A rear end accident in Putnam County, NY, often falls under pure comparative fault rules (NY CPLR Article 14-A). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ firm-wide case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Contact a Rear End Accident Lawyer Putnam County today.
Last verified: April 2026 | Putnam County Supreme Court | NY CPLR Article 14-A (official New York State Senate)
Under New York law, a rear end collision creates a presumption of negligence against the following driver. This means the driver who hits you from behind is typically considered at fault. However, New York follows a pure comparative fault system under NY CPLR Article 14-A. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, even if you are 99% at fault. For auto accidents, you must also meet the “serious injury” threshold under Insurance Law § 5102 to claim pain and suffering damages. This threshold includes death, dismemberment, significant disfigurement, fracture, loss of a fetus, permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function or system, or a medically determined injury or impairment of a non-permanent nature which prevents you from performing substantially all of your daily activities for 90 of the 180 days following the accident.
Our Rear End Accident Lawyer Putnam County team understands the specific procedures at the Putnam County Supreme Court. We also serve as an affordable rear end accident lawyer Putnam County for clients seeking cost-effective representation.
For more information, visit the Putnam County Supreme Court website.
- Step 1: Seek Medical Attention. Go to a hospital or urgent care immediately after the accident. Document all injuries, even if they seem minor.
- Step 2: File a No-Fault Claim. Within 30 days of the accident, file a no-fault insurance claim with your own insurance company to cover medical bills and lost wages up to $50,000.
- Step 3: Meet the Serious Injury Threshold. Your injuries must meet the legal definition of “serious injury” under NY Insurance Law § 5102 to pursue a pain and suffering claim.
- Step 4: File a Summons and Complaint. Your attorney will file a Summons and Complaint at the Putnam County Supreme Court to start the lawsuit.
- Step 5: Attend the Preliminary Conference. The court will schedule a preliminary conference to set deadlines for discovery, including depositions and experienced disclosures.
- Step 6: File a Note of Issue. Once discovery is complete, your attorney files a Note of Issue to place the case on the trial calendar.
In Putnam County, a rear end accident claim can result in compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering if the serious injury threshold is met.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rear End Collision (Negligence) | Civil Claim | None | None (civil damages) | None | Potential insurance premium increase |
| Failure to Meet Serious Injury Threshold | Dismissal of Pain/Suffering Claim | N/A | N/A | N/A | Only no-fault benefits available |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team includes Mr. Sris, who brings decades of experience to each case.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Rear End Accident Lawyer Putnam County team serves clients in Carmel, Brewster, Cold Spring, Mahopac, Putnam Valley, Kent, and Patterson. We are your rear end accident lawyer near me Putnam County for local representation.
Our NY location is accessible via I-87 (NYS Thruway), I-84, and the Taconic State Parkway. We are a short drive from the Putnam County Supreme Court at 20 County Center, Carmel, NY 10512.
Yes, New York law presumes the following driver is negligent in a rear end collision.
Yes, under New York law, the driver who rear-ends you is presumed negligent. This means they are responsible for your damages unless they can prove you did something unexpected, like suddenly stopping without reason. This presumption makes rear end cases strong for the injured party.
No, you must meet the serious injury threshold to claim pain and suffering.
No, you cannot sue for pain and suffering unless your injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold under NY Insurance Law § 5102. This includes fractures, permanent loss of use, or a 90-day disability. Without meeting this threshold, you are limited to no-fault benefits for medical bills and lost wages.
It depends on the severity of your injuries and the complexity of the case.
It depends on the severity of your injuries and the complexity of the case. Simple rear end claims with clear liability and minor injuries may settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or multiple parties can take 18-36 months or longer to resolve.
Yes, you can still recover compensation even if you are partially at fault.
Yes, New York’s pure comparative fault rule allows you to recover damages even if you are partially at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you can recover $80,000.
Yes, you must file a no-fault claim within 30 days of the accident.
Yes, you must file a no-fault insurance claim with your own insurance company within 30 days of the accident. This claim covers up to $50,000 in medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault. Failure to file within 30 days can result in a denial of benefits.
Yes, you can file a lawsuit at the Putnam County Supreme Court.
Yes, you can file a personal injury lawsuit at the Putnam County Supreme Court, located at 20 County Center, Carmel, NY 10512. The court has unlimited jurisdiction over civil cases. Your attorney will file a Summons and Complaint to start the legal process.
