Rear End Accident Lawyer in Queens, NY

Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car accidents in Queens, and they can leave you with serious injuries, as well as questions about who will pay for your medical bills and other costs. If another driver struck you from behind, working with a skilled rear-end accident lawyer can help you understand your rights under New York’s no-fault insurance system and pursue full compensation if your injuries qualify.

The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C., can help you build a strong claim so that you can get your life back on track. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Your case review is fully confidential, and you pay nothing unless we successfully resolve your matter.

Why Choose Our Queens Rear-End Accident Lawyers?

Based in Floral Park, The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. brings more than 120 years of combined legal experience to rear-end accident cases throughout Queens and the surrounding areas. We take an aggressive approach when dealing with insurance companies that try to pay the absolute minimum to accident victims.

We have secured numerous meaningful results for our clients, including an $800,000 recovery for a client who suffered accident-related injuries after being rear-ended by a commercial van.* Here is what one of our clients had to say about working with us:

“I had a great experience working with this law firm. The entire process was smooth and easy, and I always felt supported and well-informed along the way. My team was professional, responsive, and made everything much less stressful. I truly appreciate their help and would definitely recommend them to anyone needing legal assistance. Thank you so much!” 

– Nic G.

*Past results depended on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome in your case.

How The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. Can Help with Your Claim

Our attorneys can investigate the crash that caused your injuries, gather evidence such as police reports and traffic camera footage, and identify every driver or party who contributed to the collision. We can also handle communication with insurance adjusters on your behalf so you can focus on recovering from your accident-related injuries.

We intentionally keep our caseload smaller than many larger firms, which means we can give your case the focused attention it deserves. If the insurance company will not offer a fair settlement, our litigators are ready to take your case to trial and demand maximum compensation.

How New York’s No-Fault Insurance System Works After a Rear-End Accident

New York requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, coverage under Article 51 of the New York Insurance Law. This no-fault coverage pays for a portion of your medical bills and lost income after a car accident, no matter who caused it.

PIP coverage generally provides up to $50,000 in combined medical expenses and other basic costs. It can also reimburse up to $2,000 per month in lost income for up to three years, plus up to $25 per day for other reasonable expenses (such as help around the house or transportation to medical appointments).

Because PIP benefits are limited, drivers with more serious accident-related injuries often need to pursue additional compensation directly from the at-fault driver.

Who Is At-Fault in a Rear-End Accident?

New York courts generally presume that the rear driver caused a rear-end collision. Once the driver of a lead vehicle shows it was struck from behind, the burden shifts to the rear driver to explain what happened. A rear driver can overcome this presumption only with a valid, non-negligent reason for the crash, such as a sudden brake failure or a hazard that appeared without warning.

This presumption exists in part because New York law requires drivers to leave enough space to stop safely, based on speed, traffic, and road conditions. A driver who follows too closely and cannot stop in time is usually considered at fault.

New York also recently changed how fault affects your recovery in motor vehicle cases. As of 2026, if a court finds you were more at fault for a crash than the other driver, you may be barred from recovering compensation altogether, rather than simply receiving a reduced award (CPLR § 1411(b)). This makes it more important than ever to have an attorney build the strongest possible case on the question of fault.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Rear-End Collision in Queens, NY?

If you suffered a serious injury in a rear-end crash, you may be able to step outside the no-fault system and pursue a broader range of compensation from the at-fault driver, including money for pain and suffering.

New York law defines a serious injury as one that involves death, dismemberment, a significant disfigurement, a bone fracture, or a permanent or significant limitation on the use of a body part or system. The state recently removed an older category that covered temporary, non-permanent injuries, so it now takes stronger medical evidence to qualify.

Rear-end collisions often lead to whiplash, herniated discs, concussions, and other serious rear-end accident injuries that can affect you for months or years. Depending on your situation, you may recover compensation for the following:

• Medical Bills – Past and future costs for treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation related to your injuries.
• Lost Income – Wages you missed while recovering, plus any reduction in your future earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering – Compensation for both the bodily pain and emotional toll of your injuries.

Our attorneys can review your medical records and the facts of your crash to help you understand what a fair rear-end accident settlement might look like for your situation.

How Long Do You Have to File a Rear-End Accident Claim?

In most cases, New York law gives you three years from the date of your crash to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. If you wait too long, you might lose your right to recover compensation entirely, even if your claim is otherwise strong.

Because evidence such as camera footage and witness memories can fade quickly, it helps to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after your crash.

Our Rear-End Accident Attorneys Are Here to Help You

If you suffered accident-related injuries in a rear-end collision in Queens, Nassau County, New York City, or Long Island, The Tadchiev Law Firm, P.C. is ready to help. We will review the details of your case free of charge, explain your legal options, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free, no-pressure, fully confidential consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.