Getting Help After a Rear-End Collision
You’re sitting at a red light and waiting for it to turn green. Without notice or warning, your car is rammed from behind, jolting your body forward and then backward as you hit the brakes. Has this happened to you?
Rear-end collisions account for about 30 percent of all traffic accidents every year. The good news is that most of these accidents don’t result in death or life-threatening injuries. The bad news is that most cause some sort of injuries for nearly all who are in the vehicle.
Injuries from rear-end collisions range from relatively mild to extremely serious, including:
- Brain injuries.
- Concussions.
- Whiplash.
- Back and neck sprains.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Broken ribs or collarbones.
- Leg, knee or ankle injuries.
- Internal injuries.
- Facial lacerations.
When these accidents take place at high speeds, the injuries tend to me more severe. Still, low-speed collisions can also cause serious injuries. Whiplash and other soft-tissue injuries sometimes are not felt immediately, but within 24-48 hours of the accident they can be extremely painful.
Recovery time for these injuries tends to be measured in weeks and months rather than hours and days. For the accident victims, the results often are high medical and car repair bills, extensive physical therapy sessions, and time away from work. A few will no longer be able to do their jobs.
In almost all cases, the driver who rear-ends the other vehicle will be cited for failing to maintain a safe distance. What does that mean for you? You’ll likely be dealing with the other driver’s auto insurance company. It is in the insurance company’s best interest to settle with you quickly and keep the case out of court.
But what is in your best interest? You should know that the insurance company’s first offer is often its lowest offer. Unless your injuries are minor and your car repair bills are low, you should seriously consider contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer.
A lawyer can look at the facts of the case and advise you on the best next steps. Most of these attorneys work on a contingency basis, so you won’t have any up-front costs to pay. Once engaged, your attorney would work on your behalf to gather the facts, interview witnesses and negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company.
If you’re a victim of a rear-end collision, there are many options to explore, as an attorney, like the rear-end collision lawyers, at a law firm like Johnston Martineau PLLP, can explain.