Rear-End Accident Lawyer
Car accidents are challenging incidents that can change your life in an instant. There are a multitude of injuries you can suffer that can prevent you from working, going to school, or ever walking again. Many people think that a rear-end accident is just a simple fender bender. This is not always the case. Depending on the speed, weather conditions, and traffic volume, a rear-end collision can be devastating. No matter the seriousness of the crash, you need an experienced rear-end accident lawyer from TK Injury Lawyers on your side fighting for compensation.
What Qualifies as a Rear-End Car Accident?
Rear-end car crashes are some of the most common car accidents in the United States every year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these accidents account for more than 30 percent of crashes nationwide annually. The most common causes of rear-end accidents include the following:
- Fatigued driving
- Road rage
- Sun glare
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Stopping short
- Impaired driving
- Mechanical failure of a vehicle part (brakes, engine, transmission, etc.)
- Distracted driving
- Failure or mistakes made by the driver
It is important to note that you can file a claim against the at-fault driver of a rear-end crash, no matter the cause. You should always work with a rear-end car accident lawyer after a crash so you have a clear understanding of the type and amount of compensation you can seek for damages.
Evidence Needed to File a Rear-End Accident Claim
As with any type of personal injury claim, you will need to have strong evidence to be successful in a rear-end accident claim. Liability in a rear-end collision is not always cut and dry, and insurance companies will do their best to complicate things. A rear-end accident lawyer can examine the crash scene and analyze evidence to determine the percentage of fault that should be assigned to the vehicle that crashed into the rear of yours. The evidence every rear-end crash claim should have includes the following:
- The police report
- Video footage of the crash (witnesses, security camera footage, dashcam footage, etc.)
- Testimony from everyone involved in the crash
- Testimony from any eyewitnesses
- Photos of the crash scene, vehicles, and injuries you suffered
- Medical reports
Even if you did not suffer a serious or traumatic injury, you should still collect as much evidence as possible. Doing so can help should you decide to file a claim later down the line.
Seeking Compensation for a Rear-End Accident
When you meet with a rear-end accident lawyer to build a claim against the at-fault party, you will need to discuss compensation. Compensation for a rear-end crash can include the following:
- The cost of future medical procedures to help bring you back to how your life was prior to the accident
- The cost of medical procedures you underwent before the accident happened
- The cost of physical therapy
- Expenses for medical aids needed to assist you at home
- The cost of hiring a live-in nurse
- Expenses for psychological counseling
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- The value of your vehicle based on the damage to it from the crash
- Wrongful death
It is also possible that your case might be eligible for punitive damages. These are damages awarded by the judge to punish the defendant for their actions. Punitive damages are only awarded if the defendant was found to have acted deliberately or maliciously.
Whiplash Caused by a Rear-End Accident
A rear-end accident can be extremely dangerous based on the speed at the time of the collision, how the vehicle struck slams into another vehicle, and the road conditions. The most common injury victims of rear-end accidents suffer is whiplash. Whiplash is the movement of the head and neck in any type of collision that leaves the soft tissue in your body damaged. Whiplash injuries can be surprisingly serious, requiring medical attention and possibly leading to the following issues:
- Ringing in the ears
- Trouble concentrating
- Severe headaches
- Unusual fatigue
- Problems with memory
- Pain when moving your head
- Pain and stiffness in the neck
- Weakness in the arms
- Tingling or numbness
- Irritability and moodiness
- Double or blurry vision
- Disorientation and dizziness
- Pain in the back and shoulders
- Trouble sleeping
Rear-end car accident victims who suffer from whiplash often require extensive physical therapy and other medical care to get as close to their normal life as possible. Whiplash victims might also be unable to return to work or even conduct daily chores around the house.
Other injuries victims of rear-end crashes can suffer include the following:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Facial fractures
As always, talk to an experienced rear-end accident lawyer from TK Injury Lawyers about your case. The knowledge of the law and how much you can seek in compensation can make a world of difference when building a claim against the at-fault driver.
How a Rear-End Accident Lawyer Can Help Your Case
As previously mentioned, a rear-end accident lawyer from TK Injury Lawyers will make a huge difference when injured in a crash. Representing yourself in a legal matter should never cross your mind. You do not know the intricacies of the law or the changes that can potentially impact your case. Personal injury lawyers offer many different areas of help for victims of rear-end accidents.
Communicate on Your Behalf
One of the most important ways a rear-end accident lawyer can help is to communicate on your behalf. The lawyer will handle phone calls, emails, and letters between insurance companies, doctors, and defense attorneys, so you do not have to endure the stress associated with it.
Collect Evidence from the Crash Site
An experienced rear-end accident lawyer will collect all of the evidence you need for the claim to be successful. This includes obtaining the police report, medical records, insurance information, photos, videos, and eyewitness testimony.
Negotiate a Settlement
Not every personal injury case will go to court. A majority of them will settle before trial. Negotiating a settlement is a strong skill that your rear-end accident lawyer will have. The settlement value of your case will depend on the severity of your injuries, the damage to your vehicle, and the amount of time you are expected to miss at work.
Ensure You Meet the Statute of Limitations
One of the most important things in a personal injury claim is meeting the deadline to file. Every state has a statute of limitations in place for filing a claim. If you miss that deadline, the court will dismiss your case, and you will lose out on the opportunity to recover compensation for your losses. A rear-end accident lawyer will know the statute of limitations in your state and ensure that the claim is filed before it expires.
Call a Rear-End Accident Lawyer Today
Did you or a loved one suffer injuries in a rear-end crash? The experienced and trusted team at TK Injury Lawyers can fight for your right to compensation. Our rear-end accident lawyers can collect evidence, talk to witnesses, and build a strong case on your behalf. We understand the challenges you face following a car accident injury. Call our office or submit our contact form today to schedule a free consultation.