Rear-end accidents are a leading cause of whiplash and back injuries in the United States. Whiplash is an injury that affects the nerves and muscles in the neck. It often occurs when a vehicle is struck from behind. The passengers’ heads in the struck vehicle jolt forward and backward with enough force to cause injury. Some rear-end crashes can be deadly as well, such as undercarriage accidents, high-speed collisions, and accidents involving trucks.
If you were involved in a rear-end accident, a Springfield rear-end collisions lawyer may be able to assist you. Please call the Fitch Law Firm LLC at (614) 545-3930 to learn more about how rear-end accidents are handled, the kinds of evidence needed to prove the liability of an at-fault motorist, and how and when to file a claim if your case warrants one.
Causes of Accidents and Rear-End Collisions
Accidents can be caused in many ways. The following can all cause an accident. These factors may be classified as beyond the control of the driver:
- Poor lighting
- Dangerous weather conditions
- Damaged roads
- Missing signage
- Equipment malfunctions
These factors can all cause or contribute to a rear-end collision. They are beyond the control of a driver, although drivers must always exercise caution when driving and know when not to drive.
Errors or negligence on the part of a driver can also lead to a rear-end collision. The following are generally in the control of the driver but can still cause an accident:
- Overspeeding
- Reckless driving
- Aggressive driving
- Driver inexperience
- Unfamiliarity with roadways
- Distracted driving
If a distracted driver is unable to respond to sudden stops or hazards on the road ahead, he or she can collide with another vehicle from behind. Examples of distracted driving include eating or drinking while driving, texting while driving, adjusting device controls, applying makeup, and any other activity that is not directly related to driving.
Other factors that can increase the chances of having a rear-end collision include tailgating and poor vehicle maintenance, such as driving with worn brake pads. Substance abuse and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can also lead to an accident by impairing decision-making, prolonging your reaction time, and causing you to be overconfident about your abilities. These factors can all raise the likelihood of an accident occurring.
Anything that a driver does intentionally or unintentionally that puts others in undue harm can be classified as negligence.
For a free legal consultation with a rear-end collisions lawyer serving Springfield, call 614-545-3930
Rear-End Collision Injuries
The injuries that the occupants of a vehicle sustain in an accident depend on the speed at which they were traveling—or the speed at which they were struck—and the angle at which they were struck. When it comes to rear-end accidents, common injuries include:
- Head, neck, and upper back injuries
- Broken limbs and joints, especially the knees
- Cuts and lacerations from broken glass or flying objects
- Internal bleeding
- Whiplash and other nerve and muscle injuries
Medical treatments for these injuries can be expensive, especially for cases involving nerve or organ damage and broken bones. Some injuries, such as neck or back injuries, may require long-term therapy. Serious injuries may require invasive procedures, such as surgery and medications like muscle relaxants before the patient can recover.
Depending on your insurance limits and the types of coverage that you and the at-fault driver have, the amount of compensation you may be entitled to seek for injuries and losses suffered in an accident may be capped, per Ohio Revised Code (ORC) §2315.18(B)(2). A Springfield rear-end collisions lawyer can help you break down the coverage limits, coverage conditions, and evidentiary requirements of your policy before you file a claim. Call the Fitch Law Firm LLC at (614) 545-3930 for a free case evaluation.
Springfield Rear-End Collisions Lawyer Near Me 614-545-3930
Liability for Rear-End Collisions
When determining fault for vehicle accidents, a thorough investigation is usually required to determine how the accident occurred, what factors came into play, and who should shoulder the blame for the accident. Varying degrees of liability may be used if different parties contributed to the accident, which is known as contributory fault. In Ohio, as long as someone is not more than 50% responsible for an accident, he or she can claim damages for his or her losses from an accident, per ORC §2315.33.
When it comes to rear-end accidents, the rear-ending driver is almost always at fault. To prove your case, you can use eyewitness statements, video footage, police reports, or cell phone usage data to show that another driver was responsible for the accident. Maintenance logs and vehicle inspection reports may also be used. Various safe driving rules may also come into play when determining fault for a rear-end collision.
Compensation and Damages
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for every person killed in a vehicle crash, there are nine others hospitalized, and another 88 more who receive treatment from an emergency room. Vehicle accidents cost Americans tens of billions of dollars every year in treatment expenses, litigation overheads, insurance administration, and lost productivity.
Victims of a rear-end crash may be able to seek compensation for personal losses and damages from an at-fault party responsible for an accident, including compensation for:
- Lost wages or lower earning potential
- Compensation for wrongful death
- Medical care and treatment costs
- Surgery, rehabilitation, and therapy costs
- Diagnostic testing and medication costs
After an accident, your top priority is your recovery and the health and well-being of everyone else affected by the accident. However, you should not have to bear the burden of paying for treatments or vehicle repairs if the negligence of another road user caused your accident. A Springfield rear-end collisions lawyer may be able to assist you with your accident case. Please contact our offices at (614) 545-3930 for a free consultation and case evaluation.
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