Rear-End Collision Injury Lawyer

Experiencing a car accident can be one of the most frightening events in life. You may simply be driving home from work when suddenly someone runs into your car, resulting in damage and potential injuries. 

According to a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) study, rear-end collision injuries are some of the most common types of injuries experienced in car accidents. 

Over 1.7 million rear-end crashes occur each year in the United States. As a result, 500,000 people experience rear-end collision injuries annually, and almost 2,000 people are killed. 

The NTSB found that collision avoidance systems could help prevent up to 80% of rear-end collision injuries and fatalities, but the technology is not yet required for vehicles. As a result, rear-end collisions continue to happen. According to the Insurance Information Institute, over 7% of rear-end collisions result in fatalities. 

The law is on your side if you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision. Contact Morgan & Morgan to schedule a free case evaluation using our convenient online form.

What Causes Rear-End Collisions?

Rear-end collisions are caused by a variety of factors, including:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving occurs when a driver is occupied by other factors outside of navigating a vehicle. For example, they may use their smartphone to text or call someone, change the radio station, or adjust the air conditioner. Distracted driving occurs whenever someone’s attention is diverted from the road ahead.

Tailgating

People who follow others too closely risk running into them, especially if the car ahead suddenly stops. Drivers must keep a safe distance between their vehicle and automobiles ahead, but some don’t. Those who regularly tailgate are more likely to experience an accident.

Aggressive Driving

Feeling frustrated while behind the wheel? It’s common, especially when traffic congestion impedes normal driving conditions. Unfortunately, aggressive driving is more likely to result in a rear-end collision.

Road Rage

Road rage occurs when a driver becomes irritated by the actions of other drivers. They may suddenly act aggressively by speeding up their vehicle or swerving between lanes to display their displeasure. Road rage causes drivers to make mistakes they normally wouldn’t. The outcome may be a rear-end collision.

Driving While Tired

Ever get in your car following a night of poor sleep? Drowsiness can impede the nervous system, delaying reaction times and potentially resulting in an accident. In the worst cases, the driver may fall asleep behind the wheel, making a rear-end collision likely.

Driving Under the Influence

When drivers are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, their ability to focus on the road declines. They may find it challenging to stay in their lane or pay attention to road signs and street signals. A lack of ability to comprehend the road significantly increases the potential for an accident.

Road Conditions

Have you ever driven after a recent snowfall or ice storm? Icy road conditions can make it more difficult for cars to stop. Slamming on your brakes can worsen the problem, resulting in a vehicle slipping over the ice into another automobile.

Sudden Stops

When a driver suddenly and unexpectedly stops, the car behind them is more likely to hit them.

Sudden stops require drivers to react accordingly and slam on their breaks to prevent collisions. However, if there isn’t enough space between them and the other vehicle, it can result in an accident.

Who Is at Fault in a Rear-End Collision?

In most cases, the driver who hits the car in front of them is automatically at fault for the wreck. This is because most states require drivers to keep a certain distance between their car and the vehicle they are following. In certain circumstances, the law may find that the lead driver is responsible, especially if:

• The brake lights of the leading car were out 
• The leading vehicle was driving aggressively or recklessly
• Something unexpected occurred, such as putting the car into reverse

Each state has its own laws determining fault for automobile accidents. Some states have no-fault rules, where drivers must file a claim with their insurance company following an accident, regardless of who was at fault. 

At-fault states require the driver responsible for the accident to cover vehicle damage and any sustained injuries through their insurance carrier. Finally, modified comparative fault states assign a percentage of fault to each driver. Those less than 50% responsible for the accident can recover damages. 

A rear-end collision injury lawyer at Morgan & Morgan can help determine who was at fault for your accident and what damages you may be entitled to. 

What Are the Most Common Types of Rear-End Collision Injuries?

The most common types of rear-end collision injuries include:

Whiplash

Whiplash occurs when the impact from a collision forces the neck to snap back and forth instantaneously, almost like a whip. Whiplash can range from minor to severe. 

In the worst cases, whiplash can result in nerve damage, spinal injury, or damage to the muscles and tendons surrounding the neck. Ongoing treatment, such as physical therapy or surgery, may be required to treat serious whiplash injuries.

Head Trauma

If the driver or passenger isn’t wearing their seat belt, or if the seat belt malfunctions, the risk of head trauma from an accident increases. Head trauma may take a few days following the accident to develop fully. 

