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Fort Worth Rear-End Accident Lawyer
Bringing Justice In Rear-End Accident Cases
Rear-end accidents are often more serious than people think. Determining liability is not always cut and dry, especially if there are multiple vehicles involved. If you have been rear-ended and seriously injured, consult with a rear-end accident lawyer so the crash can be investigated further, and the evidence can be preserved.
Do I need an Attorney for a Case Like This?
If you have been injured in a rear-end accident, it is certainly possible to pursue an insurance claim on your own. However, it may not be in your best interest. Insurance companies work with experienced lawyers whose primary objective is saving the company as much money as possible. Representing yourself can lead to accepting a less than fair settlement offer or not presenting enough evidence to win your claim.
A Fort Worth car accident attorney will accumulate all accident-related data, including medical information, witness accounts, and police reports to begin putting together a convincing case for you. All with the goal in mind of obtaining the maximum amount of compensation possible, for your medical care, property damage, wage loss, and pain and suffering.
Can Rear-End Collisions Cause Serious Injuries?
Rear-end collisions can occur at high speeds and cause severe injuries, as well as increase the amount of property damage. Common injuries seen in serious rear-end accidents include:
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Shoulder, knee, and/or back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures
- Internal injuries
Even when a rear-end crash happens at a very low speed, passengers may not be prepared and can still suffer whiplash injuries.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
There are a number of reasons for rear-end collisions. In almost all cases, the driver of the rear vehicle is considered responsible if they engaged in:
- Distracted driving (texting, eating, reading)
- Speeding, or driving too fast for the current road conditions
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driver inattention or fatigue
- Abrupt turn into traffic (thereby preventing the other driver from stopping in time)
- Reckless driving
- Road rage
- Tailgating
When the Rear Driver is NOT at fault
Although it is rare, the vehicle which rear-ended you could have potentially done so due to a third party. This includes a mechanical defect, such as brake failure, or a hazardous and preventable road condition. In those cases, liability may rest with the part’s manufacturer or the party responsible for the design or maintenance of a road, rather than the driver.
Additionally, there are other circumstances in which a driver who was rear-ended may be liable, such as:
- Abrupt lane change, making it impossible for the rear driver to avoid a collision
- Making a sudden and unnecessary stop
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Making an improper turn
- Driving with malfunctioning tail lights
- Backing out without looking
- Driving too slow for the current traffic conditions
I got Rear-Ended! Now what?
- Call 911
Always call 911 after a rear-end car accident, even if you think the crash is minor. If anyone needs emergency medical attention, ask for an ambulance. When police arrive, tell them the truth about what happened, stick with facts, and ask how you can get a copy of the official police accident report. That report will be important evidence to build your case, as it is the official version of what the investigating officer believes happened at the scene.
- Get information from others involved in your accident
Get the name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance information of every driver involved in your rear-end crash. After you’ve exchanged information, note the year, make, model, license plate number, and VIN number of every car involved in the accident. The VIN can be found at the corner where the windshield meets the dashboard.
- Record the accident scene
If it’s safe, record the crash scene with your phone. Try recording from different perspectives and make sure to show damage to every car involved in the accident. You’ll also want to record any tire marks, property damage, and any traffic signals and street signs that may be relevant to the accident.
- Get the contact information of any witnesses
If anyone saw your car accident happen, get their name, and contact information. Ask if they’d provide a written statement because their testimony is another important piece of evidence when making a claim.
- Write everything down
Write everything down while it’s still fresh in your mind. Write down all the details about your car accident, including the time and location of the accident, which way the cars were traveling when the crash happened, weather conditions, road hazards, and any other relevant information about the crash.
Notable Symptoms of Rear-End Collisions
Depending on the severity of the accident, injuries suffered by crash victims can vary. The most common injuries sustained in rear-end car accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Other internal injuries
- Brain Injury/Brain damage
- Spinal cord injury
Most injuries qualify for compensation – from whiplash and broken bones to traumatic brain injuries and paralysis.
If you get rear-ended, seek medical attention ASAP. Seeing a doctor should be your top priority after being in a car accident, even if you feel OK. A doctor visit isn’t only important for your health. It can also help with your claim. Your case is helped if you seek professional medical care promptly. When you seek compensation for the suffering that you’ve endured in and after a car accident, if you haven’t seen a doctor, it is easier for the insurance company to question the severity of your injuries compared to those who have been diagnosed and documented.
What’s the average settlement of a Rear-End case?
The amount of compensation you receive for your injuries depends on the details that are specific to your car accident. If you were injured in a collision that wasn’t your fault, you may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages from missed time at work, pain and suffering, and more.