Rear End Accident Lawyer Suffolk County, New York
If you were injured in a rear end accident in Suffolk County, New York, you may be entitled to compensation under New York Insurance Law § 5102, which requires a “serious injury” threshold for pain and suffering damages. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive personal injury experience across New York. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Under New York law, a rear end accident claim falls under personal injury law governed by New York Insurance Law § 5102 and the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR). The “serious injury” threshold under § 5102(d) defines qualifying injuries as death, dismemberment, significant disfigurement, fracture, loss of a fetus, permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function or system, permanent consequential limitation of use of a body organ or member, significant limitation of use of a body function or system, or a medically determined injury or impairment of a non-permanent nature which prevents the injured person from performing substantially all of the material acts which constitute such person’s usual and customary daily activities for not less than 90 days during the 180 days immediately following the occurrence of the injury or impairment. New York follows a pure comparative fault rule under CPLR Article 14-A, meaning your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | New York Supreme Court, Suffolk County (Long Island) County | New York State Legislature
For official legal references, consult the following government sources:
In New York Supreme Court, Suffolk County (Long Island) County, prosecutors routinely require plaintiffs to demonstrate a “serious injury” under Insurance Law § 5102 before pain and suffering damages are allowed. We have observed that insurance defense attorneys frequently file motions for summary judgment arguing that the plaintiff’s injuries do not meet this threshold. The court strictly applies the no-fault framework, requiring that all economic losses up to $50,000 be first submitted to your own insurance carrier.
- Seek immediate medical attention and document all injuries.
- Preserve evidence: photos, police report, witness statements.
- File a no-fault insurance claim with your own carrier.
- Consult a rear end accident lawyer near me Suffolk County to evaluate the serious injury threshold.
- File a personal injury lawsuit in New York Supreme Court, Suffolk County (Long Island) County within the statute of limitations.
- Attend all court conferences and comply with discovery deadlines.
In Suffolk County, a rear end accident claim involves damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, subject to New York’s no-fault and serious injury thresholds.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rear End Accident (Civil Claim) | Civil Liability | None | None (damages awarded) | None | Medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering (subject to serious injury threshold) |
| Failure to Meet Serious Injury Threshold | Dismissal of Claim | None | None | None | Only no-fault benefits available (up to $50,000) |
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 handled numerous personal injury cases in Suffolk County, providing clients with dedicated representation. Advocacy Without Borders is the firm’s guiding principle, ensuring every client receives personalized attention and strategic advocacy.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive documented results across New York, including Suffolk County. While specific locality data is not available, the firm has achieved 4,739+ firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our location in Buffalo is approximately 350 miles from New York Supreme Court, Suffolk County (Long Island) County, with access via I-495 (Long Island Expressway) and the Northern State Parkway. We serve the communities of Riverhead, Huntington, Babylon, Islip, Brookhaven, Smithtown, Patchogue, Bay Shore, Commack, Hauppauge, Montauk, Southampton, and Shelter Island. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our location: 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202 | (838) 292-0003
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Suffolk County (Long Island), New York?
New York’s statute of limitations for personal injury under § 5102 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, Suffolk County (Long Island) 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 accident claims?
Under New York Insurance Law § 5102, you must prove a “serious injury” to recover non-economic damages like pain and suffering. This includes death, dismemberment, fracture, permanent loss of use, or a 90-day impairment of daily activities. Without meeting this threshold, only no-fault benefits are available. An affordable rear end accident lawyer Suffolk County can evaluate your injuries against this standard.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for the rear end accident?
Yes. New York follows pure comparative fault under CPLR Article 14-A, meaning your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. Even if you are 90% at fault, you can still recover 10% of your damages. A rear end accident lawyer near me Suffolk County can help establish the other driver’s negligence to maximize your recovery.
What damages can I recover in a rear end accident claim in Suffolk County?
You can recover medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering (if serious injury threshold is met). New York does not cap compensatory damages in most personal injury cases. Punitive damages may be available in cases of gross negligence. An affordable rear end accident lawyer Suffolk County can calculate the full value of your claim.
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Last updated: 2026-04-30. This page is regularly reviewed for accuracy. For the most current legal information, consult the New York State Legislature or a qualified attorney.