Rear-end collisions are a common type of car accident in which the driver of one vehicle hits the vehicle directly in front of it. If others are injured as a result of this type of crash, they may have a claim for compensation against the responsible driver and any other potentially liable parties. Hiring a Long Beach rear-end collisions lawyer may be an effective way of determining whether your accident claim qualifies and if you are eligible for compensation based on the facts of your case.
You might be able to recover compensation for injuries and property damage to your vehicle from the at-fault driver who caused the rear-end collision. Available types of compensation might include payment of medical bills, such as surgical costs and rehabilitation expenses. You might also be eligible for payment of lost wages due to your injuries, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma related to the wreck. Call (844) 730-0233 today to reach Ben Crump Law, PLLC, and get the advice that you need in these circumstances.
Rear-End Collisions in California
Rear-end collisions often result when accidents, congestion, or road construction slows traffic. They also are more likely to occur at intersections and traffic signals. Although minor rear-end collisions are a common occurrence, some rear-end crashes have much more severe results for the drivers and occupants of the involved vehicles. In many cases, people suffer significant injuries and property damage as a result of rear-end collisions. These cases may merit personal injury claims.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, in 2017, over 95,000 people were killed or injured in rear-end crashes in the state. The number of fatalities from rear-end collisions was low, numbering only 783, compared to the number of injuries, which was 150,070.
For a free legal consultation with a rear-end collisions lawyer serving Long Beach, call (844) 730-0233
Liability in Rear-End Collisions
Drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely for the benefit and protection of others. One such duty is for drivers to leave enough space ahead of them to stop if the vehicle in front of them suddenly stops. Many drivers fail to do this and simply follow other vehicles too closely, which causes wrecks. Still, other drivers cause rear-end crashes because they are distracted by cell phones, the road conditions, passengers, among other factors. Speeding also can lead to these crashes, as can the delayed reaction time that excess alcohol or drug consumption can cause.
The bottom line is that in these rear-end collisions, it is the actions of the rear driver that typically causes the collision and thus makes that driver financially responsible for the costs of injuries and property damage that occurs. If the injured parties can show that the driver was negligent or unreasonably careless or reckless in causing the crash, then they may be able to recover compensation for their injuries.
In some cases, other parties may share liability for a rear-end crash. For instance, if the driver is performing a work-related delivery or errand for an employer, then the employer also may face liability for the negligent actions of its employee. Sometimes, multiple drivers and their vehicles are involved in rear-end collisions. One such crash can cause a chain reaction among vehicles, which ultimately results in multiple rear-end collisions. Determining liability in these situations may be more challenging. In these situations, the advice of a Long Beach rear-end collisions lawyer may be beneficial to you.
Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today, so a lawyer can help you determine liability in your rear-end collision.
Long Beach Rear-End Collisions Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Comparative Negligence in Rear-End Collision Claims
Rear-end collisions may involve negligence on the part of both the driver who causes the crash and the driver in front of him or her. Under some circumstances, both parties could share fault for the wreck. For instance, if the first driver had mechanical problems with his vehicle that resulted in an abrupt stop, then that driver may share some responsibility for the accident.
California follows a pure comparative negligence standard, which means that no matter what percentage of fault injured parties bear, they still can seek compensation for their injuries. However, if they bear some responsibility for the crash, they cannot recover the full amount of compensation under state law. As a result, if drivers are 20% at fault for an accident, then they can recover a maximum of 80% of their total damages.
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The Statute of Limitations and Rear-End Collisions
Under California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) § 335.1, injury victims of rear-end collisions have only a limited time in which to file their lawsuits against all potentially liable parties. If they fail to meet this legal deadline or statute of limitations, they risk being unable to pursue their lawsuits.
Injury victims have only two years from the date of their accidents to file their lawsuits. The same goes for those who want to file for wrongful death if they lost a loved one in the accident. Although there are a few exceptions to this general rule, injury victims generally must meet this deadline. As a result, getting legal advice quickly following an accident can be crucial.
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We Are Here to Represent Your Interests
After a rear-end collision, you may be suffering from severe injuries and facing a need to replace your vehicle. You may be out of work due to your injuries and steadily accruing massive medical bills. If another driver or party is even partially at fault for your accident, you may want to consider hiring a Long Beach rear-end collisions lawyer for help.
While you focus on your physical and mental recovery, we can handle your claim. Contact us at (844) 730-0233 today, and learn more about how Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help you through this challenging time in your life.
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