Rear-End Collision Claims
Rear End Collision Lawyer
Car accidents of any kind can result in serious and sometimes fatal injuries. I have spent more than 40 years representing injury victims in a wide range of accident claims. As an experienced Cleveland accident attorney, I can tell you that vehicle accidents can be devastating, whether they occur at high speed, low speed, on highways or in parking lots.
If you were hurt as a results of a rear-end collision, I can help you with your injury claim. I’ll be your advocate – the insurance companies will not take advantage of you!
What is a Rear-End Collision?
A rear-end collision is one in which a driver strikes another car from behind. While a rear-end collision can involve just two vehicles, it is also common to see a rear-end collision cascade into a multi-car pileup. Multi-car collisions often occur during inclement weather conditions, such as fog, snow and heavy rain.
Rear-end crashes also occur when a driver does not leave sufficient following distance behind another vehicle, or when a driver stops suddenly.
Causes of Rear End Collisions
Tailgating
Tailgating is a common cause of rear-end motor vehicle accidents. In this scenario, the at-fault party, follows the vehicle too closely, failing to maintain a safe following distance. This negligent act increases the risk of a car accident, since it is difficult to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic conditions. Car accident victims may suffer severe injuries as a result of a rear-end collision. It is very important to always maintain a safe distance from the car in front of your.
Distracted Driving
A leading cause of car accidents, specifically rear-end collisions, is distracted driving. Preoccupied drivers are more focused on texting, phone use, eating, and/or adjusting the radio than operating their vehicle safely. When engaged in these negligent behaviors, reaction times are too long and therefore if a sudden stop by the lead driver occurs, a rear-end collision takes place. If you have been in a car accident, there is a good chance the at-fault party was distracted.
As one of the top Cleveland accident lawyers, I have a team of accident re-constructionists who can determine how and why the accident occurred to prove your injuries were the result of a distracted driver.
Speeding
There are speed limits for a reason, and that reason is safety. Speeding contributes to rear-end collisions when the driver exceeds the posted speed limit or drives too fast for road conditions. This negligent act reduces the driver’s ability to stop in time to avoid a collision, putting them at fault for the car accident. Speeding can also add to the severity of injuries for those involved in the accident. Drivers who drive too fast for the road conditions, and posted speed limits are considered reckless.
Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
When a driver disregards traffic signals such as red lights or stop signs, they are engaging in reckless behavior that can result in catastrophic accidents. Car accident victims involved in such incidents should first and foremost seek medical attention and when possible, document all medical procedures and costs. Police should be called to document the accident and provide you with a police record of the accident. Your next step is to call me right away for a free legal consultation to discuss your injury claim.
Sudden Lane Changes
Sudden lane changes without checking blind spots for oncoming traffic, or the failure to use turn signals can lead to accidents, specifically rear-end collisions. A driver who fails to signal their intent or ensure it’s safe to change lanes, is guilty of negligent driving.
Common Injuries in Rear-End Crashes
Whiplash is one of the most frequent injuries sustained in a rear-end collision. As the Mayo Clinic underscores, “whiplash is commonly caused by rear-end car accidents.” What is whiplash? It is a type of neck injury that, according to the Mayo Clinic, is caused by a “forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip.”
Whiplash Injury
As explained above, whiplash is a common injury in rear-end collisions where the head and neck jerk forward and backward suddenly due to the impact. This can result in severe neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and sometimes even cognitive issues. Victims may require extensive medical care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy and pain management to alleviate symptoms.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Traumatic brain injuries can occur when the head sustains a forceful blow during a rear-end collision. TBIs range from mild concussions to severe brain damage and may lead to cognitive impairment, memory loss, and emotional disturbances. These injuries can significantly affect a person’s life, requiring ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and the need for specialized support and physical accommodations.
Fractures
Forceful collisions can result in bone fractures, such as broken arms, legs, or ribs. Fractures may require surgeries, prolonged recovery periods, and physical therapy. Victims may struggle with pain and mobility, and may need ongoing medical care to regain full function.
Disfigurement
In extreme cases, disfigurement can occur in severe collisions, resulting in facial or bodily scarring, burns, or other visible deformities. The psychological and emotional impact of disfigurement can be profound, affecting a person’s self-esteem and quality of life. Victims may require surgical cosmetic procedures, therapy, and counseling to cope with the consequences.
Contusions and Bruises
Contusions, or severe bruising, are common injuries in collisions due to the abrupt deceleration of the car. While accidents may not always cause life-threatening injuries, the injuries can be extremely painful and lead to discoloration, swelling, and ongoing discomfort. Recovery usually involves rest, pain management, and medical care to monitor for potential complications. Often times, the injured person may have to miss work, which results in lost wages.
Limb Loss
In rare and extreme cases, vehicle accidents can result in limb loss or partial amputation. Losing a limb has a profound and life-altering impact. It necessitates the need for extensive medical care, prosthetics, rehabilitation, and psychological support to adapt to the life-altering circumstances.
