A rear-end collision occurs when one vehicle hits the back of another. Most rear-end crashes are caused when the driver in the rear is speeding, tailgating, or driving distracted. These behaviors can prevent a driver from slowing or stopping their vehicle if the vehicle in front of them brakes suddenly.
A rear-end collision can result in serious injuries for the occupants of the rear-ended vehicle. The force of the impact can cause someone to violently jerk back and forth, potentially hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or seatback.
If another driver has rear-ended you, you may be entitled to compensation for your economic and personal losses. You shouldn’t have to take on the legal claims process alone. Reach out to a Lawrenceville rear-end accident attorney from Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC for a free initial case evaluation. We aim to provide you with helpful information and compassionate guidance so you can recover quickly.
Common Injuries Sustained in Rear-End Collisions
Injuries are common in rear-end collisions, ranging from minor bumps to life-altering trauma. Some of the most frequent injuries that victims suffer include the following:
- Cuts, burns, and bruises
- Whiplash
- Nerve damage
- Facial injuries, including eye injuries
- Chest injuries
- Internal injuries and bleeding
- Soft tissue injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Bone fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries
- Crush injuries
- Traumatic amputation
The most dangerous type of rear-end accident is when a fast-moving car hits a stopped vehicle. The extreme force on the nonmoving vehicle can cause it to roll or run off the road entirely, resulting in devastating injuries.
Who Is At Fault in a Lawrenceville Rear-End Collision?
In a rear-accident collision, the driver of the vehicle in the back is often presumed at fault for the crash. This comes from the legal duty to maintain a safe following distance. Drivers must consider traffic speed, visibility, and road conditions to safely slow and come to a stop. When one vehicle rear-ends another, it’s often because the driver in the rear didn’t leave enough distance to safely slow down or was distracted and didn’t brake in time.
However, other parties may be at fault for a rear-end collision under certain circumstances. For example, the rear-ended driver may be partially at fault for a rear-end accident if they cut off another driver on the road and then suddenly slam on the brakes. A third driver could be responsible for a rear-end accident if they cut off a driver and force them to make an emergency maneuver that causes the rear-end accident.
Many different sources of evidence can determine who is at fault in a rear-end collision, including the following:
- Police accident reports
- Surveillance or traffic camera footage
- Dashcam footage
- Eyewitness statements
- Data logs from the vehicle’s event data recorders, or “black boxes”
- Accident scene photos and video
- Post-accident vehicle inspection reports
- Accident reconstruction reports
What to Do in a Rear-End Accident
Being in a rear-end car accident can be terrifying and disorienting. Though it may be difficult to think clearly in the immediate aftermath, these steps can help you preserve your right to file a claim for compensation:
- Call 911 to bring emergency responders to the scene. Law enforcement will start the investigation into what caused the accident.
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including damage to your and the other driver’s vehicle, skid marks on the road, and weather and road conditions.
- Seek medical attention from a doctor as soon as possible to be examined for injuries you may have suffered in the crash. Do not put off treating your injuries. Follow your provider’s instructions and recommendations.
- Notify your insurance company of the accident, but only provide the essential information. It’s best to speak with an experienced lawyer before getting insurance involved.
- Keep copies of your bills and invoices from expenses from the accident, including vehicle repairs and medical services. Gather your income records if you miss time from work or have lower earnings because of your injuries.
- Keep a journal to record the pain you experience from your injuries and any difficulties you face daily.
- Avoid posting about the accident or your injuries on social media, as insurance companies might monitor your accounts and use your social media posts to deny your claims.
- Talk to a rear-end collision lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your options for financial recovery for your injuries and losses.
Compensation Available for Rear-End Collision Injuries
If you have been involved in a rear-end collision caused by another driver’s negligence, you have a legal right to pursue compensation for your expenses and losses. At Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, our rear-end accident attorneys will work tirelessly to demand you are fully compensated for losses such as the following:
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses, including the costs of hospital and surgery bills, doctor’s appointments, scans and testing, physical therapy, pain medication, and medical or mobility devices
- Lost income when you cannot work during your recovery or need to take a part-time or modified duty position
- Lost future earning potential, including job benefits like pensions or health insurance
- Physical pain and anguish
- Emotional distress, including lower quality of life
