A rear-end collision can happen to you when you least expect it. If you've been involved in a rear-end collision, you may not realize how serious this type of accident can be until injuries start to appear later. You could suffer from whiplash or many other types of injury due to being rear-ended by another vehicle. If you were hurt in a crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries or any damage to your vehicle.
What Kind of Injuries Can I Suffer from Rear-end Injuries?
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries that people who've been rear-ended may suffer from. Whiplash happens when your head is thrown forward and backward rapidly while the neck remains stationary. The sudden movement of the head can cause severe damage to the ligaments and muscles in the neck.
Whiplash is also known as “associated whiplash disorders” (WAD). WADs include headaches, neck pain, and numbness in the arms and hands. These symptoms can appear within 24 hours after the accident. If you think you might have suffered from whiplash, then make sure to see a doctor right away. Other types of injuries resulting from a rear-end collision can include:
- Neck Pain
- Back Pain
- Headaches
- Numbness/Tingling
- Muscle Strain
- Brain Damage
What Should I Do After My Accident in Clearwater?
After being involved in a rear-end collision, there are several important steps you should take:
- Immediately call 911 so you can provide details regarding what happened and where you were located during the time of the accident.
- Seek medical attention if you or any passengers were injured. Even if the injuries aren't apparent, go see your doctor just to be sure. Those medical records can become evidence for your claim.
- Take pictures and videos of the scene and ask witnesses for their contact information.
For the filing process, these are the steps you can take (which a rear-end car accident injury lawyer can help you with):
- Obtain copies of all police reports and medical records related to your case.
- Make sure to keep these documents safe to be used to prove your claim.
- Request information from the insurance companies after filing your claim.
- Ask the insurance agent for a copy of their policy, along with proof of coverage.
- Request a list of witnesses and photos of the accident scene.
- Do not talk to anyone else about your claim other than your collisions attorney before hearing back from the insurance companies.
Who Is to Blame for a Rear End Collision?
The other party is always responsible for causing the accident, but it doesn't mean that they are necessarily liable for your damages. Liability laws vary by state, but drivers must generally follow specific rules or face penalties. For instance, if a car hits your vehicle from behind, the driver has no choice but to stop, however, if they don't stop, this could lead to liability. In addition, if the other driver is speeding, this can be considered negligence on their part.
What Are the Different Types of Damages That Can Be Recovered?
A rear-end collision can recover three significant damages: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Monetary damages refer to financial losses such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic injuries include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant for committing wrongful acts.
These damages can be challenging to calculate, especially when no one was responsible for the crash. If you were injured in a rear end collision, you should immediately speak with a personal injury lawyer. An attorney can determine whether you are eligible for compensation.
What Is an Arbitration Agreement?
If possible, it is usually best to go through an arbitration agreement. This means that you will submit all claims to a third party to decide how much compensation you will receive for your damages. An arbitrator will handle the case; however, some people don't think that an arbitration agreement is fair. Therefore, they may choose to hire a lawyer in order to sue the other driver for damages.
What Causes Rear End Collisions?
Rear-end collisions occur when another vehicle strikes your vehicle from behind. These crashes frequently happen when drivers simply fail to yield to others. Studies show that over 80% of these collisions involve someone failing to follow the right of way. Other causes of rear end collisions include excessive speed, drunk driving, distracted driving, and failure to wear seatbelts.
Contact a Rear End Car Accident Injury Lawyer
A rear end car accident can result in serious injuries. Contact a professional attorney from the Dolman Law Group today to evaluate your situation and provide you with personalized legal advice.
Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA
800 N Belcher Rd
Clearwater, FL 33765
Phone: (727) 451-6900