Symptoms of head trauma include fatigue, dizziness, memory loss, and impaired cognitive function. Rear-end collision injury settlements can help recover the medical expenses associated with head trauma.

Fractures

Rear-end collisions can result in fractures to the fingers, feet, or hands. In some cases, vertebrae in the spine or along the neck may be broken. If drivers suspect another automobile is about to rear-end them, sometimes they brace for impact. Doing so can increase the risk of a fracture.

Back Injuries

Back injuries are pretty common in rear-end collisions. Drivers and passengers are often thrown against their seat belts, and the impact from another vehicle can severely traumatize the muscles, bones, nerves, and tendons along the back. 

In the most severe cases, back injuries can require the use of a wheelchair for life following a rear-end collision.

How Much Can I Expect to Recover From Rear-End Collision Injury Settlements?

Rear-end collision injury settlements vary depending on several factors, including:

• The severity of the injuries
• Past and future medical costs
• Whether the injured individual can work
• State fault rules
• Insurance policy coverage

Morgan & Morgan is America’s largest personal injury law firm. We have helped thousands of clients obtain settlements for injuries sustained in automobile accidents. A few of our most recent rear-end collision injury settlements and verdicts include:

• $1 million in Memphis, Tennessee
• $4.01 million in Tampa, Florida
• $1.25 million in Jacksonville, Florida
• $7 million in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

With personal injury attorneys in all 50 states, Morgan & Morgan can help you obtain compensation for your injuries.

Why Should I Choose Morgan & Morgan?

At Morgan & Morgan, we are known for taking our cases to court. If an insurance company offers an unfair settlement, we’re ready to take them on in the courtroom. We try more cases than any other law firm in the country. 

We never allow a lawsuit to settle for less than what it is worth, and you can rest assured that we’ll work to obtain the compensation you are entitled to.

If you need help obtaining compensation for your rear-end collision injuries, reach out to Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation. We can help you get the justice you deserve.

Is Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney Expensive?

At Morgan & Morgan, we operate on a contingency fee basis. When you work with us, there are no fees for your consultation, and you pay nothing unless we obtain a settlement or verdict on your behalf. Once you receive your award, we’ll get a percentage. We will discuss our fees with you during your case evaluation.

What Should I Do After a Rear-End Collision?

Following a car accident, gather as much evidence as possible. Take pictures of the accident and the vehicles involved. Get the contact information of everyone involved in the accident and any witnesses. 

Make sure to call the police so they can file an accident report and obtain a copy of it. If you are injured, visit the closest hospital for treatment. Once you have recovered from your most immediate rear-end collision injuries, contact an attorney.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

Statute of limitations laws differ from state to state. In some states, you may have up to five years to file a claim, while the statute of limitations in other states is much shorter. 

To increase the chances of successful rear-end collision injury settlements, filing your claim as soon as possible is best. Memories fade over time, and our team will need to assemble appropriate documentation for your case.

Should I Accept What the Insurance Company Offers?

Insurance companies often don’t have the best interests of injury victims at heart. They seek to settle cases for as little as possible to protect their bottom line. Working with a knowledgeable attorney can ensure you don’t accept less than you deserve and help you obtain rear-end collision injury settlements.

Should I Give an Official Statement to an Insurance Company?

No. Speak with a personal injury attorney before agreeing to speak with an insurance company, especially if you have sustained severe rear-end collision injuries. 

Giving an official statement to an insurance company can hamper our efforts to obtain rear-end collision injury settlements. Your statement could inadvertently ruin your personal injury case.

What Types of Compensation Can I Obtain?

In rear-end collision cases, victims may be eligible for economic and non-economic damages. 

Economic damages include past and future medical expenses, lost time from work, compensation for being unable to work in the future, and other similar monetary restitution. 

Non-economic damages include mental and physical pain and suffering. You might be awarded punitive damages if the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious.

What if My Injuries Aren’t That Serious?

Many people mistakenly believe that they are physically okay after a car accident. The rush of adrenaline from a collision often acts as a mask for pain. Victims only realize they’ve sustained an injury in the days following a crash. 

If you leave a car accident feeling physically fine, monitor yourself in the coming days. See a physician immediately if you notice physical symptoms such as headaches, sore muscles, or back pain. You may have sustained a severe injury that you weren’t aware of.

Morgan & Morgan Is Here for You

If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision, we are here to help. Contact Morgan & Morgan to schedule a free case evaluation using our online form.