinal cord damage resulting from collisions on Buffalo's busy thoroughfares like Delaware Avenue or Main Street.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Even seemingly minor rear-end accidents near Canalside or the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus can cause concussions or more serious brain trauma when your head strikes the steering wheel, window, or headrest during impact.
• Facial Lacerations: Your rear-end accident lawyer understands how deployment of airbags or contact with broken glass during collisions on the Kensington Expressway can cause significant facial injuries requiring plastic surgery and leading to permanent scarring.
• Wrist and Arm Fractures: Many Buffalo drivers instinctively brace against the steering wheel during rear-end collisions near the Peace Bridge or Skyway, resulting in broken bones or soft tissue damage to the upper extremities.
• Knee Injuries: Our rear-end accident attorneys frequently see dashboard impacts causing torn ligaments, broken kneecaps, or damaged cartilage that can severely limit mobility and prevent victims from enjoying activities at Delaware Park or Tifft Nature Preserve.
• Shoulder Injuries: The force of a rear-end collision on Route 33 or the 198 can cause rotator cuff tears, dislocations, or labrum damage as seat belts restrain your body while your shoulders continue moving forward.
• Psychological Trauma: Your rear-end accident lawyer recognizes that many Buffalo victims develop anxiety, PTSD, or driving phobias after serious collisions, particularly during winter months when road conditions throughout Western New York become treacherous.
• Rib and Sternum Fractures: Seat belt restraints during powerful rear-end impacts, especially on high-speed roads like the 219 or I-190, can fracture ribs or the sternum, causing significant pain and potential complications like punctured lungs.
• Back Injuries: Our rear-end accident attorneys routinely help clients with lumbar spine damage, muscle strains, or disc injuries resulting from the compressive force of collisions at Buffalo intersections or shopping areas like the Walden Galleria.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Less visible but often debilitating, damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments commonly occurs in rear-end accidents throughout Buffalo and can lead to chronic pain conditions requiring long-term treatment at local rehabilitation centers.
• Internal Injuries: Your rear-end accident lawyer will ensure thorough medical evaluation at Buffalo General or Mercy Hospital to detect potentially life-threatening internal bleeding or organ damage that might not show immediate symptoms after a collision.

Common Causes of Rear-End Car Accidents

Our rear-end accident lawyers have investigated countless collision cases throughout Buffalo and Western New York, identifying several recurring factors that frequently contribute to these potentially devastating crashes on our local roadways.

• Distracted Driving: Cell phone use, texting, and other distractions cause numerous rear-end accidents along busy corridors like Elmwood Avenue and Delaware Avenue when drivers fail to notice slowing or stopped traffic ahead.
• Tailgating: Following too closely provides insufficient stopping distance, particularly problematic during rush hour congestion near the Peace Bridge or when approaching downtown Buffalo exits from the I-190.
• Adverse Weather Conditions: Buffalo's notorious lake effect snow, ice, and freezing rain significantly reduce traction on the Skyway, Route 33, and other elevated roadways, leading to rear-end collisions when vehicles cannot stop in time.
• Driver Fatigue: Drowsy driving impairs reaction time and decision-making abilities, causing rear-end accidents when exhausted commuters fail to notice changing traffic patterns along the Kensington Expressway or other major Buffalo thoroughfares.
• Excessive Speed: Driving above posted limits or too fast for conditions gives drivers insufficient time to react to sudden stops, particularly dangerous on the 290 during Bills game traffic or near the Walden Galleria during holiday shopping seasons.
• Impaired Driving: Our rear-end accident attorneys regularly handle cases where alcohol or drug impairment leads to delayed reactions and poor judgment, causing collisions near Buffalo's entertainment districts like Chippewa Street or the Theater District.
• Mechanical Failures: Faulty brakes, worn tires, or other vehicle maintenance issues can prevent proper stopping on Buffalo's steep hills or during emergency situations near the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus or other high-traffic areas.
• Sudden Stops: Unexpected braking by lead vehicles, often due to animals crossing near Delaware Park or pedestrians near Canalside, can surprise following drivers and result in rear-end collisions when reaction time is insufficient.
• Construction Zones: Buffalo's ongoing infrastructure improvements create lane closures and sudden traffic pattern changes that can confuse drivers unfamiliar with areas like the redesigned Scajaquada Corridor or Main Street revitalization projects.
• Poor Visibility: Fog rolling in from Lake Erie, blinding sun glare on the 219, or inadequate street lighting in older Buffalo neighborhoods can significantly reduce visibility and contribute to rear-end accidents during all seasons.
• Road Design Issues: Your rear-end accident lawyer understands how certain Buffalo intersections and merges are inherently problematic, such as the confusing ramps near the Buffalo Central Terminal or tight curves approaching the Peace Bridge.
• Aggressive Driving: Frequent lane changes, improper merging, and other aggressive behaviors common during morning commutes on the I-90 or evening rush hour near the Galleria can lead to sudden braking and resultant rear-end collisions.

