John Richmond, Co-Founder and CEO
- October 3, 2025
By nature, rear-end accidents come suddenly and often without warning. On top of the shock you feel from the jarring collision, even the most minor rear-end crashes can lead to significant injuries. Buffalo’s traffic conditions can make it challenging to avoid rear-end crashes, especially during rush hour or one of our beloved winter storms.
If you’ve been hit and injured because of another driver’s negligence, the experienced Buffalo rear-end car accident lawyers at Richmond Vona are ready to help. Our dedicated team understands the complexities of New York’s insurance laws and knows how to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call 716-500-5678 today for a free consultation.
- Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents in Buffalo
- Injuries Often Seen in Buffalo Rear-End Crashes
- Who Is at Fault in a Rear-End Crash in New York?
- What Type of Compensation Can You Recover in a Buffalo Rear-End Collision?
- How Can a Buffalo Rear-End Accident Lawyer Help You?
- Why Choose RV for Your Buffalo Rear-End Collision Case?
- What to Do After a Rear-End Accident in Buffalo
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Let Richmond Vona Get You What You Deserve After a Buffalo Rear-End Car Accident
Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents in Buffalo
Rear-end accidents are almost always preventable and result from reckless or negligent driving behaviors. Common causes of Buffalo rear-end accidents include:
- Distracted or intoxicated driving, including cell phone use
- Tailgating, or following the car in front too closely
- Failing to adjust speed or drive carefully in snow and ice conditions
- Cutting off other drivers by switching lanes too quickly or without a turn signal
Injuries Often Seen in Buffalo Rear-End Crashes
Rear-end car accidents can leave victims with severe injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Caused by the sudden backward and forward movement of the head during a crash, whiplash is the most common injury resulting from rear-end accidents, potentially leading to long-term neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and a reduced range of motion.
Other common rear-end injuries in Buffalo include:
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Wrist, hand, and arm injuries from bracing during the impact
- Bruises and fractures from airbag deployment
- Soft tissue injuries, including shoulder and knee sprains
- Psychological trauma, leading to anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), fear of driving, and more
Who Is at Fault in a Rear-End Crash in New York?
In New York, the rear driver is presumed to be at fault for a rear-end accident, as they usually have the greatest ability to prevent the crash. However, there are some exceptions where the lead driver can be considered at fault, including when they:
- “Brake check,” or suddenly and unnecessarily slam on the brakes
- Reversing the car without warning, particularly in traffic
- Drive with broken or malfunctioning brake lights
- Fail to use a turn signal before changing lanes
- Pulling out of a parking spot too fast or without looking
New York has a pure comparative negligence standard for car accident claims, meaning victims can still recover damages as long as another party shares even 1% of the blame. However, compensation is reduced in proportion to the claimant’s liability, erasing $200,000 from a $1 million award for an accident victim who was 20% at fault.
What Type of Compensation Can You Recover in a Buffalo Rear-End Collision?
New York is a no-fault state for car accident claims, meaning each party’s own insurance covers their costs after a typical crash. However, you can still file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver if your losses are more than $50,000 or you have a “serious injury,” defined as wrongful death or an injury that significantly or permanently limits the use of part of the body.
Through a lawsuit, an experienced Buffalo rear-end crash lawyer can help you pursue damages for economic and non-economic losses, including:
- Medical bills and costs of future care
- Lost wages and reduced future earning ability
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
How Can a Buffalo Rear-End Accident Lawyer Help You?
Our trusted Buffalo car accident attorneys can handle every step of your claim, allowing you to focus on healing and moving forward. Services we provide include:
- Navigating no-fault: Our attorneys will guide you through the personal injury protection (PIP) process, ensuring you receive all available coverage.
- Proving a “serious injury”: We’ll analyze your medical records and consult with experts to develop strong arguments demonstrating why your injuries allow you to sue the other driver.
- Establishing fault: Our attorneys will gather evidence to prove the other driver’s liability. Defense attorneys will often try to shift blame, even in rear-end cases, but we’ll fight hard to minimize any fault you share under New York’s pure comparative negligence law.
- Maximizing compensation: Our team will work to accurately value all economic and non-economic damages you’re entitled to, then aggressively pursue every dollar you’re owed.
- Dealing with insurers: Our lawyers will handle all communications with your PIP carrier and the other driver’s liability insurer, spearheading negotiations while you focus on your recovery.
- Litigation readiness: We’ll thoroughly prepare your case for presentation in the Erie County Supreme Court or Buffalo City Court, giving you the best chance of success if litigation is necessary.
