A rear-end collision occurs when a driver collides with the car in front of them (or leading car), from behind. Most rear-end collisions happen at a red light, a stop sign, or in heavy traffic. The majority of rear-end collisions occur at slower speeds, though they can also happen at high speeds on motorways or other high-speed roadways.
If you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision of any kind, there are several things you should know.
REAR END AUTO ACCIDENT STATISTICS:COMMON CAUSES OF
REAR-END COLLISIONSWHAT STEPS SHOULD I TAKE AFTER BEING REAR-ENDED?IS IT ALWAYS THE OTHER DRIVER’S
FAULT IF I WAS HIT FROM BEHIND?COMMON INJURIES SUSTAINED
FROM REAR-END ACCIDENTSHOW CAN A LAW FIRM HELP ME AFTER A REAR END ACCIDENT?WHAT DAMAGES CAN I SUE FOR OR CLAIM AFTER BEING IN A REAR-END CAR ACCIDENT?PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE TO AVOID REAR-ENDING ANOTHER VEHICLECALL HUGHES & COLEMAN INJURY LAWYERS TODAY FOR A FREE CASE EVALUATION
Your health should be your number one concern. Following any car accident, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible so that a doctor can evaluate your condition. If you later seek compensation for damages that stemmed from the accident, this documentation will also be needed to prove that you were actually injured. Even if you aren’t feeling hurt at the time, it is critical that you go to a doctor or clinic to get looked at as soon as possible because, in many cases, pain may show up days or weeks afterward as an underlying injury becomes worse during that time.
If you are able, document the scene of the accident as much as possible. Photos serve to tell the story of what happened and can also serve as valuable evidence to determine liability and to ensure that the at-fault party is held accountable. Photos should include:
Car wreck scenes can be very frantic. You’re emotionally stunned in many cases, so having as many photos as possible can help you recollect things you may have otherwise forgotten. Photos also give yourself and your personal injury attorney the best possible evidence to prove fault and help you recover compensation for any and all damages you may be entitled to.
You may be thinking that the best thing to do first is to contact your insurance company, but this is a common mistake and often leads to situations where the insurance provider will use a variety of tactics to minimize any settlement you may be entitled to.
Insurance companies are well aware that you are vulnerable following an accident. They also know that most injury victims are unfamiliar with tort law (when someone else takes an action or sometimes fails to take an action that injures another person), which they can use against you.
How to file and obtain a police report in Kentucky
Depending on the severity of the car accident, the police may or may not come out to the scene to investigate.
How to file and obtain an accident report in Tennessee
Submit a completed Owner/Driver Report form to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSHS) to file a written report. You must only provide information about yourself, your vehicle and your insurance policy. When you submit your accident report to TDSHS, a copy is automatically sent to your insurance company. To obtain a police report in Tennessee, you have a few options:
Let an experienced rear-end car accident lawyer deal with the insurance company for you.
It depends, but most commonly, the vehicle that strikes the lead driver from behind is considered at fault in a rear-end collision, and that driver is more often than not considered negligent. That said, not all rear-end car accidents are cut and dry, and this is also where a car accident lawyer can help – which brings us to:
While the tailing vehicle is generally held responsible for rear-end collisions, there are a few exceptions and other factors that may determine fault:
If the lead car was not properly equipped with brake lights or was stopped on the side of the road without warning lights, the driver of that vehicle may be held liable for the collision.
Under Tennessee law, both drivers can be held liable for a rear-end collision if a driver swerves into the path of another vehicle. If a rear-end collision occurs as a result of one driver cutting off another, the lead driver may be held liable for a portion of the crash.
A second exception pertains to collisions involving more than two vehicles. All drivers have a responsibility to follow at a safe distance.
This could also place fault on the “rear-ended” driver for backing into the following vehicle.
Injuries sustained following a rear end collision can vary. In some cases, rear-end collision injuries can be very minor. In other circumstances, the injuries you think are minor can actually turn out to be very big problems later on. This is one of the main reasons to always contact a car accident attorney. What you think is insignificant could potentially evolve into long-term medical expenses that car insurance companies won’t necessarily cover or provide you adequate compensation for. In cases where severe injuries are sustained, it is even more critical to obtain an experienced attorney to ensure you are taken care of medically and financially, short-term and long-term. Some injuries that could impact you after a rear-end crash include, but are not limited to:
A neck injury is one of the most typical injuries suffered following a rear end collision.
A sudden, unexpected impact to the body can harm the spine in a variety of ways. Stress fractures, slipped discs and even serious spinal cord injuries can occur and have an impact on daily life.
In a rear-end collision, the head usually snaps backward and then forwards. The seat or headrest typically impacts the skull during the backward movement, resulting in a concussion.
Back and spine fractures typically occur in rear-end collisions due to the impact of the seatbelt or airbag on the body.
A rear-end collision’s impact can easily lead to the head striking the steering wheel or windshield, resulting in trauma or brain injuries.
Hughes & Colman Injury Lawyers offer a free case evaluation so you can know your legal options and legal rights. Additionally, our car accident lawyers:
Give the next car at least a few car lengths of space.
You may be more likely to get into a collision if you become angry with the traffic or other drivers.
Sometimes stopping quickly is unavoidable. Be aware of the driver in front of you, drive defensively, and be prepared at a distance if they stop abruptly.
It can be tempting to check your text messages or talk on the phone when traffic is moving slowly. Don’t do it — for the sake of your safety and others. Distracted driving resulted in 3,142 deaths in 2020 and is one of the leading causes of rear-end crashes.
If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision that wasn’t your fault, we are here to help. We have handled thousands of car accident cases and are ready to fight for you.
We offer free consultations 24/7 and there will always be someone here to take your call. Call our personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation or fill out this form and we will contact you.
We serve clients across Tennessee and Kentucky and we have several offices throughout both states. See all of our locations and contact us today.
