Lawyers for Rear-End Collision Injuries
Lawyers for Rear-End Collision Injuries
Rear-end crashes are the most common type of car accidents in the United States, leading to serious injuries and property damage every single day. Even seemingly “harmless” fender benders can result in serious issues for car accident victims.
Don’t give up hope if you or a loved one has recently sustained a car accident injury due to a negligent driver. Seek an experienced rear-end accident lawyer to understand your legal rights and navigate your options.
Retain a Rear-End Collision Lawyer
Rear-end collisions can seem innocuous yet still lead to debilitating injuries. If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision, it’s important that you have legal representation. An experienced car accident lawyer can assess the situation, then draft and file an effective claim against the at-fault driver.
Find an experienced and skilled attorney with Susan E. Loggans & Associates. Our personal injury lawyers have been practicing for years. We will investigate your unique situation and litigate so you can get the monetary compensation you deserve.
Call us at (312) 741-4019 to set up an appointment today.
Common Injuries from Rear-End Car Accident Cases
According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end car crashes are the number one type of motor vehicle accident in the country.
The most common injuries from rear-end accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries like concussions
- Whiplash
Each of these injuries requires medical attention. Medical expenses coupled with loss of wages from disability, pain and suffering, and more can all add up. In these cases, pursuing a personal injury lawsuit can help victims cover expenses that aid their recovery efforts.
What Causes a Rear-End Collision?
A multitude of factors can cause rear-end collisions. The exact cause of the collision can make a major difference in personal injury cases and determine how much—if any—compensation victims receive.
The following are some common causes of rear-end collisions:
- Tailgating. Tailgating occurs when one car follows another car too closely and is not able to stop in time when the vehicle in front stops. This practice is illegal in many locations across the United States.
- Distracted Drivers. In a world of social media and text messages, there are more distracted drivers on the road than ever. People who text, talk on the phone, eat in the car, or fiddle with the radio are putting others at risk of a rear-end collision when they fail to notice that the driver ahead of them has stopped or slowed down.
- Visibility Issues. If there are 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 along roadways.
- Driving Under the Influence. It’s always dangerous to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Non-sober drivers are much more likely to get into a crash because their motor skills, reaction times, and mental faculties are impaired.
- 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 the front drivers are slowing down or stopping entirely. Other faulty car parts that can result in rear-end crashes include 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. Prudent persons wouldn’t text and drive because they know it could result in an accident. Therefore, you are being negligent by texting on the road.
Proving Liability in Rear-End Accidents
If you are filing a claim, you would be considered the plaintiff. The driver you believe caused your injury would be the defendant. To win a rear-end accident case, you must prove the defendant’s negligence was the reason for your injury.
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 his or her 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.
Punitive damages you may recover in rear-end accident claims 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 medical treatment costs. However, it’s important you don’t make any major decisions without consulting with a qualified car accident and personal injury law firm first. Some insurance companies wish to make a profit and give their policyholders as little as possible.
Adjusters, for example, may try to undervalue your insurance claim by quickly offering you a settlement after the injury. This tactic entices you to accept an offer as soon as possible, potentially without receiving fair compensation. 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. These professionals can review your policy, the accident, and gather evidence as to why you need a larger settlement. An experienced rear-end accident lawyer can even negotiate with adjusters for you, if needed.
Choose Susan E. Loggans Law for Rear-End Accident Cases
When choosing a rear-end accident lawyer, you want to choose someone who’s experienced, compassionate, and has a history of winning personal injury cases.
That’s why, when you or someone you love needs a personal injury attorney, it’s recommended that you contact Susan E. Loggans & Associates. Our car accident attorneys can conduct a free case evaluation and advise you on the best course of action. They can even litigate for you in court if necessary.
Call (312) 741-4019 now to set up a case review with the rear-end accident attorneys at Susan E. Loggans & Associates.