Rear-end collisions are among the most frustrating types of car accidents because, in most cases, the injured victim did absolutely nothing wrong. If you’ve just been hurt in a rear-end collision, chances are the other driver caused the accident because they were distracted, impaired, fatigued, or otherwise negligent. Rear-end collisions are also shockingly common, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that about 32.5 percent of all crashes nationwide in one recent year were rear-end accidents.
Unfortunately, even if the other driver is to blame for a rear-end collision, you might still be the one dealing with painful injuries and expensive medical bills. The Alabama car accident lawyers at Stokes Stemle, LLC can help you recover compensation for your injuries following a rear-end collision. Our firm’s exclusive focus on personal injury claims means we have in-depth experience and knowledge to confidently handle your claim.
To learn more about how much you could potentially recover in compensation after a rear-end collision, contact our office today.
Who Is At Fault in a Rear-End Collision?
Alabama drivers are expected and required to leave a safe distance between their vehicle and any vehicle in front of them to minimize the chance of a collision in case traffic suddenly slows or a hazard arises. This means that, in most cases, rear-end collisions are the fault of the driver in the rear.
That said, there are a few cases when the driver in front can be held liable for a rear-end accident. Some examples of these kinds of cases include:
- Accidents resulting from the vehicle in front stopping short for no reason
- Accidents resulting from the vehicle in front “brake checking” the vehicle behind them
- Accidents resulting from mechanical defects with the vehicle in the front, such as faulty brake lights
- Accidents that occur when the vehicle in front continues to travel after sustaining a flat tire or other issue or if the vehicle in front does not pull over and turn on their emergency lights
If you’ve been involved in a rear-end accident and you believe the other driver was responsible for the crash, talk to rear-end accident attorney today to review your options for holding that driver liable.
Common Injuries From a Rear-End Collision Car Accident
Though common, rear-end collisions often result in serious, long-term injuries. Some of the most common injuries resulting from rear-end collisions are:
- Whiplash – The impact force from a rear-end accident can cause your head to jerk forward before being yanked backward once your seat belt engages. This violent jerking motion sometimes resembles the cracking of a whip, hence the term “whiplash.” Whiplash can put intense strain on the muscles, bones, and connective tissues in your head and neck, causing severe pain and limiting your ability to move and turn your head.
- Spinal cord damage – Rear-end collisions also put a great deal of strain on your back, which can injure your spinal cord. The supportive discs in between your vertebrae can be damaged or burst. The spinal cord can sustain damage that leads to temporary or permanent paralysis. Any time your spinal cord is damaged is cause for concern, as the damage is frequently permanent and can affect your mobility and other bodily functions.
- Injuries to the face, including disfigurement – A rear-end collision can send your body flying forward, which can cause you to hit your face and head on your vehicle’s steering wheel or windshield. A hard impact to the face can leave you disfigured and cause other injuries.
- Traumatic brain injuries and other head injuries – Hard blows to the head from a rear-end accident can cause traumatic brain injuries. Brain injuries can be permanent and affect your ability to move and your memory, personality, and cognition.
- Broken bones, cuts, and bruises – Bone fractures, lacerations, and deep bruises are common in all car accidents, including rear-end collisions.
Possible Compensation Following a Rear-End Car Accident
If you can establish that the other driver involved in a rear-end collision is liable for your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning potential
- Damaged personal property
To avoid losing out on fair compensation after a rear-end accident, contact a skilled Alabama rear-end accident lawyer who can protect your interests.
What To Do After a Rear-End Car Accident
Here are the main steps to take if you’re involved in a rear-end car accident in Alabama:
- Call 911 – You want to bring emergency responders to the scene so the police can file an accident report and medical personnel can evaluate you or anyone else involved in the accident for injuries.
- Document the accident – Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, as well as any injuries you’ve sustained. Also, take pictures of the area surrounding the crash. If there are any eyewitnesses, get their names and contact information.
- See a doctor – If you aren’t taken to a hospital, see your own doctor as soon as you can. Regardless of who evaluates your injuries, make sure they’re properly documented and that you hold on to all your medical records.
- Don’t talk to any insurance companies – Anything you say to insurers can be used against you later on, so your best bet is to say nothing and let your lawyer talk to them on your behalf.
- Hire an attorney – Given the serious injuries and high economic costs associated with many rear-end injuries, it’s important to talk to an experienced lawyer who can help you understand your options for covering your medical bills and other losses.
Get Help From Our Rear-End Accident Lawyers in Alabama
The Alabama rear-end car accident lawyers at Stokes Stemle, LLC are here to be your ally and advocate after the crash. Contact our office today for a free initial consultation. We’ll take the time to understand your challenges and give you the clear, straightforward advice you deserve.
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