Rear end accidents in New York County (Manhattan) are governed by NY CPLR Article 14-A (comparative fault) and Insurance Law § 5102 (serious injury threshold). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ firm-wide documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Rear End Accident Lawyer in New York County, New York
Under New York law, rear end accidents are a common type of motor vehicle collision where one vehicle strikes the vehicle in front of it. The legal framework for personal injury claims arising from rear end accidents in New York County (Manhattan) is established by NY CPLR Article 14-A, which governs comparative fault. This means your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. Additionally, Insurance Law § 5102 requires that you meet a “serious injury” threshold to recover non-economic damages like pain and suffering. CPLR § 1602 limits liability for non-economic damages in certain cases. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | New York Supreme Court, New York County (Manhattan) County | New York State Senate — official site
For the full text of the relevant statutes, consult the following official government sources:
In New York Supreme Court, New York County (Manhattan) County, prosecutors and insurance defense attorneys routinely scrutinize the “serious injury” threshold under Insurance Law § 5102. We have observed that early medical documentation is critical to establishing a viable claim. The court requires a preliminary conference within 45 days of filing the Note of Issue.
- Seek medical attention immediately after the accident.
- File a police report with the NYPD at the scene.
- Collect evidence including photos and witness statements.
- Notify your insurance company about the accident.
- Contact a rear end accident lawyer near me New York County to evaluate your case.
- File a claim in New York Supreme Court within the statute of limitations.
In New York County (Manhattan), personal injury claims from rear end accidents carry potential damages including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The legal standard is pure comparative fault under NY CPLR Article 14-A.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rear End Accident (Civil Claim) | Civil Tort | N/A | N/A (damages awarded) | N/A | Medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering |
| Serious Injury Threshold | Insurance Law § 5102 | N/A | N/A | N/A | Must meet threshold for non-economic damages |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. The firm has extensive experience handling personal injury cases in New York County (Manhattan), including rear end accidents. Our team understands the local court procedures and the serious injury threshold requirements.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ. While specific case results for New York County (Manhattan) are not available, the firm maintains a favorable-outcome rate above 93% across all practice areas. Results may vary.
Our location in Buffalo, NY is approximately 370 miles from New York Supreme Court, New York County (Manhattan) County, with access via I-90 and I-87. We serve clients throughout New York County (Manhattan) as a rear end accident lawyer near me New York County. Serving the communities of Manhattan (Midtown, Lower Manhattan, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Harlem, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, East Village, Financial District, Chinatown, Washington Heights, Inwood). 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (838) 292-0003
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in New York County (Manhattan), New York?
New York’s statute of limitations for personal injury under NY CPLR Article 14-A is typically 2-3 years from the date of injury, but shorter for claims against government entities (often 6 months notice requirement). Medical malpractice and wrongful death have distinct timelines. Missing the deadline bars the claim entirely — New York Supreme Court, New York County (Manhattan) County will dismiss on timeliness grounds. Evidence preservation and witness statements degrade over time. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. promptly — (888) 437-7747.
What is the serious injury threshold in New York for rear end accidents?
Under Insurance Law § 5102, you must prove a “serious injury” to recover non-economic damages like pain and suffering. This includes death, dismemberment, significant disfigurement, fracture, loss of a fetus, permanent loss of use of a body organ, or a non-permanent injury that prevents you from performing substantially all of your daily activities for 90 of the 180 days following the accident. An affordable rear end accident lawyer New York County can help you meet this threshold.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for the rear end accident?
Yes. New York follows pure comparative fault under NY CPLR Article 14-A. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your damages are reduced by 20%. Even if you are 99% at fault, you can still recover 1% of your damages. This makes it important to have a rear end accident lawyer near me New York County to argue your case effectively.
What damages can I recover in a rear end accident claim in New York County?
You can recover economic damages such as medical expenses (past and future), lost wages (past and future), and property damage. Non-economic damages like pain and suffering are available only if you meet the serious injury threshold under Insurance Law § 5102. Punitive damages may be available in cases of gross negligence. An affordable rear end accident lawyer New York County can help calculate your full damages.
Related practice areas and locations:
Last verified: April 2026 | New York Supreme Court, New York County (Manhattan) County | New York State Senate — official site