What to Do After a Rear-End Car Accident: A Guide to Seeking Legal Help

When you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, it is normal to feel overwhelmed and confused. Most car accident victims are unsure about what steps to take in the hours and days after the collision. 

This confusion is especially pronounced if you have sustained a rear-end injury. Rear-end collisions are very dangerous and can result in long-term injuries for victims. 

There is typically no way to avoid a rear-end accident injury. But when you have been hurt in one of these accidents, it is important to contact rear-ended injuries lawyers.  

In many rear-end collisions, the injury victim has the option of pursuing a legal claim against the at-fault party. You should not have to manage the financial and personal losses from a car accident on your own. 

Make sure to speak with rear-ended injuries lawyers to review the facts of your claim. When you need legal representation in a car accident case, reach out to the accomplished legal professionals at Morgan & Morgan.  

Our team knows what it takes to recover financial compensation for collision injury victims. Following a rear-end car accident, a personal injury lawyer will guide you through the legal process to help you recover maximum compensation. 

When you hire a Morgan & Morgan attorney, you will not pay a dime unless we successfully recover money for you. To schedule a no-cost and no-obligation legal consultation, complete the contact form on our website.

Determining Fault in Rear-End Collisions

One of the most important issues after a rear-end collision is determining legal fault. Legal liability is determined by many different factors in a car accident. Some of these factors include: 

• The condition of the vehicles after the accident
• The speed the cars were traveling
• The condition of the cars before the crash
• Weather conditions
• Road hazards

In many cases, the driver of the car in the rear is responsible for the collision. However, this is not always the case. 

For example, suppose that you came to a sudden stop and one of your taillights was malfunctioning. In this case, you may be partially to blame for the resulting accident. If you reverse your vehicle suddenly and an accident happens, you may be legally liable in this situation as well.  

But in many cases, rear-end collisions happen because the motorist in the back is following the car ahead too closely. This dangerous driving maneuver is known as “tailgating.”

Fault Statutes Vary by State

The question of legal liability in a given accident case will depend on where the collision took place. The laws surrounding motor vehicle accident fault vary by state. 

In 12 states, car accident liability statutes operate on a “no-fault” rule. This means that drivers are required to carry insurance policies to cover any potential damages.

If you live in a no-fault state, you must file a claim through your policy before seeking damages through a tort lawsuit. If you have sustained physical harm, you should still speak with the rear-ended injuries lawyers at Morgan & Morgan. 

When victims sustain injuries, they can still pursue compensation for the associated costs and losses. Our legal professionals will carefully assess the question of fault in your rear-end collision case. 

Other states operate on a “fault” approach to car insurance claims. In these states, anyone can file a legal claim in the aftermath of a car accident.  

Regardless of the state where your accident happened, you will probably need to deal with an auto insurance company. It is critical to have a legal representative negotiate in your best interests. The specialists at Morgan & Morgan have the skills and experience to fight on your behalf. 

What Can Rear-Ended Injuries Lawyers Do for You?

Many car accident victims know that they have a valid legal claim following their rear-end injury. Still, most are unsure why they should contact rear-ended injuries lawyers before filing a claim. 

A knowledgeable lawyer will oversee all of the relevant parts of your personal injury claim. The legal process involves many complex documents, timelines, and requirements. 

When you have been injured, you deserve to focus on your health and well-being. You should not have to manage the intricacies of a car accident claim in addition to healing.

Fortunately, the compassionate team at Morgan & Morgan is ready to handle every part of your injury claim. When you hire our firm, our skilled litigants will manage the following elements of your case:

• Consulting with witnesses to the crash
• Speaking with experts and specialists, if necessary
• Gathering relevant documents and evidence
• Ensuring that every legal timeline is met
• Obtaining police accident reports
• Collecting relevant medical records and doctors’ notes
• Determining legal liability
• Calculating the value of your rear-end collision claim
• Negotiating forcefully with the opposing party
• Filing a lawsuit on your behalf, if needed

It is critical to secure the services of an accomplished legal representative if you hope to secure compensation for your auto accident. Knowledgeable rear-ended injuries lawyers understand the difficulties that victims often face.  