High-Risk Areas for Rear-End Collisions in and Around Buffalo

Our rear-end accident lawyers have identified several high-risk locations throughout Buffalo and Western New York where rear-end collisions occur with concerning frequency, often resulting in serious injuries requiring experienced legal representation.

• The Skyway (Route 5): This elevated roadway becomes exceptionally dangerous during winter months when lake effect snow and ice create slippery conditions, while limited visibility and sudden traffic slowdowns near the harbor entrance frequently lead to rear-end accidents our attorneys handle regularly.
• I-190 Peace Bridge Approach: The congestion and lane shifts approaching the international border crossing create frequent stop-and-go traffic, resulting in numerous rear-end collisions when drivers become distracted or follow too closely while preparing for customs inspection.
• Kensington Expressway (Route 33): Our rear-end accident lawyers frequently represent clients injured in this high-speed corridor, particularly where it transitions from expressway to surface streets near downtown, creating sudden speed changes that catch inattentive drivers off guard.
• Walden Galleria Area: The complex network of entrances, exits, and retail access points surrounding Buffalo's largest shopping destination leads to unpredictable traffic patterns and frequent rear-end accidents, especially during holiday shopping seasons and weekend peak hours.
• Delaware Avenue Corridor: This major north-south artery through Buffalo features numerous traffic signals, pedestrian crossings, and business entrances that create sudden stopping situations, with our rear-end accident attorneys seeing many cases originating from this busy thoroughfare.
• Main Street Medical Campus Area: The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus generates substantial vehicle and pedestrian traffic, with emergency vehicles, construction projects, and constant movement creating hazardous conditions where rear-end collisions frequently occur.
• Elmwood Village Intersections: The vibrant shopping and dining district's narrow streets, limited visibility, and high pedestrian presence contribute to frequent sudden stops and resulting rear-end accidents, particularly at major intersections like Elmwood and Bidwell Parkway.
• Transit Road Commercial Stretch: This heavily commercialized corridor in Amherst and Clarence features countless driveways, traffic signals, and turning vehicles that create stop-and-go conditions where rear-end collisions are common, especially during weekend shopping periods.
• Scajaquada Expressway (Route 198): The reduced speed limits and ongoing redesign of this controversial roadway have created confusion among drivers, resulting in numerous rear-end accidents when vehicles unexpectedly slow for newly implemented traffic calming measures.
• William Street/Ogden Street Intersection: Our rear-end accident lawyers have handled multiple cases from this notoriously dangerous intersection where limited visibility, complex traffic patterns, and railroad crossings create sudden stopping situations and resulting collisions.
• Niagara Falls Boulevard: The high-volume retail corridor spanning Amherst and Tonawanda features numerous traffic signals, commercial entrances, and lane shifts that contribute to frequent rear-end collisions, particularly during evening hours when visibility is reduced.
• I-90 Thruway Toll Plazas: Despite recent modernization efforts, the approaches to toll collection points continue to be hotspots for rear-end accidents as vehicles decelerate at different rates, with our rear-end accident attorneys seeing numerous cases from these locations throughout Erie County.

Who is Liable for Your Rear-End Accident Injuries?

Our personal injury lawyers understand that determining liability in Buffalo collisions involves more complexity than many realize, particularly when New York's comparative negligence laws and unique local factors come into play.

• The Following Driver: In most Buffalo rear-end collision cases, the driver who strikes another vehicle from behind bears primary liability due to their responsibility to maintain safe following distance, especially during winter conditions on treacherous roadways like the Skyway or Route 33.
• Distracted Drivers: Motorists who text, use phones, or engage with electronics while driving near high-traffic areas like the Walden Galleria or Elmwood Village can be held liable when our rear-end accident attorneys demonstrate their attention was diverted from the road ahead.
• Multiple Vehicle Chains: When a chain-reaction collision occurs on busy Buffalo expressways like the I-190 or I-90, your rear-end accident lawyer will investigate which drivers failed to maintain proper distance, potentially establishing shared liability among several parties.
• Commercial Vehicle Operators: Professional drivers of trucks, delivery vehicles, and buses face heightened standards of care when operating in downtown Buffalo or along commercial corridors, with both the driver and their employer potentially liable for rear-end accidents.
• Vehicle Manufacturers: Our rear-end accident attorneys pursue claims against manufacturers when brake failures, acceleration issues, or other mechanical defects contribute to collisions on Western New York roadways despite proper maintenance by the owner.
• Government Entities: Municipal agencies responsible for Buffalo's road design, maintenance, and signage may bear liability when poor road conditions, inadequate warnings, or confusing traffic patterns near places like the Medical Campus or Peace Bridge contribute to rear-end accidents.
• Construction Companies: Contractors who fail to properly mark construction zones, sudden lane closures, or road work along Buffalo streets like Main Street or Delaware Avenue can be held responsible when inadequate warnings lead to rear-end collisions.
• Lead Drivers with Malfunctioning Lights: Although less common, your rear-end accident lawyer can investigate whether non-functioning brake lights or turn signals on a lead vehicle contributed to a collision, potentially establishing shared liability in certain circumstances.
• Impaired Drivers: Motorists under the influence of alcohol or drugs who cause rear-end accidents near Buffalo's entertainment districts like Chippewa Street face both civil liability and criminal charges, often resulting in enhanced compensation potential for victims.
• Third-Party Road Hazards: Our rear-end accident attorneys examine whether loose cargo from commercial vehicles, road debris, or other unexpected hazards forced sudden stops on Buffalo roadways that led to rear-end collisions through no fault of either directly involved driver.
• Weather-Related Service Providers: Snow removal contractors, de-icing services, or drainage maintenance companies may share liability when their failure to adequately perform contracted services creates hazardous conditions on private roadways or parking areas that lead to rear-end accidents.
• Employers of Negligent Drivers: When an employee causes a rear-end collision while conducting work-related activities throughout Buffalo and Western New York, your rear-end accident lawyer can pursue claims against both the driver and their employer under vicarious liability principles.

