Irvine Rear-End Collision Lawyer Fighting for Fair Compensation for Injured Victims
According to the US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, of the six million car accidents occurring across the US yearly, almost 2.5 million rear-end collisions. This makes rear-end collisions one of the most common types of motor vehicle accidents, yet these accidents are almost always avoidable. Sadly, 87% of rear-end accidents occur because the driver wasn’t paying attention to the traffic ahead.
Even being rear-ended at a relatively low speed can cause painful, lasting, and costly injuries. Hejazi Law Group believes any accident resulting in damages should end with the affected individual receiving proper compensation, whether through a settlement, an insurance claim, or a lawsuit. An experienced car accident lawyer can help injured clients explore all viable options to cover the losses stemming from their rear-end collision. If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision, contact Hejazi Law Group today to learn how we can assist you in your recovery: (866) 780-8585.
How Can Tailgating Lead to a Rear-End Collision?
Tailgating is when a driver fails to leave a large enough stopping distance between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them. It can significantly increase the likelihood of a rear-end crash because it reduces the time a driver has to react if the car in front of them brakes. Even knowing these risks, people still choose to tailgate all the time. Some common reasons include:
- Distracted driving
- Impatience
- Tiredness
- Driving under the influence
- Aggressive driving
The National Safety Council (NSC) recommends using the three-second rule to maintain a safe distance between yourself and other vehicles. To use the three-second rule, follow these easy steps:
- Note when the vehicle you are following passes a stationary object, like a fence post or telephone pole.
- Begin counting the seconds until your car passes the object.
- If less than three seconds have elapsed, you should slow down to give the car ahead more room and prevent rear-end collisions. Larger gaps are needed if visibility is low, road conditions are poor, or your vehicle requires a longer stopping distance.
What Injuries Are Commonly Caused by Rear-End Collisions?
Seat belts prevent close to 15,000 deaths yearly, but they have limitations. They hold the lower half of your body in the seat during a rear-end crash but provide much less protection to your upper body. This can leave you susceptible to back and neck injuries during the crash. Due to the impact coming from behind you, it can be difficult to anticipate a rear-end collision and brace yourself for the impact, which may lead to even more damage. Victims in rear-end accidents often get thrown forward into the dash or steering wheel before they even realize what is happening. The most typical injuries seen in a rear-end accident are:
- Whiplash
- Back and spine injuries
- Strains and sprains
- Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Bruises and lacerations
- Skull and facial injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Damage to internal organs
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Rear-End Accident?
Even a low-speed rear-end collision can cause lasting damage to the body. You could face substantial medical bills for ER expenses, surgeries, follow-up visits, medications, and more. The financial blow can be especially hard if you’ve missed work or have become disabled as a result of your injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate your medical records and other documentation to properly value your claim and ensure that you get all the types of compensation that are available to you. Injury-related losses that you may be compensated for include:
- At-home services, both medical and non-medical
- Lost wages, including loss of future income if you are permanently disabled
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Vehicle repair or replacement
How Can Hiring a Lawyer Benefit You?
The claims process after any auto accident can be complicated, even more so when you are trying to recover from a serious injury. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses that do not have a victim’s best interests in mind. Their initial settlement offer to a rear-end collision victim is often much less than they deserve for their injuries. Hejazi Law Group will negotiate with the insurance company to secure fair compensation that covers all of your expenses. Call (866) 780-8585 to schedule a free case evaluation today.