There is no reason to hire an attorney in whom you do not have full confidence. To ensure that you have the best representation available, schedule a no-cost consultation with America’s largest personal injury law firm­ — Morgan & Morgan.

How Can You Find the Best Attorney for You?

Following an accident, the thought of securing a legal representative can be intimidating. Most people have little to no experience hiring a tort attorney. 

However, there are several straightforward actions you can take to find the best attorney for you. When you need a rear-end injury attorney, consider the following steps:

• Research Online

Like most businesses, reputable law firms will have a significant online presence. When you need a rear-end accident attorney, begin with an online search for attorneys in your area. 

However, you should not hire the first legal professional that you find. Instead, make sure to read plenty of reviews and testimonials from firms’ previous clients. 

This will help you to understand what it is like to work with a specific firm. Do not consult with a lawyer unless they have mostly positive reviews from former clients. 

Although even the best attorneys will have a few negative reviews, you should never hire a firm that has mostly unfavorable ratings. Morgan & Morgan has a sterling track record of securing positive outcomes for our clients. For this reason, we have a reputation as a trustworthy legal firm.

• Find a Specialist

Some car accident victims mistakenly think that all attorneys have the same knowledge and skills. In reality, there are many different subfields of the U.S. legal system. 

To get effective counsel, make sure to hire a competent legal specialist. When you have sustained an injury in a rear-end motor vehicle accident, you should hire an attorney with experience in these types of cases. 

Personal injury claims involve a range of specific laws and statutes. Hiring a legal specialist will help you pursue and receive the money that you are rightfully owed. 

An attorney with experience in rear-end accident cases will understand how to successfully negotiate with tightfisted insurance companies about the facts of your claim. The team at Morgan & Morgan has been successfully representing car accident victims for more than 30 years. 

• Schedule a Legal Consultation

Once you have located a reputable legal specialist, you should arrange a consultation to discuss the facts of your case. Reputable law firms will provide a no-cost case evaluation to discuss the viability of your legal claim. 

This initial meeting is a good opportunity to get to know the firm and attorney better. Think of this as a chance to decide whether this attorney is right for you.  

Make sure to ask questions that are relevant to your case and the general legal claims process. Some of the most common questions that new clients ask are: 

• How long have you practiced tort law?
• Have you handled rear-end accident cases before?
• What is your firm’s success rate?
• Who do you believe is legally responsible for the crash?
• How much do you think my case is worth?
• What is your negotiation strategy?
• How long do these cases usually take?
• What evidence is most relevant in this case?
• How will my medical bills be covered?
• What are the next steps after this consultation? 

These are only a few examples of general legal questions. It is also vital to ask the attorney specific questions regarding the details of your claim. 

The compassionate litigants at Morgan & Morgan will happily review your claim and help you decide the best course of action. During your initial meeting, you will face no pressure to hire our firm.

What Types of Compensation Can I Recover From a Rear-End Accident Claim?

Like most legal tort claims, rear-end car accident victims are often eligible for two types of damages. These are known as “special” and “general” damages. 

Special damages are supposed to return the victim to their previous financial status. In other words, special damages cover direct monetary losses that occurred because of the accident. 

Some of the most common examples of special damages are: 

• Current medical expenses and bills
• Expected costs for future medical care
• Transportation expenses
• Lost wages and income from missed workdays
• Decreased earning capacity due to the injury
• Associated property damage — including vehicular repair and replacement

However many types of losses from a car accident are not monetary. This type of harm is covered by “general” damages. Some of the typical examples of general damages include: 

• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental distress, anguish, and suffering
• Depression, anxiety, and panic disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Loss of the ability to enjoy life
• Physical impairment or disfigurement

No matter what losses you have experienced because of your motor vehicle collision injury, speak with an attorney. The legal professionals at Morgan & Morgan will fight tirelessly to recover the maximum financial compensation possible in your case.

Morgan & Morgan Is Here for You

At the firm of Morgan & Morgan, we believe that all victims deserve justice. That is why our team works diligently to get the money that rear-end collision victims are rightfully due.  

It is important to hold negligent motorists accountable for their actions. To schedule a free consultation and begin the legal claims process, complete the contact form on the Morgan & Morgan website today.