Somehow, rear-end car accidents have earned a reputation for being less serious – when this is far from the case. In fact, not only are rear-end accidents one of the most common types of car accidents in Moncks Corner, but they also are some of the most dangerous.
If another driver leaves you or someone you love injured in a rear-end accident, reaching out for the professional legal guidance of an experienced Moncks Corner auto accident lawyer is always the best path forward.
Causes of Rear-End Car Accidents
Every rear-end accident follows its own unique course and has its own unique cause, but most causes fall into one of the following basic categories:
- The rear driver was driving at too great a speed to respond safely to a forward driver who was slowing down or stopping.
- The rear driver was too distracted to respond safely to a forward driver’s actions.
- The rear driver’s exhaustion or impairment caused them to miscalculate their actions or to drive dangerously in general.
- The rear driver’s aggression led to the accident in question.
Rear-end accidents are typically caused by rear drivers who fail to hold up their responsibility for safety behind the wheel. While the front driver can also bear responsibility, it is less common, and the precipitating events tend to be jarring, including:
- A front driver who slams on the brakes and comes to a stop for no reason
- A driver in front who suddenly reverses, such as at a stop sign or stoplight
- A driver ahead of you whose vehicle has faulty or missing brake and tail lights
Common Injuries in Rear-End Accidents
When a vehicle is struck from behind, it tends to push the driver in the front vehicle forward with great force, which leaves them vulnerable to very serious injuries like the following:
- Soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash
- Injuries to the calves, feet, and ankles
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions
- Serious cuts and burns
- Internal injuries that can include internal bleeding
How Is Fault Determined for a Rear-End Collision?
In every car accident claim, including those for rear-end crashes, fault is determined in accordance with the facts, which are generally culled from all of the following:
- Evidence from the accident scene
- The police report
- Eyewitness accounts
- The testimony of expert witnesses
- Accident recreation models
While rear-end accidents are often caused by the negligence of the rear driver, this is by no means always the case. In some instances, the front driver shares fault, which can reduce the compensation they receive, or – less often – the front driver can be found completely at-fault. The involved evidence guides every case.
Claiming Compensation for Rear-End Accidents
If you’ve suffered an injury by another driver’s negligence in a rear-end accident, obtaining just compensation that fairly addresses your complete physical, emotional, and financial losses are critical to your ability to recover fully.
The losses or legal damages associated with rear-end accidents tend to break down into several basic categories.
Property damage
Your car is likely to sustain considerable damage in a rear-end accident, and the same goes for its contents.
Medical expenses
Some of the injuries commonly associated with rear-end accidents, such as whiplash and spinal cord injuries, are closely associated with healthcare complications and the need for ongoing medical care, which translates to increased medical costs. It’s important to have a clear understanding of your related medical concerns before accepting a settlement offer.
Lost earnings
Serious injuries go hand in hand with lost earnings on the job, and if your ability to earn overtime is affected, you can expect these losses to be even more considerable.
Pain and suffering
The physical and emotional pain and suffering you experience as a result of being rear-ended by another driver can be debilitating in and of itself and should not be ignored or discounted in your car accident claim.
Protecting Your Rear-End Accident Claim
Your rear-end collision lawyer will help to ensure that your losses are all carefully accounted for and are well-represented in your claim. One of the surest ways to derail your most complete recovery is failing to obtain compensation that fairly addresses every category of covered loss you experience, which is yet another reason why having seasoned legal guidance in your corner is so critical.
You Need an Experienced Moncks Corner Rear-End Car Accident Lawyer on Your Side
Rear-end accidents are all too common and all too dangerous, and if another driver’s negligence leaves you so injured, the path forward can be daunting. West Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers in Moncks Corner, South Carolina has a proud family history that goes back generations, and our strong ties to the community leave us especially well-prepared to help you.
Our car accident lawyer, E. Mason West and other attorneys are committed to knowledgeably advocating for your claim’s most advantageous outcome in pursuit of just compensation that supports your fullest recovery. We are on your side and here to help. Don’t delay — contact us online or call us at 843-483-8630 for more information today.
Car Accident Case FAQs
Are rear-end accident attorneys really necessary?
Without professional legal counsel, your ability to obtain the compensation to which you are entitled can be seriously curtailed.
What if I share fault for the rear-end accident?
Even if you share fault for the rear-end accident in question, such as if your brake lights weren’t working, it will not bar you from seeking compensation as long as you are not more than 50 percent responsible. Your settlement or court award, however, will be reduced by the percentage of fault you bear.
How much do rear-end car accident attorneys charge?
Because they recognize the financial burden accident victims face, most reputable rear-end car accident lawyers work on contingency. This means they receive a prearranged percentage of their clients’ settlements or court awards only after the matters are resolved.