What is a Rear-End Car Accident?
Rear-end car accidents happen when one vehicle crashes into the back, or rear end, of another. This type of accident typically occurs when the trailing vehicle fails to stop in time when the vehicle in front slows down or stops. These types of crashes can involve two or more vehicles.
Common injuries in these types of cases include:
- strains
- sprains
- fractures
- back injuries
- broken bones
- herniated discs
- shoulder injuries
- spinal cord injuries
- damage to soft tissue
- whiplash/neck injuries
- concussions/head injuries
Less common but more serious injuries include:
- death
- paralysis
- internal injuries
- facial disfigurement
- traumatic brain injuries
You may be wondering, “Where is there a hit-from-behind lawyer near me?” The Law Offices of Craig L. Cook is the #1 firm for drivers who want to pursue a whiplash injury lawsuit in Arkansas. Whiplash is the most common injury followed by rear-end collisions.
Common Causes of Rear-End Car Accidents in Arkansas
Have you ever wondered why rear-end collisions happen? Distracted driving and tailgating are the main causes of these types of accidents. Generally, the driver of the rear-most vehicle is considered liable, but there are sometimes more factors at play that can help determine fault.
Other common causes of rear-ended injury includes:
- decreased road visibility due to bad weather
- speeding
- sudden stops
- impaired driving
- texting and driving
- poor road conditions
- brake pedal malfunction
- falling asleep at the wheel
- inability to stop due to ice/snow
- driving too closely to the car in front
Steps To Take if You Were in a Rear-End Car Accident
A commonly asked question is, “What should you do after an auto accident?” Once you’ve received immediate medical attention, follow these steps:
- Call the police.
- Do not admit fault.
- Move to a safe location.
- Gather any evidence you can.
- Speak with an auto accident attorney.
- Exchange information with the other driver(s).
- Stay at the scene if you are medically cleared to do so.
Moving yourself and your vehicle to a safe location is crucial to prevent further hit-from-behind injury. This is typically the shoulder of the road, as far from traffic as possible. You may even be able to move to a parking lot or side street. Turn on your hazards to warn other drivers.
Evidence could include photos, videos, witness statements, surveillance footage, cell phone records, and accident reconstruction reports.
In case other driver(s) flee the scene, take down a description of the person/people involved, their license plate number(s), and the make/model/year of their car(s).
How To Recognize You’re Not At Fault
If you’ve been hit from behind, the odds of it not being your fault are already in your favor. Usually, the person behind you is the go-to driver to blame in rear-end car accidents. Drivers have a legal duty of care to avoid causing harm to others on the road, even if the accident is caused by factors beyond their control such as slippery road conditions.
Adjusting speed and distance from the car in front of them are two ways an accident can be avoided, and if the driver knows their vehicle won’t withstand unsafe road conditions, they are expected to arrange other forms of transportation. If the driver fails to take these precautions, they could be considered negligent. In this case, you can sue another driver for their failure to fulfill their duty of care.
This is where a rear-end collision lawyer in Arkansas comes in. You are not at fault if:
- You, the driver in front, were not negligent.
- The other driver caused or contributed to the accident.
Arkansas uses a comparative negligence system, meaning that even if both drivers share fault, they can still recover damages. The amount they receive will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Determining fault in a rear-end accident often involves examining the actions of both drivers, reviewing traffic laws, and considering other factors. In cases where the rear driver is deemed at fault, their insurance company is typically responsible for covering the damages to the other vehicle and any injuries. The problem is that insurance companies often try to minimize claims to avoid having to pay settlements.
They may:
- shift the blame
- offer low settlements
- delay the claims process
- question the severity of injuries
- attempt to deny or devalue the claim
- exploit inconsistencies in the claimant’s statements
This is why you need a car accident lawyer—to avoid being the victim twice.
Our Process for Rear-End Car Accidents
We understand the process can be a lot to deal with on top of recovering from a car accident. This is why we are here to guide you through it. We meet with clients for an initial consultation to assess your case, answer your questions, and inform you of your rights.
From there, we will explore your legal options. You may be wondering how an attorney can help you recover full compensation.
We can help you:
- file a lawsuit and represent you in court if a settlement can’t be reached
- file a claim
- address issues
- negotiate with insurance
- gather evidence to prove fault
- help you understand your policy
- obtain the other driver’s cell phone records
- make sure you receive an appropriate settlement
- navigate the appeal process if your claim gets denied
- make sure paperwork is thorough, accurate, and on time
Compensation in Rear-End Car Accident Cases
Compensation in rear-end car accident cases can vary significantly depending on the details of the car crash and the extent of the damages involved. However, there are certain types of compensation that remain consistent in most cases. Working with an experienced car accident attorney can help ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve for damages such as:
- Injury
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Wrongful death
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
When filing a car accident claim, it’s essential to have a knowledgeable law firm by your side to navigate the complexities of the legal process. Compensation for rear-end car crashes typically ranges from $10,000 to $50,000, but severe cases involving catastrophic injuries can lead to settlements exceeding $100,000 or even millions.
A car accident attorney can also assist you in dealing with the insurance claim process, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you aren’t short-changed by the insurance company. Whether it’s recovering damages for medical expenses, lost income, or emotional distress, having the right legal team can make all the difference. If you’ve been involved in a car crash, contact a trusted law firm today to evaluate your car accident claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.
