Guide to Hiring A Rear-End Accident Lawyer

A rear-end collision involves one car hitting the back of another car. Such car accidents involve the rear-end driver traveling at a higher rate of speed than the driver in front. Sometimes, the driver in front was at a complete stop at the time of the collision. Other times, the driver in the back was traveling at a higher rate of speed than the vehicle in front.

These types of crashes often occur at traffic lights, crosswalks, and stop signs, but can just as easily occur on rural highways with trucks, city streets, and even parking lots. They are among the most common types of collisions on the road.

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What to expect after getting hit from behind?

There are so many different things to expect after a rear-end accident. Even knowing what to do (and not to do) can be confusing. Perhaps the best way to approach a serious accident like a rear-end collision is to expect the unexpected. That’s because each collision presents its unique challenges and obstacles.

In general, expect to be in pain after your rear-end accident. You can also expect to encounter a lot of legal hassles, especially since some people don’t take these types of crashes seriously. Sometimes, dealing with the other driver can be difficult. Other times, it’s the at-fault driver’s insurance company that’s the problem. Whatever the circumstances, an experienced rear-end accident lawyer can help.

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The short answer? Yes. Even though many crashes might seem simple at first, the reality is many injury claims or lawsuits can quickly turn into complicated legal cases.

That’s why it’s important to have an experienced attorney for rear-end accidents representing you after your collision. Otherwise, you might not get the financial compensation you rightfully deserve for your injury-related expenses.

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How long does it take to settle a rear-end accident?

Unfortunately, there’s no set time limit when it comes to resolving a rear-end accident claim. You might receive a settlement offer a few days after your accident. But you should be careful about agreeing to accept a settlement offer right away. In many cases, the initial offer is a “lowball” figure that doesn’t cover all your accident-related expenses. This is why many settlements can be done in 30 to 90 days or take up to several years. 

This is why you should take your time before settling your case. Because once you do, that’s it. You can’t come back months or years later and ask for more money. This is also one of the reasons why you should hire an attorney. They can help you review any settlement offers and decide whether to accept them, request more money, or file a rear-end accident lawsuit.

Average rear-end accident settlement values & example of a $1 million accident settlement

The average settlement value of a rear-end accident can vary based on many things including the severity of injuries, insurance coverage, and liability. It is not uncommon for a rear-end accident settlement to average between $5,000 and $20,000. However, there are many cases where severe injuries can lead to much higher settlements. 

For example, a car was stopped at a red light in New York City when it was rear-ended by a drunk driver. The impact of the collision caused the driver of the stopped car to suffer a broken arm, ligament damage, a concussion, and other injuries. The driver of the stopped car filed a personal injury lawsuit against the drunk driver, seeking a settlement of $1 million dollars to cover the costs of medical treatment, lost wages, and other damages. After negotiations, the parties were able to reach a settlement in which the drunk driver agreed to pay the driver of the stopped car $1 million dollars in exchange for a release of all claims. The settlement allowed the injured driver to receive the financial compensation needed to cover the costs of their injuries and provided some measure of justice for the harm caused by the drunk driver's actions.

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In most cases, the driver from behind who hits the driver in front is the at-fault driver. However, there can be certain, rare circumstances when the rear driver might not be responsible for causing the collision; for instance, if the crash was caused by a defective vehicle or the front vehicle was illegally parked in a low-visibility location. This is why it’s important to consult with an experienced rear-end accident lawyer who can investigate your accident and explain your legal options.

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Will getting rear-ended increase my insurance?

Unfortunately, the answer may be yes. While you may think that getting rear-ended won’t increase your insurance premium because you weren’t at fault, insurance companies consider many different factors when determining someone’s car insurance rate. And if an insurance company believes someone is more likely to be involved in a car accident, that person’s insurance rates could go up, even after a not-at-fault accident.

This is why crash victims should never take anything for granted after an accident. The best way to protect your rights and learn more about your legal options is to talk to an experienced rear-end accident lawyer licensed to practice law in the state where your collision took place.

A Law.com Rear-End Accident Lawyer can meet with you, free of charge. They can answer any questions you might have and explain your legal options.

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The vast majority of hit-from-behind accidents are caused by the driver in the back. One NHTSA study cited by The Washington Post noted that 87 percent of rear-end accidents occurred because “the driver simply wasn’t paying attention to the road.” Other common causes include:

• Speeding
• Following too closely (tailgating)
• Texting while driving
• Driving drunk or under the influence of drugs
• Falling asleep at the wheel
• Driving too fast in hazardous weather conditions

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What percentage of accidents are rear-end accidents?

Exact numbers vary from year to year. But in general, rear-end accidents account for 29 percent of all motor vehicle accidents on the road, according to an in-depth study conducted by the NHTSA.

“Rear-end crashes are the most frequently occurring type of collision, accounting for approximately 29 percent of all crashes and resulting in a substantial number of injuries and fatalities each year,” according to the executive summary for the NHTSA rear-end collision study.

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 What percentage of rear-end accidents happen on a highway or red light?

In general, rear-end accidents occur more often at intersections of any kind (traffic lights, stop signs, highway exit ramps, etc.) than non-intersections. Over 60 percent of crashes occurred in intersections and intersection-related locations.

More than 50 percent of rear-end collisions involve vehicles traveling less than 10 mph, according to a NHTSA study. So, it’s clear that the majority of these crashes don’t happen on highways, and those that do occur are often at low speeds in heavy traffic. But, again, they can happen on any type of road.

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How to avoid getting rear-ended

Traffic safety experts have a variety of suggested tips for avoiding causing or being involved in a rear-end accident. Such tips include:

• Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and other vehicles on the road.
• Drive defensively and be prepared for the unexpected.
• Check your car mirrors, especially if you’re planning to change lanes or make a turn.
• Always use your turn signal, whether you’re changing lanes on a highway or making a left turn or right turn at an intersection.
• Use your hazard lights appropriately when stopped or pulled over, especially in low-visibility conditions.
• Make sure your brake lights and taillights are properly maintained.

However, there’s only so much you can do to avoid getting hit. You can’t control the car behind you. If you do get rear-ended, you need to know your legal rights and get medical attention right away.

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Being hit from behind can cause very serious injuries. Some of the most common – and most serious – injuries include:

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Whiplash
• Concussion
• Leg & Knee Injuries
• Chest Injuries

Other common injuries involve pain in other parts of the body, including shoulder pain, chest pain, and abdominal pain. Internal injuries, including organ damage and internal bleeding, are less common but can be very serious and life-threatening in certain circumstances.

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Should I see a doctor or go to a hospital?

Whether you decide to see a doctor or go straight to a hospital after your rear-end accident will depend on the severity of your injury. What matters is you should seek medical attention as soon as possible after your accident. Even if you feel fine, you could have a serious or life-threatening injury (including internal bleeding and certain serious head injuries) and not even realize it. This is why you should see a doctor right away.

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Injuries after minor/low-speed accidents (fender bender)

You might think that low-speed rear-end accidents don’t result in serious injuries. But even minor fender benders can cause injuries to drivers and passengers, especially in the car in front. Such injuries can include whiplash, neck pain, and other types of neck injuries. Back pain, shoulder pain and injuries in other parts of the body are common as well.

If something doesn’t feel right, see a doctor as soon as possible after your accident. That way, you can get the medical care and support you need to fully recover. Otherwise, your injury or pain might get worse and could turn into a long-term medical problem like chronic pain.

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