Get the Buffalo Legal Representation You Deserve

Don't let a rear-end accident derail your life. At Rosenthal Kooshoian & Lennon, LLP, our experienced rear-end accident lawyers are ready to evaluate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how our deep knowledge of Buffalo's roadways and New York's legal system can make all the difference in your recovery journey.

---

Rear-End Accident Lawyer FAQs

How long do I have to file a claim after a rear-end accident in Buffalo?

In New York State, you generally have three years from the date of your rear-end accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, certain circumstances may shorten this timeframe, particularly if a government entity is involved. We recommend contacting our rear-end accident attorneys as soon as possible after your collision to ensure all deadlines are met while evidence remains fresh.

What if I was partially at fault for the rear-end collision?

New York follows a "pure comparative negligence" rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the rear-end accident. Your damages would be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our rear-end accident lawyers will work diligently to minimize any assigned fault to maximize your recovery.

How much is my rear-end accident case worth?

Each rear-end collision case is unique, with value determined by factors including injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and impact on quality of life. Our rear-end accident attorneys carefully calculate all current and future damages to ensure you receive fair compensation for your specific circumstances.

Will my rear-end accident case go to trial?

While most rear-end accident claims settle through negotiation, our attorneys prepare every case as if it will go to trial in Erie County courts. This thorough approach strengthens our negotiating position with insurance companies, though we always prioritize the resolution strategy that best serves your individual needs and interests.

What evidence is most important for my rear-end accident claim?

Critical evidence includes police reports, witness statements, photographs of the accident scene and vehicles, medical records, and documentation of lost wages. Our rear-end accident lawyers will also secure any available traffic camera footage, especially from high-risk areas like the I-190 corridor or Walden Galleria vicinity, and may work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary.

How does New York's no-fault insurance system affect my rear-end accident claim?

Buffalo drivers must first file with their own insurance company under New York's no-fault system, which covers basic medical expenses and some lost wages regardless of fault. Our rear-end accident attorneys help clients navigate this system while pursuing additional compensation through personal injury claims when injuries meet the state's "serious injury" threshold.

Can I still recover damages if I wasn't wearing a seatbelt during the rear-end collision?

Yes, though your compensation may be reduced. New York's "seatbelt defense" allows defendants to argue that your injuries would have been less severe had you been properly restrained. Our rear-end accident lawyers will work to minimize this impact on your recovery while still pursuing maximum available compensation.

What if the driver who rear-ended me in Buffalo doesn't have insurance?

If an uninsured driver hits you, you may still recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Our rear-end accident attorneys will help you navigate these claims, which can be surprisingly complex despite involving your own insurance company, and will explore all possible sources of recovery.

How soon after my rear-end accident should I seek medical attention?

We recommend seeking medical attention immediately after any rear-end collision in Buffalo, even if you feel fine initially. Injuries like whiplash often have delayed symptoms, and prompt medical documentation creates a crucial link between your accident and injuries that strengthens your claim.

Can I recover damages for emotional distress after a rear-end accident?

Yes, compensation for psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD is available in New York personal injury claims. Our rear-end accident lawyers work with medical professionals to document these less visible but often debilitating effects, particularly for clients who develop driving anxiety on Buffalo's busy roadways following their collision.

Should I accept the insurance company's first settlement offer after my rear-end accident?

We strongly advise against accepting any settlement offer without consulting our rear-end accident attorneys first. Initial offers from insurance companies are typically well below the true value of your claim and may not account for future medical needs or long-term impacts of your injuries.

Will my health insurance be reimbursed from my rear-end accident settlement?

Health insurers generally have subrogation rights, meaning they can seek reimbursement for accident-related medical expenses they covered. Our rear-end accident lawyers negotiate with these providers to minimize reimbursement amounts, maximizing the portion of your settlement that remains in your pocket.