A rear-end collision is anytime a car collides with the rear of another vehicle. Whether it is stopped or slowing down, it is still considered a rear-end collision. The damage that can result from a rear-end collision can be especially harmful. If you have been injured in a rear-end collision it is important to get in touch with a Pasadena rear-end collision lawyer. A skilled car accident attorney could devote the time and resources necessary to achieve a positive outcome for you.
Common Fact Patterns in Rear-End Collisions
A common fact pattern in rear-end collisions would be if someone is drunk or inebriated and they are not paying attention to the pace of traffic and they hit the car in front of them. Also, if a driver is on their cellphone or playing with the radio, they might not notice, again, that cars are slowing down or that there is a car stopping in front of them and they can collide with that car.
Common locations are stop signs – often, this is a place where collisions can happen – or on the freeway, another commonplace, because traffic changes so quickly. Another common cause is that parties are not leaving enough space in front of them and another car so that if, say, a child runs into the street or an animal runs into the street and the car must stop, and the car behind it needs enough space to safely stop as well. If the driver is not leaving that space, that is probably how a rear-end collision occurs.
Common Injuries
Rear-end collisions can cause serious injuries. If a driver is traveling at a high speed and fails to brake before hitting the back of another vehicle, the impact can cause multiple injuries to occupants of the car in front, as well as extensive damage to both vehicles. Whiplash is a common injury sustained in these collisions. Sometimes, whiplash can be so severe that it causes fractures to vertebrae in the neck, upper spine, or lower spine. In extreme cases, paralysis may result from vertebrae fracture and damage to the spinal cord.
In addition, rear-end collisions often lead to concussions and other traumatic brain injuries caused by a driver or passenger striking their head on the steering wheel, windshield, or headrest. In the same vein, joint injuries and bone fractures may stem from body parts striking the interior of the car, and internal injuries—including fractured ribs or a ruptured spleen—may be caused by a seatbelt restraint system. An experienced Pasadena rear-end collision lawyer can assist individuals who have suffered these injuries through aggressive representation in court.
Potential Compensation
Rear-end collisions are usually not the fault of the driver in front, although they can be held liable if they stop without warning or otherwise act in an irresponsible manner. A seasoned Pasadena rear-end collision lawyer can help an individual pursue compensation for a variety of damages, both economic and noneconomic.
Possible economic damages from a rear-end car crash can include ambulance and hospital bills, physician and physical therapy fees, costs associated with X-rays, MRIs, and other radiographic tests, lost wages and income from time taken off work for recovery, and future medical expenses. Noneconomic damages may include rehabilitation to learn new work skills, compensation for loss of companionship and affection with family members, and one’s general pain and suffering.
Importance of Working With a Pasadena Rear-End Collision Attorney
Working with a Pasadena rear-end collision lawyer is important because your lawyer may know what steps to take in order to build your car accident claim. The attorney could try to identify as many parties as possible to seek recovery. They may understand how to talk to the insurance companies and what information to provide them with. Your lawyer may know what to say to help guide you through the legal process. Speak with an attorney today and know that you are in capable hands.