Rear-End Accident Lawyer | California
Vehicle accidents can happen in many ways, none of which are good, but rear-end accidents can be especially dangerous.
When you do not anticipate an impact, the body is generally unable to react and brace for protection, leaving you open to the potential for severe injuries.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rear-end collisions account for approximately 30% of all motor vehicle accidents.
In 2020, the Insurance Information Institute found 6.8% of fatal car crashes were from rear-end collisions.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a vehicle collision, an experienced rear-end accident lawyer California can help you receive the compensation you deserve.
What Causes Most Rear-End Accidents?
There are many reasons to what causes most rear-end accidents to occur. Here are some of the most common causes.
Excessive Speed
One California study found that over one-third of speeding-related fatal and severe injury crashes were rear-end collisions.
Excessive speed can cause serious injuries because it can force vehicle occupants forward unexpectedly, often creating a hard impact to the face and head.
Tailgating
Following too close to another vehicle is bound to cause problems. When a driver is following too closely to the car in front of them, they have little time to react to sudden changes in speed or direction.
Seed plays a significant role in the severity of injuries in tailgating accidents.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving often causes vehicle collisions.
Texting, changing the radio station, looking at something on the side of the road, and paying attention to passengers in the vehicle are all common distractions that could lead to rear-end collisions.
Hazardous Conditions
This is one of the only circumstances where the driver may not be at fault. Inclement weather—such as heavy rain, snow, ice, or fog—can lead to slippery roads that make it difficult to maintain control of the vehicle.
In some cases, blinding sunlight could also cause severe visibility issues.
How Much Is a Rear-End Accident Worth?
You may be wondering how much is a rear-end accident worth?
No two accidents are exactly the same, so there is no way to determine what your settlement or award will be based on other rear-end accident cases.
The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries. In most cases, you will be entitled to economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include compensation for all expenses you have incurred or will incur because of the accident.
Examples of these expenses may include:
- Medical expenses,
- Physical therapy,
- Medications,
- Transportation to doctor visits,
- Property repair or replacement, and
- Lost present and future wages.
Non-economic damages may be harder to quantify but are significant. They include the physical, emotional, and mental components of coping with the accident.
Some non-economic damage examples may include:
- Pain and Suffering,
- Anxiety,
- Depression,
- Mental anguish,
- Post-traumatic stress, and
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
Your rear-end accident lawyer will be able to help you determine the value of your claim to ensure that you do not settle for less than what you need to cover your expenses and what you deserve to compensate for what you have endured.
What to Do in a Rear-End Accident
Your health and well-being is the most important thing and it is important to know what to do in a rear-end accident. If you were in a rear-end accident, make sure to seek medical attention.
Call for emergency medical services if there is any question as to whether you or anyone else in the collision is seriously injured.
- Get to safety, which may mean exiting the vehicles or getting them off the road. Do not stay in your vehicle if it is in traffic.
- Contact law enforcement to report the accident and generate an official record.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver and any witnesses who saw the accident.
- Take photographs of the accident, including all vehicles and the larger scene.
- Contact a rear-end accident lawyer as soon as reasonably possible.
It is important that you do not admit or imply fault at any time, whether when talking to an insurance agent, police officer, or witnesses.
California is an at-fault state, meaning the driver responsible for the accident will be held liable for the associated expenses. California uses a pure comparative negligence system.
This means that you are responsible for damages in proportion to the percentage you are deemed at fault.
For example, if you file a case against the other driver, but they can convince a jury that you are 25% at fault, you will receive only 75% of the damages you were awarded.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Rear-End Accident?
How long does it take to settle a rear-end accident? There are a lot of factors that could impact the time it takes to settle your rear-end accident claim.
The insurance company has to go through the auto claims process to make sure they can justify their settlement offer.
In many cases, this offer will still not offer enough to cover your present and future needs. This is why it is important to have a rear-end accident attorney present to negotiate on your behalf.
If a settlement agreement cannot be reached, the California personal injury statute of limitations allows two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
Proceedings can take much longer than your insurance claim, but your rear-end accident lawyer can walk you through the process and help you determine what the best legal strategy is for your situation.
Contact a California Rear-End Accident Attorney
Contact a California rear-end accident attorney today. At Startpoint Law, we pride ourselves on carefully evaluating every case that crosses our desks and ensuring that you understand your rights.
We are driven by achieving positive results for our clients and have never lost a case. Our impeccable record is attributed to our experience, skills, and determination to seek justice.
Contact us to schedule your case consultation.