In a country of distracted and busy drivers, rear-end collisions are incredibly common. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), approximately 42 percent of all crashes between motor vehicles were classified as rear-end collisions in one recent year. These rear-end crashes resulted in over 1.4 million non-fatal injuries and 3,000 deaths.
If you were injured in a rear-end collision, you might be left with significant medical expenses, unpaid bills from lost wages, and a long road to recovery. And if the car accident was not your fault, these stresses are likely worsened by frustration.
At Kreger Brodish LLP, we understand how difficult the aftermath of a rear-end collision can be. We want to help you seek compensation for the losses you’ve suffered because of it. Our team fights aggressively for fair compensation for all of our clients and is ready to fight for you, too. Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our Durham rear-end collision attorneys and find out how we can help.
Who Is At Fault in a North Carolina Rear-End Collision?
While it might seem straightforward to determine who is at fault in a rear-end collision, that is not always the case. The driver in the rear vehicle is typically determined to be at fault for a rear-end accident. However, drivers of the front car could also be found at fault for a rear-end collision if they broke the rules of the road or were otherwise negligent.
For example, if a driver was texting behind the wheel and didn’t notice a pedestrian in a crosswalk, they may have to slam on their brakes to avoid hitting the person on foot. In this case, they could be at fault if a driver behind them rear-ended their vehicle.
An experienced rear-end accident lawyer can help determine who was at fault by examining the relevant evidence, such as the following:
- Photos of the accident scene and the involved vehicles
- Eyewitness testimony
- Police accident reports
- Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, homes, or traffic cameras
- Testimony from accident reconstruction experts
- Information about the weather or road conditions at the time of the accident
Common Injuries Sustained in Rear-End Collisions
When a vehicle gets hit from the rear, the bodies of the driver and their passengers can be violently jerked forward and back again, resulting in a variety of serious injuries, including the following:
- Head and neck injuries — In a rear-end collision, the head will often be jerked forward and backward. This can result in injuries such as a concussion, whiplash, or slipped discs in the cervical spine.
- Facial injuries — If a driver’s face strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or airbag after getting rear-ended, they could suffer facial injuries such as fractures, lacerations, bruises, or burns. They could also suffer severe facial cuts from accident debris, such as glass from a shattered windshield.
- Seat belt injuries — Seat belts undoubtedly save lives by preventing occupants from being ejected in a collision. However, they can also cause injuries when they tighten against the body, such as broken ribs and internal organ damage.
- Back and spine injuries — Rear-end accident victims can suffer back injuries such as pulled muscles, ruptured discs, crushed or dislocated vertebrae, and, in severe cases, paralysis.
- Limb injuries — When a vehicle gets rear-ended, occupants’ limbs can be pinned and crushed. In severe circumstances, accident victims’ limbs may have to be amputated to free them from a crushed car or due to serious injuries.
What to Do When You Get Rear-Ended
It can be overwhelming to know what to do after a rear-end car accident. However, you can protect yourself and your rights to pursue compensation by taking the following steps:
- Seek medical attention — Immediately seek medical treatment after a rear-end accident. Even if you don’t feel injured, you should still get checked out. You could have suffered internal injuries you are not aware of yet.
- Gather information — Document information about the other vehicles, drivers, passengers, or witnesses, including contact information and insurance information. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and anything else that might provide further context.
- Report the accident — You should call the police and inform them of the accident. The responding officer will complete an accident report that may become helpful evidence in your case. You should also report the accident to your insurance company.
- Hire a rear-end accident attorney — An attorney who understands how rear-end accidents happen, the devastating impact of the injuries they cause, and the importance of seeking compensation and accountability from the at-fault party can make a big difference as you pursue your claim.
Compensation Available in Rear-End Accident Claims
In North Carolina, accident victims who did not cause the crash can recover compensation from the at-fault driver. That is why working with a Durham rear-end collision attorney with a track record of successfully recovering compensation in these cases is important.
A skilled Durham personal injury lawyer can help you demand money to pay you for your:
- Medical bills
- Medical equipment or devices, such as braces or crutches
- Future medical treatment and rehabilitation costs, such as physical therapy
- Lost wages from time missed at work due to your injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Future lost income due to long-term injury or disability
- Lower quality of life due to injuries
Talk to an Experienced Rear-End Accident Lawyer in Durham, NC Today
If you were injured in a rear-end collision in Durham, NC, contact our car accident lawyer today for a free consultation. Our skilled and knowledgeable rear-end accident attorneys are eager to meet you and discuss how we can help you pursue the compensation you’re owed.
