Chicago Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Rear-End Collisions
A common collision that occurs on Illinois roadways are rear-end crashes. Most people consider a rear-end collision to be a harmless incident. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the norm. In some cases, a rear-end crash can result in serious injuries that develop later in time.
Many rear-end collisions result in whiplash, which is a condition that may not appear until days after the incident. Others experience intense back pain related to the crash that emerges weeks later. This is because you are still prone to neck and back injuries even if the accident occurred at a low speed.
If you have recently sustained an injury in a rear-end crash, then it’s imperative you seek an experienced personal injury attorney.
Rear-End Collision Lawyer
Rear-end collisions can seem innocuous but can lead to debilitating injuries. If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision, it’s important you have legal representation. An attorney can assess the situation so they can draft and file an effective claim against the person whose negligence caused the accident.
Find an experienced and skilled attorney with Susan E. Loggans & Associates. Our personal injury lawyers have been practicing in Illinois courtrooms for years. We will investigate the situation and litigate so you can get the monetary compensation you deserve. Call us now at (312) 588-9773 to set up an appointment today.
Susan E. Loggans & Associates accepts clients throughout the greater Cook County area including Arlington Heights, Des Plaines, Chicago and Schaumburg.
Overview of Rear-End Collisions in Illinois
Statistics for Rear-End Collisions in the U.S.
What Causes a Rear-End Collision?
Who is Liable in a Rear-End Collision?
Should I Settle With My Insurance Company?
Rear-End Collision Resources
Statistics for Rear-End Collisions in the U.S.
One of the most common types of accidents are rear-end collisions. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end crashes are the number one type of accident in the country. It’s crucial you read the data surrounding rear-end crashes to understand how dangerous they are.
Listed below are some statistics collected by NHTSA regarding rear-end collisions.
- Approximately 2.5 million rear-end collisions are reported every year;
- 29 percent of all car accidents are rear-end crashes;
- 20 percent of people who have experienced a rear-end collision have whiplash;
- Male drivers aged between 25 to 43 are twice as likely to be in a rear-end crash; and
- 1,700 pie every year from rear-end collisions
What Causes a Rear-End Collision?
A rear-end collision can be caused by a multitude of factors. The majority of rear-end crashes happen because a car is following another too closely, this is also known as tailgating. According to 625 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS), a driver is not allowed to follow another vehicle more closely than what is reasonable and prudent.
The following are some common causes for a rear-end collision:
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Distracted Drivers
We now live in a world of social media. This means there are more distracted drivers on the road than ever. People who text, talk on the phone, eat in the car or change the radio are putting others at risk of a rear-end collision. This is because they may not notice the driver ahead of them has stopped or slowed down.
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Visibility Issues
If there’s visibility issues on the road, the chances of a rear-end collision rise exponentially. These problems could stem from foliage, covered street signs, inclement weather or little to no lighting.
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Driving Under the Influence
It’s always dangerous to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drunk drivers are much more likely to get into a crash because their motor and mental faculties have been impaired.
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Faulty Car Parts
In some cases, a rear-end collision occurs because of a faulty car part. The most common example is broken or dimmed brake lights. If the lights aren’t functioning, the drivers behind may not know when you are slowing down or stopping entirely. Other faulty car parts can cause a rear-end collision including popped tires or broken headlights.
Who is Liable in a Rear-End Collision?
Personal injury law is based on the grounds of negligence. Negligence is when a person fails to behave with the level of care that someone of ordinary prudence would have in the same situation. The term negligence also includes omissions when there is a duty to act.
For example, if you are texting and driving then you are not following traffic rules. A prudent person wouldn’t text and drive because they know it could result in an accident. Therefore, you are being negligent by texting on the road.
To win your case, you must prove the defendant’s negligence was the reason for your injury. Since you are the one filing the claim, you would be considered the plaintiff and the driver would be the defendant. If the defendant contests your claim, then you must prove the following elements in court.
- The defendant is required to uphold a duty of care by following traffic rules;
- He or she intentionally or carelessly broke their duty of care;
- You were injured because the defendant was negligent; and
- You suffered financially and/or emotionally because of the injury.
If the court grants your claim, then you will receive a monetary settlement for your damages. Damages are any losses you sustained because of your injury. These losses can be material such as medical bills and emotional such as pain and suffering.
Some damages you may recover in a rear-end collision case include:
- Medical costs
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Loss of wages
- Vehicular repair costs
- Counseling
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium
Should I Settle With My Insurance Company?
You may be relying on your insurance company to compensate you for your repairs and injury-related costs. However, it’s important you don’t make any major decisions without consulting with an attorney. Some insurance companies wish to make a profit and give their policyholders as little as possible.
Insurance adjusters may try to undervalue your claim by quickly offering you a settlement after the injury. This is sometimes used as a tactic to entice you into accepting an offer. However, you may need a bigger settlement to cover all the costs related to your accident. Especially if your injury developed days or even weeks after the collision.
It’s important you don’t accept any settlement offers until you’ve spoken to a personal injury lawyer. They can review your policy, the accident and provide evidence as to why you need a larger settlement. An attorney can even negotiate with adjusters for you if needed.
Rear-End Collision Resources
Rear-End Collison Statistics
Visit the official website for the Insurance Information Institutes (III) to learn more about facts and statistics for rear-end collisions. Access the site to learn the data for rear-end collisions in the U.S. and safety devices to prevent further injury.
Illinois Vehicle Code
Visit the official website for the Illinois General Assembly to learn more about Illinois’s vehicular laws. Access the site to learn more about tailgating rules, requirements for car parts and the laws for distracted driving.
Susan Loggans Law
If you or someone you know needs a personal injury attorney, it’s recommended you contact Susan E. Loggans & Associates. Our attorneys can conduct a case evaluation and advise you what the best course of action to take is. They can even litigate for you in court if necessary.
Call (312) 588-9773 now to set up a consultation with the attorneys at Susan E. Loggans & Associates. We accept clients throughout the Chicago metropolitan area including Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Des Plaines and Evanston.