A rear-end collision happens when another vehicle slams into the back of your vehicle. This can result in mild to severe damage and injuries. Rear-end collisions make up a sizable portion of the accidents that happen in the US every year.
Rear-end collisions are also mostly associated with a condition called whiplash. It is a condition where you severely strain your neck muscles. It is a common injury in car accidents, particularly rear-end collisions, because of the fast movements that your body makes during the impact. Recovering from your injuries may require medical attention, which can be expensive. Fortunately, you can consult a rear-end collisions lawyer for legal guidance.
If you or a loved one is injured in a rear-end collision, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 today to learn more about your options for legal recourse.
Causes of Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions can be deadly in some cases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 90 people in the United States die every day from car accidents. They can be caused by:
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving happens when something takes your attention off of the road. This often happens because of the radio, your phone, or other people in the car.
- Driving under the influence: Driving after consuming drugs or alcohol that change your perception or ability to function is a crime. It also raises the chances that you will be in a car accident.
- Inclement weather: Inclement weather, like snow or rain, can make it difficult to control or stop your car.
- Poor judgment: Misjudging the distance between cars can lead to a rear-end collision when you need to stop.
- Changing lanes: Cars change lanes often and can move in front of other vehicles that are in their blind spot.
- Speeding: Speeding extends the time that you need to react to other vehicles or to stop your vehicle. It is often the cause of car accidents.
There are other possible causes of rear-end collisions not covered on this list. Anything that changes how someone drives can lead to an accident, which is why it is important to stay vigilant on the road. Defensive driving can help prevent an accident.
Severity of Injuries
Rear-end collision injuries can be mild or severe based on the conditions of the accident. Regardless of how severe the accident is, you might have ongoing medical costs associated with it. This includes emergency medical care or ongoing care from a physician.
Some injuries can take longer to develop. For example, whiplash can develop over several days and worsen as your neck muscles continue to be damaged from constant use without the chance to heal.
Common Costs of Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions can result in common costs, including:
- Car repairs: Most car accidents result in your vehicle needing repairs. While it may be tempting to leave minor damage unfixed to save money, your insurance company may require all of the damage to be repaired. If you refuse to do so, you may not be covered in another accident.
- Emergency room care costs: Some drivers go to the emergency room after an accident. This is good practice since you might have an injury that does not develop right away. Going to the emergency room also creates medical records that you can use in your case.
- Property damage: Anything that you have in the car, especially in the trunk, may be damaged in the accident. Many accidents result in cell phones and other personal items being damaged.
There are other types of common costs that are not covered on this list. If you experience problems with any of these costs, document them so that you can include them in your lawsuit. There are different types of compensation that you can claim that can cover nearly any costs that you have related to your accident.
A rear-end accident lawyer from Ben Crump Law, PLLC might be able to help with your case.
Settlement vs. Trial
If you decide to file a lawsuit, it is important to remember that going to trial can take a long time. Court systems around the world are backed up with cases that they need to hear. This means that it will take a while for your case to be heard. There is a faster way that your case can be settled.
Many civil law cases are settled by settlement agreements rather than going to trial. Offering a settlement agreement gives the party being sued a chance to negotiate a better payout than if they go to trial. For you, this means that your case can end sooner, and you can recover compensation sooner. However, you may need to negotiate a better settlement agreement. Most early settlement agreements are designed to minimize how much will be paid, and may not cover all of your costs. You can always renegotiate the agreement to that it meets your needs.
Possibly Recoverable Compensation
You can claim compensation in all of the different categories within a single lawsuit, making it possible for you to cover all of your expenses. For example, expenses that have a fixed cost are easy to determine the amount of compensation that you need. This can include expenses like medical bills, car repair bills, and lost wages. As long as you have the proper documentation, you can claim a specific amount for these categories.
You can also claim compensation in the form of punitive damages and pain and suffering damages. Punitive damages are awarded to punish the at-fault driver in an attempt to dissuade similar behavior in the future. Pain and suffering damages are designed to address the emotional and mental stress caused by the accident. Both are determined by the judge or jury and can pay out substantially more than your other forms of compensation.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one is injured in a rear-end collision, you could be entitled to compensation. Consult a rear-end collisions lawyer to see if you have a case. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 to schedule a free consultation.