Injuries resulting from rear-end collisions can be severe and life-changing, often requiring extensive medical care and emotional support. I’ve been a car accident attorney in Cleveland for more than 40 years, and I’ve helped my injured clients recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it is important to call me as soon as possible and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Steps to Take After a Rear-End Collision
It is very important to take certain steps after being involved in a car accident. It is not only important to ensure everyone’s safety, but also to ensure information pertaining to the accident is properly gathered.
Ensure Safety
Safety is priority number one. If you can, move your vehicle to a location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. This is very important to prevent secondary property damage or injuries.
Check for Injuries
Assess yourself and your passengers for severe injuries, especially bleeding, broken bones, unconsciousness, or difficulty breathing. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to request medical attention. Prompt medical attention can save lives and mitigate the severity of injuries.
Contact the Police
Call the local police department to report the accident and request an officer to the scene. A police report is essential for documenting the incident, including property damage, injuries, and the parties involved. This report will serve as valuable evidence in the legal process.
Gather Evidence
While waiting for the police to arrive, gather evidence from the scene. Take photos of the vehicles, their positions, damage, license plates, and any road conditions or signage. Collect evidence that may support your insurance claim. or potential legal claim.
Interview Witnesses
If there are witnesses to the accident, collect their contact information and, if possible, obtain their statements regarding what they observed. Witness statements can corroborate your account of the collision and strengthen your legal claim.
Exchange Information
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the rear-end collision. Note the driver’s name, phone number, address, insurance company, policy number, and vehicle details. This information is crucial for processing insurance claims and initiating the legal process if necessary.
Seek Medical Treatment
Even if you don’t believe you have severe injuries, it’s essential to undergo a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately, but can worsen over time. Seeking prompt medical treatment ensures your injuries are documented and helps establish a connection between the accident and your health issues.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Notify your own insurance company about the rear-end collision as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate information and cooperate with their investigation. Prompt reporting is often a requirement within insurance policies, and can help expedite the claims process.
Call Me
As a highly experienced car accident lawyer, I am a valuable resource for you. I will ensure your claim is properly filed and all documentation ha been obtained and submitted. While you recover from your injuries, I will take care of all legal requirements and I will take on the insurance companies to ensure your a justly compensated.
Statute of Limitations in a Rear-End Auto Accident Case
Like other accidents, most rear-end auto accident lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date of the collision. Under Ohio law, the clock starts on the day of the rear-end collision.
If you wait too long, you will have a time-barred claim and will be unable to collect compensation for your injuries. As soon as you call me, I can assess your case and ensure your lawsuit is filed within the time limit set by Ohio law.
Damages
Medical Expenses: This includes compensation for all past and future medical bills related to injuries sustained in the collision, such as hospitalization, surgeries, medication, and therapy.
Pain and Suffering: These damages compensate for physical and emotional distress experienced due to the accident, including pain, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Property Damage: Covers the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged vehicle and any personal property inside it, like electronics or valuables.
Lost Wages: These damages account for income lost due to the accident, including missed workdays during recovery or any permanent loss of earning capacity.
Loss of Consortium: A spouse may recover damages for the loss of companionship or intimacy as a result of their spouse’s injuries.
Punitive Damages: These are awarded to punish the at-fault driver for gross negligence or intentional misconduct, rather than to compensate the victim directly.
Emotional Distress: Addresses psychological suffering resulting from the accident, which may include symptoms like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Diminished Value: Reflects the reduced resale value of a repaired vehicle after an accident, even if it’s been fully repaired.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensates for the loss of the ability to participate in activities or hobbies that were enjoyed before the accident due to injuries or disabilities.
Future Medical Expenses: Accounts for anticipated medical costs and treatment related to injuries that may require ongoing care or surgeries in the future.
Rehabilitation Costs: Includes expenses related to physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other forms of rehabilitation necessary for recovery.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Covers miscellaneous costs incurred due to the accident, such as transportation to medical appointments or home modifications for accessibility.
Scarring and Disfigurement: Addresses compensation for any permanent scars or disfigurements resulting from the accident or related surgeries.
Wrongful Death: In cases where a rear-end collision results in a fatality, surviving family members are compensated for their loss, including funeral and burial expenses, and the emotional impact of losing a loved one.
Call Me for Help With Your Rear-End Car Crash Case
Rear-end car accidents are almost always caused by a negligent driver. No one should have to pay the price for another motorist’s careless or reckless behavior. As a Cleveland car accident lawyer, I have more than 4 decades of experience working on auto insurance claims and car accident lawsuits arising from rear-end accidents.
When I work with an injury victim on a rear-end collision claim, I make sure to do everything in my power to help them obtain the financial compensation needed to pay for lost wages, medical bills and more! Whether you suffered whiplash, a devastating brain injury, or limb loss, I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Call Me Today – I’ll Meet You Anytime or Any Place That is Convenient For You!
ASK TIM A QUESTION
NO COST TO YOU!