- Meeting deadlines: Our team will ensure your claims are filed on time, both under New York’s statute of limitations and the no-fault filing deadline.
Why Choose RV for Your Buffalo Rear-End Collision Case?
With more than two decades of combined personal injury experience, Richmond Vona is a proven and trusted ally in Buffalo rear-end accident cases. We have a proven track record of significant results, recovering over $200 million in total compensation for our clients by holding insurance companies accountable.
Our Buffalo-based attorneys know the local roads, courts, and insurance adjusters, with a deep understanding of New York’s no-fault laws and how to pursue litigation in spite of them. We pride ourselves on providing serious, highly-skilled representation while taking a client-focused approach, prioritizing compassionate service, clear communication, and personalized attention. Your initial consultation is free, and you won’t pay us any fees unless we win your case.
Hear from Our Satisfied Clients
We’re proud of the glowing reviews we receive from our clients. Read on to see what previous clients have to say about our services:
Notable Car Accident Settlements and Verdicts
Why Choose RV for Your Buffalo Rear-End Collision CaseaWhat to Do After a Rear-End Accident in Buffalo?
We’ve won millions for car accident victims in New York. Our significant case results include:
- A $4.076 million settlement for a client who was propelled into a ditch in Rochester.
- A $1.2 million settlement for a client who needed surgery after a head-on collision in Hamburg.
- An $825,000 settlement for a man who suffered from chronic pain after a crash in Lancaster.
Taking the right actions immediately after a rear-end accident can help you avoid common mistakes and set you up for a successful claim. Steps you should take after a collision include:
- Get yourself to safety: Move out of the way of traffic or any other hazards before doing anything else.
- Seek medical attention: Head to the nearest hospital as soon as possible, even if you don’t have any immediately visible injuries. Erie County Medical Center and Buffalo General Medical Center are local options.
- Call 911: Report the accident to the authorities. This will generate a police report that will serve as key evidence for your insurance claims and a potential lawsuit.
- Gather evidence: If you can briefly remain on the scene, take photos of any injuries, vehicle damage, or road conditions from the crash. Collect contact information from any potential witnesses.
- File your no-fault application: Submitting an NF-2 form to your insurance company is key to starting the legal process.
- Contact a Buffalo rear-end accident lawyer: Never speak to the other driver’s insurance company or accept an initial settlement offer without consulting an experienced attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Rear-End Crash in NY?
The New York statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years after the date of the accident. However, you must notify your insurer of a PIP claim within 30 days of a crash.
Can I Still Recover Damages if I Was Partially At Fault?
Yes, under New York’s pure comparative negligence standard, you can recover at least some compensation even if you were 99% responsible for your injuries.
What if the Other Driver Fled the Scene?
You should still be able to recover compensation through your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and if the other driver is later caught, you should have a solid case against them for a personal injury lawsuit.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Rear-End Accident Lawyer?
Our experienced attorneys work on contingency, meaning we charge no upfront fees and you won’t pay us anything unless we win your case.
What’s the Average Settlement for Whiplash in Buffalo?
Every case will have a different value based on the unique circumstances involved. Our knowledgeable Buffalo rear-end car accident lawyers can look at the specifics of your case to estimate how much your claims might be worth.
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This law firm goes above and beyond to fight for you. Their entire team treats you with respect and truly cares about your well-being. Look no further if you need a personal injury lawyer.
John Richmond and the team at Richmond Vona did an incredible job with my complicated personal injury case. They made sure no stone was unturned and got me the settlement I deserved for my situation. They treat you well, explain everything you need to know and more so you are always in the loop about the status of your case. John was easy to get in touch with anytime during the process and made signing paperwork easy and understandable. Their entire staff is professional and helpful throughout the process These guys are fair, trustworthy, and will stand up for you!
This firm’s attention to detail is second to none. It’s evident that they are true professionals and really care about their injured clients. This is the firm to call if you have been seriously injured due to someone else’s negligence.
Let Richmond Vona Get You What You Deserve After a Buffalo Rear-End Car Accident
If you’ve been injured in a rear-end crash, it’s important to get legal help immediately to ensure you have the best chance of successfully recovering compensation. The trusted Buffalo rear-end car accident lawyers at Richmond Vona are deeply experienced in personal injury law and know how to get you the justice you deserve.
Contact us online or call 716-500-5678 today to schedule a free consultation. You won’t pay us anything unless we win your case.